Exploring Mumbai like a pro! : 101 things to do in Mumbai

From chill hidden gems to iconic must-visits, crazy food trails to epic adventures—this guide’s your ticket to living the ultimate Mumbai dream. Ready to explore like a boss?

Exploring Mumbai like a pro! : 101 things to do in Mumbai
DESTINATIONS

By Soumya Pawaskar

02 Jan, 2025

3 mins read

Bollywood, Marine drive, Vada pav!

These are probably the first few things that pop into your head when you think of Mumbai, right? But let us tell you, Mumbai is all that and so much more. Iconic colonial landmarks, chill seaside spots, legendary food places, famous shopping markets, bass you name it, and this city’s got it! No matter how well you think you know it, Mumbai always has something up its sleeve.

And guess what? We bet even the most hardcore Mumbaikars haven’t heard of some of the cool spots and activities we’re about to drop here. Are you excited? Let's go!
 

101 Things to do in ‘The city of dreams’ Mumbai

1. Catch a beautiful sunset at Marine drive

2. Take a touristy photograph at Gateway of India

3. Visit Dadar flower market (Even Diljit did, what’s stopping YOU?)

4. Go and shop at Chor Bazaar

5. Attend Siddhivanak temple's kakad aarti at 5:30 AM. If you are lucky enough, you could be 1 of the 14 chosen people who get to witness the aarti from the temple’s innermost sanctum

A gorgeous view of the iconic Marine drive

A view of gorgeous post sunset skies at Marine Drive

6. Don’t miss the South Bombay midnight cycling tour

7. Take the monorail ride, just for the thrill and float above the bustling chaos of Mumbai!

8. Find your zen at the Japanese temple—Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist temple

9. Go to Esselworld and be a kid again!

10. Go for a long drive on Bandra-Worli sea link at midnight

A stunning view of Bandra Worli sea link at night

The stunning Bandra-Worli sea link in the night

11. Watch DDLJ in Maratha Mandir and relive the magic of Raj and Simran on the big screen

12. You HAVE to eat a vada pav from Ashok Vada Pav

13. Visit Mumbai’s oldest working dock—Sassoon dock to experience the city’s fishing culture

14. Hop on Mumbai’s newest underground Aqua metro line

15. Visit Mumbai during the iconic Ganesh Chaturthi to dance, sing and soak in the energy

Mouthwatering Vada pav from Ashok  Vada Pav

Try the super tasty Vada pav from Ashok Vada Pav (Credits- @thehungrybrigade)

16. Grab an iconic ice cream sandwich at K Rustom

17. Visit NMACC (Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre) for art, culture and exhibitions

18. Dive into history of India at Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vaastu Sangrahalaya

19. Attend a meditation programme at Global Vipassana Pagoda in Gorai

20. Sip brewing coffee from the cyclewale bhaiyya that you can find literally anywhere on the road

21. A flavourful food tour at Mohammad Ali road is a must!

22. Visit Horniman circle to witness beautiful vintage cars

23. Get the Old Bombay feels at Khotachi Wadi, Girgaon

24. Witness beautiful pottery at the 100 year old Kumbharwada 

25. Visit the iconic Dhobi Ghat- World’s largest outdoor laundry

A view of Global Vipassana Pagoda from the outside

Take in the peaceful vibes at Global Vipassana Pagoda

26. Seek blessings at Haji Ali Dargah, situated on an islet off the Worli coast

27. Step back in time at Flora fountain and get a glimpse of the colonial era architecture

28. Visit the go-to-spot for art exhibitions in the city— Jehangir Art Gallery

29. Go to the Mount Mary church, inspired by Roman Catholic Era

30. Check out the Chinese temple— Kwan Kung temple in Mazgaon for an unique experience

31. History buffs should visit 65 million years old– Gilbert Hill in Andheri, which is said to be there before there was trace of humans

32. Take Rajbhavan underground bunker tour— perfect place for an amazing sunrise

33. Go for a heritage walk through South Bombay— Ballard Estate that will transport you to early 20th century

34. Explore amazing street art at Chapel road in Bandra

35. Want to know about the evolution of money in India? Explore RBI Monetary museum

Art lovers enjoying art at the Jehangir Art Gallery

Art lovers enjoying the art at the Jehangir Art Gallery

36. Journey through more than a century of Indian Cinema, at National Museum of India Cinema (NMIC)

37. Cheer like a true Mumbaikar at a cricket match in Wankhede Stadium

38. Visit Mumbai’s oldest temple, Mumbadevi temple

39. Watch Mumbai che dabbawalas in action during lunch hours

40. Sing your heart out at a karaoke night at Hard Rock Café

41. Visit ISKCON temple in Juhu

42. Breath in the fresh air on a nature walk at Aarey colony

43. Get your hiking boots and trek through Sanjay Gandhi National Park

44. Attend Kala Ghoda Art festival and soak in the artsy vibe in case if you visit in February

45. Watch a play at Prithvi Theatre

Mesmerising view of Wankhede stadium

A mesmerising view of Wankhede stadium

46. Buy books for about Rs. 100 at book street near Flora Fountain

47. Go on shopping spree at Hill Road market, Bandra

48. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at any of the Irani cafes in the city

49. Visit Aksa beach for a quiet escape from the city chaos

50. Catch a stunning sunset at Madh Island beach

51. Stroll along Versova beach – Who knows? You might bump into the next Bollywood superstar in the making!

52. Try Parsi food at Britannia and Co. Because nothing says “old Bombay charm” like berry pulao and dhansak

53. Spot Flamingos at Sewri Jetty

54. Participate in community clean-up drives at local beaches

55. Take a walking tour of Dharavi’s vibrant lanes

A view of flamingos at Sewri jetty

Spot cute flamingos at Sewri Jetty

56. Try bouldering at Podar college wall in Matunga

57. Take a slow train from CSMT to Mulund It's not about the destination, it’s about taking in the quintessential Mumbai station vibes

58. Explore Mumbai’s most iconic market—- The Crawford market 

59. Pack a mat, grab some snacks and picnic at lush green Oval Maidan in Churchgate

60. Attend a storytelling session at Kommune Mumbai

61. Check out Mumbai’s underground party scene at antiSOCIAL, Lower Parel

62. Take a tour of Worli fishing village to learn about Koli (local fisherman community) culture

63. Explore Ghatkopar’s Khau Galli- trust us it’s a foodie’s paradise

64. Want to stargaze in Mumbai? Check out Nehru planetarium and learn astronomy

65. Go to Mahalaxmi racecourse just to see where the horse racing used to happen

Night aerial view of CSMT Station

Night aerial view of CSMT Railway Station

66. Take a chill walk at Cuff Parade promenade with yachts on one side and sea birds keeping you company

67. Enjoy marine biodiversity at Taraporewala Aquarium

68. Explore the naval history of Mumbai at Bombay Dockyard

69. Get a glimpse into city’s 300-year old Bhikha Behram Well, a sacred site for Zorastrians

70. Discover lesser-known Buddhist and Hindu cave carvings at Mandapeshwar Caves in Borivali

71. Say hi to exotic animals at recently revamped Byculla Zoo (Veermata Jeejabai Udyan)

72. Visit the sets of the popular TV show Tarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma (with the makers’ permission, of course!)

73. Admire the Eros Cinema, an Art Deco marvel from the 1930s at Churchgate

74. Savour authentic South Indian dishes at the famous Ram Ashraya in Matunga 

75. Visit The Hanging Gardens, built on a slope for scenic views of the Arabian Sea and the city skyline. Don’t miss the Old Woman’s shoe here!

A view of Old Woman's shoe in the Hanging garden

Kids playing at the old women's shoe in the famous Hanging Garden

76. Explore the amazing street art in Mahim, east

77. Visit Mani Bhavan, Mahatma Gandhi’s Mumbai home which is also a museum now

78. Experience Virtual Reality at its best at the VR game Zone, Vile Parle

79. Feast on Mumbai’s iconic street food at Girgaon Chowpaty while the sun sets over the Arabian sea

80. Enjoy a peaceful reading session at David Sassoon library and explore the heritage architecture

81. Take a heritage walk through Dadar Parsi Colony’s leafy streets and soak in the Parsi culture

82. Discover Matharpacady Village, a quaint Catholic village with colorful cottages that look straight out of a postcard

83. Take a quiet stroll in Five Gardens, surrounded by greenery in the old neighborhood of Matunga

84. Chill at Candies, an iconic café in Bandra and enjoy its affordable food and retro vibe

85. Walk or jog along Carter road’s promenade sea-facing stretch

86. Take an aerial tour of Mumbai city with Pawan Hans Helicopter joy ride

87. Experience the crashing waves against rugged rocks with stunning sunset at Versova rocks

88. Hit top shopping malls in the city like Palladium (Lower Parel), Phoenix Market city (Kurla), Infiniti Mall (Malad), Inorbit (Malad)

89. Visit House of Neon in Ghatkopar to play with neon colours and splash all over

90. Have an artistic day out with your friends along with pottery, art and cooking session at The Mini Date, Vikhroli

A view of Aesthetic little Candies cafe in Bandra

Visit the iconic Candies cafe in Bandra and munch on some delicious snacks (Credits- @candiescafe)

91. Jump high on trampolines at Bounce India, Infiniti Mall, Malad

92. Go parasailing at Juhu beach and feel the thrill of flying

93. Spend a fun evening in Mystery rooms, Andheri (You can find many escape rooms all across the city)

94. Learn the art of Sushi making at Nusara, Juhu

95. Go on a coffee date at Subko in Bandra and sip on some artisanal brews

96. Visit Mumbai’s highest climbing arena, High Rock in Powai

97. Feel the adrenaline as planes take off just above you at Jari Mari hills

98. Take a tour of the heritage building BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal corporation) Headquarters for its stunning architecture

99. Take a peek at old movie sets and Bollywood’s golden era at Bollywood Park Mumbai Filmcity, Goregaon

100. Get competitive and enjoy all the different colors of fun at OWG Paintball, Mira Bhayandar

101. Enjoy a fun date night at the Jio Drive-In Theatre, BKC to watch movies under the stars for an ultimate romantic evening

A view of Jio drive in theatre

Enjoy movie night at Jio Drive-In theatre in BKC (Credits- @foodie_24into7)

Are you ready to explore Mumbai like a pro? Who knows, while checking out these places, you might stumble upon some amazing hidden gems. Afterall, yeh Mumbai hai boss, it never stops surprising you! And once you’ve ticked off all these places and activities, why not plan your next adventure around Mumbai? Check out our detailed blog for all the inspo you need!

Oh also, after all that exploring, you’ll need a spot to relax and rest, right? Located just a 9-minute drive from Mumbai International Airport, The Hosteller Mumbai, Andheri, is the perfect place to crash! Plan your Mumbai trip today!

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