10 Best Things To Do In Mumbai

These best things to do In Mumbai cover the best Mumbai attractions, historic sights, day trips and delicious food; so you don’t miss the top picks!

Mumbai is not a city that people just visit; it is a city that people feel. It is a multicolored, throbbing tapestry of music, color, and energy, with colonial-era architectural wonders next to shining skyscrapers. The hopes of a billion people appear to come together in the humid, sea-salted air.

People often call it the “Maximum City” since it has a lot of compelling contrasts. Here, tremendous riches and deep poverty are quite near to each other, creating a dynamic that is both perplexing and very human. Anyone who wants to get to know the real India must visit its financial and entertainment hub.

It is also an affordable place to explore, perfect for those backpacking in Asia and trying to explore more destinations on a budget.

It might be hard to plan a trip to a city that is so big and has so many things to do.  There are so many sights, sounds, and things to do that it might be overwhelming.

Best Things To Do In Mumbai

1. The Gateway of India

You can’t say you’ve been to Mumbai unless you’ve spent some time in front of the Gateway of India, the city’s most famous monument. This huge basalt arch is a great example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. It was built to honor King George V’s visit in 1911. It stands proudly at the water’s edge and has been India’s ceremonial gateway for decades.

The plaza around it is busy with visitors and photographers. From here, you may see the beautiful Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and go on the boats to Elephanta Caves.

2. Marine Drive

Marine Drive is the heart of Mumbai’s cityscape. It is a graceful, three-kilometer-long bend of road along the shore. A broad promenade and a beautiful row of Art Deco buildings along this C-shaped street. Walking around here is a must-do in Mumbai.

At night, the promenade changes into a string of pearls, which is why it is affectionately called the “Queen’s Necklace.” The environment is both exciting and peaceful, and people from all walks of life go there often. 

3. Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Island, home to the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a beautiful boat trip from the Gateway of India. People think that this network of rock-cut temples was built between the 5th and 7th centuries.

Most of them are devoted to the Hindu deity Shiva. The main cave is the most striking. It has a beautiful 20-foot-high Trimurti sculpture that shows the three aspects of Shiva: the creator, the preserver, and the destroyer. It is a stunning work of art from ancient India.

4. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST)

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is more than simply a train station; it is a living monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. British architect F.W. Stevens designed it, and it is a beautiful mix of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture with traditional Indian designs. The structure has turrets, pointed arches, and elaborate carvings.

It is still one of India’s busiest train stations, but the best way to see its real splendor is from the outside, particularly at night when it is lit up with a symphony of colored lights.

5. A Food Tour of Mumbai’s Street Food

Mumbai’s busy streets, not its fancy eateries, are where you can really taste the city, offering some of the best Indian food around. Anyone who comes to town should go on a food tour. The city is known for its wide variety of tasty and cheap vegetarian appetizers.

You have to go to a local stand to get Vada Pav, which is the best Indian burger. Pav Bhaji (hot mashed veggies on a buttered bun) and Bhel Puri (puffed rice with tangy sauces) are two more dishes that you have to try. To get the most genuine experience, you can check out the food booths near Juhu Beach or Girgaon Chowpatty.

6. Dhobi Ghat

The Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat is a one-of-a-kind sight that gives you a fascinating look into how the city works.

Thousands of the city’s dhobis (washermen) operate in a very organized way at this huge open-air laundry. People bring clothes from all around Mumbai here to wash them by hand in rows of concrete pens.

From the bridge near Mahalaxmi railway station, you can see the whole operation in all its glory. 

7. Sanjay Gandhi National Park

It’s amazing that a huge national park can be found in a big city like Mumbai. Sanjay Gandhi National Park is the city’s green lung, giving people a much-needed break from the metropolis. There are a lot of different kinds of plants and animals in the park, including a small group of wild leopards.

The Kanheri Caves are the park’s primary feature and one of the reasons this park is listed as one of the best Indian holiday destinations for travelers. They are a group of over 100 rock-cut monastic chambers that were a Buddhist center for hundreds of years. You may hire a bike, take a safari bus, or hike along the park’s many peaceful pathways. 

8. Colaba Causeway

If you want to shop and be among people, you have to go along Colaba Causeway. This commercial area is a dream come true for anyone who loves to shop for deals. There are booths around the sidewalks offering everything from trash jewelry and crafts to clothing and antiques. Part of the fun is learning how to bargain.

People also know the Causeway for its old buildings. You should definitely go to the famous Leopold Cafe or Cafe Mondegar. 

9. A Respectful Tour of Dharavi

People typically talk about Dharavi as one of the biggest slums in Asia, but it’s much more than that. It’s a lively center of small businesses and a community with a great sense of entrepreneurship. An ethical and courteous tour, especially one conducted by a local, may provide you with a deep understanding of the city’s social and economic structure.

There is a bustling informal economy in its small alleyways, with businesses that range from tanning leather and making ceramics to running a huge plastic recycling operation. 

10. Bandra Bandstand, Street Art, and Bollywood

Bandra, the “Queen of the Suburbs,” is a great place to see the more contemporary and fashionable side of Mumbai.

The Bandstand Promenade is a great place to stroll since it has great views of the Arabian Sea and the beautiful Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Many Bollywood celebs also live in this region, which is another reason why it is renowned. The bylanes of Bandra, especially around Chapel Road, have become a lively open-air art gallery, in addition to being a popular spot for celebrities. 

There are a million tales to tell about Mumbai, and these experiences are only the beginning. The city’s real enchantment comes out in the unplanned moments, as when you talk to a friendly local, drink a hot cup of chai amid an unexpected monsoon rainstorm, or smile at someone on a packed local train.

A trip to Mumbai is more than simply a vacation; it’s a chance to learn and have fun. It will be something you remember long after the trip is over.