Bazar Bombay (also referred to as the Bombay Main Bazar or Bombay Bazar) is the bustling market area of Mumbai which houses goods like spices, cloth, antiques, and even street food. These lively traditional bazaars serve as the epicenter of Mumbai’s economy and culture, pulling in traders, tourists, and even photographers.
✔️ Mumbai’s top bazaars to see.
✔️ How to get there via flight, train, and local transport.
✔️ Where to stay around the markets
✔️ Foremost street food to try and shopping guidance.
✔️ Safety tips and how to negotiate prices.
✔️ Common questions for time visitors.
1. Mumbai’s best bazaars (Bazar Bombay highlights)
Crawford Market (The Oldest Market In Mumbai)
Famous for: Fresh fruits, spices, & imported goods.
Timings:10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Closed on Sundays.
Best buy: Mixtures of dried fruits, rich spices, and many more.
Chor Bazar (The “Thieves’ Market”)
Famous for: Beautiful antiques, vintage items, and quirky finds.
Best place for: Bargain hunters and Collectors.
Tip: Prices start at 3x the actual value, so haggle hard.
Zaveri Bazaar (Gold & Jewelry Hub)
Famous for: Gold ornaments, Traditional Indian jewellery and diamonds.
Budget range: Upper-middle class to luxuary.
Tip: Check for the BIS hallmark before buying gold.
Mangaldas market (The Home of Fabrics)
Using in wedding shopping: silk, cotton, and designer fabrics.
Colaba Causeway (Known for Souvineers)
Famous for: Handicrafts, leather goods, and other souvenirs in street shops.
2. How to access Bazar Bombay?
✈️ Via Plane:
Closest airport: Chhatrapati shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)
Distance from the airport to the markets is typically between: 20 – 25 km, triggering 1 hour by taxi.
Most effective means of transport are: prepaid taxi or Uber/Ola which cost 500 to 800 rupees.
🚂 By Train
Main Stations: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) & Churchgate
Local Trains: Western Line (for Crawford Market, Zaveri Bazar)
🚌 By Bus
Best Routes: From Airport: Bus 321 to Crawford Market
From South Mumbai: BEST buses to Colaba
🚇 By Metro
New Metro Line: Dahisar to Andheri (Important for Western suburbs)
3. Where to stay near Bazar Bombay?
Categories
Hotel Name
Price range (Nightly)
Why stay here?
Budget
Hotel City Palace
₹800-₹1500
Walking distance to Crawford Market
Mid-range
Taj Mahal Palace
₹10,000+
Luxury stay near Colaba
Budget Hostel
Backpacker Panda
₹500-₹1000
Social vibe, great for solo travelers
Must-Try Street Food in Bombay Bazar
At Chor Bazaar: Kala Khatta Gola
At Bademiya, Colaba: Keema Pav
At CST: Ashok Vada Pav
At Crawford Market: Malai Kulfi
Shopping & Bargaining Tips
✔️ Best practicing: Start haggling at 30% of quoted price
✔️ Carry cash (Card not accepted by many vendors)
✔️ Look for defects (Chor Bazaar antiques particularly check)
Safety Tips for Bombay Bazar
⚠️ Be aware of pickpockets (Bags kept closed)
⚠️ Late-night market visits aren’t a good idea (Most close by 9 pm)
⚠️ Take Uber/Ola instead of random taxis
FAQs About Bazar Bombay
Q1. Which market is best for souvenirs?
A: Colaba Causeway & Chor Bazaar.
Q2. Are Mumbai bazaars operational on Sundays?
A: Most are closed (with the exception of Colaba and the malls).
Q3. Can I find international brands in these markets?
A: No – these are traditional bazaars. For brands, head to Phoenix Mall.
Q4. Is English widely spoken in Bazar Bombay?
A: Yes, but knowing some basic Hindi/Marathi is useful.
Q5. What’s the best time to visit?
A: November to February (for this region’s pleasant weather).
Conclusion
Bazar Bombay offers picturesque views from Mumbai’s highlight chor bazaar to zaveri bazaar. Whether you’re shopping for some spices or jewelry or just soaking the vibe of the markets, you must visit those markets!
Tips: Beware of the distance and make sure to wear comfortable shoes.