42 Best Things to Do in Mumbai

Marine Drive is a km long, arc shaped boulevard along the South Mumbai coast, starting from the southern end of Nariman Point and ending at the famous Chowpatty beach. Among the several exciting things to do in Mumbai, taking a walk at the Marine Drive tops the list. The coast lines the Arabian sea and is the best place to watch the sunset in Mumbai, or even to just relax by the sea any time of the day or night.

The Gateway of India is, without doubt, one of the most popular tourist hotspots of Mumbai and riding the ferry at Gateway of India is one of the top things to do in Mumbai. One of the most distinguished monuments in Mumbai, it was built in the year 1924 by famous architect George Wittet as a commemoration of the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. The imposing structure of the monument is a beautiful confluence of Indian, Arabic and Western architecture and has become a popular tourist hub in the city.

Situated at the backdrop of a beautiful view of the sea is the shrine of Haji Ali, a wealthy merchant turned into Muslim Sufi. The Haji Ali Dargah (mausoleum) was raised in 1431 in reminiscence of an affluent Muslim trader, Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who gave up all his worldly belongings before making a trip to Mecca. People from all walks of life and religions come here to seek blessings. The sunsets at Haji Ali are especially mesmerizing and are a sight to behold.

Juhu beach is the longest beach in Mumbai, and arguably the most popular among tourists as well. Juhu beach is renowned for its wide variety of street food with a very typical Mumbai flavour.  The nearby area of Juhu is a posh locality in Mumbai, home to a lot of famous Bollywood and TV celebrities - the most famous being Amitabh Bachhan's bungalow - and it is not very rare to spot a celebrity jogging on the beach.

When in Mumbai, don't forget to shop. With several alleys converted into market places, shopping is one of the most important items on the list of 'things to do in Mumbai'. One of the most crowded and electrifying places to visit in Mumbai is the Colaba Causeway, famous for being the shopping paradise and having endless shops to choose from. There are several others littered all over the place where you can buy shoes, apparels, accessories etc at throwaway prices.

Also known as Bandra Bandstand, it boasts of a joggers strip and a park in addition to being a happening hangout spot. Dotted with food junctions and sprinkled with hawkers selling street snacks, the promenade is replete with swarms of people at all points of the day. Besides presenting an enthralling picture of the adjacent sea and the mesmerising skyline, Bandstand also boasts of being Shahrukh Khan's residential place, which is a major pull for the tourists.

The Siddhivinayak Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is one of the most significant and frequented temples in Prabhadevi of Mumbai, Maharashtra. This temple was built in the year 1801 by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil. The couple did not have any children of their own and decided to build the Siddhivinayak temple so as to fulfil the wishes of other infertile women. It is one of the richest temples in Mumbai and devotees visit this temple in large numbers on a daily basis.

Popularly known as Chowpatty, the beach is located in southern Mumbai along the western railway route. This small sandy beach is a superb place to chill, and a must visit for all tourists who are seeing Marine Drive for the first time. Besides trying the famous street food at Chowpatty, is the one among the essential things to do in Mumbai. This beach is a retreat from the mind-numbing and chaotic routine of the day-to-day life. Most people visit this place to unwind and relax after a long, strenuous day.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elephanta Caves is a specimen of rock-cut art and architecture from the times of medieval India. The caves are located on the Elephanta island which is situated at a distance of 11 km from the city of Mumbai. Natively known as Gharapurichi Leni, the Elephanta Caves that exist today are ruins of what were once elaborately painted artworks. It also provides an amazing view of the Mumbai skyline.

Victoria Terminus, a former name for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, is a modern railway station in the bustling capital city of the western state of India, Maharashtra. The marvellous structure is an awesome illustration of the Victorian-Gothic style of architecture in India. In fact, the railway station, which still functions as usual, is declared as a World Heritage Site under UNESCO and comes under the top things to do in Mumbai. The station is always bustling with the sounds of the metro city and the locals.

Officially known as Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, this eight-lane cable-stayed bridge in Mumbai is one of the few bridges that is a cable-stayed with pre-stressed concrete-steel viaducts to hold it in place.The beauty of the Bandra Worli Sea Link is in its engineering genius. Overlooking the magnificent blue waters of Mahim Bay, this splendid architecture is a mighty sight to behold and is definitely among the most important things to do in Mumbai.

The exuberant promenade with lashing waves and gushing waters of the Arabian Sea, situated in Worli, Mumbai is popularly called Worli Sea Face.Extending from Worli Fort in the north to Prabhadevi in the south, the seafront offers picturesque vistas of the endless blue sea with a hazy image of Haji Ali Dargah in the distance. The esplanade is frequented by locals and tourists alike, majorly in the wee hours of the night owing to scattered traffic and the solitary atmosphere. The spot also offer mesmerizing views of sunsets and witnessing one is definitely among the top things to do in Mumbai.

A popular tourist destination in Mumbai, the Hanging Garden is a terrace garden built in 1880 and renovated in 1921. Dedicated to its barrister, Pherozeshah Mehta, the garden is also known after his name. It has impeccable animal shaped hedges and lush green vegetation along with a serene bird's eye view of the Arabian Sea.

Latest trends, a variety of clothes and the delicious aroma of street food is what Fashion Street in Mumbai is all about. One of the favourite shopping hubs for the people of Mumbai, especially the students, the place offers some of the trendiest and latest fashion clothes. An array of about 150 shops which sell an inconceivable assortment of accessories and clothing makes Fashion Street a paradise for a shopaholic.

Essel World is the famous amusement park located in the capital of Maharashtra, Mumbai in India. EsselWorld and Water Kingdom together make one of Asia's largest amusement parks. It is also on the bucket list of things to do in Mumbai of every traveller. With a number of exciting rides and entertainment, Essel World and Water Kingdom is a favourite summer destination for many families. One can plan a day-long picnic or stay overnight at one of the hotels nearby to explore both the amusement parks.

Located in a secluded area in the vicinity of Aarey Colony, Mumbai, Film City is often regarded as a home to the Bollywood. Almost over 900 films other than television shows have been shot here as in the earlier days. Today, the Film City has grown to be one of the best film studios, well equipped with all the essential amenities and world-class facilities required in film production with incredible support from film personalities and government. It offers one a clear idea of know-how about shooting films in India.

Squeezed between the suburbs of Mumbai and Thane, Sanjay Gandhi National park is ideal for picnics and weekends getaways offering respite from the chaos and buzz of the city. Famed to be one the most liked national parks, visitors throng in thousands to spot Leopards, Macaques, Boars, Lions, Flying fox, Kingfisher, Sunbirds and a significant number of butterflies here. Kanheri caves, which are more than two thousand years old are also a major tourist attraction inside the park premises. The caves have been carved out of the rocky cliffs.

Located a little on the outskirts of the city in Malad, Aksa Beach is an unparalleled oasis for a rejuvenating retreat from the hustle bustle of the city traffic. The beach, no doubt, owes most of its fame to the song 'Tujhe Aksa Beach ghuma du' from the hot shot Bollywood movie but is lately becoming a choicest pick among tourists seeking tranquility and peace from the mainstream chowpattis in Bombay. The beach is still untouched by the city crowds and hence maintains its natural charm apart from being immaculately clean.

Home to umpteen villages, farmlands and surreal vistas, is the locale of Madh Island in Mumbai. Clustered with quaint fisher villages and dotted with lush green farms, Madh Island is a respite from the glitterati and dazzling environs of the city and can be reached by an hour's drive from the main city.  Primarily inhabited by Kolis, Marathis, and Roman Catholics, it also has several luxury resorts to help you escape from the maddening city life to come and coop up here for a few days.

Gorakhgad is a hill fort in Maharashtra. Gorakhgad and Machindragad are twin forts in the Thane district of Maharashtra. Gorakhgad is situated at an elevation higher than its twin fort and can be reached through a short trek.

A beautiful, serene and pristine beach in Mandwa Village is not just about quite long walks along the coast but also offers the buzz of water sports.

A visit to Mumbai is, of course, incomplete without shopping for some nice clothes and accessories, and this is when the Lokhandwala Market comes to the rescue! This local market has gained much popularity over the past few years and is now the one-stop shop to ticking off all items from your shopping list on your next visit to Mumbai. Located in western Mumbai, the Lokhandwala Market is one of the most popular suburbs there. It also houses a large commercial and residential complex, but it is the long stretch of roadside stalls and shops that constitute the much loved Lokhandwala Market.

Acknowledged for its high fashionable taste, Mumbai provides many opportunities to shop around. Besides Colaba, Bandra is another place for Shopaholics.

When you are in Mumbai, you absolutely have to trek and check that off your itinerary or the things to do in Mumbai. One beautiful hill fort in the state of Maharashtra is Makarandgad (or Madhumakarandgad). Believed to be comprised of twin peaks, Madhu and Makarandgad, the fort has thus derived its name. You can reach it through a short trek.

The Siddhgad-Bhimashankar route is a nature lover's paradise. The trek is rejuvenating and tough enough to keep you on your toes while also giving you all the pleasures of a leisurely stroll.

Naneghat is a hill fort in Maharashtra. It is situated at an elevation of 2600 feet from the ground in the Thane district of Maharashtra. The trek is famous more for its ancient pass than for the fort itself.

Mahuli is a hill fort in Maharashtra and offers a wonderful trekking trail offering picturesque views of the valley below. Located in the district of Thane, the peak of the fort rises to an elevation of 2700 feet from the ground. The summit is actually a collection of 2-3 hills, all having typical names.

Sri Malang gad is a fort near Kalyan in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is known popularly as Haji Malang, which is one of the most famous among the three sufi shrines located on the hill. The structure of the fort is three-storeyed, and each tier has a specific name. The spot offer moderate to difficult trekking opportunities.

Jivdhan is a hill fort in the state of Maharashtra. It is a part of the 'famous five' fort in the Sahyadri mountain range. The other forts which are a part of the famous five include Naneghat, Shivneri, Chavand and Hadsar.

Mahipatagad is a hill fort in the state of Maharashtra. Mahipatagad is a twin fort of Rasalgad, located in the Ratnagiri district.

Situated next to Bandstand Promenade just next to Bandra, Carter Road is one of the most happening and popular hangout places among the Mumbaikars. The locale is a haven for foodies owing to its bazillion food options from the umpteen eateries situated on the sidewalk. There might be several hundred things to do in Mumbai but cafe hopping at Carter Road is definitely one of the most essential ones. Replete with numerous pubs, big brand stores and an enchanting coastline, the region is thronged by locals and tourist alike.

The Prince of Wales Museum is a splendid structure situated in Mumbai and is regarded as one of the heritage buildings of the city. The foundation stone of this edifice was laid down by the Prince of Wales on the 11 November 1905, and it was established as a museum on 10 January 1922.  Adorned with stone and lattice work, the architecture of the Prince of Wales Museum is a blend of Indian, Mughal and British engineering styles. Inside, the museum holds some of the most exquisite artefacts relating to the rich and diverse history of India.

Since its inception 65 years ago, the Kamala Nehru Park in Mumbai has remained famous for its original purpose ? to provide a safe, clean and beautiful environment for the children of India to grow up in. The park offers a splendid view of Mumbai's skyline along the coast of the Arabian Sea, making it ideal not only as a picnic spot for families but for those introspective souls who wish for a space of calm and beauty in the midst of the city.

A paradise for art lovers, National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Mumbai is a famous art museum possessing a magnificent collection of paintings, sculptures and artefacts since 1996.The multitude of artwork present in this charismatic gallery has drawn millions of visitors and left them awestruck for the rest of their lives. It is governed by the Department of Culture, Government of India and has over the period become a popular tourist attraction as it very convincingly depicts the modification of artwork in the field of visual and plastic arts.

Located in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the Kanheri Caves in Mumbai is a group of alcoves and rock - cut monuments that illustrate the Buddhist influence on the Indian art and culture. The caves are famous for its 109 special entrances and ancient sculptures, carvings, paintings and inscriptions dating from the 1st century to the 10th century that adorn their basalt formations. Standing in sharp contrast to the verdant greenery of the surrounding hills, Kanheri Caves can be accessed through a series of rock cut steps.

Alternatively known as Kondivite Caves, the centuries-old Mahakali Caves are located in the western part of the city of Mumbai, i.e. Andheri. The Mahakali Caves are a total of nineteen rock-cut monuments, built between the duration of the 1st and 6th century. The main cave consists of Buddha figures and stupas, while the there are several Buddha idols carved on the rocks too. These solid basalt caves are a favourite place for history lovers, and archaeologists. Surprisingly clean and efficiently maintained, the caves are far from the city area hence give a serene and peaceful environment to be in.

Just a kilometre and a half away from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Jama Masjid, popularly known as Friday Mosque, is the oldest mosque that Mumbai houses. A popular place of pilgrimage, this mosque stands majestically on the renowned Sheikh Menon Street, near Crawford Market, in the southern part of Mumbai. The mosque boasts of beautiful and intricate carvings, breathtaking artworks and the fascinating 'sangemarmar' stonework and has a fascinating history attached to it.

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, commonly called as the Mount Mary Church by the locals, is a Roman Catholic Church situated atop a hillock 262 feet above sea level and is one of the finest specimens of its kind. Located in the suburbs of the vibrant city of Mumbai, the church enjoys a stunning view of the joyfully bustling Arabian Sea as it beautifully reflects different shades of blue.

Endearingly known as "India's Disneyland", Adlabs Imagica is the largest theme park of the country situated in Mumbai. Inaugurated in 2013 and sprawling over a humongous area of 300 acres, the Adlabs Imagica is a one stop destination for all water cum adventure activities. Besides, it also boasts of a plethora of restaurants and club both for luxury dining and binge eating.

Just an hour's drive from the city, Pandavkada Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Navi Mumbai. Nestled in between verdant green Pandavkada Hills, the waterfalls are a visual treat and ideal spot to relax and rejuvenate.

Situated in Jogeshwari west in Mumbai, Jogeshwari Caves are some of the very early construction of the Buddhists. Built in the form of cave sculptures. the caves can be reached through a long flight of stairs. The structure is famous of its several pillars and a lingam at the end.

Playboy Club opened in Mumbai in 2017 and was the first of its kind. With neon blue decor and high ceilings, playboy bunnies, champagne towers, and jazzy disco lights, the club recreated Vegas in India. The club is among the most popular ones and stays opens only three days a week.