Shopping Guide for Expats in Bangalore
Bangalore is home to many different shopping experiences, ranging from high-end fashion boutiques to crowded market stalls. There are plenty of gems to discover, whatever it is you are after, whether it is home furnishings, collectibles, apparel, accessories, electronics or lifestyle products. Most shops are fixed price, whereas street markets allow for (sometimes significant) negotiations. Prices vary widely, so your taste and budget will decide what you spend.
Large shopping malls have sprouted up around the city, so if you prefer to do fashion label shopping in the comfort of air-conditioning with a food court, you have plenty of options. Forum Mall in Koramangala is the largest mall in Bangalore, the other famous malls are Bangalore Central (Richmond Town), Lifestyle (Austin Town), Garuda Mall (McGrath Road), ShoppersStop (Bannerghatta Road) and Lido Malls in the Ista Hotel campus and near Cubbon Park, on Kasturba Road. At these malls, you can find some of the biggest brands in home, fashion and lifestyle products from across the world. Strolling MG Road is another option for international and Indian brand names. UB City also has high-end shops like Mont Blanc and Louis Vuitton, among other top-end headliners.
If you would like to experience an alternate shopping experience, you could check out street vendors like the ones in the small by-lanes off Chickpet, Commercial Street or Shivajinagar. These are great places to hunt for bargains and bizarre or rare finds.
Most markets are open from 10 am until 9 pm, and are usually open 7 days a week.
