Mumbai Travel Guide: 10 Best Things to Do
Known as the City of Dreams there are plenty of things to do in Mumbai that would keep you on your toes and offer you a unique experience. With its fast-paced lifestyle, ancient traditions, and a captivating blend of colonial and modern buildings, Mumbai offers a fusion like no other.
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For centuries, Mumbai has remained the financial hub of India and is the heart of the Indian film industry. With its bustling markets, vibrant street food scene, rich history and dynamic nightlife, Mumbai has so much to offer that it is practically impossible to cover everything in a short holiday.
However, if you are planning to visit Mumbai you can narrow down your choices and focus on certain things to do in Mumbai that would make your visit worthwhile.
Here are 10 things to do in Mumbai for a unique memorable experience.
Enjoy Sunrise at the Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is to Mumbai what Big Ben is to London. The moment you type in Mumbai on Google you will find hundreds of pictures of Gateway of India on your device screen. However, if you are in Mumbai, the best way to start your day would be to enjoy a sunrise at the Gateway of India.
During the morning hours, there are not many visitors around and that adds to the reason why you should enjoy a morning here instead of an evening. Be ready for some stunning sunrise shots that you can capture when you are at Gateway of India Mumbai.
Spend a Day at the Elephanta Caves
Just a short ferry ride from the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 5th to 8th centuries. This is one of the must-visit attractions in Mumbai which generally takes 5 hours. Hence, you must plan this one thoroughly. Ideally, you should avoid a visit to Elephanta Caves from June to October because of the monsoon weather.
Elephanta Caves Mumbai is otherwise known as Gharapuri Caves featuring two hillocks separated by a narrow valley. The 20-foot Trimurti sculpture forms the centrepiece of the caves depicting the three-faced Lord Shiva. Surrounded by lush greenery, this is a great place for history buffs and those seeking to connect with India’s rich heritage.
Relish Breakfast at Irani Cafes
If you are looking for a quick breakfast one of the things to do in Mumbai is head to the nearest Irani café. While not many of them are in business these days, Irani cafes in Mumbai are more than just breakfast joints. These cafes are a throwback to Mumbai’s colonial era. Right from the moment you step in you are welcomed by vintage décor, checkered tablecloths, bentwood chairs and old-styled service.
These cafes serve a delectable range of Parsi and Irani breakfast items like bun maska, Irani chai, pudding, custard, akuri (a mildly spiced runny scrambled egg dish)and keema pav (minced meat with bread). Enjoy the laid-back and no-frills vibe here as you gobble up some breakfast and sip some tea for the day.
Explore Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
If you are not an Indian, don’t let the new name of this museum overwhelm you. Formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, this museum is one of the most popular museums in Mumbai. Located just a short distance from the Gateway of India, this 102-year-old museum houses a vast collection of ancient art, sculptures and artefacts.
You can spend hours here browsing through more than 70,000 exhibits which are majorly categorised into three sections: Art, Archaeology and Natural History. Here you can find various Indus Valley civilization relics and artefacts that make Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum Mumbai a must-visit attraction.
Admire Art at the Jehangir Art Gallery
Set right next to the museum is Jehangir Art Gallery which is one of the best places to admire art in Mumbai. This has remained one of the premier destinations for art admirers and lovers since 1952. Here you can enjoy the works of various artists from India focusing on contemporary Indian art.
For decades, Jehangir Art Gallery Mumbai has remained a centre of activity for artists, art connoisseurs and the general public. There are ample eateries and restaurants around the gallery where you can enjoy your lunch.
Experience the Bustling Crawford Market
Welcome to one of the oldest markets in Mumbai – The Crawford Market. Renamed as Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Market, this is where you can spend hours shopping all kinds of products known to man. From fresh produce to chocolates, from deodorants to pencils, you name it and you will probably find a shop for it here.
This bustling market offers a vibrant and sensory-rich experience as you walk through the narrow lanes of stalls that offer you a variety of products and produce. Offering a lot more than just a shopping experience, Crawford Market in Mumbai is a perfect place to immerse yourself in the lively spirit of the city.
If the idea of exploring the local markets on your own seems daunting, then you can opt for a guided tour of Mumbai’s must-see markets in the company of a guide who will take you through some of the oldest lanes in Mumbai offering a better insight of these activity hubs.
Visit the Mount Mary Church
Officially known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount Bandra, this is the most famous church in Mumbai you should not miss out. Nestled on one of the hillocks in Bandra, the iconic Mount Mary Basilica has an interesting history that dates back to 1568 when it was only a mud oratory.
Today, this church is among the most popular churches in Mumbai attracting millions of devotees from all walks of life and different religions and beliefs. When you are done exploring the church you can walk down the hill and enjoy a nice view of the Arabian Sea.
Shop at Colaba Causeway
If you are someone who loves to street shop Colaba Causeway in Mumbai is your destination. This is probably one of the places where you will find plenty of international tourists enjoying time at eateries or bargaining at various stalls. These stalls sell different types of clothes, silver and quirky jewellery, sunglasses, keychains, footwear, bags and a lot more.
Here you will also find various brand stores like Nike, Puma, Levis and so on. Hence, shoppers have a choice to choose from a plethora of options available along the Causeway. You can also find various amazing bars, cafes and eateries out here to hang out when you are done shopping. Being one of the best places to street shop in Mumbai, Colaba Causeway gets crowded on weekends.
Take a Stroll at Marine Drive
As the day comes to an end, you can head to Marine Drive, a scenic promenade offering a stunning view of the Arabian Sea, especially at sunset. This is where you should be just before the sunset hours and enjoy the sun go down the horizon and watch the street lights light up the area transforming it into a Queen’s Necklace.
This C-shaped promenade is one of the best things to do in Mumbai especially when you want to unwind. During the evening hours, there is a lot of activity happening here. You will witness various lovers/couples sitting on the parapet, health-conscious people jogging around, dog owners taking their dogs out for a walk, and people spending time leisurely.
Indulge in Local Food and Flavours
Mumbai offers an eclectic mix of various cultures and traditions making it a perfect place for foodies. With more than 10,000 restaurants offering all kinds of Indian cuisine, you will be spoiled for choice.
Similarly, you can also get your hands on the street food stalls at Chowpatty which allows you to enjoy the local flavours.
Whether you are wandering through the bustling markets, enjoying local food or relaxing on Marine Drive Mumbai has something for everyone. It offers a perfect blend of history, culture, food, and architecture that never ceases to surprise and delight.
As you browse through these local and cultural attractions, you find yourself immersed in the fast-paced lifestyle and pulse of the city creating memories that will stay with you long after you’ve reached home.
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