Markets in Peshawar: Qissa Khwani, Karkhano & More
The most famous markets in Peshawar are Qissa Khwani Bazaar in the old city, the jewellery lanes of Andar Shehr, Namak Mandi for food and gemstones, and Karkhano Market near Hayatabad for imported goods. Peshawar is one of the oldest cities in South Asia, and its old-city bazaars still feel like a trading town on the road to Central Asia.
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A quick guide to where Peshawar shops.
| Market | Known for |
|---|---|
| Qissa Khwani Bazaar | History, tea houses, dry fruit, everyday goods |
| Chowk Yadgar | The old-city square; money changers and shops around it |
| Andar Shehr | Gold and silver jewellery |
| Namak Mandi | Famous food (karahi, tikka), gemstones, medicine market |
| Karkhano Market | Imported goods, electronics, crockery, cloth |
| Hayatabad markets | Modern shopping for the suburbs |
Qissa Khwani Bazaar history
Qissa Khwani means "storytellers' market". For centuries traders and travellers coming through the Khyber Pass stopped here, and professional storytellers entertained them over tea — which is how the bazaar got its name. Today it is a lively old-city street of shops, tea houses and dry fruit stalls. The ancestral homes of film legends Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor are in the old city close by.
Andar Shehr and Chowk Yadgar
Andar Shehr ("inside the city") is Peshawar's traditional jewellery bazaar, packed with gold and silver shops. Chowk Yadgar, the square at the centre of the old city, is surrounded by shops and is the easiest landmark to navigate from. Buying gold? Always buy from a jeweller you trust and ask for a proper receipt.
Namak Mandi Peshawar
Namak Mandi is best known for its food — Peshawari karahi, tikka and lamb dishes cooked in front of you — but the area also has a gemstone market and a large wholesale medicine market. For gemstones, only buy from dealers who explain exactly what the stone is; if it matters, have it tested.
Karkhano Market Peshawar
Karkhano Market, on the edge of Hayatabad, is famous for imported and low-price goods: electronics, crockery, cloth, blankets, cosmetics, cycles and household items. Quality varies widely, so inspect carefully, test electronics in the shop and ask about exchange before paying.
What Peshawar is famous for
Visitors often come home with:
- Peshawari chappal
- Dry fruit — almonds, walnuts, raisins, pine nuts (chilgoza)
- Shawls and woollen wear for winter
- Carved wood and brass items
- Chitrali caps and pakol from the north
💡 Worth knowing
Learn the different caps in Chitrali Cap (Pakol): Types, Price and Care and winter wraps in Shawls in Pakistan: Types and How to Choose.
Before you go
The old city's lanes are narrow and busy.
- Go in the morning on a weekday.
- Wear comfortable shoes; much of the old city is best on foot.
- Bargain politely in the bazaars.
- Keep valuables secure in crowds.
⚠️ Careful here
Market timings in Pakistan change — city governments set closing times, many markets close one day a week, and Ramadan and Eid change everything. Check the day before you go (a quick call to a shop you know works best), rather than relying on a timing printed online.
Shop online from anywhere
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 — jewellery, clothing, gifts, crochet, home décor and more — and dapxop arranges delivery to your door.
Other city guides in this series: Markets in Karachi: Famous, Cheap and Local Bazaars · Saddar Karachi Market Guide: Zainab, Empress & More · Markets in Lahore: Famous Bazaars and What to Buy · Markets in Islamabad and Rawalpindi: Bazaar Guide · Markets in Faisalabad: Ghanta Ghar and 8 Bazaars · Markets in Multan: Famous Bazaars and What to Buy · Markets in Hyderabad Sindh: Shahi Bazar & Churi · Markets in Quetta: Liaquat Bazar, Kandhari & More.
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Frequently asked
What is Qissa Khwani Bazaar famous for?
It is Peshawar's historic "storytellers' market", where travellers once listened to storytellers over tea. Today it is famous for its old-city atmosphere, tea houses and dry fruit.
Why is it called Qissa Khwani?
Qissa Khwani means storytelling. Traders and travellers passing through Peshawar gathered here to hear professional storytellers.
What is Karkhano Market famous for?
Imported and low-price goods — electronics, crockery, cloth, blankets and household items.
What is Namak Mandi Peshawar famous for?
Its food, especially Peshawari karahi and tikka, plus a gemstone market and a wholesale medicine market.
What is Peshawar famous for shopping?
Peshawari chappal, dry fruit, shawls, carved wood, gemstones and gold jewellery from Andar Shehr.
Can I buy from small sellers online and get delivery in Peshawar?
Yes. dapxop arranges delivery from small sellers across Pakistan to Peshawar and every other city.