
Over the centuries, Mumbai has gone by several nicknames and monikers, but the one that seems to have stuck the most is “Maximum City”, and with good reason. The city is one of the most populous places in the world, and the mile-a-minute metropolis never does anything by halves. But unlike other larger-than-life cities like NYC and London, you don’t have to max out on credit cards in restaurants or shopping malls to get the real Mumbai experience. In fact, there are plenty of free things to do in Mumbai, and we’ve listed some of our favourites here.
1. Visit the Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is an arch-monument that stands guard on the city’s harbour. It’s a fine example of the Indo-Saracenic architectural style and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, so it’s no surprise that it can get really crowded here. Hoards of tourists rub shoulders with street vendors and ticket touts while locals seamlessly weave through the crowds to go about their business. But if you’re hoping to avoid the masses, we recommend visiting early in the morning, although merchants are known to set up shop pretty early here.
📍Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
2. Explore The Remains Of Bandra Fort
Formerly known as Castella de Aguada, Bandra Fort is a historic fortress with almost four centuries worth of history. It was built by the Portuguese in 1640 as a watch tower overlooking Mahim Bay, and today stands proud as a historic hotspot that has featured in several Bollywood films like Dil Chahta Hai and Buddha Mil Gaya. Not only is the monument a sight to see in itself, but the stunning open sky and glistening ocean backdrop make for a great spot to get an Insta-worthy picture on the coastline.
📍Byramji Jeejeebhoy Road, Bandstand Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
3. Take a tour of Mumbai’s famous street art
Bandra West is a trendy neighborhood that owes its hip reputation to all its craft beer bars, arty cafes and alternative eateries. To keep up its edgy appearance, the area boasts some fabulous street art too, from vibrant murals to creative installations. Walk through the maze of bustling squares and alleyways that make up Bandra West and you’ll find Chapel Road – one of the suburb’s famous streets that serves as a canvas for talented street artists from all over the world.
📍Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
4. Have a picnic at Oval Maidan
Named after its egg-like shape, Oval Maidan is a 22-acre recreational ground that sports an impressive UNESCO heritage co-sign. If you’re in need of some respite from the hubbub of the city, this place is a great spot to escape to. Pack your spicy Vada Pavs and deep-fried samosas and enjoy a lovely little picnic while gazing at the gothic turrets of the Bombay High Court that overlook the park. This place is also renowned for hosting weekly cricket matches, so you can watch a game of India’s favorite pastime while you’re there.
📍Maharshi Karve Road, Churchgate, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400032
5. Go celeb spotting on the Walk of the Stars
Mumbai is India’s “City of Dreams” where bright-eyed Bollywood hopefuls come to make it big, and for the lucky few who succeed, they’re honored at the Walk of the Stars. The two-kilometre stretch is Mumbai’s answer to L.A.’s famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Bollywood’s brightest stars from the big screen are celebrated here. Famous faces like Shammi Kapoor and Rajesh Khanna have statues erected in their name, and there are over 100 brass plates embossed with the handprints and signatures of India’s iconic movie legends.
📍Bandstand Promenade, Bandra West, Mumbai, 400050
6. Spend a day at Aksa Beach
Like street stalls and rickshaws, there’s no shortage of beaches in Mumbai. Juhu Beach is probably the most popular one, making it almost impossible to find a good spot on the sand most days. It’s a little further, but Aksa Beach is less crowded and you’re much less likely to spot a flying carrier bag in the air. It’s one of the cleanest beaches in the area, offering turquoise shores, serene sunsets and a bit of relief from the urban sprawl, making it the perfect setting for a romantic (and completely free) date idea.
📍Aksa Village, Malad West, Mumbai
7. Discover the beauty of Sanjay Gandhi National Park
When asked about things to do in Mumbai, trekking through tropical forests and endless stretches of lush greenery aren’t usually the first things that come to mind. But just an hour and a half’s drive from the city lies Sanjay Gandhi National Park, a huge forested area home to the 2000-year-old Kanheri Caves. Over 1300 types of plants and 40 species of mammals including rare lions and tigers live in what’s believed to be one of Asia’s most visited parks. When we’re not in monsoon season, the best way to see the park in all its glory is on wheels, and you can rent bikes from multiple renters at the entrance.
📍Borivali East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400066
8. Global Vipassana Pagoda
Rising to a height of over 325 feet, the golden Global Vipassana Pagoda is one of Mumbai’s most striking temples. Constructed as a symbol of gratitude to Buddha, the temple boasts one of the world’s largest domes built without supporting pillars. It draws in thousands of visitors each year and is free to enter, but donations are very much welcome.
📍Global Vipassana Pagoda Road, Gorai Village, West, Borivali, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400092,
9. Channel your inner art critic at Jehangir Art Gallery
Jehangir Art Gallery is one of the most famous art galleries in India. There are multiple exhibitions hosted every week by painters, sculptors, photographers and more art whizzes that are celebrated as some of the leading pioneers of India’s ever-growing art scene. Aptly located in the artsy hub of Kala Ghoda, the art gallery regularly hosts lecture programmes, panel discussions and workshops, and entry is completely free.
📍Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
10. Take a stroll down Marine Drive
One of Mumbai’s best-known streets, Marine Drive is a banana-shaped seafront promenade that arcs along the shore of the Arabian Sea. During the day, we recommend setting off from the southern end of Nariman Point and ending the hour-long stroll lounging around Chowpatty Beach to take in the stunning sea views.
As the sun sets, residents of the strip including famous politicians and iconic Bollywood stars of yesteryear leave their not-so-humble abodes to enjoy a tipple in one of the boujee bars in the area, and it’s prime time for a bit of celeb spotting.
📍Marine Drive, 400020, Mumbai
11. Go window shopping in Colaba Causeway Market
Colaba Causeway Market is Mumbai’s shopping paradise. Feel free to do some shopping of your own and haggle on prices for nifty gadgets and jewelry, but if you’re looking for something free to do in the city, you can spend hours getting lost in the labyrinth of colors and scents of this bustling market. The pungent smells of aromatic spices stimulate the senses, and the sea of enormous baskets stuffed to the brim with brightly coloured fruit and veg are a feast for the eyes.
📍Bakery Lane, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400005
12. Watch the world go by at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Formerly known as Victoria Terminus Station, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a famous train station built in 1888. Although it was designed by British architect F.W. Stevens in the Victorian Gothic style, the station’s architecture is also heavily inspired by regal Indian palaces, with dominant features including turrets, arches and a dome adding to the city’s skyline. In 2004, the building was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a few years later, it provided the perfect backdrop for the iconic “Jai Ho” dance number in Slumdog Millionaire.
📍Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
13. Enjoy a world-famous festival
You’ve not truly experienced India until you’ve been to one of the country’s many festivals. They’re traditional year-round events that offer a fun way to celebrate the country’s rich history and culture.
Falling between late August and early September, Ganesh Chaturthi is an 11-day festival that honors Lord Ganesha and involves statues of the God being paraded through the city. There’s also the famous Holi festival where people across India line the streets to throw water and brightly colored powder on each other. It’s essentially a super colorful food fight without the food and is typically celebrated in March.
14. Sign up as a volunteer
Being kind is free, and if you ask us, giving back to the local community is simply priceless. Mumbai is a wonderfully vibrant city, but it’s also home to some of the largest and poorest slums in India. To do your bit for those in need, join one of the several charities in the city that lend a helping hand. Project Mumbai and The Akanksha Foundation are some of the many charitable bodies in the area that lead projects aiming to educate underprivileged children, support elderly citizens, protect the local environment and more.
15. Browse through bookshelves at the Asiatic Society of Mumbai Library
The Asiatic Society of Mumbai Library is one of the oldest and most historic libraries in the city. And thanks to its majestic facade inspired by Greek style architecture, the age-old saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” need not apply here. Hundreds line on the steps every day to take a picture in front of the magnificent building, and it’s been used as a filming spot for many Bollywood scenes. Inside, over 100,000 books call the library home including ancient manuscripts and periodicals, making it a treasure trove of fascinating artifacts and historic Indian gems.
📍The Asiatic Society of Mumbai Town Hall, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Fort, Mumbai