30 Jun 2025, Mon

Bazar Bombay: The Definitive Guide to the Legendary Markets of Mumbai

Bazar Bombay ( Bombay Bazar)

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.

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