Agra is not only a famous tourist destination but is a shopper?s paradise too. There are plenty of shopping areas and shopping malls where one can buy the specialities including handicrafts and fine arts traditions. You can shop to your hearts content in the markets of the city and you will never get bored. The old part of the city that includes the main marketplace (Kinari Bazar) is northwest to the Agra fort. It has several distinct areas whose names are attached with the Mughal period, although they don't always bear relation to what is being sold here today. Like the Loha Mandi (Iron Market) and Sabzi Mandi (Vegetable Market) are still operational, however the Nai ki Mandi (Barber's Market) has attained the new role of a market famous for textiles. The city is famous for its marble work. Hereditary craftsmen who are descendants of the marble carvers, who worked on the 'Wonder in Marble' the Taj Mahal, offer their wares in the crafts emporia and marble showrooms. A miniature marble replica of the Taj Mahal, is a very popular souvenir, besides vases, ornamental boxes, tabletops, decorative objects, utility items such as ashtrays and table lamps. However, be cautious about the quality of stone. From shoes, slippers, sandals, purses, wallets, bags, belts, clothing, lampshades, furniture, beanbags, you name a craft in leather and the city has it for you. A leading center of the footwear industry, you can find leather gloves, coats, jackets and dresses, tanned in various colors and fashions to suit designer tastes. When it comes to leather items , the city never fails to surprise the buyers with its variety and quality. The rugs and carpets, woven by master craftsmen who retain the secrets of carpet weaving taught generations ago by Persian rug makers. The main markets for shopping for rugs and carpets are near the Taj Mahal complex. These areas include Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar and Munro Road. Brassware is another specialty of the city . It includes artifacts such as hookah bases, for those who wish to acquire an oriental souvenir. For quality buys visit: The U.P State Emporium called Gangotri at the Taj Mahal Complex, offers a range of marble handicrafts. The Shilpagram crafts village is another venue where marble items are on sale, directly by the artisans themselves.