101 Guide to 12 Fun Things to Do in Mumbai

Anoushka
20 Min Read

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Referred to as “Mayanagri” which roughly translates to the ‘City of Dreams’. Also known as ‘The Fashion Capital of India’, Mumbai is an overwhelming yet unique experience for most first-time visitors.

If you are planning a real Mumbai tour you can plan it out here.

This cosmopolitan city has an exhilarating blend of indigenous culture, heritage, and the western way of life. Mumbai is a distinct and memorable experience. From nightlife to natural gems, from diverse cultures to a wide variety of lip-smacking local delicacies, from historical buildings to religious places, be it a weekend escapade or a family trip, there are innumerable exciting things to do in Mumbai.

To explore the entire Aura of this marvelous city and explore it to the fullest, here is a perfectly curated list of 12 things to do in Mumbai to enjoy the fullest.

Entry Fee- Toll Tax to be paid

First on the list of things to do in Mumbai is to go on a long drive on the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link. Previously known as the Bandra Worli Sea Link, this 5.6kms long bridge connects Bandra in the Western Suburbs of Mumbai with Worli in South Mumbai. This bridge is constantly alive with the noises of the metropolis and its residents.

Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link
Photo By gurmit singh on Flickr

The huge Bandra Worli sea linkage seamlessly handles eight lanes of traffic and transports around 37,500 vehicles every day. Tourists may readily reach it from either side of the link, and driving on it is one of the most enjoyable activities for couples in Mumbai. This link may be reached by the nearest bus station in Bandra or the Bandra Railway Station, which is about 5 kilometers away.

2. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Not one, but three UNESCO world heritage treasures may be found in this great metropolis. Visiting these is one of the must to do things in Mumbai.

Elephanta Caves

Entry fee- 10/- for Indians and SAARC nationals; 250/- for foreign nationals

The Gharapuri or Elephanta island, which is located off the coast of the city, is best known for the ornately carved Elephanta caves. The Elephanta caves were the first of the three to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Elephanta Caves is an architectural masterpiece that stretches 60,000 square feet and is situated off the shoreline of the Arabian Sea on an island. The seven intricately carved caves on the island are like everlasting footprints on the history of the universe, standing tall as an exemplary example of rock-cut architecture.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains spectacular rock-cut caverns symbolizing Lord Shiva’s religion and can only be reached by ferries from the Gateway of India. Elephanta caves’ prominent sculptures comprise Maheshmurti, a three-headed Shiva, Nataraja, and Ardhanarishvara. Some of the finest exciting things to do in Mumbai include admiring all of these works of art, touring around the island, and ascending Cannon Hill.

Elephanta cavesPhoto by Keya Arati on Flickr

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Entry fee- Free location

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), is one of India’s busiest railway stations, and the arrival and departure point of innumerable local trains. In 2004, it was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. CSMT is just like every other railway station. However, the neo-gothic contemporary design has a longstanding experience, and the terminal is far more than 130 years old.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Photo by aiva on Flickr

This enormous construction is not just Mumbai’s principal railway station, but it is also one of the city’s most magnificent structures. Tourists are often in awe of the magnificent architecture. To admire the renowned architecture and design of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is one of the top things to do in Mumbai.

Though congested, this vibrant and lively train station boasts the city’s most elaborate Gothic architecture and construction style and meandering through it is like stepping back in time to India’s colonial era. When you arrive, you’ll see the magnificent building adorned with wooden carvings and intricate iron and brass work that will take your breath away!

The Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensemble

The newest addition to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mumbai is The Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensemble. It is a heritage building group that was recently introduced to the UNESCO list in 2018.

3.Take a step closer to nature at The Hanging Garden.

Entry fee- Free

The Hanging Garden, characterized by its setting is located on the Western Ghats of the Malabar Hills. It is a 138-year-old man-made terrace garden built on multi-level stone terraces. The Hanging Gardens are lush with trees, bushes, lush green vegetation, a variety of vibrant flowers, and lush green farms. There are numerous hedges sculpted into animal shapes. One would surely want to spend some quality time alone or with friends and family in silence. The best time to visit the Hanging Gardens is from October to June.

The Hanging Gardens
Photo by Dennis Jarvis on Flickr

4.Take a relaxing stroll on the Marine Drive

Entry Fee- Free

Relaxing at the Marine Drive is a must-to-do thing whether you are with a group of friends or family or on your own on a solo trip. This is one of the typical Mumbai things and one of the best things to do in South Mumbai. You should definitely go for a walking tour on Marine Drive.

Marine Drive
Photo by aiva on Flickr

The arc-shaped avenue along the South Mumbai coast is where you can take a casual stroll along the sidewalks while enjoying the twilight breeze or taking in the spectacular sunset views and clicking the perfect instagram-perfect sunset pictures to flaunt.

5. Go Wildlife Spotting at Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Entry Fee- 48/- for adults; 31/- for children; subject to change

It’s hard to believe that the sprawling city of Mumbai also has leopards and jackals as residents, but this City of Dreams is full of surprises. For wildlife lovers,  Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a little piece of paradise. This bio reserve, formerly known as Borivali National Park, is home to a variety of common and endangered species.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Photo by Ting Chen on Flickr

Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one such surprise. You can go on a walking tour here. The Kanheri caves are a prominent historical site, where tourists may even see crocodiles, several types of deer, and, of course, the ever-noisy rhesus marmosets near Tulsi Lake.

 

The Kanheri Caves are a cluster of over a hundred Buddhist caves in Mumbai that are peacefully tucked within the beautiful and peaceful settings of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The Sanjay Gandhi National Park has additional attractions comprising of exciting rides of toy trains, amusement watercraft, fun activities, and half-hour tiger and lion safaris.

Kanheri Caves
Photo by Ting Chen on Flickr

These Kanheri caves are renowned for providing the most cave excavations from a single mountain, in addition to being huge information centers for Buddhism’s development and decline throughout the ages. Once inside the Kanheri caves, you’ll discover prayer rooms, witness finely carved and sculpted pillars, gorgeous Buddhist stupas, and stone water channels.

6.Take a Bollywood tour to the film city complex and explore the behind-the-scenes of the charismatic Hindi Cinema.

Entry fee- Variable according to tour operators

Is it feasible to talk about Mumbai without mentioning Bollywood? The film city is without a doubt the city’s one of the most famous attractions and Mumbai’s finest gift to the world. A Bollywood tour might give you a tinge of glamor town.

Filmcity Mumbai
Photo by Gwyneth Llewelyn on Flickr

In reality, the location is so large that it is quite conceivable to construct over 1000 film sets at the same moment. Visiting this magnificent spot is one of the top things to do in Mumbai for youngsters and tourists alike, as it has served as the famous backdrop for an unlimited number of Bollywood films throughout the years. You may also take an extensive Bollywood Tour to watch the action behind the scenes and how beauty is braided into all of your favorite films!

7. Go for an Adventurous tour at Essel World Amusement parks.

Entry fee- On a range of 390/- to 1290/- based on package; subject to change

Without a full-day tour to Essel World amusement park, one of India’s most exhilarating amusement parks, the list of fun things to do in Mumbai is incomplete. Essel World Amusement Park is a world-class theme park and one of the largest theme park that has been a terrific retreat for fun-loving Mumbaikars for decades, and the resort strives to reinvent itself with novel rides and attractions.

Amusement Park
Photo by mrhayata on Flickr

In addition to popular rides like the Slippery Sultan, the Zyclone, and the Shot N Drop, Crazy Cups, Caterpillar, Hoola Loop, Rio Grande Train, Shot and Drop, and Senior Telecombat is just a few of the exhilarating and adventurous rides available in the massive and vast entertainment area. There is an ice skating rink and a bowling alley here.

8. Get mesmerized by the Architectural Beauty of The Gateway of India

The Gateway of India is yet another splendid example architecture in Mumbai. This arching monument was constructed to greet the then-monarch England at turn twentieth century. With magnificent sea panoramas Taj Hotel as a it now stands homage Indo-Saracenic architecture. You may also find number food stalls from where you can enjoy street food. Pose for pre-wedding photoshoot or propose your sweetheart or simply cruise on the Arabian Sea with the magnificent view across.

Gateway of India
Photo by Appaiah on Flickr

 

While you’re here, don’t fail to take a ferry ride to see the city from a unique viewpoint. In Mumbai, the Gateway of India is also the launching point for a number of sailing voyages. Ferries on the Arabian Sea are among the top things to do in Mumbai.

The beautiful seascape and calm sea wind entice many tourists to take a boat trip from the Gateway of India and sail through. Many tourists rent ferries to enjoy the voyage and see the most beautiful sunset views off the shoreline, in addition to sailing up to Elephanta Caves.

 

9. Explore the prominent religious landmarks and seek blessings

Entry fee- Free location

Siddhivinayak Temple

Many notable religious monuments can be found in Mumbai, the most recognized of which is the Siddhivinayak Temple, which is devoted to Lord Ganesh. Even from afar, the magnificent structure is a sight to behold.

Siddhivinayak TemplePhoto by Will Will on Flickr

The main idol of Ganesha, Ashtavinayak illustrations carved on the walls and doors, the gold-plated inner roof of the citadel, and the gold-plated interior roof of the citadel are some of the highlights of Siddhivinayak Temple.

Mumba Devi Temple

Mumba Devi Temple is a historical temple Hindu goddess Mumba Devi near Zaveri Bazaar. The  City adores this 18th-century temple, which is often bustling during Aarti. Numerous local stores surround the temple, where you may purchase fresh flowers and sweets for offerings.

 

Haji Ali Dargah

The Haji Ali Dargah, built in the midst of the Arabian Sea, should be a must-visit site on your list of things to do in Mumbai.

This Dargah features a gorgeous marble courtyard where the main shrine is placed, and it was fashioned flawlessly in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture.

Haji Ali Dargah
Photo by Taweheed Manzoor on Flickr

The mosque and dargah are located close to the shore of Worli and welcome thousands of tourists every day from all religions to seek blessings. Wishes are conveyed, miracles are solicited, and enchanting Qawalis are performed. This 600-year-old landmark’s architectural characteristics include a lofty Minaret and a majestic arched entryway.

Mount Mary Church

Mount Mary Church is a Roman Catholic church in Mumbai dedicated to ‘Virgin Mary.’ ‘The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount,’ a medieval church established in 1640 and renovated in 1761, is also known as ‘The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount.’ The aspect that this church is located on top of a hill known as ‘Sunderban Bandra,’ which overlooks the magnificent Arabian Sea, adds to its charm. The church is considered to have incredible healing properties, and as a result, believers go to the church every day. Some further claim that individuals who pray earnestly here often get their requests granted.

Mount Mary ChurchPhoto by aiva on Flickr

10.Take food tours through Mumbai’s streets

Entry fee- NIL

To experience the local culture of a city, one must indulge in a food tour. One should definitely not miss walking down the lanes taking in the smell of numerous small food stalls and explore Mumbai in that walking tour.

Street food
Photo by aiva on Flickr

This stands true in the case of Mumbai. Eating street food is one of the exciting things to do in Mumbai, and by eating we mean absolute, guilt-free gourmet enjoyment. The city is home to such a diversified mix of cultures that you can discover delicacies from all over the world on its streets.

Juhu Chowpatty should be a must for anybody interested in the city’s cuisine diversity. This section of Juhu Beach is house to a bustling food arcade with a variety of tiny food carts and tiny stalls. This is definitely the best area in Mumbai to consume street cuisine.

11. Indulge in the beauty of the setting of Twilight

Entry fee- Free

In there are innumerable free location sunset and none of one from Bandra Fort. The hill-fort is rich in the stone remnants its conceal numerous mysteries past. Watching setting sun here undoubtedly nicest things to do Mumbai with thanks magnificent view ocean.

Sunset
Photo by Mohamed Malik on Flickr

Another free location is Bandstand. Bandstand is a long rocky walk away from shore in Bandra. Bandstand, once known as a public gathering location and jogger’s field, has recently gained appeal as a romance destination. If you’re visiting Mumbai with your partner, some romantic activities to do in Mumbai for couples include exploring Bandstand, sitting by the rocky cliffs, walking hand in hand, eating fresh corn, and watching the picturesque sunset.

12. Visit Mumbai and indulge in Mumbai shopping

Entry Fee- NIL

One of the exclusive things to do in Mumbai on weekends would be to go shopping at Colaba Causeway, one of Mumbai’s most famous fashion street. It also has a number of cafés and eateries where you may stop for a break. The Colaba Market is very well renowned for its street-side clothing retailers, where you can get the most up-to-date fashion at bargain prices.

Street Shopping
Photo by Arjun Mohan on Flickr

This was an inclusive and not exhaustive list of things to do in Mumbai. Among the other things, you can experience the luxury at The topmost luxury resorts, visit the Bombay Stock Exchange, Go on a trip to Madh Island, go shopping at R city mall, and Travel around and go street style shopping on the streets of Navi Mumbai, taste the authentic local street food.

Plan a trip to Mumbai’s western suburbs, visit the zoo, go shopping at Crawford market, Visit the Nariman Point, or get amused by the fine crafts at the red carpet wax museum. Here is a list of 50 Things to do in Mumbai. Do check it out.

Last Updated on by ritukhare

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Anoushka Roy is a finance student with a knack for versatile writing across various genres. Her distinctive viewpoint and perceptive analysis elevate each piece of content she produces, whether she's unraveling the complexities of banking, immersing herself in the allure of entertainment, relishing the subtleties of cuisine, or embarking on thrilling travel adventures. Education: Calcutta University: Bachelor of Business Administration Finance (Hons.) Certifications: Financial Management and Valuation- from Internshaala Beginner Trading Certificiation- from Internshaala Beginner's French- from Internshaala Job Interview and Preparation- from Internshaala