It depends on what you want! For branded and modern shopping, Providence Mall is highly regarded (it’s often called the first shopping mall in Pondy). You’ll find major Indian brands (Nalli, Reliance, etc.) there. For local crafts and souvenirs, markets like Craft Bazaar (handicrafts) and Street Shop Pondy (handmade goods) are unbeatable. If you love the hustle of street markets, the Sunday Market (for secondhand/bargains) and Goubert Market (for fresh local produce) are widely praised. Each has its own “best” title: e.g. Providence Mall is often dubbed the “best mall shopping place in Pondicherry,” whereas Goubert Market is considered the best for local ingredients and an authentic atmosphere..

Most big malls (including Providence Mall) open around 10:30 AM and close by 9:00 PM on weekdays. Local craft shops (Street Shop Pondy, Craft Bazaar shops) usually run 10:00 AM–9:00 PM daily. The Sunday Market is only open on Sundays (about 10:00 AM–9:00 PM). Goubert Market operates every day, roughly from 6:00 AM–8:00 PM(with produce available from early morning, and fish/meat sections earlier). Always double-check on local signs or calls, as hours can shift for festivals or season.

Yes, in most street markets you can and should bargain politely. Sellers at Sunday Market and Goubert Market expect haggling, so feel free to negotiate prices (especially for secondhand items or bulk vegetables). One blogger even advises: “Just remember to haggle a little (or maybe a lot)!”. Street Shop Pondy vendors will usually allow a friendly discount if you’re buying several items. In contrast, fixed retail stores (like Providence Mall shops or branded outlets) have set prices and usually do not haggle.

Generally, yes. Providence Mall and Street Shop Pondy are very family-friendly (with clean, safe environments). For open-air markets (Goubert, Sunday), it can get crowded, so keep an eye on children and belongings. Pickpockets can sometimes target busy markets, so use common sense (keep valuables zipped up). Goubert Market is lively but safe for families – just be prepared for traffic noise and crowds. Street food and walkways are hygienic in the malls and most shops, but when eating street snacks at Sunday Market, stick to stalls with good turnover (freshly cooked items). Evening markets like Sunday Market have a festive vibe, so families often enjoy the atmosphere together.

• Carry Cash: Small notes and coins are handy. Most markets and small shops don’t accept cards. (Use ATM machines beforehand.)
  
• Go Early: For markets like Goubert and Sunday Market, mornings (10–11AM) are ideal. Providence Mall and Street Shop are less crowded early in the day.
  
• Bargain Tactfully: Polite bargaining is part of the fun in street bazaars. Smile and offer around 10–20% lower to start, then settle around a fair middle.
  
• Inspect Quality: Especially with handicrafts, check for defects or durability (e.g. stitching, pottery glaze). Even at official shops, verify items before purchase.
  
• Ask for Offers: Malls sometimes have seasonal sales or combo offers. Don’t hesitate to ask store staff if any promotions are running.
  
• Dress Comfortably: Wear light, casual clothes and comfortable shoes for walking markets. Malls are air-conditioned, so a shawl or light jacket is fine indoors.
  

Plan Your Route: The shopping spots are spread out. You might visit one area per day (e.g. Mall + nearby shops in the afternoon; markets on another day). Use auto-rickshaws or rental scooters to hop between neighborhoods.

Great gifts include handcrafted pottery, shell or coconut crafts, carved wooden items, and local textiles. For these, the Craft Bazaar and Street Shop Pondy are excellent (they carry many artisan-made goods). The Handicrafts Emporium (government outlet on Mahé de Labourdonnais St) is also good for traditional crafts (it’s inside the Craft Bazaar building). Avoid cheap plastic souvenirs; look for items labeled “made in Pondicherry” or ask vendors about origin.

In Providence Mall and most standalone shops and restaurants, yes (they accept cards, UPI, and digital wallets). However, in street markets (Sunday Market, Goubert) and small shops (especially handicraft stalls), you should expect to pay in cash only. A few artisan stores may accept UPI/payments via phone, but it’s safest to carry enough cash (at least ₹1,000–2,000 per person if you plan to shop a lot). ATMs are available near major shopping areas if needed.

Taxi and auto-rickshaws are plentiful in Pondicherry. Providence Mall has easily accessible parking. For the street markets (Sunday Market on Gandhi Road, Goubert Market on Goubert Ave), a rickshaw is simplest. Many visitors simply tell the driver: “Sunday Bazaar Chinnakadai” or “Goubert Market.” Most roads in the city have signposts. White Town (Street Shop) is walkable if you’re staying in central French Quarter; otherwise an auto costs very little. Google Maps can help navigate between these destinations.