Chor Bazaar Mumbai: Location, How to Reach, Safety Tips, and What to Expect

Mumbai is a city full of life, and if you love shopping for unique and old things, you might have heard about Chor Bazaar. It is one of the most famous flea markets in India, where you can find antiques, vintage items, and second-hand goods at throwaway prices. Many tourists and locals visit this market looking for rare finds and cheap deals. But if you have never been there, you might have many questions. Where is it? How do you reach there? Is it safe? Is it even legal? I will answer all of these questions for you in this post.

Chor Bazaar is in South Mumbai, near Mohammad Ali Road, in the Bhendi Bazaar area. The exact address is Mutton Street, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400003. You can reach it by train, bus, or taxi. The market is open every day except Friday, and it is safe if you take basic precautions. The market is legal, but some sellers might deal in stolen or fake goods, so you have to be careful.

1. Where Exactly is Chor Bazaar?

Chor Bazaar is located in the heart of South Mumbai, in an area called Bhendi Bazaar. The main street where the market is set up is called Mutton Street. If you are searching for it on Google Maps, you can type “Chor Bazaar Mumbai” and it will take you to the right place.

This market has existed for more than 150 years. The name “Chor Bazaar” means “Thief Market” in Hindi, but it did not start as a place for stolen goods. Some say the name came from the British mispronouncing “Shor Bazaar” (which means “Noisy Market”). Over time, the name stuck, and because stolen goods were sometimes found here, the name became even more popular.

2. How to Reach Chor Bazaar?

There are different ways to reach Chor Bazaar, depending on where you are coming from in Mumbai. Here are the best ways:

• By Local Train: The closest railway station to Chor Bazaar is Grant Road Station (Western Line). From there, it is about a 10-15 minute walk to the market. You can also take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw.
• By Bus: Many BEST buses go towards Bhendi Bazaar and Mohammad Ali Road. If you are coming from suburbs like Andheri or Borivali, you can take a bus to Crawford Market or Mohammad Ali Road and walk from there.
• By Taxi or Auto: You can take a black-and-yellow taxi or an app-based cab like Uber or Ola. If you are nearby, an auto-rickshaw is also an option.
• By Car: If you are driving, parking can be difficult because the streets are narrow and crowded. It is better to park somewhere nearby and walk to the market.

3. What Can You Buy at Chor Bazaar?

Chor Bazaar is famous for second-hand, antique, and unique items. Here are some things you will find:

• Vintage Collectibles: Old coins, gramophones, typewriters, and film posters.
• Antique Furniture: Wooden cabinets, chairs, and other furniture items that have an old-world charm.
• Old Bollywood Memorabilia: Posters, vinyl records, and film props.
• Electronic Goods: Second-hand mobile phones, cameras, and spare parts.
• Automobile Parts: Car accessories and spare parts, especially for vintage cars.
• Fake Branded Items: You will find copies of branded watches, bags, and shoes at very cheap prices.

Many shops specialize in certain types of goods, so it is good to explore before you buy anything.

4. Is Chor Bazaar Safe?

Yes, Chor Bazaar is generally safe, but you should be careful about a few things:

• Beware of Pickpockets: The market is crowded, so keep your wallet and phone safe.
• Check Before You Buy: Some sellers might try to sell broken or fake items. Inspect everything properly.
• Avoid Carrying Too Much Cash: It is better to carry only what you need.
• Go During the Day: The market is best visited in daylight when all shops are open and there are plenty of people around.

If you take these basic precautions, you will have no problems exploring the market.

5. Is Chor Bazaar Legal?

Yes, Chor Bazaar is a legal market. However, because of its history, some people believe it is a place for stolen goods. While most shops sell legal second-hand or antique items, there have been cases where stolen goods were found here. That is why you need to be careful and ask for proper receipts whenever possible. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

6. When is the Best Time to Visit?

• Best Days: The market is open all days of the week except Friday. Shops start opening around 11 AM and close by 7 PM.
• Best Time: If you want to avoid crowds, go in the morning.
• Special Days: Sundays are the busiest days, and you will find a wider range of goods.

7. Can You Bargain at Chor Bazaar?

Yes! Bargaining is a must in Chor Bazaar. Shopkeepers will often quote high prices, expecting you to negotiate. Here are some tips:

• Start by offering half of what they ask for and then slowly increase.
• Walk away if you are not happy with the price. Many times, they will call you back with a better offer.
• Compare prices between shops before making a decision.
• Be polite but firm when negotiating.

8. Are There Any Good Places to Eat Nearby?

Yes, Chor Bazaar is close to some of Mumbai’s best food joints. If you are hungry, here are some places you can check out:

• Bademiya: Famous for kebabs and rolls, this place is just a short ride away.
• Noor Mohammadi Hotel: Known for its Chicken Sanju Baba, this is a must-try for non-veg lovers.
• Shalimar Restaurant: Great for Mughlai food, including biryani and kebabs.
• Bhurji Pav Stalls: Near Mohammad Ali Road, you will find street stalls selling spicy egg bhurji with pav.

Summary

Chor Bazaar is a fascinating market in Mumbai, located on Mutton Street near Mohammad Ali Road. You can reach it by train, bus, or taxi, and it is best visited during the day. While the market is legal, you should be careful about what you buy and always check items properly. It is a great place for finding antiques, vintage items, and unique second-hand goods at bargain prices. If you love exploring markets, this is a place you must visit at least once!

If you have any questions, comment below!