The Coolest Neighbourhoods in Mumbai

Bandra may be best known for its association with Bollywood, as most folks from the industry reside here, but the hip and artsy neighborhood has much more to offer than celebrity sightings and Bollywood buzz. From some of the city’s most vibrant street art to its most historic churches – including the centuries-old Mount Mary Basilica, Bandra is a reigning cultural hotspot within Mumbai. It is also home to some of the city’s best cafes, fitness studios, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, easily making it one of the coolest neighborhoods in Mumbai. Stop by the the trendy Pali Village Cafe to experience the neighborhood’s laid-back feel, or the historic Candies for a taste of its old-world charm.

Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount,, Bandra West, Mount Mary, Bandra West, Mumbai, +91 022 2642 3152

Pali Village, Bandra West, Mumbai, +91 096898 40215

Candies, 5AA Pali Hill, Next to Learners Academy School, Bandra West, Mumbai, +91 022 2642 4124

Colaba may be tourist central, but its rich history, celebrated eating and drinking joints and artistic connections prove that it is much more. Colaba Causeway, with its many street vendors and legendary eating outlets, is a hotspot of life, while the Gateway of India, among Mumbai’s most recognised landmarks, represents the city’s history like few other structures do. The neighbourhood’s many laid-back bars including the iconic Cafe Mondegar, and Leopold Cafes, and the dynamic crowds that flock there further add to the neighbourhood’s attraction.

Gateway of India, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai

Cafe Mondegar, 5A, Metro House, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba, Mumbai, +91 022 2202 0591

Leopold Cafe, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Near Police Station, Colaba, Mumbai, +91 022 2282 8185

Fort is undeniably among Mumbai’s most historic neighborhoods, and is also centrally located. From the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), Mumbai’s most recognised railway station, to the historic Town Hall housing the Asiatic Society of Mumbai, Fort reflects and preserves Mumbai’s rich past in ways that few other neighborhoods do. If you are in the neighborhood, make sure to taste one of Mumbai’s most celebrated thali meals at the landmark Chetana Restaurant.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai

Asiatic Society of Mumbai, Town Hall, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Fort, Mumbai, +91 022 2266 0956

Chetana Restaurant, 34, K. Dubash Marg, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai, +91 022 2284 4968

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From iconic Juhu Beach to the acclaimed Prithvi Theatre, Juhu is home to much more than just posh residences and lush green lanes. The breezy, calm neighborhood is a hotspot of cultural activity, happening bars and must-visit culinary outlets. For a uniquely Juhu experience, head to Mahesh Lunch Home for one of the best seafood meals you can have in the city.

Prithvi Theatre, 20 Janki Kutir Juhu Church Road, Janki Kutir, Juhu, Mumbai, +91 022 2614 9546

Mahesh Lunch Home, next to J.W.Marriott, Juhu, Uditi Tarang Housing Colony, Juhu Tara, Juhu, Mumbai, +91 022 6695 5554

This quiet, upscale neighbourhood is quite cut-off from the rest of South Mumbai, making it one of the best areas to head to if you are seeking a little break from city chaos. From the lush green Hanging Gardens to quaint boutiques offering high fashion, there’s much to explore in this historic neighbourhood. Make sure to drop in to the famous Aza boutique, or the quirky Madison on Peddar for all the inspiration you need to completely revamp your wardrobe.

Aza, 21, Prithvi Apartment, Altamount Road, Near South African Consulate, +91 022 2353 0212

Madison, 30, Ground Floor, Kiran Villa, Pedder Road, Opp. Citibank, Cumballa Hill, +91 099302 28110