If you’ve ever googled things to do in Mumbai, chances are Chor Bazaar has popped up.
Often called Mumbai’s “Thieves Market”, Chor Bazaar is one of the city’s oldest and most famous markets, known for its antiques, second-hand goods, and absolute sensory overload.
We decided to visit Chor Bazaar while in Mumbai with our kids and this was our honest experience.
Getting There: Take a Taxi
We took a taxi from our hotel to Chor Bazaar and honestly, I’d recommend doing the same.
Parking anywhere near the market would have been completely insane. The roads are busy, chaotic, and packed with people, scooters, stalls, and animals. Getting dropped off nearby and picked up again afterwards was by far the easiest option especially with kids. We actually did have our own car, but we still opted to take a taxi.
First Impressions: Chaos, Noise and… Goats
The first thing that hits you when you arrive at Chor Bazaar is the noise.
It’s:
- Loud
- Busy
- Crowded
- And very, very intense
There are people everywhere, stalls everywhere, traffic trying to squeeze through, and yes… goats wandering around too.
It can definitely feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to busy Indian markets. This is not a calm, leisurely browse kind of place.
What You’ll Find at Chor Bazaar
Chor Bazaar is famous for:
- Antiques
- Old furniture
- Brass and metalware
- Statues and religious items
- Random vintage bits and pieces
- Noisy Car Horns
- Pure Hustle and Bustle
- And a lot of things you can’t really describe until you see them
Some shops are proper antique stores, others are more like Aladdin’s caves of total randomness.
We ended up buying:
- A Ganesha statue
- And a couple of other small bits to take home
Even if you don’t plan to buy much, it’s fascinating just to walk around and look at what’s there.
Is Chor Bazaar Safe with Kids?
This is probably what most parents wonder.
Despite the chaos, we personally felt safe walking around with our kids. People were busy doing their own thing, and no one bothered us at all.
That said:
- It is very crowded
- It is very noisy
- And it can be sensory overload for some kids (and adults!)
Our kids were actually amazed by everything the animals, the shops, the noise, the sheer scale of it all but it’s definitely the kind of place you want to keep a close eye on them and not stay too long if everyone starts feeling frazzled.
Our Honest Verdict
Chor Bazaar is:
- Intense
- Chaotic
- Loud
- Overwhelming
But also:
- Fascinating
- Very “real” Mumbai
- And a totally unique experience
I wouldn’t say it’s a must-do for every family, but if you’re curious, comfortable with busy places, and want to see a very different side of Mumbai, it’s definitely an experience you won’t forget.
We were also very happy to be dropped back at our hotel afterwards for a bit of peace and quiet and a shower! 😅
Watch the Full Video
If you want to see what Chor Bazaar is really like, you can watch our full video here:
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