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This magnificent city that was known as Bombay until 1995 is home to about 21 million people. As one of the country’s biggest cities, Mumbai is also home to some of the most spectacular plans and activities. Street food, Bollywood, large markets bursting with life, and a rich history are among the long list of things making up this almost electric place. And now you can discover some of the best things to do in Mumbai, including a memorable walk on Marine Drive and clubbing at the city’s hottest spots.
1. Experience Bollywood culture
Bollywood is based in Mumbai. When one thinks of Bollywood films, usually extraordinary dance scenes, melodramatic storylines, and colourful visuals come to mind. If you’ve seen movies like Saina or The Lunchbox, a visit to Film City—a significant Bollywood shooting location—is definitely worthwhile.
And for a more easy-going approach to immersing yourself in this giant in the global film industry, make your way to the historic Regal Cinema at Colaba Causeway to watch one of these dazzling films.
2. Take a ferry to Elephanta Island
Just about an hour-long ferry ride leaving from the Gateway of India, taking a trip to Elephanta Island, or the ‘City of Caves’, will leave you enchanted and bewildered. While on the small island, you can visit the famous Elephanta Caves (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), be on the lookout for monkeys, endure a fair bit of walking, and you’ll even come across chair carriers. Overall it’s an unusual experience covering a rich cultural past.
3. Visit some of Mumbai’s museums
Are you fascinated by the evolution of money in India or dying to see an inspiring art exhibition, or perhaps you want to learn more about the history of India? Fortunately, Mumbai is home to some of the most impressive museums in the world.
From Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and the RBI Monetary Museum to the National Gallery of Modern Art and many more, you won’t be short of exhibitions and breathtaking architecture in Mumbai.
4. Try the local street food
It comes as no surprise that one of the best ways to appreciate a city is through your stomach! Get lost in a street food coma induced by Vada Pav, pav bhaji, Chinese bhel, and decadent sandwiches.
Given that the general consensus is that Vada Pav is the most popular street food, you can start there. It’s essentially a deep-fried potato dumpling inside a bread bun served with different chutneys and a green chilli pepper. The best places to check out Mumbai’s finest street food include Girgaum Chowpatty Beach, the Haji Ali Juice Centre, Zaveri Bazaar, and Crawford Market.
5. Feel at home on Marine Drive
After your fill of delicious street food, you can walk it off on this promenade stretching 3 kilometres along the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road. Although Marine Drive might be more famous for its striking views seen from a distance, there’s something about taking a stroll under the palm trees lining the pearl necklace-like curve that makes you feel at one with Mumbai.
6. Admire the Gateway of India
While the Gateway of India may be a tourist hotspot, admiring this incredible landmark is an absolute must. Built in 1924, the Gateway of India commemorated the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary in Mumbai. A mix of Indian, Arabic and Western architecture, the monument designed by architect George Wittet is breathtaking.
One of the best ways to appreciate this historic structure is from the sea at night where you’ll also have a great view of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and Tower Hotel.
7. Candlelight concerts
If you’re looking for an extra special plan in Mumbai, then why not treat yourself to a magical concert illuminated by a sea of flickering candles? The Candlelight series pays homage to a range of classical and contemporary music stars, from Taylor Swift and Coldplay to Vivaldi and Chopin. Taking place in some of Mumbai’s most spectacular locations, these concerts are the perfect way to experience your favourite songs in a whole new light.
8. Juhu Beach
Juhu Beach is an active spot in Mumbai where you’re likely to see anything from cricket matches to Bollywood celebrities out for a jog. Look out to the Arabian Sea while sitting on the longest beach in the city. Arrive in the early morning to find the beach relatively empty for a walk or run along the six kilometres of golden sand. Juhu is also known for its chic restaurants, bars, high-end hotels, and the food at Juhu Chowpatty.
9. Go shopping
Find an antique gem or stunning piece of jewellery at Mumbai’s markets. Zaveri Bazaar is one of the oldest and most renowned gold markets in India. Explore countless centuries-old shops that are seemingly slowly becoming ruins but are full of treasures. From the textiles at Mangaldas Market and Mulji Jetha Market to the fish market at Sassoon Docks, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping.
10. Stretch your legs at Bandstand Promenade
You can find this 1.2-kilometre-long promenade in the Bandra neighbourhood. It is a scenic path where you’ll see residents out for a run or walking their dogs. See if you can spot the Indian actor and film producer Shahrukh Khan’s mansion while you’re there! Bandstand Promenade will lead you to Bandra Land’s End, the point where Bandra Fort and the Land’s End Amphitheatre meet.
11. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
This fine example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture is a functioning railway station. Designed by F.W. Stevens, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus features pointed arches, an extraordinary stone dome, and was also built with traditional Indian palace architecture in mind. Behold the stained glass windows, buttresses, and spires of the historic railway terminus.
12. Unwind at Kamla Nehru Park
Make your way to the top of Mumbai’s Malabar Hill and breathe in the fresh air at Kamla Nehru Park. There’s no entry fee and you can have a picnic on one of the cane benches or bring the kids to the famous boot-shaped house inspired by “There was an Old Woman who lived in a shoe”. Make sure to visit the park’s viewing gallery where you’ll discover views of Marine Drive and Girgaon Chowpatty.
13. Discover Mumbai’s vibrant nightlife scene
Mumbai shares a similar reputation with The Big Apple as it’s also known to be a city that doesn’t sleep. From Playboy Club’s huge dance floor to Dragonfly’s tower of alcohol and the blend of modern opulence and nostalgia at Kitty Su’s, a night out in Mumbai is always one to be remembered. Have a drink at Asilo—the highest bar in the city—get some laughs at Canvas Laugh Club, catch a late showing at the Regal Cinema, and so much more.
14. Explore the Mahakali Caves
And if the culture vulture inside you is resurfacing, why not check out the Mahakali Caves? It is the perfect opportunity to escape the bustling streets of the city centre. Also known as the Kondivita caves, they were built between the 1st century BCE and 6th century CE and feature carvings of Buddha figures, scriptures in Pali, and the Buddhist Stupa. A visit to these ancient caves offers a chance to reflect in peace.
15. Take in Bandra’s street art
A real mixture of glamour and quaintness, Bandra is a unique suburb worth exploring, especially if you are a fan of street art. Chapel Road is probably the most well-known road for its street art by multiple artists. Murals of Bollywood stars, golden and blue elephants, graffitied stairs that are colourful and somehow inoffensive, and a colourful depiction of the megastar Big B are some of the works waiting at this urban museum to be captured by your hungry camera or simply admired for a few minutes.
16. Visit a Parsi café
Immerse yourself in the Parsi café culture—cafes originally founded by Zoroastrian Irani immigrants. Some of the most popular Parsi dishes include keema pav, bun maska, and Mawa cake. Labelled by Tribune India as “Mumbai’s Persian culinary icon”, Britannia & Co has carried on the Parsi café tradition for over a century now, and is the ultimate place to experience this significant culture that’s part of Mumbai.