A flurry of activity and chaos, New Market, the oldest market in the city, instantly transports you to another era. The red brick, Victorian Gothic-style building started off as Sir Stuart Hogg Market in 1874. Its iconic clock tower was shipped from Britain and added to the structure in the 1930s. The thousands of stalls inside sell almost everything. Hire one of the coolies-cum-guides at the entrance to help you navigate the place and ward off unwanted attention. Ask to be taken to Chamba Lamba (58-69 New Market,) one of the best shops for silver jewellery, settings with semi-precious stones, as well as copper, brass and silver artefacts in Kolkata. Stop by Nahoum and Sons Bakery (F-20) too. This Jewish establishment has been running for 118 years and is famous for its fruit and plum cakes, macaroons, lemon tarts, and other pastries.
