A Complete Guide to Mumbai's Best Markets - Where to Shop, Eat & More

Whether you're looking for a fashionable new outfit, a unique antique, or some street eats, the best Mumbai markets offer a glimpse into the local culture that you can't get anywhere else. Sure, the markets here can be crowded and chaotic, but that's all part of the experience.

Take some time to explore the city's iconic markets, like the historic Crawford Market and the sprawling Colaba Causeway Market, and you'll walk away with a new appreciation for this vibrant city - and a few souvenirs to match.

Mumbai is home to countless markets, each offering a totally different experience. Whether you're hunting for antiques, fashion, or produce, this city’s bustling markets can cater to every need. So which type of market is best for you? Here's an overview:

• Street markets: These are traditional open-air markets where local vendors set up shop along the street. Colaba Causeway Market is one of the most famous, offering everything from food and clothes to electronics. After dark, these markets often transform into bustling night hubsfilled with food stalls and music.

• Bazaars: In Mumbai, bazaars are permanent, covered markets. In Chor Bazaar and Zaveri Bazaar, you can find unique items like antique furniture, jewellery, and household goods. Bazaars are often set up in narrow, lively lanes that offer visitors a glimpse of local life in Mumbai.

• Flea markets: Offering secondhand goods, flea markets are a great option for bargain hunters. These markets offer an opportunity to find pre-loved items such as clothing, books, furniture, and antiques. Prices are usually negotiable, adding to the fun of the shopping experience.

When it comes to the best things to do in Mumbai, a visit to Colaba Causeway Market is a must. Tucked away in Southern Mumbai, near the iconic Gateway of India and Taj Mahal Palace, this is one of the most well-known street markets in Mumbai, so expect major crowds on Friday evenings and weekends. For a slightly more mellow experience, it's best to visit in the afternoon on a weekday.

Regardless of when you visit, Colaba Causeway Market is a gem for budget finds. You can get virtually everything here, from stylish clothes, shoes, and handbags to unique handicrafts, jewellery, antiques, and touristy trinkets. When you're feeling peckish, you'll find plenty of dining options here, too, ranging from street vendors hawking kebabs and kulfi to the historic Leopold Café.

Location: Colaba Causeway, Colaba, Mumbai

Hours: Daily from around 10am to 11pm; stores and stalls have varying hours and many shops close earlier on Sundays

Known as the "Thieves Market", Chor Bazaar has been a key part of Mumbai’s shopping culture and community for over 150 years. This market is famous for its eclectic mix of antique furniture, vintage jewellery, and secondhand goods. Located in Mumbai’s Muslim District, Chor Bazaar is bustling with activity from morning until night.

Be sure to check out the area's one-of-a-kind stores, like Poster Stuff for original Bollywood posters, Haji Ebrahim Record Shop for cheap used vinyl, Mansoori Curio Shop for quirky antiques, or Indian Art Corner House for old-school telephones. From retro cameras and typewriters to home décor items you won't find anywhere else, this is one of the best Mumbai markets for anyone who loves to do a little treasure hunting.

Location: Mutton St, Near Bhendi Bazaar, Mumbai

Hours: Roughly 11am to 7:30pm Saturday through Thursday; closed Fridays

Designed by British architect William Emerson and built in 1869, Crawford Market in South Mumbai is a must-visit for market lovers, architecture buffs, and photographers. Making appearances in hit Bollywood films like Aamir (2008) and Main Tera Hero (2014), it's no surprise that this Victorian Gothic-style building is one of the most famous sites in Mumbai for Bollywood fans.

Historic architecture aside, this market is known for its fresh produce and foodstuffs, with sellers offering everything from fruits, vegetables, and nuts to spices, flowers, and imported foods. This is a particularly popular place to shop for goods leading up to the Diwali and Christmas holidays.

Location: Lokmanya Tilak Rd, Dhobi Talao, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai

Hours: Roughly 9am to 8pm Monday through Saturday; closed Sundays

If you're in need of some new clothes, you're going to want to spend some time perusing the over 150 shops and stalls along Fashion Street in South Mumbai.

With its many knock-offs and imitations, this place is very popular amongst Mumbai's teenagers and students, who flock here on weekends to find bargains on everything from cool new outfits to shoes, jewellery, accessories, and more.

Location: New Marine Lines, Churchgate, Mumbai (on MG Road near Azad Maidan)

Hours: Daily, roughly 11am to 8pm

Flower Market Dadar is the largest wholesale flower market in the city and a photographer's dream come true. This is easily the sweetest-smelling place in Mumbai, thanks to the 500+ flower stalls. Local vendors and florists visit the market in the wee hours to stock up on flowers for religious offerings, garlands, wedding arrangements, and everything in between.

From marigolds, roses, and orchids to peonies, lotus, and chrysanthemum, you'll find a wide range of local and imported flowers for sale here. Unlike most markets in Mumbai, it's best to visit Flower Market Dadar in the early morning hours, from 4am to 7am, when the flowers have just been delivered.

Location: 2R8R+XJX, Tilak Brg, Lokmanya Tilak Colony, Dadar, Mumbai (near Dadar Station)

Hours: Roughly 4am to 8am

Located near Andheri in Western Mumbai, Lokhandwala Market is yet another shopper's paradise. You're going to find it all here, from genuine gold and silver jewellery and convincing designer knock-offs to clothing, shoes, handbags, and more.

Shopping here is a more relaxed experience compared to some of the busier markets in Mumbai, and it’s especially popular with locals who come here for everyday items and unique gifts.

Don't worry about going hungry because this market is also known for its street food vendors, who sell local favourites like pani puri, vada pav, and fresh juices.

Location: Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri West, Mumbai

Hours: Daily, from roughly 10am to 10pm

If you're in need of a little spice in your life, then you'll want to pick up a few things at Lalbaug Market. Located in Southern Mumbai, this is where you'll find vendors selling all manner of spices, from nutmeg, peppercorn, and turmeric to cardamom, cumin, and masala mixes.

If you start coughing, that's because chilli peppers are big sellers here, including Kashmiri chillies and mountains of red peppers. Vendors will even grind them up for you according to your preference.

Location: Dinshaw Petit Rd, Shree Ganesh Nagar, Lal Baug, Parel, Mumbai

Hours: Daily, from 10:15am to 9pm

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your shopping adventure:

• Bargain smartly: Vendors often expect haggling, so don’t hesitate to negotiate on prices.
• Respect local etiquette: Many markets are in areas populated by Muslim locals, so dress conservatively and be respectful.
• Stay alert: Mumbai's markets can get crowded, so be mindful of your belongings as you wander.

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The best markets to visit in Mumbai depend on what you're looking for. In general, Colaba Causeway Market and Lokhandwala Market are great for clothes and fashion, Chor Bazaar is popular for antiques and vintage goods, and Crawford Market is where to go for fresh produce.

Colaba Causeway Market is easily the best market for street shopping in Mumbai. This sprawling street market is one of the most popular in Mumbai. You can find everything here, from clothes and shoes to electronics and home goods.

The best time to visit Mumbai's markets depends on which market you're visiting. In general, most shops open around 10 am and close around 9 pm. If you want to avoid the massive crowds, it's best to avoid visiting markets on Friday evenings and on the weekends.

Yes, Mumbai's markets are safe for tourists. Because the markets can get crowded, you'll need to be on the lookout for pickpockets and always keep your belongings close.

Yes, it is generally okay to bargain in Mumbai's markets. In fact, haggling is expected in places like Colaba Causeway Market, Fashion Street, and Chor Bazaar.