Most of the time, figuring out what to do for a date is more of an ordeal than securing one. However, being in the Maximum City has its undeniable advantages. With gorgeous sunsets lapping the skies in hues of pastel, beaches perfect for long walks and a plethora of bars and restaurants sprinkling along every alley, Mumbai brings you enough date ideas to swoon your first date or keep the sparks of romance flickering.
1. Take a romantic stroll down Marine Drive
The staple of it all, a walk across the promenade (a bit cliche!), is easily one of Mumbai’s most romantic date ideas. The gorgeous skyline and the glimmering sea, though it looks magnificent during sunsets is something incredibly different to explore at night. Take a seat on the seafront to catch dazzling views of the city and the sea as it crashes on the coast.
2. Take in the views from a rooftop bar
The charm of Mumbai’s skyline is best enjoyed with a cheeky cocktail in hand. Lucky for us, the city has no shortage of sky-high views and delicious cocktails that resemble cumulus clouds or drinks featuring names with clever wordplay.
🍸AER: Perched in the Four Seasons Hotel you can scour through an impressive collection of cocktails and tapas menu whilst enjoying the breathtaking view of the city and the sea.
🍸Asilo: Decked in St. Regis, Asilo features exposed brick walls and a menu that features everything from signature cocktails to classic favourites and a considerable wine collection.
Explore the full list of rooftop bars and rooftop restaurants for a classy date night!
3. Catch an enchanting Candlelight concert
Fewer date ideas are more romantic than being serenaded by enchanting music and surrounded by a sea of candles. The gentle dance of the flames as you hear tunes from your favourite Bollywood movie or by bands like Coldplay and The Beatles, transforms Mumbai’s charming places, such as the Grand Hyatt and the Four Seasons, into a romantic haven. You can book tickets to upcoming candlelight shows via Live Your City here.
4. Spend time at one of Mumbai’s beaches
Whether it’s the call of sandy shores or mesmerising sunsets, there’s just something innately romantic about spending a few hours at the beach hand in hand. Take off your shoes as you walk along the shore or gorge on street food lined up serving buttery pav bhajis, paani puris or dahi chaats with tangy swirls of chutney. Versova and Aksa Beach are easily the top contenders but if you are feeling spontaneous enough we recommend catching the 45-minute ferry to Alibaug for a stroll across its black sand beaches.
5. Roam around the city’s colourful art galleries
From Artequest Gallery displaying beautiful contemporary art to Jehangir Art Gallery featuring phenomenal sculptures, Mumbai’s art culture has got something from everyone. The Kala Ghoda district further houses several galleries saturated with post-modern and classic art pieces from a large spectrum of artists. Irrespective of whether you take a liking towards art, strolling across corridors admiring paintings with your hand in another is among our favourite date ideas. Be sure to check out the full list of art galleries and museums to stroll around.
6. Take a tour around Mumbai’s famous street art
Head down to Chapel Road located in Bandra West, to witness colourful murals, sanctioned art and more on narrow roads littered with trendy bars and cafes. Artists worldwide have breathed life into the neighbourhood’s once-decaying walls with vibrant murals and colourful displays of expression. Take a train of candid pictures of your partner here as a cheeky attempt to remind them that the murals aren’t the only beauty!
7. Get wild at The House of Neon
Couples that paint together, stay together… or something like that. Head to India’s first neon paint studio to get your hands dirty with splashes of paint for a session that is a tab bit out of the ordinary. Geared with gloves and clothes cover, create your own Holi as you drench your partner in a playful fight of colours. You can book your slot at the studio by DMing them here.
8. Take a ferry ride and dine at Boardwalk By Flamboyante
There are two ways to reach a beautiful restaurant perched right at the beach. A road trip or a trip through the sea. We’ll let you decide what works for you although we have our preference (looking at you sunset sailing!). Upon reaching Mandwa beach you’ll find the restaurant imitating the Greek islands with hues of blue and white serving the most delicious seafood, Asian and North Indian cuisines. Make sure to book in advance as the restaurant can only serve 200 people at once.
9. Visit Madh Island
From trying authentic seafood and visiting charming fishing villages to walking past gorgeous beaches and later partying in the same stretch makes Madh Island a perfect weekend getaway. You can witness Portuguese architecture, discover churches, trek up forts or even indulge in pottery classes. Make a road trip out of it or catch a ferry as you sail past the ocean towards your romantic weekend.
10. Live it up at The Game Palacio
Nestling a boutique bowling alley as well as a vibrant arcade featuring retro classics and cutting-edge VR games, The Game Palacio is an ideal date place if you both are just a smidge more competitive. Once you’ve topped up on all the fun, head to their super fancy on-site restaurant to indulge in delicious delights and heavenly cocktails.
11. Spend an adventurous afternoon in a National Park
One of our finer date ideas- imagine glistening lakes, cascading waterfalls, dense canopies and the company of your other half. With enough stats to prove that couples who workout together have a stronger relationship, why not add trekking through beautiful nature to the date bucket list? Closer to home, take a trip to Sanjay Gandhi National Park or if you do not mind a bit of a drive, Tungareshwar National Park in Palghar is a serene trekking spot.
12. Listen to live music with a glass(es) of Sangria in hand
Enjoy ladles of fruity sangrias or pints of ice-cold beer to share at Mumbai’s best live music bars. If you are feeling romantic enough, ask your date for a dance (ofcourse fueled by the confidence brought to you by glasses of salt-rimmed margaritas!).
🎤The Finch: Offering its stage to up-and-coming artists, you can indulge in delicious food and cocktails here making for a perfect evening.
🎤AntiSocial: Known remarkably for its underground aesthetic, AntiSocial presents live music to bob your head to and have a great night with your arms around your partner.
Explore the full list of the best bars with live music to dance the night away with your partner!
13. Enjoy a classic dinner date at Mumbai’s romantic restaurants
Gorgeous sunsets, candlelit tables, delicious food and more saturate a plethora of restaurants in Mumbai perfect for a good old date night. Share a bowl of creamy pasta, clink glasses of red and try spoonfuls of delicious chocolate desserts!
🍝Gallops Restaurant: Offering private cabanas with cascading ivy leaves, hanging mustard lamps and some of the most delicious foods and cocktails, Gallops is the perfect date night spot.
🍝Eve: Bringing a coastal cottage aesthetic to the date, Eve features an expansive menu with tantalising cocktails- all on a great budget!
Explore the full list of our favourite romantic restaurants in Mumbai for a good old-fashioned date night!
14. Catch a mesmerising sunset together
Though the city is brimming with concrete and high rises, Mumbai has managed to preserve its fair share of nature slices that promise serenity. And if you have someone to share the same, why not head on to these places to catch the best part of nature together?
🌇Cuffe Parade Park: No less than an oasis in Colaba, this park facing the sea offers a gorgeous sunset and is filled with greenery.
🌇Yogi Hills: A beginner-level hike that opens to a beautiful Tulsi Lake, you can catch beautiful sunsets here across the blushing sky.
Explore a curated selection of our best sunset spots in town!
15. Shop for colourful jhumkas at Mumbai’s best street shopping markets
If Bollywood has taught us one thing, it is that going shopping for gold and silver jhumkas with your partner while they lovingly say yes to every piece of jewellery you try beats other date ideas. Head down to Colaba Causeway for a wide selection of mesmerising earrings or Linking Road market while your partner trails behind you holding onto your brown paper bags.
16. Drive across the Bandra-Worli Sealink
One of our favourite spots to catch the sunset across the horizon as you keep driving past the long stretch of the bridge is easily an ideal date choice. Blast your very own joint playlist as you roll the windows down, breathing in the fresh sea air.
17. Opt for a sunset sail across the Arabian Sea
Whether you are heading down for a romantic weekend in Alibaug or just opting for a private yacht trip across the sea, sailing past the city into the horizon is by popular vote (ahem, the author’s favourite) the best romantic date. You can head down to the ports in Colaba to catch a ferry ride and witness stunning views of The Taj and Gateway of India.
18. Go night cycling across Mumbai’s iconic landmarks
Catch the CST station light up, the skyline glimmering on the horizon and roads lit up with warm bouts of light as you cycle through the streets with your loved one. You can even meet new people, get in some refreshing exercise and catch the city from a new perspective. Wandering Souls India holds regular midnight cycling sessions and you can find out more here.