Princess Street Market

Princess Street Market (Princess Street / Shamaldas Gandhi Marg) is one of the most prominent traditional shopping streets in South Mumbai, forming an important part of the city’s historic commercial core. Located close to Bhuleshwar, Kalbadevi, and other old trading districts, the market has long been associated with textiles, garments, and budget shopping. Over the decades, it has evolved into a reliable destination for both wholesale buyers and everyday shoppers.

The street is lined with a dense row of small to medium-sized shops selling fabrics, dress materials, ready-made garments, accessories, bags, and footwear. Many of these businesses are family-run and have been operating for generations, contributing to the market’s strong trading legacy. The focus here is practical commerce rather than tourist-oriented shopping, which keeps prices competitive and variety extensive.

Princess Street Market, Mumbai is especially popular among retailers and bulk buyers sourcing goods for resale, but individual shoppers also visit for affordable clothing options. Bargaining is a common practice, and prices often depend on quantity and negotiation skills. The market’s close integration with nearby wholesale hubs like Mangaldas Market and Bhuleshwar Market further strengthens its position within Mumbai’s textile ecosystem.

Despite congestion and narrow lanes, the market offers an authentic old-Mumbai experience. The constant movement, traditional shopfronts, and local clientele reflect the everyday commercial rhythm of the city. For anyone interested in understanding Mumbai’s traditional trade culture, Princess Street Market remains a significant and active marketplace.

Princess Street Market (Princess Street / Shamaldas Gandhi Marg) is centrally located in South Mumbai and is well connected by suburban trains, metro lines, buses, and road transport. Due to narrow lanes and heavy footfall, public transport is usually the most convenient way to reach the market.


By Train 🚆
The nearest railway station is Marine Lines on the Western Railway line, located around 1 km from the market. From the station, the market can be reached by a 10–15 minute walk or a short taxi ride. CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) on the Central line is another option, around 2 km away.

Local train fares typically range from ₹5 to ₹15, depending on distance.


By Metro 🚇
The closest metro access is via Metro Line 3 (Colaba–Bandra–SEEPZ) stations such as Kalbadevi / Girgaon area stations, depending on operational sections. From the metro exit, the market is usually a short walk or auto-rickshaw ride.

Metro fares generally range from ₹10 to ₹60.


By Bus 🚌
BEST buses frequently operate through Kalbadevi, Bhuleshwar, and nearby South Mumbai routes. Bus stops near Bhuleshwar Market and Marine Lines provide easy access.

Bus fares are budget-friendly, usually between ₹5 and ₹20.


By Taxi / Auto 🚕
Taxis are easily available across Mumbai and are suitable for direct access, though traffic congestion is common during peak hours. Auto-rickshaws are generally restricted in South Mumbai.

Taxi fares vary based on distance, starting from approximately ₹28–₹30 for short trips.


Overall, visiting Princess Street Market, Mumbai during non-peak hours and using trains or buses helps avoid traffic delays and parking challenges.

Princess Street Market (Princess Street / Shamaldas Gandhi Marg) is surrounded by some of the most popular local food spots in South Mumbai, making it easy for shoppers and traders to grab quick meals or snacks during shopping breaks. The food options here are mostly simple, affordable, and focused on fast service.

The nearby Bhuleshwar and Kalbadevi areas are known for traditional vegetarian eateries, snack stalls, and small restaurants serving classic Mumbai flavours. You will find places offering South Indian meals, Maharashtrian snacks, North Indian thalis, and street-style fast food within walking distance of the market.

Vegetarian food is widely available, especially near temples and old market lanes, while limited non-vegetarian options can be found slightly farther towards Marine Lines and Dhobi Talao. Popular choices include idli, dosa, vada pav, pav bhaji, samosas, chaat items, and fresh juices. Many food joints cater to budget shoppers and wholesale buyers who prefer quick and filling meals.

Price ranges are generally pocket-friendly, with
- snacks starting from ₹20–₹50
- regular meals costing around ₹80–₹200
- restaurant dining near Marine Lines ranging between ₹250–₹500 per person.

Due to the market’s busy nature, most food places operate during daytime hours. Exploring nearby food options adds comfort and convenience to a shopping visit at Princess Street Market, Mumbai.

Princess Street Market (Princess Street / Shamaldas Gandhi Marg) has a long and layered history that reflects the commercial growth of South Mumbai. The street originated during the British colonial period, when planned roads were developed to connect emerging residential areas with key business districts. Princess Street historically linked the Marine Lines area with the older trading zones around Dhobi Talao, Kalbadevi, and Bhuleshwar.

Over time, the street gained prominence due to its strategic location close to Mumbai’s traditional wholesale markets. Its proximity to hubs dealing in textiles, jewellery, and daily trading goods gradually transformed Princess Street into a specialised commercial stretch. The road was officially renamed Shamaldas Gandhi Marg, but the older name continues to be widely used in everyday conversations and trade references.

By the mid twentieth century, Princess Street Market, Mumbai had firmly established itself as a centre for garment and fabric businesses. Shops dealing in dress materials, cotton fabrics, ready-made clothing, and accessories became dominant. Many trading families set up long-term establishments, passing businesses from one generation to the next and strengthening the market’s reputation as a dependable sourcing destination.

Unlike newly developed shopping zones, the market retained its functional character. There was little emphasis on modern retail formats, allowing traditional wholesale practices and bargaining systems to survive. Today, Princess Street Market stands as a living example of Mumbai’s historic trading culture, continuing to serve retailers, bulk buyers, and local shoppers while preserving its old-city commercial identity.

Princess Street Market (Princess Street / Shamaldas Gandhi Marg) reflects the practical and trade-oriented urban design typical of old commercial districts in South Mumbai. The market is set along a narrow road with tightly packed shopfronts on both sides, creating a dense and continuous retail corridor. This compact layout developed during the colonial period, when streets were planned for efficiency rather than pedestrian comfort.

Most buildings along the street are low-rise structures, often with shops occupying the ground floor and residential or storage spaces above. The architecture is functional, with simple facades, traditional shutters, and signboards displaying business names and product categories. Decorative elements are minimal, as the primary focus has always been commerce and storage rather than visual appeal.

The street layout leaves limited space for pedestrians, especially during peak shopping hours. Delivery vehicles, handcarts, and customer movement share the same narrow lanes, contributing to congestion. Despite this, the arrangement allows easy access to multiple fabric and garment shops within a short walking distance, which is particularly convenient for bulk buyers.

Princess Street Market, Mumbai blends colonial-era road planning with organic commercial growth. The surrounding lanes connect seamlessly with nearby markets like Bhuleshwar and Kalbadevi, forming an interconnected trading network. This tightly woven layout reinforces the market’s role as a working commercial zone rather than a modern shopping destination, preserving its traditional market character.

Princess Street Market (Princess Street / Shamaldas Gandhi Marg) is best known for its wide range of affordable garments, fabrics, and fashion-related goods, catering mainly to wholesale buyers, retailers, and budget-conscious shoppers. The market plays an important role in Mumbai’s traditional textile and apparel supply chain.

One of the main attractions of Princess Street Market, Mumbai is its extensive collection of fabrics. Shops here sell cotton fabrics, synthetic materials, dress materials, linings, and seasonal textiles in multiple colours and patterns.

These are commonly purchased by tailors, boutique owners, and small retailers sourcing material in bulk. Prices often vary based on quantity, making bulk purchases more economical.

Ready-made garments are another major category. You will find casual wear, ethnic clothing, women’s apparel, children’s garments, and basic daily-wear items. Many shops focus on fast-moving designs suited for resale rather than branded fashion. Accessories such as dupattas, scarves, innerwear, leggings, bags, belts, and costume jewellery are also widely available.

Footwear and small fashion items can be found in select stores, usually at competitive prices. The emphasis across the market remains on utility, volume, and value rather than premium quality.

Bargaining is commonly practiced, and experienced buyers often secure better deals. Overall, Princess Street Market is ideal for sourcing clothing and fabrics at budget rates within an authentic wholesale market environment.

Princess Street Market (Princess Street / Shamaldas Gandhi Marg) offers a shopping experience that is deeply rooted in Mumbai’s traditional trade culture. The market is active throughout the day, with peak footfall during late mornings and afternoons when retailers and bulk buyers arrive to place orders. Unlike modern malls, the atmosphere here is functional, fast-paced, and focused on transactions.

Visitors will notice constant movement along the narrow street, with shopkeepers negotiating prices, customers inspecting fabrics, and goods being transported using handcarts. Bargaining is an accepted and expected part of shopping, especially for garments and fabrics. Prices are often flexible, depending on quantity, familiarity with sellers, and negotiation skills.

The market caters more to local shoppers, traders, and resellers rather than tourists. First-time visitors may find the crowd and congestion overwhelming, but regular buyers appreciate the efficiency and variety available within a compact space.

Shopkeepers are generally knowledgeable about their products and provide practical assistance rather than promotional sales pitches.

Despite limited walking space and noise, Princess Street Market, Mumbai delivers an authentic old-city market experience. The absence of polished storefronts and branded outlets adds to its character.

For those interested in observing Mumbai’s everyday commerce and sourcing affordable goods, the market offers a realistic and engaging shopping environment shaped by decades of trading tradition.

Princess Street Market (Princess Street / Shamaldas Gandhi Marg) can be visited throughout the year, but timing plays an important role in ensuring a comfortable and productive shopping experience. Since the market primarily serves wholesale buyers and local shoppers, daytime hours are the most active and practical for visiting.

The best time to visit Princess Street Market, Mumbai is on weekday mornings, preferably between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. During this period, shops are fully operational, crowds are relatively manageable, and shopkeepers are more attentive to customers. Bulk buyers and traders often prefer early visits to finalise purchases before peak congestion sets in.

Afternoons tend to be busier, especially between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, when footfall increases and narrow lanes become crowded. Weekends, particularly Saturdays, see heavier crowds due to retail shoppers, making movement slower and bargaining more difficult. Sundays usually have partial closures or reduced activity.

Seasonally, the market remains active year-round, but shopping demand increases before festive periods such as Diwali, Eid, and the wedding season, leading to higher crowds.

Visiting during cooler months from October to February offers a more comfortable experience compared to the hot and humid summer months.

Princess Street Market (Princess Street / Shamaldas Gandhi Marg) operates on a strong bargaining culture that reflects its wholesale and trade-oriented nature. Prices quoted by shopkeepers are often flexible, especially for garments, fabrics, and accessories. Bargaining is not only accepted but expected, particularly for bulk purchases.

Buyers looking for better deals should start by enquiring at multiple shops before finalising a purchase. Comparing prices helps understand the prevailing rates and strengthens negotiation confidence. Shopkeepers usually offer better prices when quantities are higher, as the market largely caters to resellers and retailers rather than single-item buyers.

Polite and practical communication works best in Princess Street Market, Mumbai. Aggressive bargaining is generally discouraged, while respectful negotiation often results in reasonable discounts. Regular buyers and repeat customers tend to receive better pricing, as long-term business relationships are valued in this market.

Cash payments are commonly preferred, although some shops may accept digital payments. It is advisable to confirm prices clearly before billing, especially when buying multiple items. Keeping exact change and inspecting goods carefully before purchase are standard practices. Understanding these local customs helps visitors navigate the market efficiently and ensures a smoother shopping experience.

Princess Street Market (Princess Street / Shamaldas Gandhi Marg) has limited parking facilities due to its narrow lanes and dense commercial setup. The market area was developed long before private vehicle usage became common, making on-street parking scarce and often impractical during business hours.

There is no dedicated parking within Princess Street itself. Visitors arriving by private vehicles usually rely on nearby public or paid parking areas around Marine Lines, Dhobi Talao, and adjoining roads near Kalbadevi. These parking spaces are typically located a short walking distance from the market.

Parking charges may vary depending on location and duration,
usually ranging from ₹30 to ₹100 per hour.

Two-wheelers are slightly easier to manage than cars, but finding space can still be challenging during peak shopping hours. Illegal roadside parking is discouraged, as towing and fines are common in South Mumbai’s commercial zones. It is advisable to check signage carefully before parking.

Accessibility within the market is limited for elderly visitors and those with mobility issues due to uneven pavements, congestion, and continuous movement of goods. For convenience, using public transport such as trains or buses is strongly recommended when visiting Princess Street Market, Mumbai, especially during weekdays and festive seasons.

Princess Street Market (Princess Street / Shamaldas Gandhi Marg) is generally safe for visitors, but due to heavy crowds and narrow lanes, basic precautions are essential. The market experiences high footfall during business hours, especially on weekdays and pre-festive seasons, which can make movement slow and tiring.

Visitors are advised to keep personal belongings secure at all times. Carrying backpacks on the front and avoiding loose pockets helps prevent pickpocketing in crowded areas. Since the market involves frequent handling of goods and cash, maintaining awareness of surroundings is important.

Footpaths in Princess Street Market, Mumbai are uneven and sometimes occupied by vendors or parked handcarts. Wearing comfortable footwear is recommended to navigate the street safely. Shoppers should be cautious while crossing the road, as delivery vehicles and carts move through narrow spaces without fixed lanes.

It is advisable to avoid visiting during peak afternoon hours if travelling with elderly family members or children. Staying hydrated, taking short breaks, and planning purchases in advance improves the overall experience. Following these practical tips ensures a safer and more manageable visit to Princess Street Market.