SHOP LIKE A LOCAL

Explore street shopping and enjoy local food

Starting from
₹2,899
Starting from
$39
If you are new to Chennai and want to shop like a local - walk the streets, check out tiny shops, buy souvenirs, jewellery, sarees and savor regional food, this experience is for you.

Highlights

What's included

Meet your host at a designated meeting point

Get introduced and learn about the shopping district

Start exploring the various shops and enjoy a snack at a local eatery

Head home with the treasures you’ve picked up

Our guests' experiences

Maya
MayaShinjuku, Japan
It was such an enjoyable walk of Pondy Bazaar shopping street! It was so much fun that I can ask questions about things I see. How people use it, how to cook, how they shop, wear, use, etc., which you cannot experience if you are shopping alone or with your travel mates. Also, Sangeetha's accompany blew away a kind of awkwardness I usually feel when stopping at local shops as a total stranger. Being a travel lover herself, I felt Sangeetha understands points of interest of international traveler. Whether you have your shopping list or not, this experience is highly recommended!
Alvin
AlvinKuala Lumpur, Malaysia
I’m glad I did this. Sangeetha is a pro Chennai navigator, their knowledge on the alleys and walkways are truly impressive. I was able to custom my experience based on What I wanted to do and Sangeetha had no qualms - we explored hidden parts of T-Nagar (I couldn’t have found it myself), some temples, the famous fruit and veg market. Sangeetha is very thoughtful in their approach and explanation. I truly enjoyed my experience.
Michaelle
MichaellePhiladelphia, PA
Sangeetha was a perfect shopping partner. She knew the area and stores well and asked in advance what I was looking for and planned accordingly. Her stories tied Indian culture to the items on sale and helped me to understand more about Chennai and India. Sangeetha was very friendly and made me feel right at home.
John
JohnSydney, Australia
Sangeetha was a wonderfully warm host who helped my friends and I enjoy a fun afternoon shopping in Chennai. Sangeetha had great local knowledge and tailored the experience for us perfectly.
Ingrid
IngridParis, France
This is an absolute must do in Chennai. Sangeetha is charming and speaks English very well. It's great to do some shopping with a local as it can be a vit intimidating to go in the shops when you don't know what to ask for. Sangeeta knows exactly were to go and will help you with the vendors. I also enjoyed the snack break with great conversation.
Becs
BecsKatikati, New Zealand
Great experience to get orientated in Chennai. Sangeetha was a great host. Made us feel really welcome. Visiting a Sari shop specialising in wedding outfits was a highlight. Such amazing colours.
Bridgette
BridgetteCharlotte, NC
Sangeetha helped me enjoy an authentic Indian shopping experience with increased confidence with a native speaker by my side. I highly recommend this tour if you want to get out of the malls and enjoy a historic bazaar. She personalized the tour based on what I was searching for and helped me get the best price on items. She is a master shopper, for sure! Sangeetha also shared interesting facts about Indian culture throughout the tour, building on the limited information I knew upon arrival. By the end of the tour, I had a few shopping bags full of various goodies, learned about bindi, the purpose of various flower arrangements, the properties of various spices, and we shared a lovely meal like locals. A few hours very well spent!

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

What should I bring with me on the tour?

Wear comfortable shoes, some cash (in local currency), a reusable shopping bag, water, and maybe a power bank.

We can take a minimum of 1 and maximum of 4 persons.

Yes, children are welcome to join this experience! Please note that it involves walking throughout, and Chennai’s weather tends to be warm and humid year-round. If you feel your children will be comfortable and patient for the three-hour duration, we’ll be delighted to host them.

This experience typically lasts between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the number of stops and the pace.

Absolutely! Our host often knows the best tips for negotiating prices and can assist you when needed.

The market has shops selling a wide range of things from clothes, bags, jewellery, shoes and local souvenirs. At the end of the tour we will also enjoy some regional specialities.

Larger shops usually accept cards, but smaller vendors or markets may prefer cash.

Let your host know in advance—they can usually recommend or adjust food options accordingly.

Yes! That’s one of the best parts. Your host will often share stories and background info on local products and traditions.

Do I need to make an appointment for the session and how early should it be?

We request you to take an appointment at least a day in advance.

To ensure smooth operation, we would appreciate it if you can avoid cancellations of any kind. However, we will understand if it is an unforeseen situation. Please be sure that we will also be willing to accommodate you at a different time if you choose to do so.

We accept online payments in Indian Rupees (₹ INR) via Razorpay and US Dollars ($ USD) via PayPal

For cash payments, we accept Indian Rupees (₹ INR) only.

Does the location have a car parking space?

Yes, the location will have ample paid parking spaces for your car.

Chennai has various public and private transportation options. Look out for metro, buses, airport cabs, Uber, Ola, as well as the famous Tuk-Tuks (Autorickshaws). If you text us your location, we can help you out with the best option.

Schedule your experience with us

Other Experiences

Take a look at our other experiences and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.

A Day With a Tamil Family

Cook-along, temple visit, conversations, and more!

Scrumptious Banana Leaf Dining

Savour a special home-cooked thali

Traditional Makeover & Photoshoot

Dress up in Saree and take photos in South Indian attires

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Shop Like a Local

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