Shopping in Pune

Pune shopping ranges from chaotic street markets to polished malls, and the best experiences are in the former.

Laxmi Road is Pune's most iconic shopping street -- a long, crowded bazaar that sells everything from silk sarees to kitchen utensils. The saree shops are the main draw, with an overwhelming selection of Paithani and Kolhapuri silk. It is closed on Mondays. Go with patience and comfortable shoes.

Tulsi Baug is the traditional heart of Pune shopping, a dense warren of stalls near Laxmi Road specializing in puja items, jewelry, textiles, and household goods. The atmosphere is pure old Pune -- noisy, colorful, and endlessly interesting even if you are not buying.

Fashion Street near MG Road is the place for cheap clothing, shoes, and bags. Everything is priced for bargaining, so never accept the first price. Quality varies, but you can find decent basics at a fraction of mall prices.

FabIndia on Sassoon Road sells well-made Indian clothing, textiles, and home goods produced by rural craftspeople. It is a good place to pick up kurtas, cotton shirts, and scarves without the haggling.

The Bombay Store on FC Road has been around for over a century, selling curated Indian handicrafts, Pashmina scarves, home decor, and souvenirs. The quality is reliable and the prices fair, if not cheap.

Just Antiques in Koregaon Park is worth a browse even if you are not in the market for Rajasthani furniture. The carved wooden pieces and vintage brassware are beautiful, and the owner is happy to talk you through the provenance of each piece.

For modern shopping, Phoenix Marketcity in Viman Nagar and Amanora Mall in Hadapsar have the usual mix of international and Indian brands, food courts, and cinemas.