By Santosh Kumar Nakhas Market Lucknow, also written as Nakkhas Market, is one of the oldest and most interesting markets in the old city area. It has the proper Lucknow bazaar feel where narrow lanes, old shops, food stalls, household goods, clothes, antiques, birds, pets, religious items and local shoppers create a busy market atmosphere.
This is not a modern mall or a simple neighbourhood market. Nakhas has an old-world charm. People visit it for daily shopping, festive items, traditional goods, food, old objects, household products and the special Sunday market feel. It is also closely linked with Lucknow’s old city culture, especially the Chowk, Aminabad and Husainabad side. Recent festival reports also mention Nakhas among Lucknow’s active old-city markets during Ramzan and Jamghat celebrations.
History of Nakhas Market Lucknow
The history of Nakhas Market is connected with old Lucknow and the Nawabi-era growth of the city. Lucknow expanded strongly under the Nawabs of Awadh, especially around the Chowk, Husainabad and nearby old-city areas. Markets, gardens, religious buildings and residential lanes developed together and shaped the city’s traditional commercial culture.
Nakhas became one of those old markets where people came for everyday buying as well as unusual goods. Over time, it became known for household items, birds, pets, old goods, antiques, clothes, food and local shopping.
The name “Nakhas” itself is traditionally connected with old market culture. In older usage, the word was linked with places where animals, horses or goods were traded. In Lucknow, the market slowly became a well-known bazaar with its own identity.
Today, Nakhas Market is still remembered for its old Lucknow character. It is not polished, but that is part of its charm. The market feels raw, crowded, practical and full of stories.
Location of Nakhas Market Lucknow
Nakhas Market is located in the old city area of Lucknow, close to Chowk, Akbari Gate, Husainabad, Thakurganj, Aminabad side and other traditional parts of the city.
Useful nearby landmarks include:
- Chowk
- Akbari Gate
- Husainabad
- Rumi Darwaza side
- Bara Imambara side
- Aminabad side
- Thakurganj
- Kaiserbagh side
- Old Lucknow lanes
For first-time visitors, the easiest landmark is Nakhas Market near Chowk, Lucknow. Most auto drivers, e-rickshaw drivers and local shopkeepers in Lucknow understand the name Nakhas or Nakkhas clearly.
Shops in Nakhas Market
Nakhas Market has a mixed shopping character. It is useful for both regular shopping and unusual finds. You can visit for clothes, household goods, food, pets, antiques, religious items and many small daily-use products.
Common shops and products in Nakhas Market include:
- Clothing shops
- Footwear shops
- Household item shops
- Kitchen products
- Old goods and antiques
- Furniture items
- Decorative pieces
- Bird and pet shops
- Pet food and cages
- Religious items
- Tasbeeh and caps
- Dry fruits and dates
- Vermicelli and food items
- Cosmetics
- Gift items
- Toys
- Mobile accessories
- Stationery items
- Snack stalls
- Sweet shops
- Tea stalls
- Street food counters
The market is especially interesting because it is not limited to one category. A visitor may find regular clothes on one side, old goods on another side and food or pet-related shops nearby.
What Is Nakhas Market Famous For?
Nakhas Market is mainly famous for old Lucknow shopping, birds, pets, antiques, household items, food products and festive shopping. During Ramzan, old-city markets like Chowk, Nakhas and Aminabad see strong demand for food items, garments and religious goods.
The market is famous for:
- Old goods and antiques
- Bird and pet market
- Household items
- Affordable clothes
- Footwear
- Religious products
- Dry fruits and dates
- Ramzan shopping
- Sunday market activity
- Street food
- Traditional Lucknow bazaar feel
- Nearby Chowk and Husainabad access
The biggest strength of Nakhas Market is its old-city variety. It is the kind of market where people go not only to buy something, but also to explore.
Bird, Pet and Old-Goods Shopping Scene
Nakhas has long been associated with birds, pets and old goods. Many visitors know it for cages, pet food, birds, small animals, old furniture, decorative pieces and second-hand-style products.
However, buyers should be careful while dealing with birds or animals. Protected birds and illegal wildlife trade are strictly prohibited. In May 2026, enforcement agencies raided Nakkhas Market and arrested people accused of trading in protected bird species.
So, if anyone buys pet-related items, they should buy only legal products from lawful shops. Avoid protected species, wild birds or anything suspicious. For antiques and old goods, check quality, condition and price carefully before buying.
Food and Local Shopping Scene
Food is an important part of Nakhas Market. The old-city side of Lucknow is famous for its food culture, and Nakhas benefits from being close to Chowk and other traditional food areas.
Around the market, visitors can find tea stalls, kebab points, sweets, snacks, dry fruits, dates, vermicelli, ready-to-cook food items and local street food. During Ramzan, the market becomes especially active because people buy items for sehri, iftar and Eid preparation.
The shopping scene is crowded and traditional. Bargaining may be possible in many small shops and stalls. For old goods, household items and accessories, it is always better to compare prices before buying.
Market Timings and Best Time to Visit
Timings may vary from shop to shop, but most shops in Nakhas Market generally open from late morning and remain active till evening or night.
A practical timing guide is:
- For regular shopping: 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- For food and snacks: evening
- For less crowd: weekday afternoon
- For full market activity: evening
- For Sunday market feel: Sunday morning to afternoon
- For Ramzan shopping: evening and night, depending on shop activity
If you want relaxed shopping, visit on a weekday afternoon. If you want the full old-city market feel, evening or Sunday is better. During festivals, Ramzan and wedding season, the market can become very crowded.
How to Reach Nakhas Market Lucknow
Nakhas Market can be reached by auto, e-rickshaw, cab, two-wheeler or local transport. Since it is located in the old city, roads and lanes can become crowded, especially during evening hours.
Useful nearby access points include:
- Chowk side
- Akbari Gate side
- Husainabad side
- Aminabad side
- Thakurganj side
- Kaiserbagh side
People coming from Hazratganj, Aminabad, Charbagh, Alambagh or Gomti Nagar can take a cab or auto toward Chowk/Nakhas. From nearby old-city areas, e-rickshaw is often more convenient.
Parking can be difficult because the market lanes are narrow and crowded. If possible, avoid taking a car deep into the market. Auto, e-rickshaw or two-wheeler is usually easier.
Nearby Places
Nearby places around Nakhas Market include:
- Chowk Market
- Akbari Gate
- Husainabad
- Bara Imambara
- Rumi Darwaza
- Chota Imambara
- Aminabad
- Kaiserbagh
- Thakurganj
- Tunday Kababi Chowk side
- Old Lucknow food lanes
Many visitors combine Nakhas Market with Chowk, Akbari Gate, Husainabad or old Lucknow food places. For a full old-city visit, Nakhas can be part of a larger Lucknow market and heritage plan.
Useful Buying Tips
Visit in the afternoon if you want less crowd. Visit on Sunday if you want the busier special-market feel. Compare prices before buying old goods, antiques, household items, clothes or pet products.
For antiques and second-hand items, check condition properly. For clothes and footwear, check size, fabric, stitching and finishing. For food items, buy from clean and trusted shops. For dry fruits and dates, check freshness and quality.
Do not buy protected birds, wild animals or suspicious pet items. Always choose legal and responsible buying. Carry UPI and some cash because smaller vendors may prefer quick payments. Keep your belongings safe because old-city markets can become crowded.
Final Words
Nakhas Market Lucknow is one of the city’s most interesting old markets. It is best known for old goods, antiques, birds and pet-related shops, household items, clothes, religious products, food items and traditional Lucknow bazaar culture.
Its biggest strength is its character. Nakhas is crowded, old, practical and full of variety. For people who want to experience a real old Lucknow market beyond malls and modern shopping complexes, Nakhas Market remains a memorable place to explore.