One of the liveliest and most iconic spots in the city, Police Bazar is where Shillong truly comes alive. You will find everything here, from Khasi handicrafts and woollens to fashionable clothing, electronics and high-end brands – all in a completely walkable area. The Police Bazar Shillong Meghalaya buzzes with activity during the day and becomes even more vibrant after dark, as vendors push their carts and musicians strum their strings. It is also well-connected, making it a good base for travellers staying in Shillong.
So, whether you are on a shopping spree, a foodie adventure, or just taking in the atmosphere of the great city of Shillong, the Police Bazaar market in Shillong is the place to be and often features in a well-planned Meghalaya tour package. It is loud, energetic and with something different to investigate in every direction. Have you pictured yourself there? Good, just ensure your Meghalaya itinerary includes it.
Best Time to Visit Police Bazaar
The best time to visit Meghalaya is between October and April and the same is for the Police Bazar. During this time the weather is nice and cool to stroll around Shillong. The bustling Police Bazar can be full of visitors during the evening hours, more so during weekends, so for less of a crowd, early afternoons are generally a better time to visit.
During the monsoon months (June to September) be prepared for heavy rain that may make it uncomfortable to visit other tourist spots around Shillong unless you enjoy shopping in the rain while carrying an umbrella.
How to Reach Police Bazaar
There are multiple ways by which you can find the Police Bazar Shillong direction, such as:
By Air
The closest airport is Shillong Airport (Umroi), which is about 30 km away from Police Bazar. You can take a pre-paid taxi or share a local cab from there to the market, it will take only 45 minutes.
By Road
If you are travelling by road From Guwahati- taxis, private cabs, and buses are often available to take you to government and private buildings along NH6 (which conveniently intersects Sherwood) to Shillong (approximately 100 km, 3-4 hours). Police Bazar is located in the very centre of town, and your driver will have no trouble finding the destination.
If you are in Shillong then you can take local shared cabs (sumos) and city buses. It will take you from Police Bazar to the main points in the city and beyond, beautifully operating along town lanes.
By Train
The closest train station is located in Guwahati, around 100 km away. After arriving in Guwahati, you will next need to continue travelling via bus or taxi to Shillong and Police Bazar.
Shopping in Police Bazaar
Shopping in Shillong is a memorable experience, especially if you are shopping in the Police Bazar. Some of best things to shop at Police Bazaar are-
1. Trendy Clothing & Street Fashion
Police Bazaar is full of small clothing shops and stalls selling casual wear at very affordable prices. You will find T-shirts with local and quirky prints, basic tops and dresses, stylish jackets and hoodies for the cooler Shillong weather and other comfortable everyday wear that are perfect for traveling. The best part is all these items are mostly sold at a budget-friendly rate.
2. Warm Shawls, Scarves & Woollens
Shillong’s chilly weather makes woollens a popular buy, and Police Bazaar is a great spot to grab them. Woollen shawls with traditional Khasi designs, knitted scarves and mufflers, winter caps and gloves are perfect to buy here for cool evenings. These are especially great if you didn’t pack enough warm clothes, but they also make lovely souvenirs.
3. Handicrafts & Local Art
One of the most rewarding parts of shopping here is discovering handcrafted items made by local artisans. Bamboo and cane craft products, hand-painted souvenirs, decorative items with tribal motifs and small wooden carvings are some of the ideal gifts items you can take as a reminder from here.
4. Traditional Jewellery & Accessories
Several shops here sell affordable fashion accessories and locally inspired jewellery. Beaded necklaces and bracelets, ethnic earrings and rings, tribal-inspired wristbands, keychains and small accessories are some of the things you buy as a souvenir from here. They’re colourful, fun, and easy to carry.
5. Local Snacks & Treats
Police Bazaar has many stalls selling edible items that make perfect take-homes. Locally made dry fruits and nuts, packaged Khasi spices and mixes, sweet snacks and biscuits from Shillong bakeries, traditional chutneys or chilli sauces are some of the famous snacks and treats that are packable and travel-friendly.
6. Bags, Wallets & Small Leather Goods
Alongside clothes and handicrafts, you’ll spot many stalls selling tote bags with prints, stylish wallets, simple backpacks and sling bags that are budget friendly.
7. Caps, Sunglasses & Daily Accessories
If you need quick essentials while exploring Shillong then trendy caps, affordable sunglasses and belts are great impulse buys while wandering around the market.
Foods to try in Police Bazaar
Police Bazaar is much more than shopping. As you walk through its busy lanes, you will cross tempting smells and small food stalls. Here are some must-try foods you should try while visiting police bazaar in Shillong.
1. Momos & Noodles
You’ll find momos and noodles at almost every corner of Police Bazaar, especially near the main market road and around Glory’s Plaza. These stalls start getting busy by evening, serving freshly steamed momos and hot noodles that are quick, affordable, and perfect while exploring the market.
2. Jadoh (Traditional Khasi Dish)
Jadoh is one of the most popular local dishes in Shillong.Made with rice, spices, and meat, it’s filling and full of flavour.Small local eateries hidden inside the inner lanes of Police Bazaar serve authentic versions, often prepared the way locals enjoy it daily.
3. Street Snacks & Chaat
In the evening you will get to see vendors selling snacks and chaats on the street. Jhalmuri, chaat, fried snacks, and rolls are some popular street foods of Police Bazaar.These light, spicy snacks are ideal for quick bites while walking and give you a real taste of the local street food scene.
4. Burgers, Sandwiches & Fast Food
Police Bazaar has plenty of options for comforting food, such as burgers, sandwiches and others. Cafe Shillong is one of the most popular places in Police Bazaar to eat burgers, fries, and sandwiches. Nearby fast-food joints around Police Point are always busy with locals and travellers alike.
5. Bakery Items & Desserts
Shillong is known for its simple yet delicious baked goods. Inside Police Bazaar, you’ll find small bakeries offering pastries, cakes, and sweet buns. These are great for a quick dessert or a takeaway snack while shopping.
Things to do in Police Bazaar
There are various things to do in Shillong and one such thing is exploring the Police Bazar. Police Bazaar is not just a shopping place but is a place that shows the real daily life of Shillong. Let’s know some of the things to do here to make your small moments special.
1. Listen to Street Music
Shillong is famous for its love of music. At Police Bazaar you might hear someone singing or playing a guitar in the evening. People often stop there for a while, listen to them and enjoy the calm and happy feeling.
2. Watch People and City Life
Police Bazaar is one of the best places to visit in Shillong to watch how people live. Locals going to work, students chatting, shopkeepers calling customers, and tourists walking around. Standing or sitting quietly and watching this is actually very interesting.
3. Take Photos of the Streets
The streets of Police Bazaar are lively and colourful. You can click photos of shops, signboards, people, and small lanes. Even simple phone photos look nice because there is always something happening around.
4. Engage with locals and know their culture
People in Shillong are friendly and polite. You can talk to them and get to know their culture.They happily share tips or stories about the city.
5. Walk Around Small Lanes
If you move away from the main road, you will find quieter streets near Police Bazaar. These small lanes have tiny shops, cafés, and a peaceful vibe. Walking here feels relaxed and nice.
6. Relax in a Café
Instead of rushing, sit in a café near Police Bazaar and take a short break. Have a tea or coffee and watch people passing by. It is a good way to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
7. Plan Nearby Sightseeing
Police Bazaar is in the center of Shillong, so you have the chance to visit various tourist places nearby as well. You can use this place to plan where to go next, like Ward’s Lake or Don Bosco Museum.
Travel Tips for Visiting Police Bazar in Shillong
Here are some beneficial travel tips while you're visiting Police Bazar in Shillong that should enrich your visit:
Peak time: The Police Bazar market in Shillong is very vibrant in the evening. The streets are lit up, food stalls are open up and we can see people having fun and energetic. You would want to walk, snack and shop!
Bargaining: Prices can be flexible at the shops on the streets. There is nothing wrong with negotiating, and you can negotiate nicely with a smile!
Have Cash: Some shops will accept card and digital payments, but a lot of the local vendors will prefer cash, especially at the small eateries or street stalls.
Look after your belongings: Similarly, when you visit any busy market, it is always best to keep your bag zipped up, close to you, during the busy hours.
Business Hours: The majority of shops will likely open around the 10 AM hour and start closing around the 8 PM hour. Compared to a smaller spot, you can also assume that it may be closed on Sundays.
Conclusion
The Police Bazar market in Shillong is not just a shopping destination; it is the heart of Shillong. You could be a foodie trying to find local Khasi dishes, a cafe-hopper searching for cosy spots to drink coffee, or a traveller looking for local souvenirs, and Police Bazar will have everything you need.
From finding things to do in Police Bazar to checking out the warm and quirky cafes in Police Bazar, the day will certainly be filled with flair, chaos and charm. After exploring Police Bazar, settle into one of the many comfortable hotels in Shillong Police Bazar, and you will feel like you are in the centre of it all!
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