Things To Do in Mumbai, According to a Mumbaikar

When travelling and deciding on activities, the best source is always a local; so we asked a Mumbaikar about things to do in Mumbai. So, forget the touristy sights and tours, this is the real deal!

Marine Drive

Located in South Mumbai, this boulevard is also called the Queen’s Necklace because of its street lights and the shape in which they are arranged: just like pearls on a necklace. The promenade is a pleasant place to take a stroll, lined with palm trees and locals walking about. You’ll find some incredible street food on the Chowpatty Beach, which is famous for Bhel puri. If you walk further on the promenade, you’ll see a wealthy neighbourhood, art deco buildings and the house of the Governor of Maharashtra.
 
Bhendi Bazaar and Chor Bazaar

Also situated in the South of Mumbai, Bhendi Bazaar got its name thanks to the British who lived south of Crawford Market; they called this area “behind the bazaar,” which locals came to use and Bhendi Bazaar. In this lively area, you can shop for antiquities and hardware items. The Bazaar is also surrounded with a huge number of other bazaars (like Chor- and Nul Bazaar), where you can buy textiles and items of clothing, too. These bazaars are the perfect places to buy some keepsakes that’ll remind you of the crazy adventure that you lived through during the Rickshaw Challenge. Chor Bazaar is one of the busiest, largest flea markets in the country, so be sure to check it out. (The legend has it that if you lose something in Mumbai, it will eventually end up in Chor Market.)
 

 
Hanging Gardens

Known also as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, you’ll find this magical place at the top of Malabar Hill, opposite Kamala Nehru Park. The terraces on the top of the hill provide visitors with an astonishing view of the Arabian Sea and beautiful gardens, with hedges cut into the shape of animals. From bird’s-eye-view, you can see the letters PMG (Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens) spelt out with the park’s pathways.
 
Bademiya Kebabs

According to our secret Mumbaikar source, Bademiya is the way to go if you’re craving kebabs. But they also have a huge selection of other types of food, like their delicious chicken biryani or their mutton bhuna. Their prices are more that reasonable, and they even do home delivery, so you can quickly charge up in your hotel before hitting the road.
 
Bachelorr’s Ice Cream Parlor
The best remedy for feeing too hot in Mumbai is the best ice cream parlor there is. They have amazing fruit juices with blends that you may or may not have heard about, wonderful ice cream desserts that will make you happier than ever and “Fully Loaded Desserts” that will make you feel like you’re in heaven. Ask for a Bachelorr’s Maharaja, top it off with a great big portion of chocolate sauce and see all your troubles melt away…
 
Bandra Promenade

The perfect spot for a romantic walk or picnic, visit the promenade when the sun is setting. There are some coffee shops were you can sit outside and sip on an ice coffee while chatting the afternoon away. The view is wonderful, and there’s an added bonus: the residences of Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan are located here, so you might even catch a glimpse of these Bollywood celebrities! In any case, you’ll definitely see some avid fans in the area.
 
Juhu Beach Gola
Ever wondered what it would be like to taste a rainbow? Well, Juhu Beach Gola is famous for coming up with wondrous combos of Indian Slush or crushed ice lollies. Just choose your flavours and let the magicians do the rest; for foodies (especially ones who love fruits,) this is a must-see, must-try place.
 
Sardar Pav Bhaaji
Everyone agrees; if you want to eat some great pav bhaaji, Sardar is the way to go for sure. The best test of whether a restaurant is any good is to see if locals eat there…well, according to our Mumbaikar source, Sardar is one of the best pav bhaaji places. It has been around for quite some time now, taking on Mumbai’s best restaurants. Only one note: since it’s so popular, it is always full, so try to book a table in advance.