Shopping in Udaipur is half the fun. The city’s markets are full of color, handcrafted pieces, textiles, jewelry, and little treasures you won’t find in regular malls. But here’s the honest part: Udaipur markets can also make you overspend fast if you shop without a plan. Prices vary wildly, some items look “handmade” but aren’t, and bargaining can turn awkward if you don’t know how to do it properly.
This guide will help you shop smarter: where to go, what to buy, what’s actually worth it, and how to bargain without looking clueless.
First rule: shop when you’re not tired
Markets feel romantic and fun in travel videos. In real life, they’re crowded, noisy, and can be draining. If you go right after a long palace visit, you’ll get irritated and make bad buying decisions.
This is why a comfortable stay matters. If you’re staying at a Luxury Resort in Udaipur, take a break in the afternoon, then hit the markets in the evening when the weather is nicer and your mood is better. You’ll shop calmer, bargain better, and enjoy it more.
Best local markets in Udaipur (and what they’re best for)
You don’t need to cover every market. Pick 1–2 depending on what you want.
1) Hathi Pol Bazaar: the classic for handicrafts and art
Hathi Pol is known for paintings, handcrafted decor, and souvenirs that actually feel like Udaipur. You’ll find traditional-style art, small home decor pieces, and giftable items.
Buy here if you want: paintings, decor pieces, small gifts, handcrafted souvenirs
Tip: Don’t buy from the first shop you see. Walk 10 minutes, compare styles and prices, then return.
2) Bada Bazaar: textiles, clothing, and everyday shopping
This market is great for fabric shopping and local clothing. You’ll see bandhani, block prints, dupattas, and lots of colorful options.
Buy here if you want: fabrics, ethnic wear, dupattas, stoles, daily-use items
Tip: If you’re buying fabric, feel the material properly. Some pieces look premium but feel rough or synthetic.
3) Shilpgram (if you want craft village vibes)
Shilpgram is more curated and can be a nice experience, especially if you like browsing crafts in a cultural setting. You may not always get the “cheapest” deals, but you usually get variety and a more organized feel.
Buy here if you want: crafts, handmade items, cultural shopping experience
Tip: Go with patience. It’s better for slow browsing than quick shopping.
4) Old city lanes near Jagdish Temple: jewelry and souvenirs
This area is full of small shops and tourist-friendly options. You’ll find jewelry, miniature paintings, leather diaries, and many souvenir-type items.
Buy here if you want: silver jewelry, oxidized pieces, small souvenirs, quick gifts
Tip: Some shops quote high “tourist prices.” Bargain calmly and compare.
What to buy in Udaipur (things that are actually worth it)
If you’re confused about what’s worth spending on, stick to these categories.
1) Textiles and fabrics
Udaipur is great for colorful textiles: bandhani, block prints, cotton stoles, and dupattas. These are easy to carry, useful, and make great gifts.
What to check:
Fabric quality (cotton vs mixed)
Color bleed risk (ask, and also feel the dye)
Stitching if it’s a ready-made item
2) Silver and oxidized jewelry
You’ll find beautiful pieces, but quality varies. Some items are silver, some are plated, and some are just imitation.
What to check:
Ask if it’s pure silver or plated
Check stamp/marking if possible
Don’t pay “pure silver” rates without proof
If you love jewelry, it’s worth buying 1–2 statement pieces instead of many cheap ones.
3) Miniature paintings and art
If you want something that feels heritage-rich, art is a strong buy. Even small pieces can look premium.
What to check:
Brushwork and detailing
Paper/canvas quality
Packaging if you’re traveling
4) Handicrafts and home decor
Small decor pieces, carved items, traditional figurines, and handcrafted gifts are common. Choose pieces you’ll actually use or display.
What to avoid:
Overly fragile items unless you can pack well
Bulky decor that becomes travel stress
5) Mojris (traditional footwear)
Mojris look great, but comfort varies. If you buy them, try properly and walk a bit.
What to check:
Fit (they can feel tight at first, but shouldn’t hurt)
Sole quality
Stitching and finishing
Price reality: how to avoid overpaying
Here’s the tough truth: there’s no “fixed price” in many local markets. Two shops can quote two completely different prices for similar items.
Your best defense is comparison.
Smart approach:
Pick the item you like
Check 2–3 shops for similar quality
Then decide what feels fair
Bargain once or twice politely, not endlessly
If you don’t compare, you’ll almost always pay more than you should.
Bargaining tips that work (without being rude)
Bargaining is normal in many Udaipur markets, but it’s also easy to do it badly. Here’s how to bargain like a normal person, not like someone trying to win a fight.
1) Don’t look too excited
If you act like you’ve found “the one,” the price will stay high. Stay calm.
2) Ask the price, then pause
Silence works. If you instantly react, the seller controls the pace.
3) Offer a reasonable counter
Don’t throw an insultingly low number. A reasonable counter keeps the conversation smooth.
4) Bundle to get a better deal
Instead of fighting over ₹100 on one item, buy two or three things from the same shop and ask for a combined better price.
5) Be ready to walk away (politely)
Walking away is the strongest bargaining tool. But don’t do drama. Just smile and leave. Often, the seller will call you back with a better price.
6) Don’t bargain at places with clearly fixed pricing
Some shops have printed prices and a more retail-style setup. Bargaining there can feel awkward. Use your judgment.
What to avoid buying (common regret purchases)
Some things look tempting in the moment and feel useless later.
Avoid:
Cheap “antiques” with fake aging
Very heavy decor unless you’re sure you can carry it
Low-quality perfumes/essential oils from random stalls
Anything fragile without proper packaging
Too many souvenirs “just because”
Your suitcase space is not unlimited. Spend it wisely.
Shopping breaks: make it enjoyable
Markets are more fun when you don’t treat them like a mission. Plan a break in between: a quick snack, a chai stop, or a calm sit-down meal.
If you want a comfortable dining stop that feels premium after market walking, plan a meal at the Best Restaurant in Udaipur once during your trip. Good food + a calm setting resets your mood and stops shopping fatigue from turning into irritation.
Shopping for weddings and events (Udaipur does this well)
A lot of people come to Udaipur for destination weddings and celebrations, and shopping becomes part of the experience: outfits, gifts, decor elements, welcome hampers, and souvenirs for guests.
If you’re planning something like that, it helps to choose a venue that can support a well-managed celebration so your shopping doesn’t turn into chaos. Exploring an Event Venue in Udaipur is a smart step if you want your functions to feel premium and smooth.
Quick checklist before you go to the markets
Carry cash (small notes help)
Keep your phone charged
Wear comfortable footwear
Carry a small bag, not a bulky one
Decide a shopping budget in advance
Shop in evening hours for better vibe
Final thought
Udaipur markets are worth it when you shop with intention. Pick one or two markets, buy things you’ll actually use, compare prices before paying, and bargain politely without turning it into a battle. Do that, and you’ll take home pieces that feel meaningful, not just random souvenirs.
