Culture Guide: Best Things to Do In Mumbai
Take a breather and see Mumbai through a fresh pair of eyes. Our list of the best things to do in Mumbai will take you on the road less traveled and give you a new perspective on the city that never sleeps.
Maximum city has always been a cultural playground. The city is a living, breathing entity in itself with its high-energy, electric atmosphere. From the bustling suburbs to the lively boroughs of South Bombay, Mumbai rests on a fulcrum between the new-age personality of its natives and the charm of the past, imbued in its history through gothic architecture, age-old establishments and busy markets.
Whether you’re a Mumbai native or a visitor who seeks to explore the city’s best kept secrets, there’s always more to see, more to know and more adventure activities in Mumbai to explore. You’ll find that there are always fun things to do in Mumbai!
Experience:
Banganga Tank
Begin your day with a spiritual experience at the Banganga tank. Located in the Walkeshar Temple Complex of Malabar Hill, the tank is a surprise that awaits you, smack dab in the concrete jungle. The creation of the tank can be traced back to 1127 A.D. However, legend has it that the tank came to be as a result of Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana’s quest for Sita. Tired and overcome by fatigue in his search for Sita, Lord Rama asked Lakshmana for water. The shot of an arrow to the ground led to water gushing right out, creating a tributary of the holy river of Ganga that flows thousands of miles away. The tank thus gets its name as a result of the river and the shot of the arrow, or baan as it is called in Sanskrit.
Lal Baug Spice Market
Lal Baug might be popular for its jaw-dropping Ganesha sculpture, but that’s not all. Lal Baug is home to an equally enchanting local market, known for its many textiles and flavorful spices. Known as Lal Baug’s ‘Mirchi galli’, this spice souk is a treat to the senses. The plethora of chilies invite you as you saunter by. The pungent aroma of it all makes your nose crinkle with every sniff. All, bizarrely wonderful, you’ll find yourself thinking. For the brave of heart, conquer the Pandi mirchi from Andhra Pradesh, the hottest of them all, or reach for the Kashmiri chilly that will overwhelm you with heat. After all, it’s an experience in itself.
See:
Dr. Bhau Daji Lad museum
Formerly known as Victoria and Albert museum, the Bhau Daji Lad museum houses Mumbai’s archaeological wonders, maps, historical photographs of Mumbai and many more unique treasures of the past. Spend the afternoon exploring the lush gardens of the museum that features a 6th century Basalt elephant sculpture originating from Elephanta Island, also lending to its name. After you uncover the grand landscape the museum has to offer, head on to the Museum Plaza for a relaxed and green artistic recreation space. You’ll find yourself completely immersed and soaking in the wonderment of the place.
Dadar flower market
Contrasting Mumbai’s gritty exterior, every type of flower can be found blooming at Mumbai’s famous Dadar ‘phool’ market. Trade in a late night for an early morning and witness the madness of Dadar’s ‘phool gully’ as they begin in the wee hours of the morning. Find flowers like gorgeous chrysanthemums and the regal lotus for a mere 5/- per piece. If you truly want to experience the spirit of the city, visiting Dadar phool market in its peak hours is one of the best things to do in Mumbai. It’s a maze of colors you would want to lose yourself in.
Eat:
Kyani & Co., Marine Lines
Mumbai runs on the cuppa. No morning begins without a steaming cup of kadak chai. If you’re particularly in a hurry, opt for the local ‘cutting chai’ - a half cup of strongly brewed milky tea potent enough to breathe a second life into you. Our pick for a satiating cup? Kyani & Co. The sweet Irani chai coupled with buttery bun maska paos, will sing to your taste buds and set the tone for the day to follow. Take a cue from the celebrated artist MF Hussain, who would regularly pop in for a quick sip of chai from time to time.
Café Madras, Matunga
Begin your morning with a feast at Café Madras, Matunga. Fill your table with plates of steaming hot idlis, paper-thin dosas and piping hot filter coffee, right in the South Indian hub of the city. People pour in from all corners of Mumbai to enjoy traditional South Indian fare at Café Madras. This spot is perfect for breakfast with doors opening early in the AM! You might want to get in early to get a table. Or, share a table and a humble meal with other hungry strangers such as yourself to truly enjoy and bond over food.
Britannia & Company, Fort
For a quick lunch, hop over to Britannia & Co., home to the iconic Chicken Berry Pulao that every gastronome swears by. Boasting authentic Parsi and Iranian cuisine, relish their menu of tantalizing meat dishes, traditional Iranian fare and delicious desserts. At the counter, you’ll find Mr. Boman Kohinoor, the nonagenarian at the helm and creator of the Berry Pulao who ensures every patron is tended to. Suffice to say, your stomach and you will be well taken care of by Kohinoor during your trip there. The restaurant has had its brush with royalty too, thanks to its legendary status and Kohinoor’s love for the British monarch. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and his wife Kate, visited the joint during their royal tour to India in 2016.
Rustom Ice-cream, Churchgate
Known for their natural ice-creams sandwiched between two crispy wafers, K Rustom’s is a highly frequented spot for post-dinner dessert goodness. Classics like the vanilla and chocolate and popular flavors such as the walnut crunch, raspberry and Nescafé are devoured by all age groups with equal zest and fervor. The salty breeze and the sound of the sea plays the perfect company while relishing a K. Rustom classic.
Shop:
Chor bazaar
Breathe in the old-world charm at Mumbai’s famous Chor Bazaar. Vintage goodies, spare parts and rare finds are filled in this iconic flea market. You’ll find second-hand items and antique items that are more awesome than old. You might even find yourself spotting items that once belonged to you, making the name of the flea market that much more fitting. Be sure to grab a vintage Bollywood poster, a fantastic décor addition to any home. Chor Bazaar is a must-see on any checklist of the many fun things to do in Mumbai!
Zaveri bazaar
Head down Zaveri bazaar to really capture Mumbai in action. With 65% of all gold trading in India coming from Zaveri bazaar alone, this area of the city is home to all cuts and colors of gems. While you may be unable to see them, you can instead, explore other luxury articles in the market. Tea-sets, dinnerware, expensive metal luxury items, jewellery, you name it! The world is your oyster. If you look hard enough, you may find one in Zaveri bazaar too!
Comments