Essential Things to Do in Mumbai for Culture, History & More

Mumbai is a city that pulses with energy and ambition, attracting tens of millions of visitors each year to its streets, beaches, and iconic landmarks. Known as the "City of Dreams," Mumbai is more than just the financial and Bollywood capital of India.

It’s a melting pot of history, culture, and modernity, where the richness of Maharashtra's heritage blends seamlessly with global influences. Whether you're a solo explorer, a family of adventurers, or a business traveller, Mumbai has something to inspire you at every turn.

Planning a trip to Maharashtra's capital city and not sure where to start? To make the most of your visit to this buzzing metropolis, familiarising yourself with the must-visit Mumbai attractions is key.

From touring Mumbai's most iconic Bollywood landmarks to shopping till you drop at Mumbai's bustling markets, follow these picks of the best things to do in Mumbai and you'll have an incredible time exploring India's "City of Dreams."

Mumbai’s roots stretch deep into history, and its rich culture is reflected in its many historical landmarks. If you're eager to delve into the city’s fascinating past, here’s a glimpse of the top things to do in Mumbai for history lovers.

When it comes to iconic Mumbai sightseeing places, the Gateway of India needs to be at the top of your list. This imposing archway is set right on the waterfront in Apollo Bandar. It was completed in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, the first monarchs to visit India, in 1911.

It's not only a magnificent feat of architecture, but also a symbol of the city’s colonial history. Whether you visit at sunrise or sunset, seeing this historic monument is one of the best things to do in Mumbai.

Completed in 1888, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) is another striking architectural marvel. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws inspiration from London’s St Pancras Station, but features an aesthetically pleasing blend of Victorian Gothic and Indian styles. The terminus, adorned with sculptures and intricate stained-glass windows, is a living monument of the city’s colonial past and a bustling hub of everyday life.

A visit to the Elephanta Caves takes you 1,500 years back to a world of ancient rock-cut sculptures and temple carvings. Situated on Elephanta Island (or Gharapuri), an hour-long ferry ride away from the city, this UNESCO World Heritage site showcases awe-inspiring depictions of Shiva in its grand cave temples. The Sadashiva sculpture, standing over 20 feet tall, is particularly mesmerising, a true masterpiece that captures the divine presence of Lord Shiva in three forms.

Dating back to 1890, Dhobi Ghat is the largest open-air laundry facility in the world. Over 100,000 items are hand-washed by skilled washermen here each day using methods that have been passed down through generations.

With rows upon rows of drying laundry, this place is not only culturally and historically interesting, but it's unexpectedly photogenic. It remains a popular sightseeing spot for photographers, and it even played a central role in the 2010 film Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai Diaries).

The beautiful Indo-Islamic Haji Ali Dargah is another one of the top Mumbai sightseeing places, and once you lay eyes on it, it's easy to see why. This gleaming white mosque is set on an islet off the Worli coast in southern Mumbai, making it appear as if it's floating on water.

The mosque was built in the 15th century and is home to the tomb of Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a Sufi saint. While it's free to explore the grounds, you'll need to time your visit to Haji Ali Dargah carefully. The mosque is only accessible during low tide via a narrow one-kilometre causeway. When the waters rise, the pathway becomes submerged.

As the birthplace of Indian cinema, Bollywood is deeply ingrained in the modern-day culture of this city, and no trip to Mumbai is complete without a tour of Film City, a 520-acre studio complex where countless Bollywood movies and TV shows have been shot.

Sign up for a tour and you can experience the magic of India’s world-famous film industry. You’ll step into a world of glitz and glamour, see film sets up close, watch actors perform live on set, and learn about the history of this wildly popular genre of Indian cinema. When it comes to the top things to do in Mumbai for Bollywood fans, a tour of Film City is a must.

With so many film studios in town, it's no secret that a large number of Bollywood's biggest stars call Mumbai home. Spend enough time in the city, and you'll inevitably spot a star or two. To see where the stars live - from a respectable distance, of course - there are a variety of sightseeing tours to join.

However, you can also see the outside of many celebrity homes on your own. For example, make your way to the Bandra Bandstand area to glimpse Shah Rukh Khan's lavish Mannat bungalow and Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh's high-rise apartment complex. John Abraham's "Villa in the Sky" is located nearby in Bandra West, while Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt's palatial "Krishna Raj Bungalow" is tucked away over in Pali Hill in Bandra West.

By far one of the most memorable things to do in Mumbai for Bollywood fans is to gather outside the Juhu home of Amitabh Bachchan on a Sunday, when he famously greets his fans outside.

Bollywood fans should definitely plan a visit to the Walk of the Stars, a Bollywood-style tribute inspired by the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Though no longer formally maintained, the walkway remains a popular stop thanks to its oceanfront setting and star plaques.

The Walk of the Stars stretches for two kilometres, offering unobstructed views of the Arabian Sea. Take a walk along the promenade and you'll see over 100 brass placards featuring the names and handprints of Bollywood's top stars, as well as six life-size brass sculptures of celebrities, including Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand.

Mumbai’s rich tapestry of culture is a blend of its diverse communities, languages, and traditions. If you’re looking for things to do in Mumbai that allow you to truly embrace its cultural landscape, add these experiences to your itinerary.

Mani Bhavan, the home of Mahatma Gandhi during his time in Mumbai, is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. It’s a humbling place that showcases the immense impact Gandhi had on India and the world.

The building houses his personal items, writings, and pictures that chronicle his journey as the "Father of the Nation." For anyone seeking to connect with India’s spirit of independence and social justice, Mani Bhavan is one of the most significant Mumbai attractions.

Visiting the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum) is one of the best things to do in Mumbai for museum lovers.

This museum is housed in a domed 1920s Indo-Saracenic building that is well worth seeing on its own. However, take some time to explore the sprawling museum, and you'll find Indian art, sculptures, and artefacts, as well as a rare collection of over 2,000 miniature paintings. There's also an interesting archaeological and natural history section that's fascinating for visitors of all ages.

The Kala Ghoda Art Precinct is Mumbai’s vibrant hub for art lovers. With galleries, street art, and contemporary exhibitions galore, this artsy district offers a rich feast for the eyes.

From the historic architecture of the area to the cutting-edge artworks found inside its galleries, this creative hot spot is an inspiring example of Mumbai’s forward-thinking arts scene.

Visiting Mumbai in February? Be sure to attend the annual Kala Ghoda Arts Festival.

Mumbai’s National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) is the ultimate venue for culture and the arts. Located in South Mumbai, it's always playing host to a stunning array of performances.

From classical Indian music and dance to experimental theatre, the NCPA offers an immersive cultural experience that reflects the diversity and artistry of India’s vibrant performing arts scene. Check the official website to see what's on during your visit.

Mumbai is overflowing with Hindu temples, but the Siddhivinayak Temple in the Prabhadevi area stands proud as one of the most important. Built in 1801, this towering temple is dedicated to Ganesha and attracts worshipers from all over India who come here to leave offerings and seek blessings.

Despite its bustling cityscape, Mumbai is home to remarkable natural retreats where you can escape the urban rush and soak in the beauty of nature.

Marine Drive, also known as Mumbai’s "Queen’s Necklace," is a spectacular waterfront promenade that comes alive at night with shimmering lights. Strolling along the 3-kilometre crescent-shaped walkway and taking in the Arabian Sea views is one of the city’s most enchanting experiences. There's a reason this is one of the most popular places to visit in Mumbai for sunset.

Located at the top of Malabar Hill, the Hanging Gardens are an oasis of tranquillity high above the city. Surrounded by lush greenery, the gardens provide sweeping views of the city skyline and the Arabian Sea. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful retreat, offering well-manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and the adorable Boot House, which delights visitors of all ages.

For a deeper connection to nature, visiting the Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one of the top things to do in Mumbai. Explore the park’s extensive trails, visit the ancient Kanheri Caves, or take a safari to see lions, leopards, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Spending some time at one of the city's many beaches is perhaps the best way to experience nature in this megacity. Juhu Beach in western Mumbai is one of the most popular and picturesque beaches in town. This is an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, strolling, and snacking on street food.

Versova Beach is just up the coast from Juhu Beach. It is hailed as one of the cleanest beaches in Mumbai and provides a more peaceful setting than Juhu. Both beaches offer stunning sunsets each evening.

For something a bit more off the tourist track, Aksa Beach and Marvé Beach in northern Mumbai attract fewer crowds and are both lovely places for a sunset stroll. However, Girgaon Chowpatty on Marine Drive is always a fun place to spend an evening eating street food and gathering with locals by the sea.

From street food on the beaches of western Mumbai to fine dining in South Mumbai's most innovative restaurants, there's something to suit every palate and budget.

Fresh, seasonal ingredients take centre stage at this fine-dining establishment. Although it's always evolving, Masque's 10-course chef's tasting menu consistently features a creative blend of traditional flavours, modern techniques, and artsy presentations. There are vegetarian and non-vegetarian tasting menus.

Combining modern gastronomic techniques with classic Indian flavours, Masala Library is known for its experimental approach to Indian cuisine. From signature dishes like Hibiscus Pani Puri, Chevre Kebab, and Wild Mushroom Chai, each plate at Masala Library is so artistically crafted that it's almost a shame to eat - but rest assured, you'll enjoy every morsel.

If you're looking for things to do in Mumbai at night, Bandra is the go-to destination for an evening of fun. The area is known for its lively pub scene, with popular spots like The Bar Stock Exchange, Monkey Bar, and Irish House offering great drinks and even better vibes.

A visit to Juhu Beach is a feast for the senses and the perfect way to experience Mumbai’s famous street food. From tangy bhel puri to crispy vada pav and addictive pani puri, every street food dish reflects the city’s rich culinary culture.

Pro tip: Juhu Beach is one of the best places to stay in Mumbai. For a relaxing stay right on Juhu Beach, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach is a five-star hotel offering luxury rooms with ocean views, an oceanfront pool, a spa, and multiple bars and restaurants.

With its location near the Gateway of India and Taj Mahal Palace, the Colaba Causeway Market is one of the most-visited markets in South Mumbai. Visit on a weekend evening, and you should expect to have massive crowds to contend with.

But it's well worth joining the masses to shop for excellent deals on everything from colourful textiles to unique antiques, souvenirs, and fashion pieces. Colaba’s endless stalls have something to catch everyone’s eye.

Known as the "Thieves Market," Chor Bazaar is the place to shop for antique furniture and vintage gems. This Muslim district marketplace is lined with humble stores selling a mishmash of secondhand goods, from jewellery and instruments to furniture, home decor, electronics, and more.

This is one of the coolest places to visit in Mumbai to hunt for forgotten finds, including original Bollywood posters at Poster Stuff and old-school vinyl at Haji Ebrahim Record Shop.

Linking Road in Bandra is a fashion lover’s dream, with an endless selection of shoes, bags, and clothing available at budget-friendly prices. For those who enjoy the art of haggling, this lively street is the perfect place to test your skills and come away with great bargains.

The best things to do in Mumbai for first-time visitors are to see the famous Gateway of India and Taj Mahal Palace, take a Bollywood studio tour in Film City, go shopping at Colaba Causeway, and see the 1888 Victorian Gothic-inspired Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.

The top historical places to visit in Mumbai are the 1924 Gateway of India monument, the ancient sculptures and carvings at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Elephanta Caves, and the endless lanes of hanging laundry in the 19th-century Dhobi Ghat, to name a few historic things to do in Mumbai.

The best Mumbai attractions for families are getting all dressed up in Bollywood attire on a behind-the-scenes studio tour at Film City, taking a ferry out to see the Elephanta Caves, exploring the Hanging Gardens, marvelling at the Gateway of India, and watching the sunset at Juhu Beach.

One of the most important cultural experiences in Mumbai is visiting the Mani Bhavan museum, the former home of Mahatma Gandhi. Or, to tap into Mumbai's artistic side, you can go gallery hopping in the Kala Ghoda Art Precinct or catch a performance at the National Centre for the Performing Arts.