Mumbai is a big city and one of the most populous cities. And there are numerous places that you can visit.

Today we will be telling you all the places you can visit and all the things you must do when you visit that particular place.

So, let us begin your Mumbai Darshan!

#Beaches in Mumbai

There are more than 10 beaches in Mumbai that stretch from Marine Drive to Versova. Each beach has got its own specialty. Here are some unique things you can do on these beaches.

1. Sit and relax at night on Marine Drive

Marine Drive is one of the busiest spots in Mumbai. Yes, even at night it is bustling with traffic, chai walas, and bhel walas. It is totally worth sitting and staring at the sea all night. It is safe for women too.

2. Ice Candy

Yes, there is no novelty in eating ice candy. But eating an ice candy on the beach is a whole another thing. Fresh Ice candies are available on all the beaches starting merely from Rs. 10 to Rs. 100 we can get some best candy.

3. Cutting Chai and Street Food

Again we have all had experienced street food, but having street food and cutting chai on the beach is a whole another thing

4. Photography on Gateway of India

You will find many photographers with their DSLRs and Go-Pros on Gateway of India.  That is because the Gateway of India is a very picturesque location. With huge and old stone structures in the front and sprawling blue sea at the back, Gateway of India is a very popular photography destination and rightly so.

5. Walk on the sand

Especially during the sunsets! Any beaches have cold winds blowing that are very mild. Just walking on the sand and water during this time are some of the most underrated things to do in Mumbai.

#Holy Places in Mumbai

Even though Mumbai is a metropolitan city, it has got numerous holy places that are visited by thousands of people every day.

1. Visit the heart of Mumbai

The name “Mumbai” is derived from the name Mumba Devi or the Fisherwoman avatar of the Goddess Parvati. Although the temple is old it is worth visiting

2. Pray at Siddhivinayak Temple

It is the most visited temple in Mumbai. It is said to fulfill all your wishes and dreams. The temple sees thousands of devotees visit on Tuesday which is the day of Ganesha. The temple also hosts regular meals for its visitors and devotees.

3. Visit the water bound Dargha

Haji Ali is a  very popular place to visit for Muslims and Hindus as well. It is situated near Worli. It is a Dargha of Pir Saab Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. It is situated far off coast in the water.

4. Visit one of the oldest Churches of Mumbai

Basilica of our lady of the Mount is the church situated in the Bandra region of Mumbai. It is visited by Koli Christians and Christians as well. It is located on the mountain near Bandra Bandstand. It is a very beautiful church located in Bandra.

5. Visit the Peshwa Temple of Mumbai

Although it is located a bit far from Mumbai in Virar, Vajreshwari temple is the temple of the Goddess Vajreshwari the local deity. The original temple was destroyed by the Portuguese but after conquering the Bassein Fort of Virar, Chimaji Appa, the brother of Bajirao-I gave the orders to rebuild it. The Peshwa reign Temples are most popular in Pune, but this temple has significance since the time of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The temple is surrounded by 20 hot springs and other natural destinations. Overall this Temple is a good spot for a one day trip. In fact, it is a very popular destination even for people who live in Mumbai as a getaway!

#Shopping in Mumbai

At Mumbai, you can get some of the best products at a very low price. Right from clothes to accessories to antiques you can get them all and at a very cheap price.

1. Buy branded clothes at a cheaper rate!

Situated near Marine Lines, Fashion Street is the ultimate shopping destination for western clothes. There are vendors with their wooden kiosks selling the best of the clothes. The prices are highly bargainable. You can get some amazing clothes here.

2. Buy amazing accessories for yourself and your home

Colaba Causeway as the name suggests is located in Colaba and it is the ultimate shopping destination. People from all across the world visit to shop at Colaba Causeway. This is the best place to buy accessories like purses, belts, and shoes etc.

3. Shop for antiques

Chor Bazaar is the official flea Market of Mumbai. It was originally known as Shor market and the best place to shop for antiques. You can even get things as old as 100 years.

4. Become fashionable at Linking road

Situated in Bandra, Linking road is much like Fashion Street is the shopping destination. Here you will find shops, kiosks, food stalls restaurants, and clubs.

5. Shop for Bollywood movies like lehengas

If you are the one who loves to wear traditional clothes,  do visit the Hindmata cloth market located in Dadar.  A wholesale market for all traditional wear including sarees, salwar kameez, chaniya choli, etc that are available at a good price.

#Commute in Mumbai

Traveling from one part of the city to another requires one of the following things and when in Mumbai you must use one of the following traveling ways.

1. Ferry Ride in Arabian Sea

Mumbai has some Islands around it like Murud, Madh Island, etc. Also, there are some parts in Mumbai that are flanked by the sea, and going to the other part of the cities requires you to travel by ferry or a bigger boat. There are regular ferries available around the coasts of Mumbai at very reasonable prices.

2. The Double Decker of Mumbai

Double Decker Buses are very popular in Mumbai. They are similar to single-tier buses but they are worth traveling. Sitting on the second tier of the bus almost feels like sitting on the rooftop.

3. Travel by Mumbai’s Life Line

Local trains are called the LifeLine of Mumbai. They traverse right from Mumbai CST to Boisar. They are available on 3 routes Central, Western, and Harbour Line. If in Mumbai, Do not miss traveling via Local Trains.

Pro Tip: When traveling via Local Trains, make sure you catch these three things. First is Dabewale. You might spot them carrying huge and a lot of Dabbas. Second, are singing beggars. They have voice quality better than most Bollywood singers. And third is try a striking conversation with any fellow passenger. You might find them playing cards, sharing dabbas, and exchanging gifts.

3. Must take a “Rikshaw”

There are chances that you have to travel by auto-rickshaw as no other option to that. It is one of the primary sources of travel. The most astounding thing about traveling by Autos is the Autowalas and their hostility.

#Places to Eat in Mumbai

Mumbai is famous for its mixed culture. Different people from different backgrounds show a different food culture. That’s why Mumbai food has everything for everyone.

1. Savour Vada Pav and Cheese Dosas

The street food of Mumbai is yummy and easily available.  You will find food right from pani puri, pav bhaji to Poha, Upma, Chai, etc. You won’t have to find street food, it is available at any time and anywhere in Mumbai.

2. Experience the “Bun Muska” of Irani Cafe

Some parts of old Bombay have Irani Cafes that are famous for their chai and Bun Muska. Their special old interiors and architectures attract chai lovers.

3. College ka Khana

Many college canteens in Mumbai are open to outsiders. You will find food at a very cheap rate here. Visit atleast once to one of the college canteens in Mumbai.

4. Chicken Biryani at Muhammad Ali Road

The heaven of Non-Veg lovers is Muhammad Ali road especially during the time of Eid. People enjoy Biryani, Sheer Kurma, Kheer and other Dishes here. It remains open during the night so definitely go and enjoy at least once here.

5. Visit the oldest bakeries of India

In Mumbai, there are some very old bakeries that are very popular and serve secret dishes. These bakeries have legacies lasting as long as 100 years. Get early in the morning to have those secret dishes as they get sold out by 10 AM.

#Art in Mumbai

Let us look at a few places where you can go if you wish to explore art and paintings in the city.

1. Art Galleries

There are many art galleries showing various paintings, photos, sculptures for display, and for sale as well.

2. Art Festivals

There are various festivals held all around the year in Mumbai (except for Rainy seasons) like Kalaghoda, Ballard festival etc specifically for fine arts like painting, sculpting, model making etc. You must visit at least one of these festivals.

3. Dance Festivals

Many theatre dance festivals happen around the city like NCPA where artists from all over the world come to perform.

4. Film Festivals

Mumbai film festivals show feature films, documentaries, short films, and Bollywood movies.

5. College Festivals

The big colleges like IITs celebrate huge college festivals every year where many popular artists perform.  

#Filmy Life in Mumbai

1. Meet your favorite celebrity

If you are a Shahrukh Khan’s fan, then you must try to get a glimpse of him by roaming near to his house ‘ Mannat’ and if you’re lucky enough, you can catch him in his balcony waving at you.

2. Selfie at Walk of Stars

Walk of Stars inspired by the Walk of Fame in Hollywood is at Bandra Bandstand Promenade. It has statues, handprints, signatures of various present and past stars of the Bollywood film Industry. Take a selfie with your favorite star wax statue.

3. DDLJ at Maratha Mandir

Yes, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaenge is still showcased in Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir at 11.30am every day. It has price only Rs. 30/- and Rs 50/- you should definitely watch the film in this old theatre.

4. Prithvi Theatre and Prithvi Cafe

Many industry professionals, actors, TV actors have begun their journey from Prithvi Theatre. Even today much professional play held in the theatre.

5. Watch shooting at Madh Island and Film City

The sets of many TV serials and Films are there in the Film city and Madh Island. You can spot your favorite actor and actress while shooting here.

#Heritage South Bombay

South Bombay was one of the earliest settlements of the British that’s why the place has very old gothic style stone architecture.

1. HorniMan Circle

Horniman Circle is a park in the Fort having typical stone arcades over the shops and offices. It was built in 1842. Today it houses many music and dance festival.

2. Experience the Architecture at Ballard Estate

Ballard Estate just like Horniman Circle has stone architecture. It houses  head offices of various banks and software companies.

3. Visit Asiatic Library

Asiatic Library or also known as Mumbai City Hall is a very popular location in Mumbai. It was built by Britishers in the 19^th Century. Outside is a magnificent architecture similar to the Greek libraries. Inside you can see stone sculptures and old wooden cupboards managed by the Asiatic Society Library.

4. Cuff Parade

Cuff Parade is a popular business location in Mumbai. Situated in Colaba it has many business complexes.

5. Visit the Hill top Garden

Hanging Garden is the famous garden in the Walkeshwar area of Mumbai situated on the top the hill and hence is called hanging garden. The view of Arabian Sea is amazing from the park.

#Nature Parks in Mumbai

1. Experience Wildlife

Sanjay Gandhi National Park is the biggest wildlife park in Mumbai. It covers a major area such as Borivali Jogesgwari etc. It houses many wild animals such as Lions Tigers Deers etc. 

2. Aarey ki Lassi at Aarey Forrest

Aarey Forest is in the Powai region in Mumbai. Arey Forrest lies towards the south of Sanjay Gandhi National Park and has got Jogeshwari Link road near the forest. The forest has about spread in 1300 hectares of area. It is the largest forest area situated completely inside a metropolitan city. Arey Forest is home to Arey Milk colony. It also has about 5- 6 tribal inhabitants that live in about 27 hamlets or “padas”

3. Mahim Park

Mahim Nature Park is a Garden near Dharavi village. What one wouldn’t believe looking at this lush green forest is that there are thousands of piles of plastic, feaces, animal carcass and other forms of human waste under it as it was a dumping ground until the year 1994. It is one of the most unique spot to visit as it is a man-made jungle and is in between the city.

4. Veer Jijamata Udyan

Veer Jijamata is the popular Zoo of Mumbai located in Byculla region in Mumbai. It has a garden that houses various unique plants. Along with that in the 50 acres of area, there is also a museum called Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum.

5. Hiking at Parsik hill

Parsik Hills is situated in Thane district having a rail tunnel that is the longest and oldest in Asia. Parsik hills houses many unique Flora and Fauna. Parsik Hills sprawl from Kalwa to Navi Mumbai. Many people living in Navi Mumbai prefer Parsik Hill as walking or as a hiking destination.

So there you have it, the list of awesome things you can do and places you can visit when in Mumbai. We hope you find them useful. Also, if we might have missed any of your favourite places let me know in the comments below!

Amidst the humdrum of Mumbai, many miss the spectacular places in Mumbai. Mumbai although is a modern city has got its own history. There are many places shaped by this history that leave an imprint in the hearts of the people.

Let us look at a few best places in Mumbai :

Marine Drive

Mumbai has many beaches, but this particular place has a special place. It is a peaceful place amidst the city where you can see sprawling sea ahead of you and a bustling city behind you. You can spend hours sitting at Marine Drive watching the sunset. Marine Drive looks even beautiful after the sunset with city light reflecting on the sea. You can see a busy city relaxing after sunset. Though the city Mumbai never stops, post-sunset people are out for leisure time at Marine Drive. You can even see people walking here at midnight. It is popularly known as “Queens Necklace”

Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is located on Gharapuri Island about 12 Km from Gateway of India. One can easily get a ferry up to Gharapuri Island. Elephanta Caves pulled tourists from all over India and the world. It is a hectic trip to Elephanta Caves (Pro tip: Carry at least 1 L water and wear good comfortable shoes) as it has got caves located on high mountains. Once you reach atop you can see some brilliant sculptures and temples carved into the mountain rock. It has five Hindu temples and two Buddhist Stupas dated back to 2 B.C.

Haji Ali Dargha

Haji-Ali Dargha commonly known as Haji Ali is both a mosque and dargah. It houses the tomb of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. It is located off the coast in Worli.  People from all over the world and of all religions come and visit this place to see its architectural marvel. Men and women pray separately here. The monument is built on the shores of Mumbai where Pir Haji Ali Saab casket came floating as he died on his way to Mecca.

Mumba Devi Temple

Mumba Devi Temple is the temple of Goddess Mumba, the local incarnation of the Goddess Amba. It is an old temple and attracts many visitors even today. It is located in Bhuleshwar, the southern part of Mumbai. The name “Mumbai” was derived from this particular deity. Although the temple is in a deteriorating state but visited by thousands of pilgrimages.

Gateway of India

Gateway of India is a monument built in the 12^th century. It was built when King George V and Queen Mary visited India during British rule. The fun part was that it was not erected before the arrival of the King and Queen, only a cardboard structure was completed. Only after a few years, the foundation stone of Gateway of India was led and the construction began. This arch- the monument is a very famous photography spot.

Juhu Beach

There are more than fifteen beaches in Mumbai and although all of them are worth visiting Juhu beach is very popular as across it, many Bollywood celebrities lives. It stretches up to 6 km from Khar to Versova. Street food like Bhelpuri, Pani Puri, and Paav bhaji can be relish while walking on the beach.

Maharashtra Nature Park

Maharashtra Nature Park is a Garden near Dharavi village. It is a 37-acre unique park located near Mahim, also known as Mahim Nature Park. Maharashtra nature park is home to much unique flora and fauna. More than 14,000 species of vegetation, 120 varieties of birds, over 75 kinds of butterflies, and a large population of reptiles can be found here.  This place was once a dumping ground for the city Mumbai but was converted into a forest by the efforts of Worldwide Fund (WWF) of Nature and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority.  Bird watchers must visit this place in Mumbai.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Sanjay Gandhi National Park spreads in 82 sq Km situated in the northern part of Mumbai. On the edge of the national park lie cities of Goregaon, Malad, Kandivali, Borivali, Dahisar, and Thane. It is one of the most visited National Parks in Maharashtra. Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a home to different species of Deer, birds, leopards, lions, and tigers. It is called the lungs of Mumbai City as it clears the pollution of the city also helps it remain cool.               

Arey Forest

Arey Forest lies towards the south of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The forest is spread in about 1300 hectares of area. It is the largest forest area situated inside any metropolitan city. Arey Forest is home to Arey Milk colony where about 5 6 tribal inhabitants still live in its 27 hamlets or “padas”

Kanheri Caves

Kanheri Caves are located inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali. They were once inhabited by the monks. About 118 monolithic caves are there dated back to the 1st century. The work Kanheri means Kanha Nagari which translates to the house of Krishna. Inside the Kanheri caves, you can find a prayer hall, stupas, shrines, and many Buddhist sculptures.

Hanging Garden

Hanging Garden also known as Pherozshah Mehta Garden is located in Malabar Hill. The name hanging garden came about as the garden lies atop of mountain. Hanging garden was built in the 1881 by Ulhas Ghopkar. The hanging garden offers amazing views of sea during sunrise and sunset. It lies opposite to Kamla Nehru Park.

Jahangir Art Gallery

Jahangir Art Gallery is located in Kalaghoda. Jahangir Art Gallery is a prime location for artists to showcase their arts. It is the most famous gallery in Mumbai where many artists aspire to showcase their art. Along with it, it also hosts many workshops, seminars throughout the year that attracts a lot of budding artists. The most famous festival in the city known as the Kala Ghoda festival is hosted by this gallery. It has a major contribution to the development of contemporary art in the city.

Mount Mary Church

Mount Mary Church is a Roman Catholic Church located in Bandra. The statue of the Virgin Mary inside the Church dates back to 16^th Century. The statue was disfigured in 1700 by some Arab Pirates. Later along with the whole structure, in 1760 the statue was replaced and it has been the same Statue ever since. It is said that a Koli fisherman dreamt that they can find a statue inside the sea. After which the statue was found floating in the sea. Because of this legend both Hindu and Christian Koli people visit the Church to offer prayers.

Madh Island

Madh Island has located about 23 Km from the Mumbai airport. It is a quick getaway for a weekend. It has a unique Portuguese style architecture of houses. Across the island, Madh Fort is there where the shooting of many Bollywood films have also happened. 

Film City

The film city is a studio complex that was built by the state government in 1977. It is located in Goregaon. Some of its portions lie in Sanjay Gandhi National Park. It has got all the locations required for a film like houses, temples, prisons, courts, etc. It was named Dada Saheb Phalke Nagar in 2001 in the memory of Dada Saheb Phalke the father of Indian Cinema. The film city was planned under the guidance of V Shantaram, the famous film director.

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus also known as CST or VT is the last station on the western side of Central Railways. The station has marvelous Italian Gothic style Architecture worth seeing. Floral arcs, murals and stone carvings are some of the highlights of the station.

Ballard Estate

Ballard Pier or Ballard Estate is a business district near Fort. Ballard is a commercial complex where lies head offices of many banks, companies, and port trust offices. The old stone buildings really make Ballard Estate stand out from the rest of the posh city. If you ever visit Ballard Pier don’t forget to visit Irani Cafe.

Siddhivinayak Temple

Siddhivinayak is the most popular Temple in Mumbai. It is the temple of Lord Ganesha and is crowded throughout the week. People visit the temple in thousands of numbers. It is said to be one of the richest temples. Initially, it was built as a small structure but later it was constructed by an Agri woman Debutai Patil who was childless. The temple was built by her with an intention so that no woman ever remains infertile.

Taraporewala Aquarium

Taraporewala Aquarium is located on Marine Drive. It is one of the oldest aquariums in the city. This aquarium is maintained by the Department of fisheries. It has sixteen seawater tanks and nine freshwater tanks. The aquarium had a 180-degree acrylic glass tunnel.

Red Carpet Wax Museum

The Red Carpet wax Museum is one of its kind in India. It’s a great experience to stand with your favorite celebrity wax statues like Obama, brad Pitt or Harry potter. It’s not to miss the place. Click the pic with your favorite one and get enthralled.

Powai Lake

The Powai Lake is a man-made lake situated in Powai city. The city got its name “Powai” after this lake. The total area of the lake is around 6.6 kilometers with varying depth from 3 to 12 meters. A Padmavati Devi’s temple lies on the bank of the lake. Powai lake is the best place to enjoy the beautiful sunset and to chill out.  

Iskon Temple Mumbai

ISKCON Temple, Mumbai is also known as Sri Radha Rasabihari Ji Temple is located in Juhu zone, Mumbai. The temple is spread on four acres of land and lies near to Juhu Beach. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the organizer Acharya of ISKCON (otherwise called the Hare Krishna Movement) propelled the development of one of India’s most lovely sanctuary of Lord Krishna in Mumbai. The other presiding Deities at the sanctuary are Sri Gaura-Nitai, Sri Radha Rasabihari and Sri Ram Parivar. The temple is visited by a large number of devotees during Janmashtami and festive seasons.

Global Vipasanna Pagoda

The Global Vipassana Pagoda is a Meditation Hall close to Gorai. The Pagoda is a recent establishment inaugurated in the year 2009. The pagoda is a landmark of harmony and congruity. The state of the pagoda is similar to the Shwedagon Pagoda (Golden Pagoda) in Yangon, Myanmar. The focal point of the Global Vipassana Pagoda is that it contains the world’s biggest stone arch worked with no supporting columns. The stature of the arch is around 29 meters.

 Bandra Bandstand

Bandstand is basically a 1.2 kilometer long walkway along sea side in Bandra. Bandra bandstand is also known by the name bandstand promenade. Bandstand is a spot for hangouts, jogging and a park to enjoy. This is one of the most famous spots in South Mumbai especially for couples.                

Alibaug

Alibaug is a coastal town in Raigad district that is famous for its beaches. The distance from Mumbai to Alibaug is 96km. Anyone can easily reach them in less than 3hr. People come to Alibaug to enjoy beaches between November and March as the sun is not too harsh at that time. Alibaug is a famous tourist spot as the beaches are clean here and high tide and low tide is a beautiful scenario to watch. If you are the one who loves beaches, visit Alibaug once.

New Bombay

New Bombay situated across the Vashi Creek. It is connected to Mumbai via Vashi Bridge. New Bombay or commonly called as Navi Mumbai is a well planned city that hardly faces any flood or sewage problems that are common in Mumbai.  It comprises of Vashi, Nerul, Belapur, Kharghar, Kamothe and Panvel areas.

JNPT

Jawaharlal Nehru Port commonly known as JNPT is located towards the east of Mumbai port in Nhava Sheva, Navi Mumbai.  It is the largest container handling post in India. One can reach JNPT via road from Vashi or via ferry directly to Colaba in half an hour.

Karnala Track

This fort is located in Raigad district, 10km far from Panvel. The route to Karnala fort is majestic and filled with scenic beauty as you have to travel through the forest of Karnala bird sanctuary to reach it. (Tip- carry water bottles with you as  there is no source of water up there ) .The Karnala fort has a height of 439 meters and this is a perfect place to enjoy beautiful nature from a height. March and April’s months are the best to visit Karnala as the temperature is not that harsh at that time of year.

Prithvi Theatre

Prithvi theatre is one of the oldest theatres of Mumbai situtaed in Juhu. Shashi kapoor build it in memory of his late father Prithviraj Kapoor. Prithvi theatre promotes all kind of theatre related arts like poetry, films, plays, small music concerts in various languages and artist from all over India perform here. (pro tip- avoid Monday because it’s closed on mondays). There is small café “Prithvi cafe” next to Prithvi theatre which attracts people. Prithvi cafe serves the best Irish coffee and Mumbai’s famous cutting chai in the city.

Mohammed Ali Road

Mohammad Ali road is a heaven for every nonvegetarian lover situated around the historic Minara Masjid. You can reach there by taking a short 10 min walk from Masjid Bandar or Sandhurst road railway station. During the holy month of Ramadan, people flocked from all over Mumbai for lip-smacking delicacies. It serves nearly 400 different non-veg dishes and 100 variants of desserts.