Mumbai, known as the city of dreams in India, is not just a city but it is a sensation. A blend of dreams, aspirations and determination, this city is not easily defined. Some come here for the glamour, some for the history, while many come here just to feel its energy. There is no dearth of things to do in Mumbai, from colonial architecture and chaotic markets to Bollywood studios and serene beaches.
In today’s blog, we will take you through some of the best things to do in Mumbai and the most enriching experiences, whether you are a curious traveler, a culture freak, a foodie or someone who is just looking for stories.
20 Best Things to do in Mumbai
1. Watch the Sunrise at Marine Drive
Curving in a graceful arc along the Arabian Sea, Marine Drive, also fondly called the Queen’s Necklace, is a popular spot for early morning walks. As the first golden rays of the sun touch the city, you will see joggers, tea vendors and stray dogs sharing the peace before the chaos begins. Sitting on the promenade here, sipping on a cutting chai and watching Mumbai slowly wake up can be a quietly magical experience.
2. Wander the Lanes of Colaba and Fort
South Mumbai, especially the areas of Colaba and Fort, offer a rich dose of history and architecture. Start with the iconic monument Gateway of India, standing by the sea. Across from it is the luxurious Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, a landmark in its own right.
Take a stroll through the Fort area, and find yourself surrounded by Gothic and Indo-Saracenic buildings from the British era. Do visit Kala Ghoda which is full of quirky galleries, book shops and cafes. Other attractions here include the Jehangir Art Gallery, David Sassoon Library and St George’s Church.
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3. Chor Bazaar
Chor Bazaar is one of the most unique places in Mumbai. Stolen goods used to mysteriously appear here, but today it has become a treasure trove for antique lovers, vintage collectors and bargain hunters.
Here you can buy old Bollywood posters, vintage gramophones, colonial furniture and unique knick-knacks. However, do not forget to bargain while buying.
4. Enjoy the flavours at Mohammed Ali Road
You know how famous Mumbai’s street food is, so no list is complete without a culinary pilgrimage to Mohammed Ali Road, especially during Ramzan. The aroma of kebabs sizzling on coals, the sweet smell of malpuas and the golden brown seekh rolls are a must-try for food lovers.
There are many famous places like Bade Miyan, Suleman Usman Mithaiwala or Noor Mohammadi Hotel where Anthony Bourdain himself once ate ‘Chicken Sanju Baba’ – a recipe of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt.
5. Ride the local train
If Mumbai is considered the heart of India, then the local trains are its arteries. Boarding a Mumbai local train during non-peak hours can give you an unforgettable, unfiltered view of the city.
The sounds, smells and sights on the trains are a completely different experience, with vendors hawking their wares, school children laughing in corners, women discussing daily soaps in the ladies compartment. However, if you can’t ride the entire local train, at least visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is both a railway station and a Victorian-Gothic masterpiece.
6. Catch a Play at Prithvi Theatre
For a dose of Mumbai’s intellectual and creative spirit, Prithvi Theatre in Juhu is a must-visit. Established by the Kapoor family, it has been a nurturing ground for India’s best theatre talents.
Its intimate spaces, diverse offerings and the charming, Prithvi Café located under a banyan tree make it one of Mumbai’s cultural gems. The vibe is artsy yet unpretentious. Grab a cup of Irish coffee and a samosa while waiting for the show.
7. Enjoy Bandra’s street art and old Portuguese villages
Bandra is Mumbai’s hippest suburb, home to stunning high-rise buildings and celebrity homes. It also has colonial-era bungalows, old churches and narrow lanes that echo with stories from the past.
Also take a stroll along Chapel Road, Ranwar Village or Waroda Road to see colourful street art, graffiti and murals that reflect both local culture and global influences. Bandra also has some great cafes and eateries to grab a bite to eat.
8. Relax at Juhu Beach
Juhu Beach in Mumbai is also a tourist place in Mumbai. The salty air, the sound of waves crashing amid laughter, kids flying kites, and vendors selling everything from pav bhaji and Gola to spicy corn-on-the-cob, it’s a sensory overload, which one might fall in love with all this.
Plan your visit for the evening when the sun dips into the Arabian Sea and the beach becomes a carnival of colors and sounds.
9. Explore the Global Vipassana Pagoda
The Global Vipassana Pagoda is located near Gorai in north Mumbai. Here you will find an unexpected oasis of peace. Built as a tribute to Buddha, this golden dome structure is one of the largest domes in the world. Surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil lake, it is a place where silence is sacred. Whether or not you meditate, the serenity and architectural grandeur make it worth the trip.
10. Visit the Dabbawalas and Dhobi Ghat
Mumbai’s famed Dabbawalas are the stuff of management textbooks and documentaries. These lunchbox delivery men, most with limited formal education, operate a delivery system so efficient that it has been studied by Harvard.
If you’re curious, head to Churchgate Station around 11:30 am to watch hundreds of dabbas being sorted and dispatched. It’s Mumbai’s organizational genius on full display.
Also stop by Dhobi Ghat near Mahalaxmi station, the world’s largest open-air laundry, where hundreds of washermen scrub clothes in synchronized rhythm. It’s chaotic, colorful, and oddly mesmerizing.
11. Escape to Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Kanheri Caves
If you are someone who needs a break from everyday life then visit Sanjay Gandhi National Park, right within city limits, is a green lung that offers a refreshing contrast. Go for a nature walk, a cycle ride, or a short jungle safari.
Hidden within the park are the Kanheri Caves, ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves dating back to the 1st century BCE. Carved out of basalt rock, these caves served as monasteries and are filled with sculptures and inscriptions.
12. Shop Till You Drop at Linking Road and Fashion Street
Whether you’re on a budget or looking for trendy steals, Mumbai has plenty of street shopping options. Linking Road in Bandra is full of stalls selling shoes, bags, and the latest fashion knock-offs. Be ready to haggle.
Fashion Street near CST is another hotspot, especially for college students. Clothes here change with trends almost overnight. Just don’t expect trial rooms and keep an eye on your belongings.
13. Take a Ferry to Elephanta Caves
Hop onto a ferry from the Gateway of India, and in under an hour, you’ll be at Elephanta Island, home to ancient cave temples carved out of solid rock. The Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, date back to the 5th century and are dedicated mainly to Lord Shiva.
The massive Trimurti sculpture, depicting Shiva as creator, preserver, and destroyer, is a standout piece. The island itself is green and breezy, offering a lovely half-day escape.
14. End the Day at Haji Ali Dargah
There’s something hauntingly beautiful about the Haji Ali Dargah, a mosque and tomb set in the middle of the sea. Connected by a narrow walkway from the mainland, it’s only accessible during low tide.
As you walk towards the whitewashed structure with waves crashing on either side, you can feel the blend of faith, architecture, and sea breeze work its quiet charm.
In Conclusion
Mumbai doesn’t try to impress you in the traditional sense. It’s not always beautiful or polished. But it’s real. Every corner tells a story, every lane holds a memory, and every local has a thousand tales to share. Whether it’s the rich cultural fabric, the flavor-packed food, the relentless energy, or the hidden spots of calm, Mumbai invites you to discover it at your own pace.
So if you ever find yourself in this city of dreams, don’t just tick off Mumbai’s tourist spots.
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