Sunday Bazaar in Islamabad, officially the H-9 weekly bazaar and known locally as Itwar Bazaar, is a large open-air market that despite its name actually runs three days a week: Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Spread over 25 acres with thousands of stalls selling fruit, vegetables, clothes, plants and household goods at lower prices than shops in the city, it is one of Islamabad's oldest and biggest markets.
This guide covers which days to go, what to expect at each section, and how to make the visit painless.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Sector H-9, near Peshawar Morr, Islamabad |
| Market days | Tuesday, Friday and Sunday |
| Size | About 25 acres, with roughly 2,700 stalls |
| Sections | Fruit and vegetables, poultry, carpets, clothing, plants and household goods |
| Established | 1980; rebuilt by the CDA in 2006 |
A market three days a week, not one
The name Sunday Bazaar is a hangover from an older, smaller version of the market and has stuck even though the current H-9 bazaar operates on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. It was originally set up in 1980 to give residents of the capital access to food and everyday goods at concessional rates, and the Capital Development Authority rebuilt it on its current 25-acre site in 2006, organising it into sections by the type of goods sold.
The market has had setbacks. A large fire in July 2024 destroyed hundreds of stalls, and the CDA ordered their reconstruction in the aftermath. If you are visiting after any major disruption like this, it is worth checking locally that the section you want is back in operation before making a special trip.
Which day to go
- Sunday is the busiest day by far, drawing the biggest crowds and the fullest range of stalls, but also the most congestion at the entrances and in the parking areas.
- Tuesday is generally the quietest of the three days, which suits anyone who wants to browse without crowds or bargain with less competition for a vendor's attention.
- Friday sits between the two, busier than Tuesday but calmer than Sunday.
If your main goal is fresh produce, arrive as early in the morning as you can on any of the three days, since the best selection of fruit and vegetables goes first.
What to buy, section by section
The bazaar is laid out in distinct zones rather than as one continuous jumble of stalls, which makes it easier to head straight for what you need:
- Fruit and vegetables, the largest and busiest section, with prices noticeably below those in city supermarkets, especially for produce in season.
- Clothing and fabric, including everyday wear and off-season stock at reduced prices.
- Plants and nursery stock, a good stop if you are furnishing a garden or balcony, with a wider range than most Islamabad nurseries.
- Household goods and general items, from kitchenware to small electronics.
- Poultry, a working section rather than a browsing one, mainly of interest to those buying for a household rather than sightseeing.
Bargaining and paying
Prices at Sunday Bazaar are not fixed the way they are in a supermarket, and a bit of polite negotiation, particularly on clothing, plants and household goods, is normal and expected. Fruit and vegetable prices tend to be more consistent stall to stall, since vendors are competing on volume rather than margin. Carry cash, since card payment is not the norm at most stalls.
Parking and getting there
Parking has historically been one of the more frustrating parts of a visit, with informal charging and congestion around the entrances, especially on Sundays. Arriving early, before the crowds build, makes finding a space considerably easier. The market sits near Peshawar Morr in H-9, reachable by private car, taxi or ride-hailing app; there is no dedicated tourist transport route to it.
Is it worth a visit?
For a visitor wanting a genuine, unpolished slice of how ordinary Islamabad shops, yes. It is not aimed at tourists and has none of the polish of the city's malls, covered in our guide to Islamabad's best malls, but that is exactly its appeal: real prices, real crowds and a far wider range of small vendors than any single shop. If your visit to Islamabad is short and focused on the capital's landmark sights, it is an easy one to skip; if you have time to spare or simply want to shop like a local, it is worth the trip.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sunday Bazaar in Islamabad only open on Sundays?
No. Despite the name, the H-9 weekly bazaar runs on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with Sunday the busiest of the three.
Where is Sunday Bazaar located in Islamabad?
In sector H-9, near Peshawar Morr, on a roughly 25-acre site with around 2,700 stalls.
Can you bargain at Sunday Bazaar?
Yes, particularly on clothing, plants and household goods. Fruit and vegetable prices tend to vary less between stalls.
What is the best day to visit for fewer crowds?
Tuesday is generally the quietest of the three market days. Sunday draws the biggest crowds and the most parking congestion.
Is parking available at Sunday Bazaar?
Yes, but it can be congested, particularly on Sundays. Arriving early makes parking considerably easier.
