Things To Do In Mumbai
Mumbai is a city that never sleeps and always surprises. With an eclectic mix of historical significance, hues of culture, bustling streets as well as its peaceful retreats, there are endless things to do in Mumbai. From vintage cafes and theatres situated at popular landmarks to breathtaking gardens and shopping districts, here’s a fun and informative list to help you explore the best of Mumbai.
In this Blog
Visit a Parsi Café
What could be better than experiencing history while eating at a Parsi cafe? These hotspots used to be the centre of attraction in Mumbai where delicious food would be served along with culture. Head to Brittannia & Co if you want to be wowed by the torrid berry pulao and divine irani chai. Many Parsi cafes like Café Military and Yazdani Bakery are a good option for visitors to enjoy a meal and admire the old parts of Mumbai.
Explore the Elephanta Caves
An adventurous trip to see the Elephanta Caves is among the top things to do in Mumbai. Constructed between the 6th century, these stylistic rock cut caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva housing carved statues and temples. In order to get to this UNESCO World Heritage site, there is no better way than taking a ferry from the Gateway of India while taking in the magnificent scenery along the way. The caves are perfect for enthusiasts both of history and nature.
Take a walk at Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Within the metropolitan city of Mumbai lies one of the world’s largest urban national parks – Sanjay Gandhi National Park. It covers an area of nearly 90 square kilometres which is a green belt that is filled with wildlife such as spotted deer, leopards, and many bird species. You can choose a safari or a nice walk. This is definitely a unique experience in Mumbai that allows you to connect with nature while escaping the commotion of the city.
Go Street Shopping at Colaba Causeway
Mumbai is a shopper’s paradise, and no trip to the city is ever complete without a visit to the Colaba Causeway. This lively street bazaar offers fashionable and designer boutique clothes, jewellery, and other art pieces, as well as souvenirs. Don’t be afraid to decline the offer and go looking for better ones, you might just get rewarded. In addition to shops, this famous shopping street also has local food outlets so shoppers can restore their energy after hours of shopping.
Take a Food Trail Around Mumbai
The best way to try the rich flavours of Mumbai’s culinary streets is through a food tour, and they truly are the best when it comes to street food. For lots of taste, go to Juhu Chowpatty or Mohammed Ali Road where you can get pani puri, vada pav, jalebi and lots more. Do not forget to try the misal pav and pav bhaji, two of the local specialties. For the best experience, take a guided tour or explore on your own, trying all the delectable food Mumbai has to offer.
Marvel at the Hanging Garden
The Hanging Gardens, aptly named as they are built on the steep slopes of Malabar Hill, provide panoramic views over the Arabian Sea, which are beautiful and serene. The terrace gardens, constructed in 1880, have animal-shaped hedgerows and some lovely walks built into them. It is ideal for a serene walk, taking photographs, or a leisure afternoon with a wonderful view. From here, witnessing the sunset sky is made even more delightful and it’s also a peaceful conclusion to a day of adventuring around the city.
Frequently Asked Questions On Things to do in Mumbai
1. Which historical places should one not miss when in Mumbai?
Mumbai has a number of prominent historical features that include the Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Elephanta Caves and many others. Parsi eating houses like Brittannia & Co. along with heritage clusters such as Kala Ghoda provide insights of the city’s colonial aspects. These features form a complementary character to Mumbai’s local culture, architecture and history.
2. Where can I experience the best street shopping in Mumbai?
For a true street shopping experience in Mumbai, head to Colaba Causeway or Linking Road. Colaba Causeway is busy as there are plenty of shops and stalls selling a wide range of clothes, jewellery, souvenirs, while Linking Road is very vibrant as it has both street vendors and branded stores. Such places are great to grab discounts while soaking into the essence of street life in Mumbai.
3. What is the best time to visit Mumbai’s Elephanta Caves?
The best time to visit Elephanta caves is from November to February as the weather is not just pleasant but is conducive to ferries and exploration of the caves situated on the islands. The caves are less touristy, and the boats to them operate from morning until evening so it is wise to go early.
4. What food is famous in Mumbai, and where can I try it?
Mumbai is famous for its street food such as vada pav, pav bhaji, bhel puri, and misal pav. To get more of the local taste, you can go to Juhu Chowpatty, Mohammed Ali Road or the Khau Gallis (food streets) located at various parts of the city. Parsi cafes such as Brittannia & Co. have some special dishes such as berry pulao and Irani chai which are synonymous with the various cultures embedded in the food of Mumbai.
5. Which beaches are worth visiting in Mumbai?
Mumbai has a number of beaches but the most famous ones are Juhu Beach and Marine Drive Chowpatty. These places are ideal for watching the sunset and having some street food along with experiencing the buzzing life along the coastline of Mumbai. Versova and Aksa beaches are located in a relatively less populated area and provide peace and calm signature to those who need a break from the huge crowds.
