Shopping at Aberdeen Bazaar
Aberdeen Bazaar is Port Blair’s busiest local market and the best place to shop for Andaman souvenirs, spices, pearls, shell jewellery and local snacks. Located in the heart of the city near the waterfront, it blends a lively street-market atmosphere with small stores selling crafted items, fresh produce and ready-to-wear. Expect colourful stalls, aromatic spice sellers, and friendly bargaining. Ideal for half-day shopping and cultural immersion.
Location
Aberdeen Bazaar (Central Market), Port Blair, India
Duration
1–3 hours (typical). Can be combined with a half-day city walk or visit to Cellular Jail (nearby).
Best Time to Visit
October to May (dry season). Avoid heavy monsoon months: June–September as some stalls and street vendors may be closed and travel around islands is disrupted.
Pricing
Entry: Free. Typical purchase ranges: small souvenirs/handicrafts INR 50–300; shell/pearl costume jewellery INR 200–3,000 (authentic pearls more expensive and usually certified); spices and dry goods INR 100–800 depending on quantity; clothing and cotton wear INR 200–1,500. Street food/snacks: INR 30–200. Note: prices vary seasonally and with bargaining.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Wide selection of shell jewellery and souvenirs (note authenticity checks).
Local spices, packaged coconut and island-grown products.
Fresh local snacks, street food and small eateries to try Andamanian flavours.
Handmade tribal and local handicrafts, woven goods and wooden items.
Convenient central location — close to Cellular Jail, Marina Park and the waterfront.
Vibrant evening atmosphere with good opportunities for photography and people-watching.
Itinerary
Arrive at Aberdeen Bazaar and grab a light breakfast or tea at a nearby stall.
Many shops open by 9:00–10:00, but small tea and snack stalls may start earlier.
Browse shops for spices, packaged coconut products, dry fish, shell jewellery and handicrafts.
Start with fixed-price stores (good for pearls and larger purchases) then move to street stalls where bargaining is expected.
Test local snacks and small seafood dishes; rest at a café or water-front bench.
Try local sweets and coconut-based items. Avoid raw seafood from unknown stalls if you have a sensitive stomach.
Finalize purchases, ask for receipts/certificates for high-value items (pearls), then walk toward Cellular Jail or Marina Park.
Keep purchases packed, and arrange transport if you have heavy bags.
Safety Requirements
Carry only the cash and cards you need; use a small money pouch and keep valuables secure.
Verify authenticity and ask for certificates when buying pearls—avoid suspiciously cheap 'real pearl' claims.
Avoid buying protected items — no coral, tortoise shell, or other illegal wildlife products (illegal to possess/export).
If visiting in hot weather, carry water and sun protection; stalls are often unshaded.
Bargain politely; be aware of crowded lanes and watch your bags for pickpocketing.
Tips
Always ask for the price before opening a package — confirm final price including any packing.
Carry small change (coins and small notes) — many vendors prefer cash; a few stores accept cards.
Bargain: start about 20–40% below the asking price for small stalls; fixed shops have less room to negotiate.
For pearls and higher-value jewellery, buy from reputed shops and request a certificate of authenticity.
Avoid buying coral, turtle shell or any wildlife souvenirs — they are restricted and illegal to export.
Bring a reusable bag — many shops don’t provide packaging or charge for it.
Plan visits in the morning or early evening to avoid the midday heat.
Combine the market visit with a short walk to Cellular Jail or the nearby waterfront to make it a pleasant half-day outing.
