Fashion Street has long been popular with local fashionistas and students on a budget, but its South Mumbai location near many of the city's major attractions makes it equally appealing to international tourists who love to shop. Few city tours stop here, but it's easy enough to stop by if you are visiting one of the many area attractions, such as the Bombay High Court or Victoria Terminus.
Don’t forget sunscreen and water, as the market can get hot.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for plenty of walking.
Be prepared to bargain—shopkeepers will expect it and quote you high prices accordingly.
Fashion Street spans a 1.4-mile (2-kilometer) section of South Mumbai's MG Road, across from Azad Maidan. It’s easy to reach by train: it’s about a 10-minute walk each to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Railway Station (aka Victoria Terminus) and to the Churchgate station. Alternatively, it’s a 5- to 10-minute drive to the Gateway of India.
Most of the shops on Fashion Street are open daily from 11 to 9. You’re best off visiting first thing in the morning, as selling to the first person who browses at your shop is believed to bring good luck. While the market is a year-round destination, monsoon rain in July and August can make this largely outdoor shopping experience uncomfortable.
While it’s not unheard of to find knockoffs of major international brands at Fashion Street, many of the items here, particularly those with labels from major high-street brands, are authentic. Many of the items here are simply factory surplus or have slight manufacturing defects, making them unsuitable for export but good enough to sell at rock-bottom prices at the market.