9 Best Street Shopping Markets in Mumbai
If you think about Mumbai and shopping, your first instinct might be to think about the luxury Shopping Malls in Mumbai and shopping complexes that are located all over the city. But Mumbai has a great street shopping scene too. If you know where to look, you’ll be able to find fashion, accessories, handicrafts and more, at the best prices in these local markets. And if you don’t know where to look, that’s okay. What else are we here for? So read on and find out where to shop street in the city of dreams.
Colaba Causeway
Where: Colaba, South Mumbai
When: Daily
Most popular for: Clothes and jewellery
One of the most popular Mumbai shopping markets, Colaba Causeway can be an unparalleled shopping experience for a first timer. This is one street where you can find everything under the sun in the many streetside stalls. From clothes to watches to shoes to toys, you’ll be able to spend hours bargaining for what you need. The imitation jewellery is a special hit here, so make sure you check it out.
Zaveri Bazaar
Where: Near Mumbadevi Temple, South Mumbai
When: Daily, except Sundays
Most popular for: Gold items
You wouldn’t normally associate street markets with precious metals but this is possible in Zaveri Bazaar. One of the oldest gold markets in India, it has thousands of shops, some of which date back over a hundred years. There’s a lot of history in this market and a lot of wealth as well. You can find gold, silver and platinum jewellery here. But hey, make sure that you get proper certification for your products because, well, not everything that glitters is actually gold.
Dadar Flower Market
Where: Tulsi Pipe Road, Parel
When: Daily, but best between 4am and 9am, especially during festivals.
Most popular for: Flowers
Dadar flower market is the largest and most famous wholesale flower market in the city. It’s got hundreds of stalls selling fresh flowers for garlands, weddings and other events. You can pick up some fresh blooms for your house or for a festival celebration but it’s best to head there with a camera to capture the beautiful sight of the flower-laden trucks at sunrise. Truly one for the ‘gram.
Crawford Market
Where: Fort, South Mumbai
When: Daily, except Sunday
Most popular for: Fruits, vegetables, spices
Crawford has officially been renamed as Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandi but when it comes to street shopping in Mumbai, its old name is the one that leads all the lists. This old-school wholesale market is the best place for fruits, vegetables, fabric, food items and toys. You will be able to find everything you need at the cheapest prices and the quality is guaranteed to be good as well. Perfect for small business owners or individuals who love to cook with the best produce.
Book Street
Where: Near CST, Fort, South Mumbai
When: Daily, 10am to 8pm.
Most popular for: Books
For any bibliophile in Mumbai, Book street is truly a street shopping paradise. Here you’ll be able to pick up a range of new and secondhand books at the most affordable rates. From poetry collections to academic texts to popular novels to rare editions, you’re sure to find any book you’re looking for and some hidden gems too. Make sure you ask your vendors for their opinions as they are usually well-informed and can give you lots of great tips.
Lalbaug Market
Where: Under Lalbaug flyover, Dadar
When: Daily, except Mondays
Most popular for: Spices
If Crawford market is famous for the tourists, Lalbaug market is where you’ll find most locals picking up their favourite masalas. Most of the spices are dried and ground in this area itself and you can even have them roasted, ground and mixed into a blend of your choosing. Many of the shops here have been in business for the last eighty years which shows you just how popular their products are in the city. It’s not just spices, you’ll also find a lot of local snacks and pickles on sale here, so make sure you try those too.
Fashion Street
Where: MG Road, South Mumbai
When: Daily
Most popular for: Clothes and shoes
If fashion is your passion, then some of the best street shopping in Mumbai can be found in Fashion Street. It’s named that way because of the hundred and fifty odd stalls that line the road here selling the latest fashion items and designer knock-offs at the cheapest prices. This is a big hit with teenagers and college students who have limited budgets. And while it’s okay to compromise on quality when it comes to street shopping, it’s not okay to do the same with your accommodation. That’s why brands like Stanza Living have come up with affordable managed housing solutions for students and young professionals new to the city. Now you never have to compromise on the quality of your life. Check their website for more details.
Dharavi Leather Market
Where: Dharavi, Sion
When: Daily, 11am to 9pm
Most popular for: Leather jackets, bags, wallets, belts
When you think of a street market in Mumbai, you might not think of Dharavi, which is usually known for being the largest slum in South Asia. But it’s actually also the site of some of the best cottage industries. The leather industry is one such flourishing trade that takes place in the area. Leather goods from the area are exported all over the world. You can pick up some great quality goods from the 200 shops in the market at very reasonable prices. Remember to bargain for a better deal.
Linking Road
Where: Bandra West
When: Daily
Most popular for: Clothes, bags, shoes, accessories
Another street shopping option that’s a favourite with youngsters, the linking road market is a mix of high-end and fast fashion. You’ll find street stalls coexisting with stores from expensive foreign brands and equally bustling crowds in both places. Since stalls selling similar items tend to be grouped together, make sure you check out what’s on offer in multiple places before you commit to a particular price.
And these are some of the best street shopping markets in Mumbai. Happy shopping.
