Use this insider guide to the best places to visit and best things to do in Mumbai if you’re seeking to experience the city as a local would. Go beyond the city’s touristy attractions and sample local food, explore the city’s historic and religious sites, and stroll on the beach before sailing into the sunset. Mumbai has something, for everyone!
For our guide to the Best Things To Do In Mumbai, we asked a local resident. What did she say? Cycle through Oval Maidan, taking in boys playing cricket in the humid afternoon, dine at a restaurant using sign language to order with your hearing-impaired waiter, catch the mad rush of the local train that transports millions every day, and visit a market guided by a local before returning to their home to enjoy a traditional Indian meal eaten with your hands.
Read on for a local’s guide to the un-touristy, best things to do in Mumbai and revel in the hidden gems that make up this frenetic, cosmopolitan melting pot of cultures in India. Come see what makes Mumbai so special!
Best Things to Do in Mumbai: The Un-touristy Guide
1. Visit the Fishermen at the Sassoon Docks
Catch fishermen in action at Sassoon docks: If you’re a morning person, catch the frenzied activity of the Koli fishermen and women at 6.00am at Sassoon Docks, one of the oldest docks in Mumbai and one of the largest fish markets in the city.
2. Breakfast at a 112-year old café
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at a 112-year old café, Kyani & Co., a quaint Iranian restaurant established in 1904 located at Metro. Be sure to order bun maska (oven-fresh buttered bread buns) and their Iranian chai.
Where: 657, Jermahal Estate, JSS Road, Tak Wadi, Lohar Chawl, Opposite Metro Cinema, Marine Lines, Mumbai -400002
3. Explore Crawford Market with a Local
Explore Crawford market with a local: Take a tour of the famous Crawford market with a local and discover regional fruits and vegetables. Return to your local host’s home and prepare a delicious Gujarati meal you will enjoy on a traditional silver thali. Visit www.travelingspoon.com to book a private market tour.
4. Dress like a local
Dress like a local: Begin your travel adventures dressed like a local in a kurta or kurti! Go to Fab India in the Kala Ghoda neighborhood, a short cab ride away from Kyani & Co. to buy one of these light tunics that will keep you cool on your travels.
Where: 137, Jeroo Building, M.G. Road, Kala Ghoda, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra -400001
5. Take a Bicycle Tour of South Mumbai
Cycle around the bustling lanes of south Mumbai to best soak in its rich culture and heritage. Start in Colaba and ride through Oval Maidan to see children playing football or cricket, then cruise through Marine Drive with its curved views of the city and the seashore on your way to Chowpatty, one of the city’s best-known beaches, before you reach the magnificent Victoria Terminus train station.
6. Ride the Local Train
If you haven’t travelled on a local train, you haven’t seen Mumbai yet. Take the Bandra slow train from Churchgate Station – try to catch the 3:48pm train and get off at Dadar Station shortly after 4pm to witness the true life of a local in Mumbai’s mad rush.
7. Sail into the Arabian Sea
Sail into the Arabian sea for a memorable view of the Gateway of India. A visit to Mumbai isn’t complete without seeing the Gateway of India, the structure constructed to welcome British royalty into India in 1924. Take a yacht ride into the Arabian Sea at sunset to see this iconic structure. After your cruise, end your evening with tea at the Taj Mahal hotel.
Where: Jetty No.5, Shivaji Marg, Apollo Bunder, Colaba, Taj Hotel Gate, Gateway of India
8. Catch a Bollywood Film
Watch the latest Bollywood stars and catch a movie at the Regal Cinemas, one of the oldest theaters in South Mumbai.
Where: Old Custom House Rd, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400005
9. Pay Respect to the Local Gods
Pay your respect to Muslim, Hindu and Christian Gods at one of the many places of worship that make up the melting pot of Mumbai. Check out the Haji Ali Mosque, Siddhivinayak Temple or Mount Mary Church, depending on where you’re staying.
10. Sunset Stroll on the Coast
Walk along the Bandra coast in the evening for a sunset stroll. Start at the Otter’s Club and enjoy a leisurely and often lively sunset stroll along the Arabian Sea on the Carter Road promenade. End with a cup of coffee at Corniche or with a delicious kebab roll from Kareem’s.
11. Visit the Horse Races
Bet on horses at the Mahalaxmi Race Course. Dress like a star and indulge yourself on horse betting like you have seen in the movies! Walk into the Mahalaxmi race course on race days and you’ll be admitted into the non-members stand to watch the charging horses. Visit http://www.rwitc.com/ to find out more about race days and timings. Entry fees are Rs. 500.
Where: Dr E Moses Marg, Royal Western India Turf Club, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400034
12. Visit Gandi’s Home
Visit Mani Bhawan, Mahatma Gandhi’s residence, and see a piece of India’s history where Gandhiji launched the non-cooperation and many other movements. There is a museum which has Gandhiji’s bed, old charkha (spinning wheel) and other significant memorabilia.
Where: 19 Laburnum Rd, Gamdevi, Mumbai – 400007
13. View the Contemporary Art Scene in Kala Ghoda
Visit the many distinguished art galleries and delicious cafes in the Kala Ghoda neighborhood. Be sure to check out the Jehangir Art Gallery and the Nutcracker or Kala Ghoda Café.
14. Dine in a unique local establishment using sign language
Visit Mirchi & Mime, a unique fine-dining Indian restaurant where diners use sign language and non-verbal communication to place their order with the restaurant’s hearing and speech-impaired staff.
Where: Trans Ocean House, Hiranandani Gardens, MHADA Colony 19, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400076
15. Learn to Make Home-cooked Indian Food in a Local Home
Head inside the home of a local to see authentic Mumbai life and learn to cook delicious recipes passed down through generations with Traveling Spoon. Visit www.travelingspoon.com to book a private, authentic food experience.
16. Visit the Bhau Daji Lad Museum
Set up in 1872 as the Victoria and Albert Museum (renamed in 1975), this museum houses monochrome images of Mumbai and silver accessories from the 19th Century and is an ode to the industrial age. Exciting exhibitions and lectures take place here as well; entry is free and is open from 10 am to 5.30 pm.
Where: 91 A, Rani Baug, Veer Mata Jijbai Bhonsle Udyan, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Marg, Byculla East, Mumbai -400027
Please note that the above list is curated and carefully chosen by one of the employees of Traveling Spoon. She has lived in Mumbai all her life and recommends that you visit these places in her city! These are just a few things she loves about her city, and would want all those who visit to experience it as well. An insider guide to the best places to visit and the best things to do in Mumbai, as recommended by a local.
