The 31 Best Things to Do and See in Mumbai

The most iconic monument of Mumbai is, without a doubt, the Gateway of India, also known as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai. With its basalt archway, the Gateway of India was built during the British rule to welcome prominent members of the British Government. It was the first thing that anyone would see when approaching Mumbai from the sea. The Gateway of India is always filled with people of all kinds, and a lot of events take place on the premises of the gateway.

‘Where stories come alive!’ is the motto of India’s first international theme park, featuring 26 attractions and numerous themed restaurants, accommodation and shopping opportunities. Opened in 2013, Adlabs Imagica has become an instant hit among people of all ages with its creative and innovative standard of amusement rides and activities. One of the most popular attractions is the floorless rollercoaster ride based on the movie Mr India, though the other rides are no less adventurous or thrilling. To complete the entire 300 acres (121.4ha) of land filled with remarkable rides in one go, you’ll need plenty of time, so make sure to devote an entire day.

Even though Adlabs Imagica is the new popular kid in town, Essel World is the grandfather of amusement parks, having been around far longer than Adlabs Imagica and still standing strong and tall. Essel World is a throwback to the vintage days of theme parks – not only is it pocket-friendly, but visitors are welcome to hop onto the rides any number of times. When you visit India, both Essel World and Adlabs Imagica are a must in order to experience the stark difference between the old-school and new technology of rides and to understand India’s love of and fascination with theme parks.

Dating from the 5th century CE, the Elephanta Caves are a group of five Hindu and two Buddhist caves, some of which served as places of worship until the 1500s. They are located about 10 kilometers, or an hour’s ferry ride, into the Mumbai Harbour from the Gateway of India. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

If long drives on wide-open roads with scenic beauty all around are your kind of thing, then get the ignition on, and head towards the outstanding marvel of construction that is the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. This incredible steel bridge passes over the expanse of water that separates the suburb of Bandra from that of Worli, cutting short a 1.5-hour journey to just 20 minutes of driving. Officially called the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, the bridge is particularly breathtaking on night drives when the cable wires of the bridge are lit up like golden rays of light.

Prithvi Theatre is a dream of the great artist Prithviraj Kapoor come true and was established after his death by his son Shashi, a legendary actor from India’s classic cinema. The Prithvi Theatre was just a travelling company compromising of 150 performers when it started off and is now an impressive building with an enormous stage, solely dedicated to the performing arts and promoting Hindi cinema.

If Mumbai is known for anything, it would be its bazaars. Every locality in Mumbai has a bazaar that is always crowded and brimming with lovely and cost-friendly items to buy, ranging from accessories, clothes, party items and electronics to food and books. The best markets that every traveller should visit are the Lokhandwala Market in Andheri, The Link Road and Hill Road market of Bandra and the famous Colaba Causeway of the Mumbai Fort area. It is a delight to walk through these markets simply to revel in the liveliest city of India and to take beautiful, colourful photos.

This 150+ year-old market is home to a variety of peculiar items, from antiques to spare automobile parts. Chor Bazaar (which means thieves market) supposedly got its name after belongings of Queen Victoria’s that had gone missing in Mumbai were found on sale in this market. In its heyday, the market is said to have featured stolen goods from around the city. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

Buddha believed that gratitude and helpfulness are the two virtues that must reside in every being. The Global Vipassana Pagoda strives to educate and create awareness among visitors regarding the teachings and footprints of Buddha and the values he espoused. The pagoda is a meditation hall and a symbol of harmony and peace, aiming to keep the practice of Vipassana alive. Featuring a Burmese architectural style exactly like the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar, the pagoda also features the world’s largest stone tomb built without supporting pillars.

Built in 1127, the Banganga tank and its surrounding Walkeshwar Temple Complex serves as a reminder of Mumbai’s rich history. The complex was rebuilt to its current form in the 18th century after it had been destroyed by the Portuguese during the 16th century. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

If Bollywood has always been a source of fascination or curiosity for you, then the Walk of Fame in the Bandra Bandstand Promenade is the perfect spot to go. With six statues of Bollywood’s legendary actors and 25 handprints or autographs of other actors and actresses who rule the kingdom of Indian cinema, visitors get a chance to have a sneak peek at the personal marks of these performers themselves and truly appreciate the pride India takes in its cinema.

Flora Fountain is a book lover’s fantasy and piece of heaven for any bibliophile. The moment Churchgate subway ends, the first scene is a huge piles of books everywhere. The piles of books are so tall and spacious, that the sellers have created narrow pathways between them for already-ogling readers to browse. And it doesn’t stop here – look out for little open fortresses whose walls are made of books. Ranging from classics, thriller, erotic, encyclopedias, academic and self-help to romance or even comics dating back decades, Flora Fountains has something for everyone.

Established in 1884, the Knesset Eliyahoo Orthodox Jewish Synagogue is among the city’s oldest. Featuring a striking sky-blue façade and impressive Victorian stained glass, the synagogue was built under Jacob Elias Sassoon, the grandson of David Sassoon, who was a leader of the Jewish community in Bombay after emigrating from Baghdad while fleeing persecution. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

Featuring neo-Gothic architecture, stained-glass windows and a 60 metre high tower and spire, this stunning church was built by the British in memory of the soldiers who died at the First Anglo-Afghan War. This was a failed attempt by the British in 1842 to encroach into present-day Afghanistan. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

Undoubtedly among the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus features stunning High Victorian Gothic and Indian architectural styles, and is one of the country’s most famous railway stations. It’s a lively place and integral to Mumbai, so is a must-visit location for any visitor. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

This iconic restaurant in Marine Lines is among Mumbai’s oldest and most celebrated Parsi cafes, and one of your best options if you’re looking to get a taste of the city’s rich Parsi cuisine and heritage. Founded in 1904, Kyani & Co oozes old-world charm, and is an essential stop among other historic South Mumbai landmarks in the city’s official heritage walk. Opt for the bun maska (bread rolls slathered with butter) and chai for a truly Mumbai experience. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

The Sanjay Gandhi National Park isn’t just largest park in the world located within city limits, but also one of Asia’s most visited. Dubbed the ‘lungs of the city’, this rich stretch of nature is home to diverse flora and fauna, including tiger and lion populations! Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

Located within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the Kanheri Caves are among Mumbai’s most important historic sites. Featuring 109 rock-cut cave temples dating to the 1st century BCE that are believed to have once been Buddhist shrines and places of meditation and study, the complex is well worth the trek into the park. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

The Haji Ali Dargah was built in 1431 in the memory of Sayyed Peer Jaji Ali Shah Bukhari, a wealthy merchant from present-day Uzbekistan. After giving up all his worldly possessions to make a pilgrimage to Mecca, he travelled the world and eventually settled in Mumbai. The pristine white building is located on an isle off the coast of Worli, and is linked to the mainland by a narrow pathway that appears only during low-tide. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

Among the most historic churches in the city, Mount Mary’s Basilica was first built around 1570 and later rebuilt several times. The current edifice dates to 1904, but houses a statue of Mother Mary that is said to have been brought to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

The Taj Mahal Palace is much more than just a hotel: it is among Mumbai’s most celebrated landmarks. Built in 1903, the iconic dome served as the first clear marker of the Bombay Harbour until the Gateway of India was built next to it, a couple of decades later. More than a century after its construction, the hotel continues to remain one of the finest in the country. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

Marine Drive, South Mumbai’s iconic sea-facing promenade, is among the first places outsiders think of when picturing Mumbai. Whether you are looking for an excellent location for your early morning or evening jog, a spot to unwind and gaze at the Arabian Sea or a drive by the sea, Marine Drive is the place. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

With the world’s largest stone dome built without any supporting pillars, the Global Vipassana Pagoda is among Mumbai’s most striking architectural works. Modeled after the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, this massive pagoda was built to express gratitude to Gautama Buddha, and to serve as a reminder of his teachings. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

Its stunning neoclassical architecture notwithstanding, this historic building houses the Asiatic Society of Mumbai whose library is home to one of the two known original copies of Dante’s Divine Comedy, as well as 13th century Sanskrit texts. Built in 1833, the Town Hall is among South Mumbai’s highlights. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

Mumbai is home to many bustling markets, and the Crawford Market in Fort is one of the most popular. From fresh produce to handicraft items, there’s almost nothing you cannot find at this vast bazaar. It also happens to be a fantastic place to people watch and soak in the city’s madness. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

This walkway by the Arabian Sea offers stunning views of the iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link and of South Mumbai’s picturesque skyline. At its southern tip is the historic Bandra Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1640. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

As the oldest museum in Mumbai, the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum qualifies itself as one of the top candidates if you are looking to visit a museum in the city. Established under British colonial rule in 1855, it traces the city’s history and the shape of daily life through a stunning collection of highly intricate clay model dioramas created in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With a constantly expanding collection of contemporary art and other artefacts that showcase the heritage and culture of Mumbai, this is a must-visit spot for any visitor in the city. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

While there are plenty of other options in the area if you’re looking for pristine and empty beaches, there’s no beach more iconic in the city than Juhu. Packed with visitors from all walks of life, and from all over the world, this energetic beach has remained the key destination for Mumbaikars to dip their toes in the Arabian Sea, to jog or to simply unwind and people-watch. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

This ancient temple is among the oldest in the city. Dedicated to Hindu deity Shiva, the stunning temple dates back to the 12th century, built by local ruler Bhimdev or Bhima. However, over the years, it was abandoned and eventually buried until its rediscovery in the 18th century. Its reconstruction took place in the late 1800s. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar