Best Cities in India for Thrifting: From Sarojini Nagar to Colaba Causeway

Thrifting in India is a treasure hunt for affordable fashion and sustainable style. Street markets and bazaars across the country brim with pre-loved clothes, quirky accessories, and bargain homeware. These bustling hubs let you flex your bargaining skills while embracing pre-owned fashion and the circular fashion ethos of the Cycle of Samsara. For example, The Times of India calls Delhi’s Sarojini Nagar a “dream stop” where shoppers spend whole days hunting for trendy clothes at “shockingly cheap prices”. In each city below, you’ll find unique thrift finds, vibrant street life, and lots of upcycled fashion inspiration.

Delhi: Sarojini Nagar - The Chaos Queen

No thrift trip is complete without a visit to Sarojini Nagar Market. This legendary Delhi bazaar is where chaos meets creativity and fashion meets affordability. Every lane overflows with export-surplus tops, jeans and accessories. In one sweep I snagged a cotton crop top for ₹150 and boutique-worthy jeans for ₹300 - all by haggling hard. It really is a bargain hunter’s paradise. A recent report explains that Sarojini’s stock largely comes from factory overruns and export rejects, so even branded tops can sell for just ₹100-₹200.

Cycling through the lanes, you’ll hear locals laughing about their deals: Priya, a Sarojini regular, quipped, “I found Zara dupe dresses and chunky necklaces for next to nothing”. Another shopper, Rhea, smiled, “I got an entire outfit for ₹500 last week.” Pro tips: Bargain boldly (walking away often shrinks the price), go early, and be warned - the market is closed on Mondays. Sarojini isn’t just about cheap clothes - it’s a cultural icon of budget fashion in Delhi.

Bangalore: Commercial Street - Hidden Gems

Bangalore’s Commercial Street surprised me with its laid-back thrifting charm. It may not have the chaos of Sarojini or Colaba, but this market is “a paradise for street shopping in Bangalore” One-stop-shop for garments, imitation jewelry, sports gear and even antiques at affordable prices, Commercial Street is where locals mix and match on a budget. I picked up a silky scarf for just ₹100 and a pair of sneakers for ₹400 without even haggling much - a solid haul by Bangalore standards.

Experts say the crowd here “goes crazy” for the variety. Bangalore native Shalini calls it “slept on,” recommending its colorful kurtas and retro trinkets. Fellow thrifters Vikram noted, “I’ve found retro stuff here you won’t see anywhere else.” Unlike Delhi’s heat, Bangalore’s milder weather makes a thrift-hunting day here sweat-free. Local guides advise visiting early to beat the rush: shops open around 10 AM and stay busy through the evening. Commercial Street proves that thrifting paradise comes in all vibes - from chaotic to chill.

Mumbai: Colaba Causeway - Bollywood Vibes

Mumbai’s Colaba Causeway feels straight out of a Bollywood set. Lined with stalls of flowy skirts, funky earrings and boho bags, this street market is “a vibrant shopping destination, known for its eclectic mix of street fashion, jewelry, antiques, and handicrafts” Here the prices are a bit higher than in Delhi, but quality and variety shine through. For instance, one shopper found elegant silver hoops for ₹200 and a breezy cotton skirt for ₹350. As one tipster notes, Colaba’s crowds offer an “upbeat, trendy fashion” scene with something for everyone.

Don’t miss iconic hangouts like Leopold Café and world-famous street-food joints after a day of bargains. Carry cash and water (the lanes can get crowded) and wear comfy shoes - you’ll walk miles admiring unique finds. The LBB guide agrees: Colaba has “a plethora of earrings, quirky bags, and mostly all things millennial,” making it a paradise for budget-conscious students and fashionistas. My cousin Arjun sums it up: “Colaba’s got that artsy edge. And grabbing a cold drink at Leopold after shopping? Classic.”

Kolkata: New Market - Vintage Soul

Kolkata’s historic New Market (Sir Stuart Hogg Market) is shopping inside a living history. With its old Gothic red walls and creaky corridors, this bazaar has about 3,000 shops selling “almost everything under the sun”. You can find block-printed fabrics, Kolkata sarees, handicrafts, books, spices, and even fresh vegetables - all at bargain prices. As Times of India reports, the market’s diverse stalls have made it a “cauldron of diverse cultures” and a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.

Visiting New Market is like a wardrobe treasure hunt: I snagged a quirky canvas tote for ₹150 and stacked armfuls of colorful bangles for a song. Around me, vendors sold hand-block-printed cotton kurtas and brass home decor. Despite modern malls sprouting around Kolkata, New Market’s “varied fares and cheaper rates” keep shoppers coming back. In this soul-filled market, every purchase - from a vintage mirror to a packet of spices - feels like part of a grand Kolkata story. Don’t miss the puchka (panipuri) stalls just outside; street food here is as legendary as the fashion finds.

Jaipur: Bapu Bazaar - Color Explosion

If vibrant, bohemian finds are your thing, Jaipur’s Bapu Bazaar is a must. This open-air market inside the Pink City is ever busy and bustling with stalls draped in rainbow-hued fabrics and stacks of jingling silver jewelry. Think block-printed Jaipur cottons, embroidered salwar suits, mojari leather juttis and tasseled bags - all at very wallet-friendly prices. One Jaipur guide notes that “some of the best shops in Bapu Bazar are very affordable,” carrying iconic Rajasthani prints (Bagru, Sanganeri, etc.) and home textiles.

Expect to haggle - sellers enthusiastically start high. Locals advise beginning your offer around one-third of the asking price. My friend Ritu once bargained a lehenga down to ₹600 from ₹1,000; another shopper Anjali filled her arms with bangles and necklaces, declaring “I’m set for every wedding this year!” True to its reputation, Bapu Bazaar is “colourful with various varieties of cloths, bags, jootis, [and] accessories”. It’s chaotic fun: autos weave through crowds, calls of “kami karo” (“lower it!”) echo, and the air hums with Rajasthani folk beats. Just remember to keep a tight grip on your bags and treasure each cultural thrift find.

Thrifting Tips & Takeaways

• Bargain Like a Pro: Thrift markets expect haggling. Start with a low offer and walk away if needed - many sellers will call you back with a much better price. As one tipster said, don’t be afraid to pretend to leave; it “works every time.” Always inspect items carefully and settle disputes with a smile.
• Go Early: Top loot is snapped up fast. Aim to hit markets first thing in the morning (weekdays are often quieter). This also helps avoid crowds and heat. For example, Sarojini Nagar opens around 10 AM - and it’s closed on Mondays - so plan accordingly.
• Carry Cash & Pack Light: Most stalls prefer cash, and small notes are handy. Bring a tote or backpack; many people find multiple purchases in one trip!
• Embrace Unique Style: Thrifting is about individuality. Mix and match vintage prints or combine block-printed kurtas with denim. These markets are heaven for Gen Z fashion trends - think bold patterns, upcycled jewellery, and retro accessories you won’t see anywhere else.
• Sustainability Score: Every thrifted find is a victory against fast fashion waste. By buying pre-loved clothes and accessories, you contribute to the circular economy and reduce fashion waste. It’s fashion with a purpose. As Cycle of Samsara champions, one person’s discard becomes another’s style statement, keeping clothes in use and landfills lighter.

After all this, where’s your thrifting happy place? For me, Sarojini Nagar’s insane bargains are unbeatable, but Mumbai’s Colaba Causeway and Jaipur’s Bapu Bazaar each have their own vibrant charm. Maybe you’re a Kolkata soul drawn to New Market’s history, or a Bangalore bargain-hunter loving Commercial Street’s low-key finds. Wherever it is, thrifting is about the thrill of discovery - a story you’ll proudly wear.

Share your favorite markets and thrift stories in the comments. Until then, we at Cycle of Samsara will be out plotting our next style adventure. Happy thrifting!

References: Cycle of Samsara Blogs and Travel Guides (Harvard style)

• AirialTravel (2025) “Colaba Causeway Mumbai (2025) - Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide”, airial.travel [Online]. Available at: airial.travel (Accessed: 27 Oct. 2025).
• Captureatrip (no date) “Sarojini Nagar Market Delhi: The Ultimate Shopping Guide”, captureatrip.com [Online]. Available at: captureatrip.com (Accessed: 27 Oct. 2025).
• Holidify (2024) “Shopping in Bangalore - Shop Till You Drop At These Markets In Bangalore!”, holidify.com [Online]. Available at: holidify.com (Accessed: 27 Oct. 2025).
• Shopkhoj (no date) “Bapu Bazar Market Jaipur Shops”, shopkhoj.com [Online]. Available at: shopkhoj.com (Accessed: 27 Oct. 2025).
• The Times of India (2023) “The old new market” (Dipawali Mitra, 7 Aug. 2023), The Times of India [Online]. Available at: timesofindia.indiatimes.comtimesofindia.indiatimes.com (Accessed: 27 Oct. 2025).
• The Times of India Lifestyle Desk (2025) “Are Sarojini Nagar clothes really from dead people? Here’s the reality” (11 Sept. 2025), The Times of India [Online]. Available at: timesofindia.indiatimes.comtimesofindia.indiatimes.com (Accessed: 27 Oct. 2025).