Most of the time, figuring out what to do for a date is actually more of an ordeal than securing one. There are plenty of top-tier date ideas in Mumbai that can help fan the flames of romance, but with so many options to choose from, including trying the most romantic restaurants and fabulous brunch spots, it can be pretty stressful to find the perfect way to woo.
To take the pressure off a little, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite things to do on a date in the mile-a-minute city. From tried and tested dating traditions like long walks on the beach to more off-the-wall ideas like open jeep tours and neon painting workshops, here are some of the best ways to swoon a first date or keep the sparks of romance flickering with your longtime lover.
1. Take a romantic stroll down Marine Drive
Marine Drive is a banana-shaped promenade that stretches over three kilometres, making it a great spot to enjoy an hour-long stroll with your lucky date. To keep the tank full on your romantic walk, you can grab some delicious grub from one of the many street stalls selling Bhel Puris, Pav Bhajis, and other Mumbai delights. But don’t leave before night falls. Just before twilight, take a seat on the seafront to admire the dazzling views as the sun sets beyond the waters of the Arabian Sea. And the best part is, enjoying a leisurely stroll down this iconic promenade is completely free!
📍 Marine Drive, 400020, Mumbai
2. Movie night at Regal Cinema
A cheeky cinema date after dining out in a top restaurant is a classic Mumbai date idea, and when the film is screened at Regal Cinema, it’s more special than ever. Master an awkward yawn followed by wrapping an arm around the shoulder technique inside this Art Deco theatre at Colaba Causeway. While the first film to air at Regal Cinema may have been The Devil’s Brother, a Laurel and Hardy comedy, today cinephiles can catch the latest releases and Bollywood favourites.
📍 Colaba Causeway, opposite Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai
3. Take in the views from a rooftop bar
Love can feel like you’re floating on air sometimes, so why not take your date to the 34th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai for a cocktail inspired by cumulus clouds or closer to earth on the 8th floor of the InterContinental Marine Drive Mumbai for breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea? Toast to a long future ahead or the next date while sitting under the stars and looking out over the vibrant city below.
4. Catch an enchanting Candlelight concert
There are few things more romantic than being serenated by moving classical music surrounded by a sea of candles. The gentle dance of the flames as you hear the famous melodies by the likes of Coldplay and The Beatles, adds a sense of tranquility and magic, transforming Mumbai’s most charming spots, such as the Grand Hyatt and the Four Seasons, into a haven of serenity and love.
5. Go on an adventure led by Khaki Tours
For the more outdoorsy pair, an open jeep tour might just be your cup of tea. Founded by Bharat Gothoskar in 2015, Khaki Tours is here to promote the city’s history and heritage in a unique way—with the wind in your hair and Mumbai’s secrets at your fingertips. And if you and your significant other aren’t up for the open-top experience, you can always book a city walk instead.
📍 305, Hari Chambers, 58/64, Shahid Bhagat Singh Rd, Fort, Mumbai
6. Spend a day at the beach
Whether it’s the sandy shores or serene sunsets, there’s just something innately romantic about spending a day at the beach with someone special. The cool breeze, sparkling ocean, and magnificent views – Mumbai’s beaches provide the perfect setting for a romantic getaway from the city’s hustle and bustle. For a first date, you can spend hours walking along the shorelines of Juhu Beach or Aksa Beach while getting to know your potential match or even take a dip in the sea if you’re feeling brave enough.
📍Juhu Beach, Juhu Tara Rd, Juhu, Mumbai
📍Aksa Beach, Aksa Village, Malad West, Mumbai
7. Feed your inner culture vultures at the city’s art galleries
Whether you feel like taking in over 50,000 artefacts and paintings at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya or checking out one of the many exhibitions at Jehangir Art Gallery, walking hand in hand at the centre of activity for artists and art connoisseurs is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Gallery Maskara is also a nice moody spot for fans of contemporary art.
8. Take a tour around Mumbai’s famous street art
If you’re hoping to impress your date with your extensive knowledge of Mumbai’s street art scene, then Chapel Road is where it’s at. The narrow, winding road is located in Bandra West, a super cool area known for its trendy bars and hip cafes. Artists from around the world have breathed life into the neighbourhood’s once-decaying walls with vibrant murals and colourful displays of expression. Take your lover by the hand and stroll through this wonderful labyrinth of street art together.
📍 Chapel Road, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
9. Get wild at The House of Neon
Head to India’s first neon paint studio to get wild with paint and your partner. If splashing them with bright colours is your love language, this paint date is a unique way to unleash your creativity. After all the couple that paints together, stays together…not entirely true, but throw in some quality music and you’ve got a memorable bonding moment in Mumbai!
10. Take a boat ride and dine at Boardwalk By Flamboyante
After a romantic hour-long ferry ride to Boardwalk By Flamboyante on Mandwa Jetty, you can find yourselves indulging in a delicious meal away from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai. And if you’re feeling a little bit fancy, you can always opt for a 20-minute speedboat. The nautical-style restaurant serves everything from bar bites such as crispy okra and steamed edamame to sushi, dim sum, curries, pizza, and so much more.
📍 Mandwa Jetty Rd, Mandve, Maharashtra
11. Visit Madh Island
Madh Island is easy to reach by ferry, bus, and taxi. To sum up this retreat on the outskirts of Mumbai, it’s about great seafood, charming fishing villages, and ancient Portuguese architecture. Make your visit to the island a weekend getaway and discover churches, forts, beaches, fishing communities, art and pottery classes, and parties. What better way to feel closer and unwind than while exploring one of the city’s most popular holiday destinations?
📍 4QXQ+9MV, Christian Wada, Madh, Mumbai
12. Sing your heart out at karaoke
There’s nothing like a bit of good old-fashioned karaoke to swoon your date. Scream out your favourite songs that tug on the heartstrings and show off your stellar singing skills at one of Mumbai’s top karaoke joints. On Mondays, 3 Wise Monkeys in Khar is a great spot to try out if you want to serenade or be serenaded by smooth vocals and musical talents. Drinks are cheaper on Mondays thanks to their all-day happy hour, which is great if you need a little bit of Dutch courage before taking to the stage to impress (or show yourself up).
📍 3 Wise Monkeys, Hotel Evergreen, Railway Station, 3rd Rd, Khar
13. Live it up at The Game Palacio
Challenge your boo to the ultimate gaming challenges at The Game Palacio, one of Mumbai’s hottest entertainment hubs. They have a boutique bowling alley as well as a vibrant arcade featuring retro classics and cutting-edge VR games. 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 with your hot date.
📍 G0001/B, Krystal Building 206, Below Hakkasan, Waterfield Road, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050, India