Best Places to Hangout in Mumbai

by Sharukh Bamboat

Mumbai is the financial hub of the country. Also known as the Maximum City and the City of Dreams this city offers so much to everyone that lives here. I have always been a part of this dynamic city and have seen it transformed over the years. Mumbai offers a fast and hectic lifestyle, but eventually everyone needs to slow down every now and then. There are many best places to hangout in Mumbai for free, but everyone has their favourite.

You cannot separate the sea from the life of Mumbaikars. No matter where you live in the city you get the view of the magnificent Arabian Sea. From Nariman Point in South Mumbai to Virar’s Arnala Beach up north you can find places that offer comfort. These best places to hangout in Mumbai for free are also quite popular. Hence, you will find plenty of people around you contemplating and enjoying moments beside you. Let’s take a quick look into some of the best places in Mumbai to hangout for free.

Gateway of India

In South Mumbai, Gateway of India is definitely the place where you would want to sit for hours. This is definitely among the best places to hangout in Mumbai for free especially during sunset hour. This basalt arch structure erected in 1911 commemorates the landing of the Majesty King George V and Queen Mary.

Gateway of India Side View
Gateway of India

The construction of the monument was completed in 1924. Later it served as the ceremonial entrance to India for many Viceroys and Governors of Bombay. Gateway of India provides a great hangout place in Mumbai if you want to have some private time. This is also a tourist attraction and therefore it is full on weekends.

If you are a morning person, Gateway of India is one of the best places to hangout in Mumbai. You can come here to enjoy the sunrise, exercise and even contemplate. However, you can also visit Gateway of India during evening hours. This is usually when you will find more people hanging out, taking pictures and enjoying the sea breeze.

Marine Drive

If you’re in Mumbai you cannot miss the Marine Drive. Personally, I have a deeper connection with this place and I have written a dedicated blog post on it. This two-mile long C-shaped promenade is among the top places to hangout in Mumbai for free. If you have nowhere to do, you can spend some quality time here alone or with your partner.

Marine Drive Mumbai
Marine Drive Looking South

The vibe of the Marine Drive changes as the day progresses. In the early morning hours, you’ll find joggers, cyclists, and senior citizens walking and chatting around. Later, in the afternoon hours you’ll find college students hanging around in the vicinity.

The evening hours at the Marine Drive attract more people who come to enjoy the sunset and the cool breeze. Over the decades, Marine Drive has remained among the top places to hangout in Mumbai.

Chowpatty

On the northern end of the Marine Drive is Chowpatty which is the most popular beach in Mumbai. It is also one of the most popular places to hangout in Mumbai for free. If you enjoy the sea and sand combination this is the place for you.

Chowpatty Mumbai
Chowpatty Beach Mumbai

Chowpatty has remained one of the iconic places in the Mumbai over the years. If you love to spend some time sitting on the beach sand watching the waves crash you can come here. This place also offers you plenty of street food options like bhel puri, pani puri and kulfis for desserts. Also, you will find plenty of reputed restaurants right opposite the beach. Hence, you can always find some food options here based on your choice and budget.

Worli Sea Face

Mumbai is an amalgamation of seven islands ceded by the Portuguese to England in 1661. One of the islands Varli (now Worli) became one of the busiest office areas in the late 70s.

The Haji Ali Shrine
The Haji Ali Shrine

While the Worli Sea Face isn’t as big as the Marine Drive it still has a small stretch where you can get a view of the Arabian Sea. The Haji Ali Shrine in Worli is one of the recognizable landmarks of the city. The tomb was constructed in 1431 in the memory of Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. People of all faith visit the tomb to seek the blessings of the legendary saint. This 600-year old tomb is only accessible during the low tide hours as visitors have to walk the causeway with sea on both sides.

Worli Sea Face is definitely among the best places to hangout in Mumbai for free. You can find some eateries and food stalls close to the sea area. There are also few malls and shopping areas close to it.

Juhu Beach

Located in the western suburbs, Juhu Beach is also one of the popular beaches in Mumbai. This makes it one of the best places to hangout in Mumbai for free. The beach stays open at all times attracting thousands of locals and foreign visitors throughout the week. Juhu Beach is a popular local attraction and hence it is full on weekends.

Juhu Beach Morning Hours
Juhu Beach Morning Hours

The beach offers a great sun and sand experience and is a paradise for street-food lovers. You can find plenty of stalls of bhelpuris, pani puris, pav bhajis and chaats and kulfis. It is an ideal destination for evening walks and some quality moments with your loved ones.

There are many other places to hangout in Mumbai where you can spend quality time without spending much. Do share your favourite place to hangout in Mumbai and why you love spending time at this place.

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6 comments

bikerchick57 November 19, 2016 - 03:14

Thanks, Sharukh, for taking me on a tour of the seaside areas of Mumbai. I found it very fascinating, but I am also wishing I was on one of the beaches as our weather is turning much colder. Would appreciate digging my toes in the sand.

I love the photo of the Haji Ali shrine. It is stunning!

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pathbreakingwriter November 19, 2016 - 03:19

Thanks for the comment, Mary. Hop on to the next flight to Mumbai.

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bikerchick57 November 19, 2016 - 04:57

Yeah, I wish it were that easy. Perhaps when I win the lottery! 😉

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dweezer19 November 19, 2016 - 09:14

I love all the marvelous images! And you know how I feel about beaches and the ocean. It is so good to see you and Sarah. There are some rough waters in places aren’t there? India’s history shows in every city and port, stationa and public building. I enjoyed this!

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pathbreakingwriter November 21, 2016 - 17:14

It is recommended not to step in too deep into the water, especially during high tide. Things can turn nasty. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.

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Must Visit Sea-side Destinations in Mumbai | India Destinations May 15, 2017 - 15:06

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