Consider the hive that is a global metropolis like London, then double it by 100! That is how Mumbai is. There are so many of the finest things to do in Mumbai throughout the whole city, which is filled to the brim with beautiful culture, ancient architecture, and the most fantastic cuisine.
Obviously, if you’re going to India, there are hundreds of sites to see, and you’ll almost certainly be spoiled for choice.
Yes, Mumbai is not the place to go for a little rest and recovery, but if you want to see a city bursting with life, culture, and an incredible history, then Mumbai is a must-see. There are literally hundreds of wonderful and greatest things to do in Mumbai that I am fairly confident you will like.
1.) Visit the stunning Mumbai Taj
The Taj Mahal is one of Mumbai’s most well-known structures. Obviously, it’s one of the most prominent locations to stay in the city, but if you want a taste, walk over to the Masala Kraft restaurant inside, which offers some of the city’s finest modern Indian food.
The whole structure is a stunning blend of European and Arabesque influences that harkens back to contemporary Mumbai’s heritage. It is without a doubt one of the top things to do in Mumbai.
Book: The Mumbai Taj, here
2.) Watch the sunset at the Gateway of India
After the mid-day heat subsides and the sun begins to set, you’ll see a large crowd of travelers and residents alike flocking to the shorefront near the Gateway of India.
It’s a very unique site to visit, particularly after sunset.
Consider chartering a small boat from the port itself if you want to avoid some of the congestion. This may be a truly lovely experience, but be prepared to bargain for a reasonable fee.
3.) Tour the city in a rickshaw
Rickshaws are popular in India and a pleasant way to get about the city. These creative little rides are incredibly exciting, born out of the necessity to weave in amongst the congested streets. Take a tour of the city or just jump on one to go from point A to point B. It is without a doubt one of the top things to do in Mumbai.
The rickshaw is an excellent way to explore the city; however, be prepared for heavy traffic, stomach-churning driving, and a little dust!
4.) Sip cocktails on the rooftop
Apart from a 200-foot boat (which I wish I could afford), the greatest spot for sundowners is the Four Seasons’ Rooftop bar – even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s a really stylish restaurant with some fairly amazing views over the city.
Expect pricing to be much more than in other restaurants, but it’s definitely worth it if you’re searching for a unique dining experience.
5.) Gorge at Crawford Market
Crawford Market, one of the city’s most renowned marketplaces, is the ideal site to experience the rush and bustle of Mumbai’s market life.
There are literally hundreds of shops selling everything from spices to veggies to cooked meals and some of the greatest Pani Puri around.
6.) Tuck into a clay-oven tandoori at Peshawri
This is one of the greatest restaurants in town for real Indian cuisine. Peshawri is focused about quality and maintaining true to the Indian custom of communal dining, so don’t expect silver service. If you’re a gourmet like me, this is one of the coolest things to do in Mumbai!
Take a seat on one of the benches or stools, wash your hands, and dig into some of the delicious Indian cuisine they provide.
Check out their spicy green beans, garlic naan, Roti, and clay-oven tandoori! *lips lick*
7.) Head over to Elephanta Island
Elephanta Island, just north of the Gateway of India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fantastic destination to view the hand-cut temples chiseled into the rocks over 1,500 years ago.
Photos do not do this site justice; it is really one of the nicest things to do in Mumbai.
8.) Explore Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sanjay Gandhi National Park, located just outside of Mumbai, is a lovely (and protected) area that every visitor to Mumbai should see.
This rainforest paradise is home to hundreds of plant species, stunning landscapes such as the Shilonda waterfall, and if you’re fortunate, you could even glimpse a leopard or two!
Don’t miss the Kanheri Caves, which are part of the Buddhist monks’ monastery facilities. They are quite amazing to watch.
9.) Experience India’s only surviving opera house
Mumbai’s Royal Opera House is a very unique venue. It’s the last of its type, and it just reopened last year following a 6-year repair.
The Royal Opera House, which is still in use today, is an excellent place to spend an evening in the city.
10.) Visit Mumbai’s CSMVS (Prince Of Wales Museum)
The Museum, which was dedicated to the Prince of Wales in the Victorian period, has now been appropriately renamed the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, or CSMVS for short.
This amazing faux-Renaissance structure houses a vast collection of antiques and literature, textiles, and other items related to Mumbai’s long and famous past.
Just keep in mind that you may want to prioritize what you view and what you skip… particularly with over 50,000 items to view on the inside.
11.) See the Haji Ali Dargah Mosque
Haji Ali Dargah Mosque, located on a tiny island in the center of Worli Bay, is a lovely spot to visit.
It’s open every day, but it’s linked to the coast by a tiny path, so you may have to wait till the tide goes out to get there.
12.) Walk Marine Drive at Sunset
This is one of the city’s most renowned roadways, running from Nariman Point to Malabar Hill and overlooking the Arabian Sea.
It’s beautiful to wander down at sunset (exactly as the residents do in the city). If you do this in the early afternoon, be prepared for tremendous heat and an oppressive sun.
13.) See the Hanging Garden of Mumbai
It’s located on the Malabar Hill slope and is an incredible joy. Explore the terrace gardens and enjoy an upward view of Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach from the top.
You can even come across some of the clipped trees that have been molded and groomed into all sorts of things.
14.) Experience the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
This structure is nothing short of amazing. It is India’s most recognizable railroad station. It has a characteristic Gothic appearance and is now a UNESCO historical site, ensuring its place as one of the world’s most significant landmarks and finest things to do in Mumbai.
You’ll need at least an hour and a half to see everything, so plan ahead of time.
15.) Wander around the Global Vipassana Pagoda
The Global Vipassana Pagoda is located north-west of the city and is the ideal location to see the region’s most prominent temple halls.
It will now take you around 2 hours to get here, so depart early in the morning to avoid visiting the site during the noon heat. It is a must-see destination since it is home to the world’s biggest stone dome.
Oh, and don’t forget to see the world’s biggest stone pagoda dome, which holds Buddha relics, as well as the world’s largest meditation hall. It really is an amazing sight to witness and is certainly one of the top things to do in Mumbai.
