A beloved neighborhood in Mumbai, Colaba is truly filled with a lot of gems. From local old favourites, and artisanal restaurants to colourful street shopping alleys and heritage walks, Colaba is the one place that has it all. Therefore, to help you experience the best while exploring its graffiti-saturated alleys, we bring you a curated list of the best things to do when in Colaba.
1. Heritage walk at BMC building
For the first time, one of Mumbai’s most iconic monuments, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has opened its gates to the public. Built-in the 1800s, its fusion of Indo-Saracenic and Gothic architecture will leave you stunned. While you’re there, check out the stately rooms, marvel at the grand architecture, and climb your way to the rooftop to take in the spectacular vistas of Mumbai. The 75-minute tour costs only INR 350, and you can book your tickets here.
📍 5, Mahapalika Marg, Dhobi Talao, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort
2. Shop your heart out at Colaba Causeway
From delightful novelties, and gorgeous summer dresses, to gold-coloured jhumkas and colourful accessories, shopping at Colaba Causeway is never a dull moment. Walk through its vibrant alleys and make sure to keep your bargaining skills polished.
📍 Colaba Causeway Market, Colaba
3. Visit the Akara Contemporary
One of the leading art galleries in India, Akara has a dedicated space for both modern and contemporary programs. Inside a century-old mansion, the gallery houses works by leading and emerging artists from all over South Asia, especially India. Over the years, the gallery has hosted high-profile exhibitions featuring the likes of Prabhakar Barwe, Bhagyashree Suthar, and Lancelot Ribeiro.
📍 2nd Floor, Amar Chand Mansion, 3C, 16, Madame Cama Road, Colaba
4. Have a beer and play the jukebox at Cafe Mondegar
One of Mumbai’s iconic Iranian restaurants, it is a hotspot perched right outside the Colaba Causeway. Indulge in king prawns, kheema ghotala, or fluffy omelets alongside a bottle of chilled beer and there is your plan for a hot summer afternoon. Establishing legacy, Cafe Mondegar was one of the first places in Mumbai to have a jukebox, and it still plays old hits to this day.
📍 Metro House, Colaba Causeway, near Regal Cinema, Apollo Bandar, Colaba
5. Click pictures at the Gateway of India
The list of the best things to do in Colaba is incomplete without visiting the iconic Gateway of India. One of India’s famous tourist attractions, admire the larger-than-life monument with the glistening waves serving as a gorgeous backdrop.
📍 Apollo Bandar, Colaba
6. Sunset sailing in the Arabian Sea
End your day in Colaba by taking a ferry out to enjoy the stunning sunset from the middle of the sea. For this unique experience, book your 120-minute tour online in advance and arrive at the Gateway of India in time to meet your jetty. Once you’ve boarded the sailboat, have fun dipping your legs in the water as you sail past Mumbai’s iconic monuments like the Taj Mahal Hotel, old lighthouses, and more. If you’re lucky, you might even get to spot the dolphins!
📍 Leisurekart, Jetty No. 5, PJ Ramchandani Marg, opposite entrance of Taj Hotel, Apollo Bandar, Colaba