Crawford Market Market

Address: Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai (formerly Crawford Market), Near Bhuleshwar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400002, India

Hours: Daily 10:00am-8:00pm (approximate; many individual shops open earlier)

Admission: Free entry to market; individual stalls vary

Crawford Market, officially Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai, is a historic covered market in south Mumbai dating to the late 19th century and known for its wholesale fruit and vegetable trade and ornate architecture.

Shoppers and visitors come for the market’s variety of produce, spices, and a distinctive pet section; the building’s stone facades and ironwork are frequently photographed. The market continues to function as a busy wholesale and retail hub serving traders and local residents.

Constructed in the late 1860s to early 1870s under British colonial administration, the market building was designed by architect William Emerson and combined functional market halls with decorative architectural elements. Over time it has been adapted for modern commercial use while retaining much of its original exterior.

Situated in south Mumbai near the Bhuleshwar and Grant Road areas, the market occupies a central position in the city’s historic wholesale district and is within walking distance of major railway stations.

• Name and function: Officially renamed Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai, it retains its 19th-century architecture and remains a major wholesale market in south Mumbai.
• Access: Located close to the Bhuleshwar and Chor Bazaar neighbourhoods, the market is easiest visited by foot from the adjacent metro and train stations in central Mumbai.

What to See#

• Main halls: The market’s covered hall contains a mix of wholesalers and small retailers, historically arranged with sections for fruits and vegetables, and separate areas for meat and fish trade.

Crawford Market is in South Mumbai, close to Bhuleshwar and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). From CSMT or Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station, it is a 15-25 minute walk west; local buses and taxis serve the area. The nearest suburban rail stops are Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Masjid Bunder.

• Visit early (before 10:00am) for the wholesale fruit and vegetable activity and colourful photography before the midday crowds.
• Explore the fish and spice sections and don't miss the adjacent Chor Bazaar (Sunday market) for antiques and curios.
• Keep valuables secure in the busy aisles and be ready to bargain with small shopkeepers in the side lanes.