10 Best Things to do in Mumbai

It is glamorous, it is gritty, it is fast, and it is fun – Mumbai is a city of many identities and experiences. Located on the Indian West Coast, the city never ceases to fascinate an avid traveler with its many attractions. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveler or family holidaymaker, you are sure to find attractions and activities to keep you engaged once you step out of your hotels in Mumbai.

Want to make your trip to Mumbai a memorable experience? Go through our compilation of the top 20 things to do in Mumbai and uncover the many layers of India’s financial and entertainment capital.

Things to Do in Mumbai

1. Take a Trip to Elephanta Caves

A visit to Elephanta Caves, one of the three UNESCO Heritage sites in the city, counts among the top things to do in Mumbai. Elephanta Caves are a collection of temples that celebrate Hindu and Buddhist motifs and beliefs, sculpted over many generations. During your one-day visit to the Elephanta Caves, you will come across a fascinating display of centuries-old rock-cut architecture. History buffs will enjoy unearthing the stories behind each section and some of the key highlights include the three-faced sculpture of Lord Shiva in Cave 1, pillars at the cave entrances, and a collection of idols.

Location: Gharapuri

Timings: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm; closed on Mondays

Entry Fee: ₹ 10 for Indians and SAARC nationals; ₹ 250 for foreign nationals

Ferry Charges: ₹ 150 for adults; ₹ 125 for kids

Toy Train Ride: ₹ 10 per person

2. Go for an Evening Stroll at the Marine Drive

Whether you are traveling alone or in a group, relaxing at the Marine Drive is a quintessential Mumbai experience and one of the top things to do in South Mumbai. This arc-shaped boulevard along the South Mumbai coast is where you can go for a leisurely walk on the walkways, enjoying the evening breeze or catch the dramatic sunset views.

Timings: 24×7

Entry Fee: Free

3. Indulge in Wildlife Spotting at Sanjay Gandhi National Park

It is hard to imagine that the megapolis of Mumbai also includes animal residents like leopards and jackals, but the city is indeed full of surprises. One such surprise is Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The Kanheri caves are a major historical attraction here while visitors can sight crocodiles at the Tulsi Lake, various species of deer, and of course, the ever-noisy rhesus macaques. Toy train rides, recreational boating, and half-hour long tiger and lion safaris are the other highlights of the park.

Location: Borivali East

Timings: 07:30 am to 6:30 pm; closed on Mondays

Entry Fee*:

₹48 for adults; ₹ 31 for kids Children

*Additional charges for boating, safaris, toy train ride, etc.

4. Take a Bollywood Tour

Is it even possible to mention Mumbai without a nod to Bollywood? This is arguably the city’s greatest gift to the world and you can catch a slice of Tinsel Town with a Bollywood tour. Catch behind the scenes action in famed studios and shooting sites and see how the magic gets transferred to screen. There are many packages to choose from, available for different price points and timings.

Where: Mumbai Film City, SJ Studios

Cost: Varies based on tour operators

5. Visit Red Carpet Wax Museum

Pose with the stars or pay tribute to the greatest humanist leaders, recreated faithfully in wax, at Mumbai’s wax museum which is aptly called the Red Carpet. Some of the international icons represented here include Barack Obama, Brad Pitt, and the Queen of England. The Albert Einstein wax statue here is another favorite. A visit to the museum certainly tops the list of things to do in Mumbai with family and kids.

Location: Ghatkopar West

Timings: 9:45 am to 09:30 pm

Entry Fee: ₹250 for weekdays; ₹350 on weekends

6. Soak in the Serene Vibes at Haji Ali Dargah

Built in the middle of the Arabian Sea, the Haji Ali Dargah is a must-visit attraction in the city. The mosque and dargah are located just a short distance off the Worli coast and attracts thousands of visitors from all faiths every day. The tall minaret and grand arched gateway are just some architectural highlights of this 600-year-old landmark.

Location: Dargah Road

Timings: 5:30 am to 10:00 pm

Entry Fee: Free

7. Enjoy the Architectural Splendor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)

Beautiful chaos – that is a rather succinct way to describe Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus aka CST, one of the busiest railway stations in the world. It is an image that blends two realities, the grand colonial building representing Mumbai’s heritage and the buzzing crowds that are a reminder of its energy and soul. The Gothic towers and the Victorian eloquence are some of the hallmarks of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mumbai.

Timings: 24×7

8. Spend an Evening at Juhu Beach

Watch the sky break into the spectacular colors of the sunset while the waves crash below at the Juhu Beach, one of Mumbai’s favorite shorelines. It is a good spot for couples and families and is filled with culinary attractions for those who want to explore the city’s street food. The kids’ rides and carnival-like attractions add a charming old school vibe to this location.

Timings: 24×7

9. Shop at Colaba CausewayShopping at Colaba Causeway, one of Mumbai’s famed shopping centers, is one of the best things to do in Mumbai on weekends. It is also home to a variety of cafés and eateries where you can have your pit stops. The Colaba Market is best known for its street-side apparel stores where you can pick up the latest fashion at surprising rates.

Timings: Morning till evening

What to Buy: Apparels, jewelry, handbags, handicrafts

Where to Eat: Bay View Café and Bar, Leopold Café, The Table, Café Mondegar

10. Have Fun at Snow World

People may scoff at the mild Mumbai winters, but there is one corner in the city where you can feel the chill and hum your favorite Frozen tracks. Yes, we are talking about Snow World, a snow-themed recreational center where you can throw snowballs at each other and slide through icy slides all day. Ice skating and snowboarding are some of the sports you can try out at this indoor park located within Phoenix Market City Mall. It goes without saying that the place will fascinate your kids.

If you are traveling with your little ones, read our blog on the top things to do in Mumbai with kids for some great ideas.

Location: Phoenix Market City, Kurla (W)

Timings: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm

Charges: ₹ 575 for 60 minutes

Also check the couple friendly hotels in Mumbai