Bahawalpur Famous Bazaar: Khussa, Chunri and More
Bahawalpur's most famous markets are Shahi Bazaar and Machli Bazaar, with narrow old-city lanes running between Ahmedpuri Gate and Farid Gate full of khussa shops. Bahawalpur is famous for its Nawab-era palaces, the Cholistan desert and Derawar Fort, and crafts like hand-made khussa, chunri dupattas, embroidery, pottery and silver jewellery.
Bahawalpur famous bazaar list
The old city is where to find Bahawalpur's crafts.
| Market | Known for |
|---|---|
| Shahi Bazaar | Traditional crafts, clothes, jewellery |
| Machli Bazaar | Handicrafts and everyday shopping |
| Old city, Ahmedpuri Gate to Farid Gate | Khussa, embroidery, chunri |
| Newer markets and malls | Modern shopping |
What is Bahawalpur famous for?
Bahawalpur was the capital of a princely state ruled by Nawabs, and much of its fame comes from that history.
- Palaces โ Noor Mahal and Darbar Mahal.
- The Cholistan desert and the huge Derawar Fort.
- Crafts โ hand-made khussa, chunri and mukesh dupattas, embroidered clothes, clay pottery and kundan and silver jewellery.
- Food โ Bahawalpur's sohan halwa is well known.
Buying khussa and chunri
A good hand-made khussa has soft leather inside and tight, even embroidery; try both shoes on, since handmade pairs can differ slightly. Chunri is tie-dyed in small dots โ on hand-made pieces the dots are slightly uneven, which is a good sign. Mukesh work uses thin metal strips pressed into the fabric and should not snag easily.
Malls in Bahawalpur
Alongside the bazaars, Bahawalpur has newer shopping centres and brand outlets in its modern areas โ good for fixed prices and air-conditioning in the hot months, while the old city is better for crafts.
โ ๏ธ Careful here
Market timings change with city notices, seasons, Ramadan and Eid, and many bazaars close one day a week. Check with a shop before you go rather than relying on a timing printed online.
Shop crafts online
If you can't get to a bazaar, dapxop is an online marketplace where small independent sellers from across Pakistan list handmade and small-batch products โ jewellery, clothing, gifts, crochet, home dรฉcor and more โ and dapxop arranges delivery to your door.
Khussa lovers: see also Markets in Multan: Famous Bazaars and What to Buy. More city guides: Sialkot Famous Bazaar: Markets and What to Buy ยท Gujranwala Famous Bazaar: Markets and What to Buy ยท Murree Famous Market: Mall Road Shopping Guide ยท Gilgit Famous Market and What Gilgit Is Famous For ยท What Is Swat Famous For? Shopping and Crafts ยท Famous Things of Punjab Cities: Sargodha to Kasur ยท Famous Things of Sindh, KP and AJK Cities. Big cities: Famous Markets in Pakistan: City by City Guide.
Shop handmade from small makers across Pakistan.
Browse dapxop โExplore on dapxop
Shop from small sellers across Pakistan.
Frequently asked
What is Bahawalpur famous for?
Its Nawab-era palaces (Noor Mahal, Darbar Mahal), the Cholistan desert and Derawar Fort, and crafts like khussa, chunri and embroidery.
Which is the famous market in Bahawalpur?
Shahi Bazaar and Machli Bazaar are the best known, along with the old-city lanes near Farid Gate.
Why is Bahawalpur famous?
It was the capital of the princely state of Bahawalpur, which left grand palaces, and it is the gateway to the Cholistan desert.
What should I buy in Bahawalpur?
Hand-made khussa, chunri and mukesh dupattas, embroidered clothes, pottery, silver jewellery and sohan halwa.
Are there malls in Bahawalpur?
Yes, the newer parts of the city have shopping centres and brand outlets.
Can I buy handmade crafts online?
Yes. dapxop lists handmade products from small makers across Pakistan, with delivery arranged nationwide.