What to see in Mumbai
There are plenty of tourist places to visit in Mumbai. If you are a fan of scenic sea faces, visit Bandra Bandstand, Worli Sea Face and Marine Drive. A backdrop of multiple Bollywood films, Marine Drive has a place in the heart of every Mumbaikar and is one of the best places to watch the sunrise and sunset in the city.
The Gateway of India, an ‘arch’aeological wonder, was built during the British rule and is a hot spot for tourists, street vendors, amateur photographers and balloon sellers. Any trip to Mumbai would be incomplete without a visit to Elephanta Island. You can take a ferry ride to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and bask in the remarkable temple carvings.
What to do in Mumbai
Mumbai Darshan tours are best experienced on double-decker buses that take passengers through the main attractions located in the heart of the city. A trip to Dharavi, Asia’s biggest slum, would be a unique experience for any traveller to see a contrasting way of life.
For nature and wildlife lovers, a safari through the wilderness of Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a refreshing experience. Adlabs Imagica, located in Khopoli, nearly on the outskirts of Mumbai, is an adventure lover’s paradise consisting of theme parks, water parks and snow parks that are ready to get your adrenaline pumping.
Where to eat in Mumbai
Mumbai is a confluence of global flavours that will tantalize any palate. Juhu and Chowpatty beach are great street food options that are easy on the wallet. Parsi cafés offer an authentic taste of Iranian cuisine in cozy, heritage-style architecture that can be found in and around Colaba and Fort.
The Bohri Kitchen is a unique dining experience that serves up delectable home-cooked food of the Bohra Community. Mughlai specialities can be best enjoyed at Khyber, Bademiya and Gulshan-e-Iran. Prithvi Café, Kala Ghoda Café and Le 15 Pâtisserie, are all-time favourites for a light snack or a mesmerizing meal.
Where to shop in Mumbai
Fashion Street, Colaba Causeway, Mangaldas Market, Bandra Linking Road and Hill Road are the best street shopping destinations that offer great pieces at great prices. The stretch of Crawford Market and Lokhandwala street sell every item you may have heard of and are great places for bargain hunters.
To get your hands on some precious stones and jewellery, you can head over to Zaveri Bazaar. Chor Bazaar showcases some of the best vintage and antique items available in the market and it will literally take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Getting around Mumbai
The veins of the city, Mumbai locals are a must if you want to experience the Mumbaikar life. There are local train stations conveniently located throughout the city with a train running every 10 minutes. If you do manage to get a footing into the local trains (especially during peak hours), it is one of the most convenient methods to navigate the city. For an air-conditioned commute, metros and monorails can be availed though they are not as far reaching as the locals.
If trains are not your preferred means of travel, you can hail cab services like Ola and Uber or the famous ‘kaali-peeli’ taxis, buses, and auto rickshaws.