Zainab Market is Karachi's best-known bargain market for clothes, fabric, leather goods, shoes and souvenirs, on Abdullah Haroon Road in Saddar. It is generally open Monday to Saturday from about 10 am to 10 pm and closed on Sunday. If you have time for only one Saddar market, this is the one most visitors choose.
The market began in the early 1970s as Zainab Plaza and grew into a warren of narrow lanes with indoor and outdoor shops. Below is what to buy, when to go, and how to get a fair price.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Where | Abdullah Haroon Road, Saddar; the Karachi Press Club is the nearest landmark |
| Usual hours | Monday to Saturday, about 10 am to 10 pm |
| Weekly off | Sunday |
| Best time | Late morning, once shops are open and before the crowds |
| Good for | Clothes, fabric, shawls, leather goods, jewellery, souvenirs |
| Bargaining | Expected, though a few shops won't move |
How the market is laid out
Zainab Market is a multi-level commercial building with lanes of stalls around it, not a single street. Descriptions put the ground floor mainly with general vendors, the basement with specialist stores and the first floor with leather goods. Estimates of the number of shops run into the thousands, which is why it is easy to lose an hour without buying anything.
The market is also known for export-surplus and factory-leftover garments, which is the source of many of the low prices. Labels and sizing can be inconsistent, so try things on where you can. Decide on a floor or a category before you walk in and work through it, then move on.
When to visit Zainab Market
Listings give Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 10 pm, with Sunday closed. Some sources describe it as mostly closed on Sundays, so don't plan a Sunday trip around it. One local listing suggests about 11:30 am is a good time, when shops are open and crowds are thinner. Evenings and weekends are livelier and much busier.
Expect heavy crowds before Eid and during wedding season. If you can, go on a weekday.
What to buy at Zainab Market
- Clothing: shalwar kameez, kurtas, and western wear such as jeans, shirts and jackets. Stitched and unstitched pieces are both sold.
- Fabric and shawls: cotton, silk and other cloth by the metre, plus pashmina-style shawls. Check the label and feel of anything sold as pure silk or pashmina, as prices are low and claims are loose.
- Leather goods: jackets, bags and small accessories are widely sold at low prices. Quality varies, so inspect stitching and zips.
- Jewellery, souvenirs and handicrafts: costume jewellery, Sindhi-style items and gifts to take home.
- Shoes and bags.
Treat the market as a place for good-value everyday items and gifts, not guaranteed brands or authenticated goods.
How to bargain
Prices are negotiable at most stalls. A workable approach:
- Ask the price, then offer noticeably less. A common approach is to start at about half and settle nearer two-thirds, but shops differ.
- Compare at least two shops for the same item.
- Bundle purchases for a better rate.
- Stay calm and polite. If a shopkeeper won't negotiate, move on.
Some shopkeepers refuse to haggle, which is fine. Don't make a big purchase before you have seen a few alternatives.
Getting there
Zainab Market is in the heart of Saddar and easily reached by road. Most ride-hailing drivers know it. Parking near it is scarce, so many people get dropped nearby and walk. For buses and other options, see our Karachi public transport guide.
It sits close to Empress Market and other Saddar bazaars, so you can combine them. For an overview of the city's other markets, see our best markets in Karachi for shopping.
Tips for a comfortable visit
- Carry cash in small notes and keep valuables in front pockets.
- Go early enough to finish before the evening rush.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the lanes are uneven and narrow.
- Take a tote bag for purchases.
- Check for strikes or rallies before setting out, as Saddar shuts down at short notice. Our page on whether Karachi is safe for tourists has more on this.
Is Zainab Market worth it?
Yes, if you want inexpensive clothes, fabric, leather goods or souvenirs and are happy to bargain in a crowded, no-frills setting. Skip it if you want set prices, air conditioning, or elegant surroundings. For those, try a mall.
For what else to do around the city, see our Karachi experiences.
Frequently asked questions
What are Zainab Market timings?
About 10 am to 10 pm, Monday to Saturday. It is closed on Sundays.
What is Zainab Market famous for?
Cheap clothes, fabric, shawls, leather goods, jewellery and souvenirs, sold in narrow lanes of small shops.
Can you bargain at Zainab Market?
Yes, in most shops. Compare prices, offer well below the asking price and be ready to walk away.
Where is Zainab Market?
On Abdullah Haroon Road in Saddar, Karachi, with the Karachi Press Club as the closest landmark.
Is Zainab Market open on Sundays?
No. Sunday is the weekly off day.
