Pakistan's shopping varies as dramatically by region as its landscape and food, each area has genuine craft specialities worth seeking out, rather than generic souvenirs available everywhere.
Lahore, textiles and Old City bazaars: Anarkali Bazaar and Liberty Market for fabric, embroidery and ready made clothing; the Walled City's smaller specialty shops for traditional crafts. Lahore is generally Pakistan's strongest all round shopping city given its size and variety.
Multan, blue pottery (kashi kari): A centuries old hand painted ceramic tradition unique to the city, worth watching being made, not just buying the finished piece, at workshops around the old city.
Chiniot, hand carved furniture: Pakistan's furniture craft capital, with intricate hand carved wooden pieces produced by generations of local artisans, a serious purchase for those able to arrange shipping, but world class craftsmanship.
Peshawar, copper, brass and Peshawari chappal: Qissa Khwani Bazaar for copper and brassware, and the city's traditional leather sandals (Peshawari chappal), a distinctive regional footwear style now recognised nationally.
Gilgit Baltistan (Skardu, Hunza), gemstones and dried fruit: The region is known for semi precious stones (topaz, aquamarine and others), buy from an established, reputable dealer rather than the cheapest offer. Dried apricots and walnuts are good value, distinctive regional produce, and hand knitted Hunza wool caps are a warm, practical souvenir.
Karachi, everything, at scale: As Pakistan's largest and most diverse city, Karachi has the widest range of shopping from modern malls to Empress Market's colonial era bazaar stalls, a good final stop to pick up anything missed elsewhere in the country.
Quetta and Balochistan, carpets and dry fruit: Balochi carpets and rugs, alongside the region's renowned dried and fresh fruit markets, particularly grapes and dry fruit varieties tied to Quetta's orchards.
Practical tips: Bargaining is expected in general bazaars, not at fixed price shops, read the context of where you are. Card acceptance is minimal outside major malls and international hotels; carry cash for bazaar shopping everywhere. For valuable purchases (carpets, gemstones, furniture), buy from established dealers and ask about shipping options for larger items.
See our destination guides for Lahore, Multan, and Skardu for more on each city's specific shopping scene.
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