Top 10 Things to Do in Mumbai

Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra is one of the most visited cities in India. The city that is steeped in history yet flowing in modernity has a lot to offer. If you’re travelling to Mumbai, read on as this article briefs you about the city and some of popular attractions in Mumbai.

Here is a list of the top 10 things do in Mumbai.

1. Eat like a local

Mumbai is a paradise for all food lovers. The variety of street food available here will leave you awestruck. Evenings are meant for street food and one cannot leave Mumbai without tasting its flavours. The aroma and taste of food served here make you fall in love with this city. Pav bhaji, Vada Pav, Pani Puri, falooda and many more surprise you with their exotic flavours. Munching on these delicacies on the buzzing streets of Mumbai is the best way to spend evenings in the city that never sleeps, one of the top things to do in Mumbai.

2. Take a ferry ride from Gateway of India

Built-in Indo-Saracenic architecture, this monument was constructed to honour the landing of the first-ever British King George V in India. Gateway of India is one of the major tourist attractions in Mumbai, also one of the top things to do in Mumbai you cannot miss. A lot of ferry rides are available that let you enjoy this structure from the sea and also take you to other tourist spots like Elephanta Caves and more. You can either go on a ferry ride or enjoy the breeze staring into the sea. Gateway of India is also called Mumbai’s Taj. This structure holds a special place in the hearts of the local Jewish community as the celebrations of Hanukkah takes place here with the lighting of the menorah.

Gateway of India

Take a Ferry Ride from Gateway of India

3. Explore the Elephanta Caves

Catch a ferry from The Gateway of India and within an hour, you’re on an island full of cave sculptures carved during the 5th and 6th centuries. There are 5 main caves where carvings whisper stories from Hindu mythology. The sculptures leave you spellbound taking you back in time. The visiting hours to the caves are 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Make sure your visit does not fall in the monsoon season as the ferry service remains closed from June to August. There are temples inside these caves that let you marvel at the sculptures carved out of rocks. Most of the idols are damaged but that doesn’t leave you with any disappointment. Consider visiting other nearby tourist spots on Monday because the entry to these caves is shut. Don’t miss this top thing to do in Mumbai.

4. Walk along the Marine Drive

Linking Nariman point and Babulnath, this six-lane road stretched across 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) is called Queen’s Necklace. Marine Drive is called so because it looks like a C-shaped necklace when viewed from the top in the dark. The streetlights along the road look like gems of a necklace and is a beautiful sight to watch. Thousands of locals and tourists flock to this place to stride along the pathway while watching the sun go down at dusk. Palm trees planted in an organized fashion near the beach make it look more enthralling. Watching sunset when the cool breeze hits your face snacking on samosas or Bombay Chaat can be an ideal thing to do when you’re in Mumbai.

5. Visit Haji Ali Dargah

This prominent religious site of Mumbai is open to people from all religions irrespective of color, caste, and creed. Located on the shores of Mumbai, this place attracts thousands of visitors every day. You can visit this mosque to offer prayings and also admire the dome and minarets built in Indo-Islamic style. Dress code is strict and if you’re planning to visit this prestigious religious site, make sure you are fully dressed, a scarf to cover your head is much appreciated. The entry to the mosque is free and is open every day. Locals and tourists queue up to enter the mosque at 5:30 AM and the mosque closes after the last prayer for the day is offered which is at 10:00 PM.

6. Go shopping

The vibrant streets of Mumbai do not let you go empty-handed. The buzzing streets of Mumbai are crowded with locals and tourists bargaining with the vendors while making a purchase is a common sight. The most expensive city in India has one of the best shopping markets and go shopping is surely one of the top things to do in Mumbai. Colaba Causeway, Kalamboli Market, Crawford Market, Lokhandwala Market, fashion Street and many more are the most visited shopping destinations in Mumbai.

7. Have fun at Essel World

One of the top things to do in Mumbai is to have fun at Essel World, which is India’s largest amusement park located in the Gorai area in Mumbai. Spread across an area of 42 acres, this is a perfect place to be if you’re looking for land rides and water sports paired with adventure. The rides are designed especially for adults, children, and families. Other attractions like Ice-skating, Bowling, and Rock Climbing are also available. The ticket price ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,500 and is worth every penny. If you are planning to visit this amusement park, make sure you carry a swimwear along.

Have Fun on the Chowpatty Beach

Have an Exciting Jungle walk for Wildlife Safari

8. Watch the sunset from Juhu Chowpatty Beach

Mumbai is lined with several beaches and Juhu is the most famous one. Just like the city, the beaches of Mumbai are ever-crowded. High tides during monsoon make October to February the best time to visit Juhu Beach. Local delicacies served at dozens of stalls are worth relishing. Watching the clear blue sky turning red while the sun goes down the horizon can be a moment that remains etched in memory, definitely one if the top things to do in Mumbai. Juhu is a posh locality where many celebrities, especially Bollywood actors, stay. The sand in your flip-flops, the cool wind in your hair, a snack in your mouth, and a spectacular view make you love the city more.

9. Wildlife Safari at Sanjay Gandhi National Park

If you are a nature lover stuck in a metropolitan city like Mumbai, do not worry! Wildlife Safari at Sanjay Gandhi National Park is bound to evade your disappointment. This National Park is home to several endangered species. There are a lot of activities inside like toy train, boat ride, cycling rock climbing, caves, butterfly garden, trekking, and nature trails that let you connect with nature. This is the only protected forest in close vicinity. Your trip to this National Park is incomplete without a visit to Kanheri caves scattered on a hilltop. There are about 109 hand-carved caves that represent Buddhism.

10. Catch a play at Prithvi Theatre

From budding artists to established ones, Mumbai is a hub for artists. Every corner of the city is filled with people brimming with talents. Run by the famed Kapoor family of Bollywood industry, Prithvi Theatre is a center for performing arts. It has earned its name for the wonderful plays and comfortable seating it offers. The cafe at Prithvi theatre is also one of the things that draw a huge crowd. Their Kheema Pav served is to die for. However, the entertainment here is limited and hence closed on Mondays. The theatre remains open from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM.