Mumbai is often recognized for its glitzy malls and designer boutiques, but the true charm of the city lies in its bustling markets. These markets offer not only shopping opportunities but also a glimpse into the soul of the city.
From budget-friendly finds and unique souvenirs to colorful sights and a slice of local life, Mumbai’s markets are a sensory experience like no other. Here are the top 10 markets you must visit when in Mumbai.
Best Markets in Mumbai for Shopping, Street Stalls & Unique Finds
Mumbai is a city that never sleeps, and its markets are a testament to its vibrant energy. From bustling street markets to iconic bazaars, discover the best shopping spots for unique finds and unbeatable bargains.
Dharavi Leather Market
The leather-making industry stands out among the Dharavi. This is the best Mumbai market teeming with life in contradistinction to the portrayal of the popular stereotype, most prominently of all in quality rather than quantity, for its reputation for authentic, stylish items that one can afford.
Inebriated with the charm of over 200 shops, Dharavi’s Leather Market becomes India’s second-largest advertising leather products all across the international market. For many products, like jackets, bags, belts, and shoes, shoppers can find alternatives in higher competition; they are secondhand goods made out of truly good-quality leather at a reasonable price.
A visit there sheds light on the Dharavi residents’ power and spirit of enterprise in their choice of craftsmanship and resolve.
Location: 90 Feet Road and Sion-Bandra Link Road, Dharavi, Sion.
Opening Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What to Buy: Leather jackets, bags, wallets, belts, and shoes.
Chor Bazaar
Chor Bazar denotes a market going back almost 150 full years and it is one of the most popular Mumbai shopping markets. It was once recognized by Shor Bazar, or the “Noisy Market,” that went before The Thieves Market due to reports of stolen goods being sold here.
Presently, it is filled with enthusiasts of antiques, vintage wares, bronze articles, the uniqueness of collectibles, and anyone else who really wants to feel the original world.
Location: Mutton Street, near Mohammad Ali Road, south Mumbai.
Opening Hours: 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., closed on Fridays.
What to Buy: Antiques, bronze items, vintage collectibles, and quirky treasures.
Dadar Flower Market
With the events that color the scale, the best Mumbai market and the largest wholesale hub of flowers is the Dadar Flower Market, an absolute treat for the senses. The forenoon here is delightfully colored and scented by the arrival of delivery vehicles from all over the state, carrying fresh blooms.
It is actually an umbilical lifeline for the floral culture of the city, providing flowers for all garlands, weddings, religious ceremonies, and all-encompassing festival celebrations, characterized in limitations only by the imagination, from roses to marigolds. Unparalleled to anything in the world, a visit to this place means indulging the senses and vision within the rich tradition and heritage of Mumbai.
Location: Near Dadar railway station, Tulsi Pipe Road.
Opening Hours: 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. (busy during festivals).
What to Buy: Fresh flowers, particularly garlands for religious or festive occasions.
Linking Road in Bandra is a blend of unorganized street stalls and branded outlets and is the central shopping area that displays a melange of modernity with tradition. The market hustle-bustle is certainly considered a prime spot for every individual, with highly organized shops that carry a variety of goods, from Indian ethnic clothes to fancy accessories.
Being a great Mumbai shopping market, it is a place to fulfill your aim on bargains or simply window-shop the high and elite brands. From mouth-watering local food vendors to the cool shades of sunglasses and multicolored umbrellas mixed the busyness of this place with charm. You are guaranteed to experience a heady mix of culture and commerce once you visit there.
Location: Linking Road, Bandra West.
Opening Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
What to Buy: Shoes, belts, bags, Indian outfits, and fashion accessories.
Colaba Causeway
Colaba Causeway, a haven for tourists, is renowned for its vibrant mix of street vendors and quaint cafes. This bustling market offers a treasure trove of unique finds, from junk jewelry and handicrafts to trendy clothing and souvenirs.
Bargain hunters can test their haggling skills while exploring the colorful stalls, and food enthusiasts can unwind at the charming cafés lining the street. The lively atmosphere, coupled with its diverse offerings, makes Colaba Causeway a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience Mumbai’s dynamic shopping culture and soak in its vibrant energy.
Location: Colaba Causeway, south Mumbai.
Opening Hours: Open daily from morning until late evening.
What to Buy: Handicrafts, books, crystals, brass items, and clothes.
Housed in one of the historic colonial buildings in Mumbai, Crawford Market is definitely one of the most iconic markets in the city. Counted as the best Mumbai Market, Crawford Market is a place that is always abuzz with the trade of fruits and vegetables. The market also houses rare bird and animal shops, as well as household goods of all kinds.
With its high ceilings, tinted glass windows, and furniture, the market is the perfect blend of the old-world value and the CBV vibe. The diverse range of products and lively spirits make it a must-go market for residents and tourists alike, offering a little sneak peek into Mumbai’s rich trading history and providing a sensorial experience that is one of its kind.
Location: Lokmanya Tilak Marg, Fort area, south Mumbai.
Opening Hours: Daily from morning to night, closed on Sundays.
What to Buy: Fruits, spices, flowers, and imported food items.
Kala Ghoda Art Plaza Pavement Gallery
Sitting in the vibrant artistic hub of Mumbai, kiosks in this market embody the unity of art and networks for budding artists to display and trade their valuable artworks. The selling items vary, such as paintings, sculptures, and particularly any types of visual arts that spark the interest of both end-users and collectors.
This lively Mumbai shopping market is all about the joy of sampling art as well as melding for the first time, providing a reciprocal bridge between admirers and creators. Moreover, visitors solicit discussions with artists to probe imaging and the course of intermingling. It’s the perfect market for art lovers who find unconventional, handmade pieces a good catch.
Location: MG Road, Fort, South Mumbai.
Opening Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
What to Buy: Religious paintings, portraits, and other artistic creations.
Zaveri Bazaar
Located in the heart of Mumbai, glittering Zaveri Bazaar presents exquisite gold, silver, and diamond jewellery. It is one of India’s oldest and largest markets, prominently known as the best Mumbai market for jewelry shopping. Furthermore, it’s one among the largest marketplaces, offering handcrafted creations and contemporary items by combining the traditional arts with the modern.
Zaveri Bazar is a must-visit, especially for jewelry lovers, as it houses thousands of shops that offer the best possible shopping itineraries for people favoring style or budget.
However, if your quest for bridal jewelry is a little more profound and you intend to explore something unique, this market will surely take you by surprise. Zaveri Bazaar holds an undeniable allure, drawing everyone in, forever consumed with the beauty of perfect craftsmanship and ageless elegance.
Location: Near Crawford Market and Mumba Devi Temple.
Opening Hours: Daily from morning to night, closed on Sundays.
What to Buy: Gold, platinum, diamond, silver, and imitation jewelry.
CP Tank
CP Tank, renowned for its stunning collection of bangles, is a vibrant market in Mumbai that caters to all your accessory needs. Whether you’re looking for bangles to complement a sari, lehenga, or any traditional outfit, this market offers a wide range of designs, colors, and styles.
Sellers here are experts at customizing bangles, ensuring they perfectly match your attire, adding the ideal finishing touch to your ensemble. With its rich variety and personalized service, CP Tank has earned its reputation as a go-to destination for those in search of beautiful, customized traditional accessories.
Location: Bhuleshwar Road, Bhuleshwar, South Mumbai.
Opening Hours: Daily from morning to night, closed on Sundays.
What to Buy: Bangles and imitation jewelry.
Mangaldas and Mulji Jetha Markets
Mangaldas Market and Mulji Jetha Market, two of the largest textile hubs in Asia, are a fabric lover’s paradise. Whether you’re in search of vibrant block prints, luxurious silks, or unique patterns, these markets have it all.
With an extensive range of fabrics, from casual cottons to high-end textiles, you’ll find endless options to bring your fashion vision to life in this Mumbai shopping market. The sprawling stalls offer a colorful and diverse assortment, making it an essential destination for those looking to explore Mumbai’s rich textile heritage and shop for high-quality fabrics at competitive prices.
Location: Near Zaveri Bazaar, Kalbadevi, south Mumbai.
Opening Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed on Sundays.
What to Buy: Textiles, unstitched dress materials, and shawls.
Closing Thoughts
Mumbai’s markets are a reflection of the city’s diversity, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you’re exploring Dharavi’s leather industry, bargaining at Chor Bazaar, or marveling at the vibrant flowers in Dadar, each market offers a unique story.
Next time you’re in the city, make sure to set aside time to explore these vibrant markets. Remember, the best memories often lie in the chaos of a bustling street, a shared smile during a bargain, or the discovery of a unique item you’ll cherish forever.
What items are most renowned for people to shop for in Mumbai?
Everything from jewelry, as in gold, to textiles, leather goods, antiques, and street fashion—you name it; Mumbai is a mecca for shopping. Furthermore, if you want something absolutely unique, you might wish to visit some specialties such as crafts, crystals, and rich local fabrics.
What are Mumbai markets famous for?
Some of the best Mumbai markets are famous for the variety and selection of the goods sold. The markets stretch from street shopping for clothes, jewelry, and accessories to wholesale markets for fruits, flowers, and spices. Every market, therefore, has something distinct to offer. Markets such as Colaba Causeway and Chor Bazaar are known for their eclectic mix of items.
On which day do markets stay closed in Mumbai?
Basically, most markets in Mumbai remain open daily. However, some markets, like Crawford Market and Zaveri Bazaar, are closed on Sundays. Nevertheless, keep in mind that other markets outside may have altered time schedules on public holidays. It is best to prepare for this.
Which street is famous for excessive shopping in Mumbai?
Linking Road in Bandra, Mumbai, is the most popular street for shopping in Mumbai. It is a fascinating mix of roadside stalls and branded stores, making it a shopping haven for people who love both traditional Indian wear and current fashion.
Where can one buy the best leather stuff in Mumbai?
Visit the Dharavi Leather Market for great quality and low prices on leather goods in Mumbai. Leather bags, jackets, shoes, and wallets at competitive prices are available, and the place has over 200 such shops.
