Law Garden Night Market

The basics

The most challenging part of reaching the night market is getting to the east side of Ahmedabad, across the Sabarmati River from the walled Historic City and many of the city's older attractions. You can do so on some after-dark guided tours, or make your way across Swami Vivekanand Bridge (locals often call it Ellis Bridge, its old name). Prepare to haggle and shop until at least 10pm or 11pm.

Things to know before you go

• The market is ideal for travelers who want to shop for authentic textiles and handicrafts.

• Bargaining is a common practice, so be prepared to negotiate prices.

• Carry cash, as many vendors prefer cash transactions.

• Bring an appetite for Gujarati street food available at the market.

How to get there

The Law Garden Night Market is adjacent to the Law Garden, a public park on the east side of Ahmedabad across the Sabarmati River. You can reach it from central Ahmedabad by rickshaw, taxi, or local bus—the Law Garden is a stop on several bus lines. The closest metro stations are Paldi and Gandhigram, both on the Red Line.

When to get there

Arrive after 7pm or 8pm, when the evening stalls are set up and the market starts bustling until late at night. While some vendors may be on-site during the day, most of the textile and handicraft stalls don't open until after sunset. Weekends tend to be the busiest, with both locals and tourists flocking to the market.

How to bargain while shopping in India

Bargaining is a normal part of shopping in India—at the Law Garden Night Market, the first prices vendors quote can be much higher than what you could pay with a little negotiation. To get a good price, let the vendor start with a number, and immediately ask for a discount. If one is offered, you can counter-offer for less than you’re willing to pay, and work your way up from there. If a vendor is unwilling to budge, you can usually find similar items—and better bargains—at other stalls.