How To Spend A Day In Mumbais Bandra Neighborhood

Few places are more rewarding to spend a day in than Mumbai’s hip Bandra neighborhood. Historic and immersed in old-world charm, yet dynamic and home to the city’s most trendy venues, Bandra offers numerous options that guarantee a good time. Here’s our guide to making the best of your day in the neighborhood.

Morning

Start your day with an early morning walk down Bandra’s Bandstand Promenade, stretching down to the historic Bandra Fort at the southern tip of the neighborhood. Gentle breezes from the Arabian Sea and pleasing views of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link as well as of Worli’s skyline are among your incentives to come down here.

Once you’re satisfied with your morning dose of the Arabian Sea, walk up to the Mount Mary’s Basilica near the northern tip of the promenade for a unique history lesson. With a statue of Mother Mary that’s said to have been brought here by the Portuguese in the 16th century, this stunning Roman Catholic Church is among the city’s most storied.

With the popular Taj Mahal Tea House being just a short walk away, you’ve no reason to worry about the perfect breakfast destination either. Teas, coffee, breakfast food from across cuisines and shelves of books are among the treats that await you at this charming café.

Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra West, Mumbai, India, +91 22 2642 3152

Taj Mahal Tea House, 36/A, Sanatan Pereira Bungalow, St John Baptist Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai, India, +91 22 2642 0330

1. Afternoon

Bandra happens to be one of the city’s most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, so a walking tour of its historic sub-villages and street art is the way to go. Walk around the area to see how heritage villages once known for being home to fishing and farming communities have readapted themselves to accommodate the city’s most prime real estate and upscale commercial venues. For a tour of the city’s street art, Chapel Road should top your list, as it is home to some of the city’s most recognized works—inspired by a range of topics from Bollywood to societal.

Street Art on Chapel Road | © Qihui / Flickr

Evening

If there’s shopping to do, then you couldn’t be in a better neighborhood. From the endless budget shopping opportunities presented by streetside stalls on Hill Road to the upscale boutique stores of Linking Road, Bandra is undeniably the fashion hub of the city. Hit up Rui Boutique on Pali Road or Karma Kola on Linking Road for well put together collections of clothing from across labels and budgets.

Karma Kola, Elavia Apts., 33rd Road, Opp. Aura and Hues, Bandra West, Mumbai, India, +91 22 2604 0562

Rui, A-1, 50, Al Dossal, Opposite St Joseph’s Convent, Pali Road, Bandra West, Mumbai, India, +91 22 2351 3384

2. Night

With Bandra being home to some of the city’s coolest bars and nightlife venues, you’ll find yourself with plenty of fantastic options where you can unwind at the end of your day. Bonobo on Linking Road is a great venue to experience the city’s thriving live music scene, as well as enjoy a good rooftop and pleasing views of the nearby areas.

Bonobo, 2nd Floor, Kenilworth Mall, Phase 2, Off Linking Road, Behind KFC, Bandra West, Mumbai, India, +91 22 2605 5050

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