Hyderabad has been a major trading centre for centuries. It has been influenced by cultures from all directions - largely because both of India's coastlines were controlled by its former rulers.

The city offers just about anything you are looking for - antiques, jewellery, handicrafts, dresses - traditional and modern - leather goods, pearls and semi precious stones, and a dizzying array of perfumes.

The main commercial areas are open Monday through Saturday except in the Charminar area, where some shops remain closed on Fridays. Street-side bazaar are open on Sundays as well.

The Abids Road becomes a paradise or book lovers on Sundays. The lucky shopper may find a rare old book or a collector's issue of a magazine selling on the street at a throwaway price. Bargaining is a must on the street - a safe margin to ask for is 10-15% off the stated price.

Commerce in Hyderabad begins relatively late; some shops open only at 1030 or 1100 hrs and close again for a two-hour lunch break. You must check each item you buy, for it is difficult to return or exchange merchandise except in the large stores. In any case, take care to ask for a receipt.

Charminar-Patthargatti-Lad Bazaar
This is the oldest commercial area in the twin cities, and some of the shops have been owned by families for more than a century. It is a traditional seat for silversmiths and pearl dealers who also market semi-precious stones like garnets, topaz, jade and corals, This is th emain market for hyderbadi bangles, gun metal articles and the silver leaf makers.

This is also the largest and the best area for Zardozi (gold-silver thread and sequin work on fine cloth)

Monda Market
Leading off to the east of R.P.Road is Market Street, the heart of which is the teeming, noisy but colourful Monda, the biggest vegetable market in the city.

Buying groceries at Monda Market can be quite an experience, as you often have to fight for room in the narrow lanes with cows and goats brushing past! Fresh flowers and garlands can be bought in the lane just opposite the Monda Market.

Sultan Bazaar - Koti - Troop Bazaar
This is a colourful and exteremely busy commercial center with heavy traffic throughout the day. Just about everything is crowded into this area - from large modern showrooms to push-carts on the streets, from vegetables and sweets to silks and shoes.