Short Trip in Mumbai: Things to Do

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As a travel blogger, I am always fascinated with different places that speak so much about the local culture, food and people. Every village, town, and the city that I have visited has its own trademark style and that is what I carry back home and try to write it down before it begins to fade out of my memory. Mumbai is always going to be the best city in the world to me because I’ve been born and brought up here. If you’re on a short trip in Mumbai there are plenty of things to do here.

I am a part of a closed group of bloggers, writers, poets and creative minds and during our last conversation, we came up with a thought of rewriting one of our old posts that we think we can improve. So, here I am writing about things to do and places to visit when you are in Mumbai on a short trip in Mumbai for business or pleasure.

I might be wrong but I consider Mumbai as India’s New York. This is because the city is expanding faster than you can imagine. All the places that once used to be the far north of the city have now become the central locations. On Zomato, there are more than 10,313 restaurants registered across the city, on TripAdvisor there are 207 attractions to visit, and 158 places to shop around, so where do you start?

Explore the Art & Architecture

If you’re passionate about the history and if you love to explore the old style architecture and heritage buildings, no place in Mumbai can beat the Kala Ghoda area. If you’re on a short trip in Mumbai this place must be high on your list of things to do.

Kala Ghoda is located in South Mumbai and is a perfect spot for art lovers. Explore the Jehangir Art Gallery and also, the street artists that sit in the lane right outside the gallery. You can also visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum right next to the art gallery.

Not too far from Kala Ghoda is Flora Fountain so you can explore that as well. The best time to visit the Kala Ghoda area would be on Sundays when most of the offices are closed on weekend. The roads are relatively empty and that helps you to explore the area calmly.

Dive into the History

If the Statue of Liberty stands for the New York City, Gateway of India stands for the city of Mumbai.

This iconic monument is just a 10-minute walk away from the Kala Ghoda precinct. The monument was erected to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder during their visit to India in 1911. If you’re on a short trip in Mumbai you must definitely check this local attraction.

Built in Indo-Saracenic style, this gate also witnessed the departure of British troops after India’s Independence. Avoid this place on weekends, if you hate crowd.

If you’re here and if you feel hungry, you can try PizzaExpress that offers delicious Italian-styled pizzas and pasta, or you can head to the alley behind Taj Hotel and find Bade Miyan for a complete Indian-style non-vegetarian gastronomic experience.

Hangout at Colaba Causeway

If you just want to hangout on your short trip in Mumbai a visit to Colaba Causeway is a great option. This is an ideal place to hangout, have a beer, chit-chat with friends, do some street shopping and just wander around.

Colaba Causeway starts at the Regal Cinema. Oh, let me tell you, this is not just any damn movie theater. It is an art deco movie theater built in 1933 and also the first air-conditioned theater in India. It still has the same interiors (but has a Dolby surround sound system), so if you ever wished to go back in time, this is one way to do it.

If you love beers and some food to nibble on you can explore cafes like Theobroma, Cafe Leopold, Café Mondegar, and Café Royale. Here you can have lengthy conversations with friends over some delicious food and a pint of beer. These joints are bit expensive for the experience they offer, so your total food expenditure depends on how much you order.

Shopping at Crawford Market

If you love to shop while you’re in Mumbai, how about a visit to Crawford Market? This building is India’s first building to be lit up by electricity and was built in 1869. The market house accommodates wholesale fruit vendors, vegetable stalls, poultry market. If you’re on a short trip in Mumbai shopping at the Crawford Market is a must thing to do.

You can shop all types of Indian spices, pickles, chocolates, toothpaste, bathing accessories, shaving kits, perfumes, deodorants, cane products, party accessories and decorations, dry fruits, syrups, kitchen supplies, utensils and baking equipment, toys, ladies handbags, wallets, school bags and tourists bags, unstitched clothing material, shoes, stationery and office supplies, home lighting and chandeliers, fans, plumbing tools, and water pumps. The list is endless.

A comprehensive tour in Crawford Market can take you at least 5 hours. If you’re tired of shopping at Crawford Market, I recommend having a Royal Falooda (cold milk & ice-cream drink) at Baadshah which cost around Rs. 50, that’s less than a dollar. If you don’t like crowded places avoid visiting Crawford Market on weekends.

Contemplate at Marine Drive

Mumbai is a fast-paced city, but there is one place where you can find peace of mind. That’s Marine Drive.

If you are on a short trip in Mumbai for business you can definitely come here once you are done with your business meetings and conferences. This is the place where you want to unwind on a taxing day. If you’re alone you can sit back and stare at the horizon for hours and watch the sun go down.

The promenade faces west so you get to see lovely sunsets here. Marine Drive offers a place to relax, to contemplate, to sit with your loved ones or alone and ponder on what’s bothering you and find answers to questions consuming you.

You can hear the waves splashing against the tetrapods, explore the Mumbai’s skyline, observe people passing by and feel the sea breeze on your face.

There are plenty of fancy restaurants close to Marine Drive so you’re never out of options. If you’re on a modest budget there are still plenty of options close by.

So, here you have it. Well, honestly, there are much more things to do and places to visit, but if you are really on a short trip these things can offer you the right experience. These places are signature landmarks of the city and the things you do at these places will offer a unique experience like no other. If you have ever visited Mumbai, do share your experiences, or comment on attractions and places in your city.