Though ranked as the most expensive city in India, Mumbai does make room for people by offering budget-friendly options when it comes to dining, shopping, and activities. Quite generously too might we add! From cheap eateries offering gourmet-level delicacies to shopping districts allowing you to create an entire outfit below INR 1000, Mumbai hosts budget-friendly avenues perfect for exploring and exploiting. We have therefore brought you a carefully curated list of the best budget-friendly things to do in Mumbai.
Best places to eat
1. Sarvi
Essentially a landmark to the locals, Sarvi in Nagpada serves one of the city’s most succulent and flavourful seekh kebabs. A dilapidated front view gives way to a large 3 floored eatery that serves delicious Irani kaichi kebabs (INR 60), mutton paya soup (INR 180), and soft caramel custards (INR 50), among others detailing its menu.
📍184/196 Dimtimkar Road, Opposite Nagpada Police Station, Byculla
2. Tawaa Mystery
Open till 5 am, this joint in Bandra and Andheri serves delicious tawaa items. Try their Tandoori lollipops glazed in butter and charred just the right amount, perfectly spiced chicken popcorn, and crunchy chicken Baida Roti (INR 150). They have recently introduced Chinese cuisine in their new menu as well. Suited for late-night cravings, they offer both dining and takeaway options.
📍Pali Hill, Bandra West & Andheri West
3. Mackerel Story
Offering fresh seafood options, Mackerel Story’s cooking style adopts the retention of optimum nutritional value. From the perfectly cooked Crab Chettinad (INR 499), and Alleppey Pomfret Curry (INR 499) to the refreshing tender coconut and mango salad (INR 299) and riveting Tandoori Recheado Mackerel smothered with a Goan chilli garlic marinade, a long luncheon here is one to impress. As mentioned, they offer the freshest find possible so make sure to visit early on as the waiters refuse to serve delicacies if the find runs out of its timeline.
📍10, Vallabhai Patel Rd, Takshila Colony, Indira Nagar, Jogeshwari East
4. Dumpling Khang
Bringing authentic Tibetan and Nepalese flavours, Dumpling Khang offers succulent fares. Delicious steamed chicken momos (INR 140) and Thenthuk with assorted veggies, meat, and noodles all submerged in a flavourful tangy soup (INR 170) are our absolute favourites. You can also try their array of starters from Kung Pao Chicken (INR 250) to honey chicken wings (INR 220).
📍Shop No 8, Garib Nawaj Manzil, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, opp. Pnt Colony, Block Sector, Vakola, Santacruz East
5. Street food across the city
Mumbai has a street food culture that is famous throughout the country. From tangy swirls of chutney on dahi chaats at Zaveri Bazaar to buttery pav bhajis at Juhu Beach and tender kebabs lining the streets of Mohammad Ali Road. Mumbai truly has it all and most importantly, at dirt cheap prices! You can find our guide to navigating across the saturated alleys to find the best street food in Mumbai here.
6. Drink through the evenings at Mumbai’s best bars offering generous happy hours
If you have had enough of food (we highly doubt that!) we bring you the best bars in Mumbai that serve amazing happy hour offers. Grab a pint(s) of beer, ladles of fruity sangrias, or signature cocktails all at affordable prices. Find the full list of bars in Mumbai offering happy hours here.
Best places to shop
7. Colaba Causeway
Colaba Causeway is the place to shop for antique novelties, junk jewellery, and trendy outfits– all available at cheap prices. Make sure you bring in your bargaining skills as shopkeepers expect them and therefore usually quote a higher price.
8. Chor Bazaar
Mumbai’s biggest flea market Chor Bazaar, you can find second-hand antique objects here at insanely affordable prices. From wall clocks, cameras, and furniture, the alleys here run deep. Be careful here as a lot of pickpocketers operate in the area.
📍Mutton St, Ajmer, Kumbharwada
9. Bandra Hill Road
Put together an entire outfit down to the accessories and shoes at budget prices here at Bandra Hill Road. You will find flowy skirts, well-stiched jackets, colourful bags, and more in its saturated yet vibrant alleys.
📍487 Pali Village, Khar, Bandra West
You can find the full list of street shopping destinations for an affordable alternative to procuring trendy outfits, handicrafts, and more here.
Best activities on a budget
10. Catch the sunset while sailing across the Arabian Sea
From private boat hires to ferry rides that set sail across the ports of Mumbai, catching the sunset cast its honey palette on The Taj and The Gateway of India is our favourite budget-friendly activity. Ferry rides from the Gateway of India cost roughly INR 80 but the views offered remain priceless.
11. Explore the attractions of Mumbai
Mumbai darshan does not burn a hole in your pocket as most of the tourist attractions here are free to explore. From walking along the Marine Drive, and marvelling at CST station’s architectural grandeur to driving through the Bandra-Worli Sealink and catching the sunset from Bandra Fort. You can find the full list of places to explore and attractions to see in our detailed guide here.
12. Explore Mumbai’s mini Goa
Khotachowadi in Mumbai is a gorgeous settlement offering coastal aesthetics and the charm of colourful Goan alleys. You will find here archaic houses retaining Portuguese charm, cobbled pathways, a quaint art gallery, and one of the oldest Irani cafes in Mumbai. French windows here sprawl potted plants and your walk here will be accompanied by chirps of birds as cars aren’t allowed in this settlement. You can find out more about this place here.
📍Girgaon, Mumbai
13. Gaze at colourful glistening stars at Yayoi Kusamas Infinity Mirrored Room
Yatyoi Kusamas famous exhibit has made its way to Mumbai at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre. Hundreds of LED lights suspended from the ceilings in a mirrored room host an ethereal illusion that imitates a blanket of stars. Tickets here cost merely INR 100 and you can book your slot here. Due to the high frequency of visitors and for preservation purposes, you can marvel at the exhibit in groups of five for only a minute.
📍Jio World Centre G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East
14. Take a walk along Mumbai’s many beaches
Residing in a coastal region, Mumbai fortunately has an abundance of beaches perfect for a leisurely stroll, a picnic or even to just witness the gorgeous sunset across the ocean’s horizon. Juhu, Chowpatty, Aksa, and Versova Beach are some of the beaches in the city that offer few moments of serenity. You can find the full list of beaches in Mumbai to take a long walk in here.
15. Witness the stunning street art across the city
Street art across the city is a vivid amalgamation of Hindi cinema, social issues, and beautiful abstract murals. The neigbourhood of Bandra offers stunning murals bursting in all primary colours, perfect for a photo shoot. Walk along these lanes to dive into the city’s rich cultural art scene.