Things To Do In Mumbai: Your Guide To Exploring The City Of Dreams

Inside the halls of an art museum, exploring these museums is one of the best things to do in Mumbai

Mumbai is the busy centre of India and has a great mix of culture, history, and modern life. There are so many things to do in Mumbai, it doesn’t matter if you’ve been travelling before or this is your first time. The city has museums, a film city, beaches, old Parsi and colonial homes, and classical architecture. It is a treasure trove of history and culture. You can enjoy delicious street food, visit world-class museums, and get involved in the lively art scene.

9 Things To Do In Mumbai

Here is a list of things to do in Mumbai to enjoy the famous city of dreams to its utmost beauty:

1. Visit Mumbai Film City

Mumbai Film City a major Bollywood hub with diverse sets

Photo: Shillika / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Mumbai Film City, in Goregaon, is a busy place where Indian films and TV shows are made. It was built in the 1970s and covers more than 520 acres. It has many studios, sound stages, and outdoor sets that directors use to make beautiful scenes. Film City is the setting for many hit films and TV shows. It offers guided trips that let people see famous places and closely examine how films are made.

Location: Goregaon, East Mumbai
Timings: 11 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹1699 per head

2. Sailing Near The Gateway Of India

Gateway of India, an iconic monument symbolising Mumbai's heritage

Photo: PHOTO JUNCTION / Shutterstock

The Gateway of India, the most famous building in South Mumbai, was built to honour King George V and Queen Mary. With your private yacht in the Arabian Sea, you can see this Into-Saracenic landmark in all its glory. For people in Mumbai, the Gateway of India is more than just a beautiful building. You can also rent a private boat and watch the people from afar while you enjoy the view.

Location: Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: None

3. Visit Elephanta Island

Elephanta Island featuring ancient caves, stunning sculptures, and beautiful landscapes

Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons

Elephanta Island is famous for its beautiful rock-cut caves and old art. It is about 11 kilometres from Mumbai. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has many detailed carvings of the Hindu god Shiva. The largest and most famous of these is the Trimurti statue. People can look around at the beautiful scenery, old buildings, and interesting art from the 5th and 6th centuries.

Location: About 11 km (6.8 mi) east of the Gateway of India in the Mumbai Harbour and less than 2 km (1.2 mi) west of Jawaharlal Nehru Port
Timings: Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays and Indian public holidays.)
Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians and ₹600 for foreign citizens

4. Shopping At Kulture Shop

Visiting Kulture Shop, one of the best things to do in Mumbai

Photo: Mamun2a / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Kulture Shop in Bandra is a lively art and design shop that does a great job of showing off modern Indian art and design. It’s in one of the coolest parts of Mumbai and has a carefully chosen collection of prints, home furniture, clothing, and accessories made by local artists. Each item has its own unique mix of traditional and modern styles, which makes it a great place for art lovers and shoppers alike.

Location: 9 Examiner Press, 115 Nagindas Master Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai
Timings: 11 AM – 8 PM every day
Entry Fee: None

5. Explore The Taj Palace Hotel

Taj Palace Hotel offering luxury, heritage, hospitality, and stunning views

Photo: Joe Ravi / Wikimedia Commons

The renowned Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai epitomises luxury and enduring beauty, facing the Arabian Sea with impressive grandeur. From its Italian marble floors to its Florentine dome, the Hotel is full of grandeur. Its design combines Greek, Roman, Islamic, and Gothic styles. You can stay in one of the fancy rooms with a view of the Arabian Sea, or take a tour of the world’s best restaurants from Japan to the Middle East.

Location: Colaba, Mumbai
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: None

6. Shop At Oshiwara Antique Market

One of the best things to do in Bombay is visiting Oshiwara Antique Market

Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The busy Swami Vivekanand Road has a small strip where the Oshiwara Antique Market is located. The market contains real wooden furniture and copies of British Raj treasures.The western neighbourhood of Jogeshwari is not a tourist spot but a great place to find deals. Included are Tanjore paintings, wooden artefacts, brassware, vintage adverts, calendars from the 1900s.

Location: Jogeshwari area of North Mumbai
Timings: 9:30 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: None

7. Go For A Movie Date At Prithvi Theatre

Prithvi Theatre showcases vibrant performances, nurturing talent and celebrating arts

Photo: Alari Tammsalu / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

If you are a movie lover and you are in Mumbai then try to visit The Prithvi Theatre once that is located in the northern neighbourhood of Juhu. Even though the actors are the main attraction, this culture hub is also home to poets, musicians, and arts educators. Prithvi theatre is different from other theatres in southern Mumbai because it only shows Indian theatre.

Location: 20, Juhu Church Rd, Janki Kutir, Juhu, Mumbai
Entry Fee: None

8. Explore Kala Ghoda Arts Precinct

One of the best things to do in Mumbai, visiting Kala Ghoda Arts Precinct

Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

From Regal Circle to the old Mumbai University, Kala Ghoda Arts Precinct has a colourful arts district with some of the city’s best museums and art spaces. Some of India’s most valuable modern and traditional arts and crafts can be found at the Mumbai National Gallery of Modern Art, the Jehangir Art Gallery, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum).

Location: Fort area of Mumbai
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: None

9. Enjoy Street Food At Ashok Vada Pav

One of the best things to do in Bombay, trying vada pav from Ashok Vada Pav

Photo: Samdhal / Wikimedia Commons

Ashok Vada Pav is a famous and loved Mumbai street food stand known for its tasty and famous vada pav, which is a hot potato fritter between two pieces of soft bread. This restaurant has been serving locals and tourists for decades. With the chutneys and green chillies, the vada is a tasty treat. Not only does Ashok Vada Pav have delicious food, but it also has a lively scene where people wait in queue for a quick bite.

Location: Kashinath Dhuru Marg, Dadar West, Dadar, Mumbai
Timings: 11 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: None

Mumbai is a lively city with a lot of history, culture, and food that draws people in. There are lots of things to do in Mumbai for everyone. It has a great vibe that will make you want to do everything, from shopping at local markets to finding secret gems in old neighbourhoods. Discover your next adventure with TripXL, the best travel app for efficiently planning personalised trips.

Cover Photo: Tamarasquinha / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Mumbai is renowned for its delectable street cuisine, lively nightlife, and prominent brand stores and retail avenues, in addition to its enchanting Bollywood industry. Ensure to explore these all during your visit.
November through February is the best time to visit Mumbai as long as it stays cool and the evenings are breezy and soothing. During the rainy season the city takes on a unique charm.
While visiting Mumbai, you should try some of the city's street food. These foods are not only cheap, but they also taste, look, and feel great. Mumbai is known for its delicious street foods, such as bhel puri, kanda poha, vada pav, pav bhaji, misal pav, and more.
Mumbai has many sights and sounds to see and hear daily, like people selling things on the street's sides. Try travelling through the local auto- rickshaws around the city to have an authentic experience.
Modak. This sweet dish is one of the most popular and traditional in the state of Maharashtra. You can often find it in shops during special events. In Mumbai, modak is a traditional sweet that is only made for the famous Ganesh Chaturthi event.

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