For every girl who believes that shopping is the ideal form of therapy, the city of Mumbai has a lot in store for you. Apart from being home to the country’s biggest Bollywood stars, top-notch restaurants, a striking cityscape and some beautiful architectural wonders, Mumbai is a gem if you have a soft spot for shopping – especially, street shopping. If you’re a true fashion girl, you know it doesn’t get better than street shopping. What’s so great about street shopping, you ask?
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Keeping it short and sweet, street shopping gets you on-trend styles and designs from established global and local brands/ labels at prices that are less than half the retail tag.
Now, isn’t that something you wouldn’t mind jumping out of bed for? We sure don’t! So, if you’re from Mumbai but don’t know much about street shopping or are in Mumbai for a vacation and want to take back some stylish souvenirs, you’re in for a great time. Read up all the best street shopping places in Mumbai and some tips and tricks for the beginner below:
Street Shopping Market In Mumbai
Tips For Street Shopping
Street Shopping in Mumbai
Mumbai has several street markets that are incredible to shop and so, it can get highly confusing to pick which one to go to. It’s best to plan ahead, based on what you’re looking for, how far you’re willing to travel and when you have the time to do some street shopping… and to plan ahead, you need to do your research. From where to shop to tips for street shopping Mumbai, we have info on everything you need to do it right.
Top 8 Markets For Street Shopping In Mumbai
As always, we got your back, ladies. We have the ultimate cheat sheet for street shopping in Mumbai and we bet it’s going to make your lives a whole lot easier. Here are our top 10 spots to get your street shopping fix in Mumbai along with when they’re open and how much you can bargain on a scale of 1 to 10.
1.Colaba Causeway
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A lane-long market in South Mumbai, Colaba Causeway holds multiple treasures for you to get lost in and around. Apart from lip-smacking food and beautiful Victorian-style buildings, which have been standing there since the British rule, Colaba Causeway is everything a street shopper wants and hopes for.
The market is great for artificial jewellery (including earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets and anklets), hair accessories, casual western clothing, footwear and also, sunglasses. And that’s not even the half of it – from antique clocks to live stalls for personalised jewellery, Colaba Causeway is street shopping heaven. Even though the sellers quote high, with some smooth bargaining, you can get all of this at next-to-nothing prices.
When you want to take a break from all the shopping, have a cold beer at either Cafe Mondegar or Leopold Cafe. Or if you’re in the mood for some incredible street food, head over to Baghdadi or Bademiya… trust us, you’d be missing out if you skipped the food. Also, the Gateway of India and the breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea is just minutes’ walk away.
Best for: Artificial jewellery and accessories
Where: Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg, Badhwar Park, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra (400005)
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 9:30 PM
Bargaining Level: 7
2. Crawford Market/Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai
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Crawford Market was named after the city’s first Municipal Commissioner, Arthur Crawford. And is now called Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai. The 150-year-old street market is more like a wonderland – it surprises you with something at every corner. Yes, there are things in the Crawford Market that will pop up unexpectedly at you. From a wide variety of foods, snacks and household items to cosmetics, party supplies and gift items, this market has dedicated lanes for each of the several offerings this old-school market or mandai offers.
Also, Chinese toys, crockery, perfumes (itar), artificial jewellery and flowers, fairy lights and stationery… there’s nothing you can miss at this street shopping haven. When you’re done with your bags and bags worth of shopping, walk over to Jaffer Bhai’s Delhi Darbar or Usmania hotel for delicious and authentic Mughlai food.
Best for: Party supplies, stationery and crockery
Where: Dhobi Talao, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Opening Hours: Opens at 10 AM; closed on Tuesdays
Bargaining Level: 5
3. Linking Road
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This one is situated in the heart of Bandra West, amongst the suburban hustle-bustle that Mumbai is known for. The Linking Road market has been a go-to shopping destination for years and years, which is why the market area was expanded beyond what it was originally. Whether you’ve got Rs 200 in your pocket or Rs 2,000, you’re going to score stylish picks from flea shops as well as the small fashion boutiques scattered across.
Not only are the goodies at the Linking Road market fashionable and on-trend but they are also decent when it comes to quality. You’ll find a good mix of branded and non-branded products in the stalls and small shops. It’s worth exploring the ones inside the building complex and street hawkers around as well – trust us. The prices are low and the clothes are on-trend, what more could you want? This is why people travel from across the city to hunt down the best deals from amongst the Linking Road market shops.
It’s best to plan your visit beforehand as the area is cramped, shops are small and is almost always crowded, but especially during evening time. So it would be ideal to not drive and just hitch a ride instead. That said, it’s a lot of fun to just walk around and browse through piles of discounted clothing and accessories, isn’t it?
Now, we all know shopping for hours isn’t as much fun if not accompanied by food. Lucky for you, with areas like Carter road and Bandstand in the area, there are enough eateries around this street market to explore. All in all, you’re set if the fashionista in you is in need of some serious retail therapy.
Best for: Clothes and accessories
Where: 487 Pali Village, Khar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400050
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Bargaining Level: 7
4. Fashion Street
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If you want to go somewhere you will like something, guaranteed, it is Fashion Street. Located in South Mumbai, this vibrant flea market will surprise you with a crowd that mostly consists of fashion conscious students and teenagers. With over 150 shops, this bustling street market is the budget-conscious fashion follower’s paradise.
Fashion Street’s 100+ shops have more in store for you than branded stores and malls can offer. We’re serious! If you’re on the hunt for trendy yet inexpensive clothing and accessory items for your collection, Fashion Street is one street shop which won’t disappoint you. These clothing styles and accessories are actually export surplus pieces which are sold often at incredibly low prices… sometimes, even at cost!
Within western wear, you can explore varieties of denim pieces, shirts and tops, footwear and accessories that you can own for next-to-nothing rates. If Indian wear is what you want, you can find some lovely traditional garments, colourful bangles and other jewellery as well. Brush up on your bargaining skills because if you’re prepared, you might be able to score some good deals.
Sure, multiple shopping bags in your hands are a thrilling sight but what sets this market apart from others is the fashion along with the fragrance of yummy street food and a mix of vibrant colours.
Best for: Clothes, accessories, gadgets, jewellery
Where: Opp. Azad Maidan, Karamveer Bhaurao Patil Marg, M.G. Road, South Mumbai Opening Hours: 11 AM – 8 PM
Bargaining Level: 6
5. Hill Road
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Similar to Delhi’s street market Janpath and Sarojini Nagar markets, Hill Road in Bandra is the spot you cannot skip if you love street shopping. This road, which has been renamed to be Ramdas Nayak Road, is a stretch that starts with a few hardware shops and small restaurants. The area that will blow you away starts from the Marks & Spencer building to St. Peter’s Church and can be divided into 3 prominent sections – Sona Shopping Centre, the Elco Market and other standalone shops that lie beyond.
- Sona Shopping Centre: Along with cool lingerie shops and tailoring boutiques, Sona Shopping Centre also houses readymade clothing shops that sell some great discounted yet trendy apparel and fashion accessories. One shop you must visit here is La Judi, a footwear shop with on-point shoes, from western and Indian flats to heels and loafers.
- Elco Arcade: Elco is known for its street food (such as paani puri and chaat) and ethnic wear shops. This area is pretty crowded but is worth visiting. If you get your clothes tailored, it’s a great idea to stop by Cheap Jack’s – a store full of clothing trims like lace, embellishment and tassels.
Best for: formal and casual wear, lingerie, imitation jewellery and footwear
Where: 4-A, Hill Rd, Sayed Wadi, Ranwar, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 9 PM
Bargaining Level: 4
6. Lokhandwala Market
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We have no doubt that you’ll end up hunting down whatever it is that you need in the Lokhandwala Market. Whether it’s elevating your style and wardrobe or acquiring the latest tech gadgets, whether it’s fabric or imported grocery items, you will get everything you want here.
Street shopping at the Lokhandwala market offers the best of footwear, fashion accessories, clothes, imitation jewellery et al. Bargaining is possible but not especially easy, so make sure you’re prepared with cash in your wallet. The prices aren’t high, so it will still be worth it.
Apart from the incredible street shopping, you must check out the cloth and fabric shops filled with treasures. Print and Weaves is one of our favourite shops for the best quality cloth – beautiful silks such as Chanderi, Maheshwari to handwoven dupattas for as less as Rs 1000 each. Garment shops, which you should stop by, include Glitz and Glam, BK Garment, Zero Degree, Imagine and more.
If that’s not enough, there’s a whole lot of food to scarf down after you’re done. We recommend the snacks at Hi-Point, Silli Chilli, street food like bhel and paani puri at the Lokhandwala Market.
Best for: clothing items, imitation jewellery and footwear
Where: 4-A, Hill Rd, Sayed Wadi, Ranwar, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 9 PM
Bargaining Level: 4
7. Chor Bazaar
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When it comes to street shopping, this market is THE place to be – not just for fashion but so much more. Chor Bazaar is a 150-year-old market that was initially ‘Shor Bazaar’ (noisy market). During British Raj, however, the English pronounced it wrong (chor bazaar) so it eventually changed to Chor Bazaar.
You will find fascination stolen goods at throwaway prices such as antiques, Victorian furniture, clothes and electronics – it’s tough to list everything you will stumble upon here.
Good news for all the bargain-mongers reading – if you’re good at it, this might be the place to be for you as most shop owners play along.
Best for: Brassware, electronics, hardware and tools, fashion and footwear, bronze items, furniture and cane goofs, vintage goods, stolen artefacts
Where: Mutton St, Ajmer, Kumbharwada, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400003
Opening Hours: Closes at 9 PM
Bargaining Level: 8
8. Hindmata Market
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Located in Dadar, South Mumbai, the Hindmata Cloth market is the place you need to be at if all your shopping list includes is Indianwear. Filled with loads of small shops selling in dress material and also readymade designs, this local favourite is for everyone looking for salwar suits, sarees, lehengas, cloth for gowns and suits and even sherwanis to add to their wardrobe.
The prices are below market range, bargaining is a task at Hindmata market.
The true treat is the range of Indian handloom sarees from across state borders such as Mangalgiri cotton, Chanderi, Supernet Kota, Bhagalpuri silk, chiffon Zakad and Induri. The shops to take note of include Kishor Kumar, Ashokpalav, Bharat Kshetra, Aanchal, Kareena and Harsh. You’ll be excited to know that Hindmata market also houses shops that sell copies of pure Banarasi sarees starting at over Rs 1,600…amazing, right?
For those looking to jazz up their homes, this market also offers a range of colours and fabrics for upholstery and Turkish bath towels.
Best for: – Dress material for sarees and suits, readymade Indian wear, home furnishing fabric and cloth
Where: Baba Saheb Ambedkar Marg, Dadar East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400014
Opening Hours: Closes at 10 PM
Bargaining Level: 4
Tips For Street Shopping In Mumbai
There are thoughts we all have while street shopping but let’s not get ahead of ourselves and prepare for a visit to the nearest market. Here are some tips if you’re a newbie:
1. A street market requires hours of standing and walking so don’t forget to slip into comfortable shoes, preferably running or training shoes.
2. The crowd can be overwhelming on weekends, so if you have an exhaustive shopping list pick a weekday to complete your street shopping.
3. Be prepared to work your charm while bargaining. Don’t be too pushy, nor too lax… and definitely not rude.
4. Forget about trying on clothes while street shopping, you’ll have to judge by the look of it.
5. More often than not, clothes you buy at street markets is export surplus – that is, rejects. So be careful and inspect your garments closely before shelling out that cash.
6. Do not drive to street markets because parking isn’t going to be a cakewalk, pretty naturally. Take public transport and plan your visit around the area’s peak traffic times. Google maps are your best friend, remember!
Wait, there’s more! We have some additional tips on how to conquer a street market or street shopping and you should take a peak.
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This story was updated in December 2019.
