Crawford Market, officially known as Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai, is one of Mumbai’s most iconic shopping destinations. Known for its bustling atmosphere, diverse range of products, and colonial-era charm, this market attracts locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, imported chocolates, rare spices, exotic dry fruits, household goods, or pet supplies, Crawford Market shopping offers everything under one roof.
However, before planning your shopping trip, it is important to know the market’s operating hours and weekly holiday to avoid disappointment. Crawford Market is closed on Sundays, making it crucial for shoppers to schedule their visit on weekdays or Saturdays. If you’re planning to explore multiple markets and attractions in one day, a Mumbai Darshan Bus can help you navigate different locations conveniently while ensuring a comfortable and efficient shopping experience.
In this detailed guide, we will explore Crawford Market’s timings, best days to shop, things to buy, and essential tips to make your shopping trip smooth and hassle-free.
Crawford Market Timings & Weekly Off Day
✔ Opening Days: Monday to Saturday
✔ Closed On: Sunday
✔ Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Crawford Market operates Monday to Saturday and remains closed every Sunday. If you’re planning a shopping trip, it’s best to visit early in the day to avoid crowds and get the freshest produce.
Why is Crawford Market Closed on Sundays?
Crawford Market is a wholesale and retail market, and most traders, vendors, and wholesalers restock their supplies on Sundays. Since the market mainly caters to businesses, retailers, and bulk buyers, vendors take this weekly break to replenish their stock, clean their stalls, and prepare for the coming week.
While Crawford Market itself remains closed on Sundays, some nearby street vendors and food stalls might still operate, but with limited availability.
Best Days to Visit Crawford Market
If you want to make the most of your Crawford Market shopping experience, visiting on the right day and time can make a big difference.
1. Best Days to Shop for Fresh Produce & Groceries
✔ Monday & Tuesday – Best for fresh fruits, vegetables, and grocery shopping since vendors restock their supplies after the weekend.
✔ Wednesday to Friday – Ideal for spices, dry fruits, and imported food items.
2. Best Days to Shop for Household Goods & Miscellaneous Items
✔ Thursday & Friday – Less crowded, making it the best time to explore pet supplies, cosmetics, stationery, and household goods.
3. Best Day for Wholesale & Bulk Shopping
✔ Saturday – The busiest day for wholesale and bulk buyers. If you need to purchase items in large quantities at wholesale rates, Saturday is the best day to visit.
✔ Avoid Evenings (Post 5 PM): Crawford Market gets extremely crowded in the evenings, making shopping difficult. Visiting between 10 AM and 2 PM ensures a better shopping experience.
What Can You Buy at Crawford Market?
Crawford Market is one of Mumbai’s most famous shopping hubs, offering an extensive variety of products at affordable prices. Here’s what makes Crawford Market shopping so popular:
1. Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
✔ Exotic fruits like avocados, kiwis, dragon fruit, and blueberries.
✔ Seasonal Indian fruits like Alphonso mangoes, custard apples, and pomegranates.
✔ Fresh vegetables sourced from farms across India.
2. Imported Chocolates & Gourmet Food Items
✔ Premium chocolate brands like Ferrero Rocher, Toblerone, Lindt, and Hershey’s.
✔ Exotic cheeses, pasta, sauces, and gourmet coffee.
✔ Canned goods, nuts, and flavored syrups from international brands.
3. Spices & Dry Fruits
✔ Kashmiri saffron, black cardamom, and organic turmeric.
✔ High-quality almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and raisins.
✔ Freshly ground masalas for Indian cooking.
4. Pet Supplies & Accessories
✔ Dogs, cats, birds, and aquarium fish (only from licensed vendors).
✔ Pet food, beds, cages, and grooming products.
5. Home Essentials & Kitchenware
✔ Stainless steel utensils, non-stick cookware, and storage solutions.
✔ Home cleaning supplies, detergents, and household accessories.
6. Stationery, Toys & Party Supplies
✔ Art supplies, books, and school essentials.
✔ Festival decorations like Christmas decor, Diwali lights, and wedding supplies.
Essential Tips for a Smooth Shopping Experience at Crawford Market
Shopping at Crawford Market can be exciting but also overwhelming due to large crowds and narrow lanes. Follow these tips to make your shopping trip enjoyable and efficient:
✔ Visit Early: The market gets crowded by afternoon, so shop early in the day to get better deals and fresh stock.
✔ Bargain Smartly: Vendors expect negotiation, so don’t hesitate to ask for discounts.
✔ Carry Cash: Many vendors don’t accept digital payments, so keep small cash denominations handy.
✔ Stay Hydrated: Shopping in Mumbai’s humid weather can be exhausting. Carry a water bottle or drink coconut water or fresh juice while exploring.
✔ Use a Mumbai Darshan Bus: If you plan to explore multiple shopping hubs in a day, using a Mumbai Darshan Bus is a comfortable and time-saving option.
How to Reach Crawford Market?
Crawford Market is centrally located in South Mumbai, making it easily accessible by various modes of transport:
✔ By Train: Take the local train to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) and walk for 10 minutes.
✔ By Taxi: Mumbai’s black-and-yellow taxis and app-based cabs are available.
✔ By Mumbai Darshan Bus: If you plan to cover multiple shopping and sightseeing locations, the Mumbai Darshan Bus is the best way to travel hassle-free.
Why Crawford Market is a Must-Visit Shopping Destination?
✔ Historic Charm: One of Mumbai’s oldest markets with a unique colonial-era structure.
✔ Everything Under One Roof: From fruits, dry fruits, and chocolates to pet supplies and kitchenware, you can find everything in one place.
✔ Wholesale & Retail Prices: Offers affordable prices with options to buy in bulk or individual quantities.
✔ Centrally Located: Close to major attractions like CST, Marine Drive, and Colaba Causeway.
✔ Vibrant Shopping Atmosphere: A mix of local vendors, traders, and tourists, making it an exciting shopping experience.
Final Thoughts
Crawford Market is a must-visit shopping destination in Mumbai, offering an unmatched variety of products at affordable prices. However, since Crawford Market is closed on Sundays, it is best to plan your visit on weekdays or Saturdays. If you want to explore multiple markets in one day, booking a Mumbai Darshan Bus can make your shopping and sightseeing trip comfortable and stress-free.
So, the next time you're in Mumbai, don’t miss the chance to experience Crawford Market shopping, bargain like a pro, and take home unique finds and fantastic deals!
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