Top 10 Things to Do in Mumbai, India

No trip to India is complete without a visit to this fascinating city. You’ll be spoilt for all the amazing things to do in Mumbai, India!

Things To Do In Mumbai India
Mumbai’s Skyline at Sunset time from the Arabian Sea

In many ways Mumbai is the best city of India to live in. It beats all other metropolitan cities of India in terms of things-to-do and safety aspect.

Mumbai is a mad mix of cosmopolitan culture. The locals are super cool people to hang out with and the city is so charming that even its chaos seems musical. The months of October to February are the best months to explore Mumbai.

Best Things To Do In Mumbai

Here is a list of the top ten things to do in Mumbai. It was hard eliminating the other activities as the competition was tough!

See the Gateway of India

Whenever Mumbai is featured in movies and TV, the first image which occupies the screen is the Gateway of India. Without a shadow of a doubt, out of all Mumbai attractions – this is the most recognizable one. It’s a Mumbai must see!

The iconic arch monument is built on the shore of the Arabian Sea. The cobble-stoned yard in front of it is busy throughout the day with tourist crowd. The sea near the gateway is generally full with vessels, trawlers and yachts.

  • Address: Apollo Bandar, Colaba

Book a private full-day tour where you will visit the Gateway of India and other attractions such as Dhobi Ghat and Mani Bhawan.

The Gateway Of India - Things To Do In Mumbai, Maharashtra

Watch Sunset From the Marine Drive

Just a 15 minutes cab ride away from the Gateway of India lies the Marine Drive. It is often referred to as the โ€˜necklaceโ€™ owing to its shape.

The main attraction of the driveway is the broad pavement and the even broader wall, over which people often falls asleep. It is one of the breeziest and cleanest parts of India. Best place to watch the sunset from the city!

The sweeping views along the 3.5 km beachfront promenade is one of the most beautiful things to see in Mumbai.

Sunset From Marine Drive - Mumbai, Maharashtra

Explore the Caves of the Elephanta Island

An hour-long rocky boat-ride from the wharf of the Gateway of India can take a person to the Elephanta Island. The island shot to popularity when a set of Hindu and Buddhist caves were discovered.

Currently visitors are allowed in 5 caves. The rock cut sculptures in the caves can leave a traveller in awe. A trek to the cannon point on the pinnacle of the island provides glorious view of the sea. These caves are not just beautiful but also fun to explore!

Elephanta Cave - Mumbai - Things To Do In Mumbai, India

Taste the Vada pav

The Mumbaikars swear by Vada pavs. They are sold in every nook and corner of the city and they cost as less as INR 10.

Vada pav is bun bread cut in the middle and stuffed with spiced potato and Indian flavoured sauces. It serves as the go-to snack to satisfy the little bouts of hunger. Some of the other local snack dishes include poha, misaal pav and pav bhaji.

To complete Mumbai sightseeing, venture out and explore their street food scene!

Murals of Chapel Road

If you are a fan of street art, make sure to drop by one of the best places to visit in Mumbai – the Chapel Road!

You can find outstanding street-art in the sleepy alleys of the old neighbourhoods of Bandra. Life-like images of Bollywood star Amitabh Bachhan will stare at you.

Actors and actresses of the past era: Dilip Kumar, Madhubala, Rajesh Khanna glorifies the walls. This place is best explored on foot. Once in a while you may come across weird cartoon murals too!

Rajesh Khanna -Murals On Chapel Road Bandra - Mumbai Maharashtra

Get Spiritual at the Siddhivinayak Temple

This is the temple of the ruling deity of the city of Mumbai. Lord Ganesha sits in the central shrine of the Siddhivinayak temple. The temple is frequented by the popular and wealthy of the city.

Visiting the temple and getting a โ€˜darshanโ€™ (viewing the deity) on an auspicious day is considered very lucky for growth of wealth.

  • Website: https://www.siddhivinayak.org/index.asp
  • Address: SK Bole Marg, Prabhadevi
  • Opening hours: there allocated times depending on which deity you wish to visit, you can find more detailed information on their website.
  • Price: INR 1,500

Castella-de-Aguada

Just beyond Taj- Landโ€™s End lies the modest fort that you will ever witness in your lifetime. It is nothing more than just a flight of stairs and two archways, but what makes it special is its location.

The sea surrounds it on all 3 sides. The Bandra-Worli sea link is one of the prettiest bridges in India. Castella โ€“ de- Aguada happens to be an excellent place to gawk at this bridge!

This is a must on your what to see in Mumbai list!

  • Address: Byramji Jeejeebhoy Road, Bandstand Road
  • Opening hours: every day from 10 AM – 8 PM
  • Price: Free of charge
Bandra - Worli Sea Link - Mumbai - Maharashtra

Shop at the bizarre Chor Bazaar

What to do in Mumbai but visit some of their famous bazaars?

The word โ€˜chorโ€™ is a hindi word which means thief. โ€˜Bazaarโ€™ means market; so yes this is a thief market. Theft goods are sold in this flea market at low prices but without any warranty. Almost everything under the Sun can be found in this market from furniture of past era to the most modern cosmetics item.

The shops sell electronics items, artefacts, musical instrument and what not! Why the police do not take any action inspite of knowing most of the goods sold are stolen is a whole different story.

  • Location: close to Bhendi Bazaar on Mutton Street atGrant Road, South Mumbai
  • Opening hours: every day from 10 AM – 8 PM (closed on Fridays)

Go Animal spotting in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Can you imagine a national park right in the middle of a city? Can you imagine tigers roaming right in the middle of a city? Well you can after you visit this park.

Situated in the city centre this national park is host to wild animals like leopards, porcupines, pythons and many more. Not just this, a whole set of Budhhist caves named the โ€˜Kanheri Cavesโ€™ were also discovered within the park premises.

In this region there’s a lot of stunning nature on offer but the Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one of the best Mumbai tourist attractions.

  • Address: Western Express Hwy, Borivali East
  • Opening hours: every day from 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Price: INR 58
Sanjay Gandhi National Park - Mumbai Maharashtra - Things To Do In Mumbai

Catch the Fishermen in action at the Sasson Docks

If you somehow manage to get up early then go explore the Sasoon Docks area. It is pretty crazy with the fishermen returning with the fresh catch of the day and the buyers bidding over the catch. Staffs of big restaurant often frequent this place.

Sea food lovers are going to love the view of all those prawns, shrimps and crabs! Photography is prohibited but people anyways manage to get sneaky snaps.

Travel Tips For Mumbai

  • Respect the โ€˜Ganpati Bappaโ€™ โ€“ โ€˜Ganpati Bappaโ€™ or Lord Ganesha is the guardian deity of the city of Mumbai and most of the state of Maharashtra. He is one of the sons of Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology he was beheaded by his own father. Later, his father fixed an elephant head to his sonโ€™s body and brought him back to life. People of Marathi community who are the original natives of Mumbai revere Ganpati Bappa.
  • The Hero of Mumbai is Chhatrapati Shivaji – Chhatrapati Shivaji was the founder of the Maratha empire. He brought about a complete renaissance in the administration and hogged limelight over the entire region. He is remembered to this day for his leadership skills and bravery. The Marathas have an undying passion towards their hero.
  • Travel in Local Trains โ€“ The Mumbai local trains are the most popular system of local trains in entire India. The trains are very punctual and crisscross the vast city. The city of Mumbai is so widespread and riddled with traffic that reaching from one point to another in cab can cost as high as INR 2000. The trains provide an economical way of travel. A distance which costs INR 2000 in cab will cost as less as INR 35 in second class compartments of local train. But they are packed most of the time, particularly office times. The first class compartments are relatively empty but an equivalent distance will cost around INR 270.
  • Monsoon submerges Mumbai โ€“ In the months of June-August it rains cats and dogs in Mumbai. The local train services are disrupted, parts of the city are submerged, the sea becomes rough and ferries stop operating. Travelling within the city becomes a nuisance. At the same time, the entire Western Ghats and green patches of the city becomes as green as The Shire from The Lord of the Rings.
  • Mumbai is safe for women โ€“ Most of the Indian cities hold a notorious reputation in terms of safety. Mumbai is different. Out of all the metropolitan cities of India, Mumbai is the city a woman will feel the safest in. Events of occasional staring may happen but it doesnโ€™t go more than that. No passing of lewd comments, touching, stalking.
  • You are free to wear whatever you want โ€“ Yes you can wear whatever you like, except a bikini! The Mumbaikars are broad minded and they donโ€™t judge people by clothes. Being the fashion capital of India Mumbai lives upto its name. South Mumbai is the best place to let your hair down!

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About the Author - Tania Mukherjee

Hi, I am Tania of Azure Sky Follows. I live in Mumbai but explore all around India whenever I get a holiday. My family is a travel freak and I believe I inherited this wanderlust. Social media introduced me to quite a few bloggers and they inspired me to start my own venture. I floated the blog Azure Sky Follows to document my travel experiences. Currently I am open to taking up freelance writing assignments and remote jobs.

36 thoughts on “Top 10 Things to Do in Mumbai, India”

  1. Wow, what an insightful list of things to do in Mumbai! As someone who has always been fascinated by the vibrant culture and bustling streets of India, this article truly piqued my interest. From exploring the historic Elephanta Caves to indulging in the mouthwatering street food at Juhu Beach, every suggestion seems like an adventure waiting to happen.
    One particular recommendation that caught my eye was the mention of taking a ferry ride to Elephanta Island. The idea of cruising along the Arabian Sea, surrounded by stunning views, while heading towards a UNESCO World Heritage Site sounds like an experience not to be missed. It’s amazing how Mumbai offers such a blend of ancient history and modern-day excitement.
    I appreciate the detailed insights provided in this article, as well as the practical tips for navigating through Mumbai’s bustling streets. It’s evident that the authors have a deep appreciation for the city and its myriad attractions.
    Thank you for sharing this informative piece. It has definitely fueled my wanderlust and inspired me to add Mumbai to the top of my travel bucket list!

  2. Exploring the vibrant street markets like Colaba Causeway and Linking Road sounds like an absolute delight. Thanks for sharing.

  3. Awesome I enjoyed reading your blog post. The places listed here on this blog are too good. Good job,

  4. Thank you so much for sharing. I have found it extremely helpful, I would like to visit those places.

    • Glad you found the post helpful. Happy travels.

  5. Awesome I enjoyed reading your blog post. The places listed here are too good.

    • So glad you enjoyed reading our article. Happy travels.

  6. Marvelous work!. The blog is brilliantly written and provides all necessary information I really like this awesome post. Thanks for sharing this useful post.

  7. Great content and lot of information provided by you about Mumbai. Thanks for sharing the blog, all pictures are very beautiful.

    • Glad you liked the article. ๐Ÿ™‚

  8. Very nice and apt. Of course traveling in double decker bus, not sure if they have those anymore. My heart still skips a beat for that dude on 171 route in 1994-96 , from Antop hill to Worli. Sigh , if only I had the courage then , if only I continued my journey and did not get off at UDCT stop or SASMIRA.Well as they say soulmates do meet…
    Nevertheless this is a very good blog brings back good memories.
    Nevertheless, a very good blog.

    • Thanks for your comment Vina. Glad the post bought back memories for you. ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. Planning a trip to Mumbai. Useful tips. Thanks

    • Glad we could help. ๐Ÿ™‚

  10. You have covered all the tourists attractions of Mumbai. And people who have been to Mumbai doesn’t get bored to visit it again and again. This phrase actually suits the place “Mumbai meri Jaan”

    • Thank you for reading

  11. I had been in Mumbai for the last four years. It is the beautiful city which I love most than any other cities in India. People are very much helpful here.

    • Thank you for sharing Siby. ๐Ÿ™‚

  12. Mumbai is a beautiful place to visit. last year I have visited Marin Drive and Gateway of India.

    • Thank you for sharing Kiran. Have a great day. ๐Ÿ™‚

  13. I have visited The Gate way To India. It’s a great place to see

    • Thank you for your comment.

  14. Mumbai is very beautiful place to visit. Thank you for sharing this blog.

    • Thank you so much. Cheers for your comment. ๐Ÿ™‚

  15. Mumbai is my favorite place to visit in India, it has both historic and modern era to see and I am agreed with the points you have mentioned in the blog.

    • Thank you for your comment. ๐Ÿ™‚

  16. Mumbai is so on my list to see. Thank you for the article.

    • Thank you for reading Patrick

  17. Nice write up and good effort for producing such an engaging and informative blog post.

    • Thank you

  18. I lives in Mumbai and watching Sunset at Marine Drive is one of my favourite thing in the evening.

    • Thank you so much for your tip Mohit. ๐Ÿ™‚

  19. I visit last year in Mumbai. My favorites places are Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai.

    • Thanks Shweta. Great tip. ๐Ÿ™‚

  20. Nice compilation Tania!

    I lived in Mumbai for about 2 years, and my personal favourite is watching sunset and spending evening at marine drive. And while sitting at MD, munching bhel-muri.

    The city is so liberal, and just love the free spirit of Mumbai.

    • Thank you for your comment Nidhi. Tania wrote a great article for us. We can not wait to visit one day.

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