The city of Mumbai holds rich bouts of art, culture and history to be explored in its every nook and cranny. Whether you are walking across the coloured streets of Bandra, the saturated market alleys of Colaba, bare feet on the warm sand at Juhu beach or just gazing at the historic premises towering over you at Fort. Every neighbourhood and every alley in Mumbai uncovers local communities and their distinctive way of living, colourful strings of markets, century-old eateries and some stunning architectural frameworks. Walking tours in Mumbai offer a beautiful opportunity to unwrap the city’s character and explore what makes the city a melting pot of India. We have therefore curated a list of walking tours offering stunning slices of the city!
1. Bombay Heritage Walk
Covering South Mumbai’s Fort area, Bombay Heritage Walks dives deep into the architectural wonders perched in the neighbourhood. Discussing ornamental details, their tours cover the area of Kala Ghoda, Horniman Circle and the Gateway of India which lasts around 2 hours to 3.5 hours. You can choose your pick out of the 7 walks offered and can find out more details here.
🎟️You can book your tickets and find more info here
2. Kebab and Curry Food Walk
Mumbai’s street food deserves a journey of its own. If you love succulent kebabs, the whiff of charcoal burning or spicy bowls of tender nalli nihari, we recommend booking a slot. Taking you through a ten-course food trail through the gallis of Bohri Mohalla, this gastronomic tour- organised by No Footprints– is as delightful as it gets.
🎟️You can book your tickets and find more info here
3. Mumbai Art Walk
Walking through the streets of Mumbai you will find the alleys imitating canvases to several artistic projects. Further, with an abundance of exemplary art galleries and studios, it becomes difficult to shortlist the ones to visit. As an attempt to take in as much of these colourful designs as possible, Art & Wonderment offers regular walkthroughs in public spaces, art galleries and studios, for a date with art! They also host workshops, casual meetups, and collector events, bringing together like-minded people to dive into Mumbai’s art scene and culture.
🎟️You can explore upcoming walking tours and book your tickets here
4. Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings
Come along on a four-hour journey through the bustling districts of Mumbai to get a taste of what makes the city so special. We are talking spicy vada pavs, crispy dosas, the iconic Bombay sandwich, tangy chaats, delicacies made special by the Parsi community and so on. Offering small exclusive tours limited to only 8 people, you will take a much deeper dive into the city’s authentic delicacies.
🎟️You can book your tickets and find more info here
5. Worli Fishing Village Walk
A fishing community called Kolis were the first to inhabit the island of Worli. Even now, the centuries-old profession of fishermen remains intact here with their daily routines starting from the first catch of fresh fish to the setting up of their bustling markets. Hosted by Mumbai Magic, this walking tour takes you along the Koli community’s everyday life standing as a living testimony to the old ways.
🎟️You can book your tickets and find more info here
6. Bombay Bazaar Walk
Khaki Tours, an unofficial pioneer when it comes to walking tours, hosts a walkthrough of Mumbai’s incredible street markets. Whether it is the abundance found in Crawford market, the fresh smell of colourful flowers through Dadar flower market, the flash of jewellery found in Zaveri Bazaar or heaps of junk jewellery in Bhuleshwar market. These shopping destinations win all hearts and are a must when visiting good old Bombay.
🎟️You can book your tickets and find more info here
7. Mumbai Slum Tour
Seeking to rewrite how Dharavi is viewed by the world, this walking tour organised by Reality Tours and Travels, gives an eye-opening description of Mumbai’s largest working community. Commonly known as ‘Asia’s largest slum,’ Dharavi produces a turnover equivalent to US$ 665 million every year. The small-scale industry thrives within its dilapidated houses from pottery making, and embroidery to bakeries and leather tanning. Interact with local communities and explore the diversity found behind its doors.
🎟️You can book your tickets and find more info here
8. Dhobi Ghat Laundry Tour
Visit the world’s largest open-air laundry with Mumbai Dream Tours and learn how this manual clothes-washing system has operated seamlessly through the years. Interact with local washermen and women, and you even get to observe the meticulous structure followed to return the clothes crisp and spotless. The place further offers photogenic opportunities thanks to columns of colourful clothes dancing to the rhythm of the wind.
🎟️You can book your tickets and find more info here
9. Mumbai Midnight Cycling Tour
Though not technically a walking tour, we could not exclude this unique experience to view the city in a different light. Organised by Treks and Trails, this tour starting at 10:30 pm takes you through the southern district of Mumbai starting from Colaba Causeway to Marine Drive, all the way to Breach Candy and Asiatic Library. The bustling city now comparatively quieter unveils a different terrain that makes most fall in love.
🎟️You can book your tickets and find more info here
10. Charming Villages in Mumbai
Take a walk through the villages of Matharpacady and Khotachiwadi and yes, you do not need a designated walking tour here. These places better explored in silence bring back tales that have long stood steady through time. A walk through their quiet lanes offers houses in colourful hues, archaic architectural premises, stunning art galleries and decades-old bakeries holding the best of rich apple pies!