Colaba: Soul of Mumbai – A Blend of Shopping, Cafes, and Heritage

Reported by Vikrant Sonawane
Colaba, 7th June 2025: If you love shopping, crave delicious food, and want to explore the rich heritage of Mumbai, Colaba is the place to be. Located in South Mumbai, Colaba is one of the city’s oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods. With the Arabian Sea on one side and colonial-era architecture on the other, Colaba offers an unforgettable mix of street shopping, iconic cafes, and historical sights.

Just behind the legendary Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and a stone’s throw from the Gateway of India lies the bustling Colaba Causeway market. This shopping street draws visitors not only from across Mumbai but also from all over India and the world.

A Hub for Foodies and Fashion Seekers
Colaba is home to some of Mumbai’s oldest and most famous eateries. For non-vegetarian food lovers, legendary spots like Bademiya, Bagdadi, and Olympia are must-visits. For those looking to relax with friends, Leopold Café and Café Mondegar are timeless hangout spots that blend history with Mumbai’s modern cafe culture.

Aadit and Saba, students from IIT Hyderabad and originally from Kerala, shared their experience:
“Colaba is very beautiful. The buildings are old and stunning. The market is really good.”

Adon Mardono, a local from Mumbai, added:
“I like this market very much. You get all kinds of stuff here. I come once a month. It’s clean and great for shopping. If you’re into fashion, you’ll enjoy it.”

Movin Alovera, a student from Don Bosco, Matunga, said:
“This place is like a fashion street. There’s a lot to explore. I like checking out football jerseys because I’m a Barcelona fan. This place is known for clothes and fashion.”

Regular visitors Shiv Goreguaker and Shubham Ingle said:
“We come here every Saturday and Sunday. The market is very affordable. You get branded clothes at reasonable prices.”

Bhavesh Kalapi observed:
“You’ll see more crowds here on weekends and public holidays. Colaba is the ultimate tourist destination in Mumbai. You can go sightseeing, visit the Gateway of India, and enjoy old cafés, pubs, and bars. The architecture is lovely. It’s perfect for a one-day trip. We sell global quality material at a local price.”

Inside the Market: Stories of the Locals
Ram Kumar, a shopkeeper in Colaba, explained the market’s variety:
“There are many shops here – for jewellery, bags, clothes, sandals, goggles, and caps. Clothes are the most sold items because of their quality and price. The market is especially popular with women. We sell short kurtas, long kurtas, formal dresses, and pants.”

Veteran shopkeeper Ishwar Raut shared his journey:
“I’ve been in Mumbai for 55 years. I had a shop near the Gateway of India earlier but moved to Colaba 45 years ago. My business is enough to support my family, but unlicensed shops are affecting us.”

Mohammad Sartaj, another local vendor, added:
“Because of unexpected rains, business is a bit slow. But on Saturdays and Sundays, the market is packed. The specialty of this market is one-piece dresses and ladies’ tops.”

Why Colaba is a Must-Visit in Mumbai
Colaba effortlessly combines the charm of colonial-era architecture with the excitement of modern street shopping and cafe hopping.

Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, history buff, or food explorer, Colaba offers a day well spent in the heart of Mumbai.