Mumbai, the city of dreams, is not just a hub of culture, history, and entertainment—it’s also a fantastic place to shop for unique souvenirs. Whether you’re looking for traditional Indian handicrafts, trendy fashion, or quirky keepsakes, Mumbai has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore the best souvenirs to buy in Mumbai and where to find them. Let’s dive in!
1. Traditional Indian Handicrafts
What to Buy:
- Handmade Jewelry: Intricately designed earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
- Wooden Carvings: Beautifully carved wooden statues, boxes, and figurines.
- Textiles: Handwoven sarees, scarves, and table linens.
Where to Buy:
- Colaba Causeway: Known for its vibrant street markets and affordable prices.
- Crawford Market: A historic market offering a wide range of handicrafts.
- Chor Bazaar: A treasure trove of antiques and unique finds.
Tips:
- Bargain hard to get the best deals.
- Check for authenticity and quality before purchasing.
2. Bollywood Memorabilia
What to Buy:
- Movie Posters: Vintage and contemporary Bollywood movie posters.
- Action Figures: Figurines of famous Bollywood stars.
- Soundtracks: CDs and vinyl records of popular Bollywood songs.
Where to Buy:
- Chor Bazaar: Known for its unique and quirky items.
- Fashion Street: A popular shopping destination for trendy fashion and accessories.
- Bandra: Home to several shops selling Bollywood memorabilia.
Tips:
- Look for authentic and licensed products.
- Bargain hard to get the best prices.
3. Spices and Tea
What to Buy:
- Spices: A variety of Indian spices like turmeric, cardamom, and cumin.
- Tea: High-quality Indian teas like Darjeeling and Assam.
Where to Buy:
- Crawford Market: Known for its fresh produce and spices.
- Colaba Causeway: Offers a wide range of spices and teas.
- Dadar Market: A bustling market with a variety of spices and teas.
Tips:
- Buy from reputable vendors to ensure quality.
- Check for proper packaging and labeling.
4. Ethnic Wear
What to Buy:
- Sarees: Traditional Indian sarees in silk, cotton, and chiffon.
- Kurtas: Stylish and comfortable Indian tunics.
- Lehengas: Elegant and ornate Indian skirts.
Where to Buy:
- Colaba Causeway: Known for its trendy fashion and affordable prices.
- Linking Road: A popular shopping street in Bandra.
- Zaveri Bazaar: Offers a wide range of traditional Indian clothing.
Tips:
- Bargain hard to get the best deals.
- Check for quality and craftsmanship.
5. Jewelry
What to Buy:
- Gold and Silver Jewelry: Traditional Indian jewelry with intricate designs.
- Fashion Jewelry: Trendy and affordable accessories.
- Pearls and Gemstones: High-quality pearls and gemstone jewelry.
Where to Buy:
- Zaveri Bazaar: One of Mumbai’s most famous jewelry markets.
- Colaba Causeway: Offers a wide range of fashion jewelry.
- Chor Bazaar: Known for its unique and antique jewelry.
Tips:
- Check for authenticity and quality.
- Bargain hard to get the best prices.
6. Art and Paintings
What to Buy:
- Traditional Indian Art: Miniature paintings, Madhubani art, and Tanjore paintings.
- Contemporary Art: Modern and abstract paintings by local artists.
- Photography: Stunning photographs of Mumbai’s landmarks and street life.
Where to Buy:
- Jehangir Art Gallery: A premier art gallery in Mumbai.
- Colaba Art District: Known for its art galleries and exhibitions.
- Chor Bazaar: Offers a variety of traditional and contemporary art.
Tips:
- Look for signed and authenticated pieces.
- Check for proper framing and preservation.
7. Books and Literature
What to Buy:
- Indian Literature: Books by famous Indian authors like Salman Rushdie and Arundhati Roy.
- Travel Guides: Guidebooks and maps of Mumbai and India.
- Cookbooks: Indian cookbooks with traditional recipes.
Where to Buy:
- Kitab Khana: A popular bookstore in Fort.
- Crossword Bookstore: Offers a wide range of books and literature.
- Chor Bazaar: Known for its vintage and rare books.
Tips:
- Check for editions and conditions of the books.
- Look for signed copies and first editions.
8. Home Decor
What to Buy:
- Cushion Covers: Handmade cushion covers with traditional Indian designs.
- Lamps and Lanterns: Beautifully crafted lamps and lanterns.
- Wall Hangings: Intricately designed wall hangings and tapestries.
Where to Buy:
- Colaba Causeway: Known for its vibrant street markets and affordable prices.
- Crawford Market: Offers a wide range of home decor items.
- Chor Bazaar: A treasure trove of unique and antique home decor.
Tips:
- Bargain hard to get the best deals.
- Check for quality and craftsmanship.
9. Quirky Keepsakes
What to Buy:
- Keychains: Unique and quirky keychains with Mumbai-themed designs.
- Mugs and Coasters: Mumbai-themed mugs and coasters.
- Tote Bags: Stylish and eco-friendly tote bags with Mumbai-inspired prints.
Where to Buy:
- Colaba Causeway: Known for its trendy fashion and affordable prices.
- Fashion Street: A popular shopping destination for quirky keepsakes.
- Bandra: Home to several shops selling unique and quirky items.
Tips:
- Look for unique and creative designs.
- Bargain hard to get the best prices.
10. Street Food Kits
What to Buy:
- Spice Kits: Pre-packaged spice kits for making Indian dishes.
- Snack Packs: Ready-to-eat snack packs of popular Indian street food.
- Cooking Kits: DIY cooking kits for making Indian street food at home.
Where to Buy:
- Crawford Market: Known for its fresh produce and spices.
- Colaba Causeway: Offers a wide range of street food kits.
- Dadar Market: A bustling market with a variety of street food kits.
Tips:
- Check for proper packaging and labeling.
- Buy from reputable vendors to ensure quality.
Tips for Buying Souvenirs in Mumbai
1. Bargain Hard
- Bargaining is a common practice in street markets, so don’t be afraid to negotiate for the best price.
2. Carry Cash
- Many street vendors and smaller shops do not accept cards, so carry enough cash.
3. Check for Authenticity
- When buying high-value items like jewelry or art, ensure they are authentic and come with a warranty.
4. Visit During Off-Peak Hours
- Visit markets during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds.
5. Stay Hydrated
- Carry a water bottle, especially when shopping in crowded markets.
Conclusion
Mumbai offers a diverse range of souvenirs that capture the essence of the city’s vibrant culture and heritage. Whether you’re looking for traditional Indian handicrafts, trendy fashion, or quirky keepsakes, this guide to the best souvenirs to buy in Mumbai will help you find the perfect mementos. So, grab your shopping bags, explore the bustling markets, and take home a piece of Mumbai’s charm!