10 Ways to Spend a Day in Mumbai

You can spend a lazy day lying on the white sandy beaches of Mumbai or perusing the market streets. Spending the entire day outdoors is the best way to soak up the Mumbai culture. 

You can visit these places all by yourself, with a companion. Let me tell you that Mumbai is a great place for solo travelers. 

Some of the venues I discuss in the article offer free-of-cost entry, and others have a nominal charge for entry. My list includes historical places, museums, markets, malls, art galleries, and lush green public parks. 

I know not everyone likes to visit typical tourist places, this is why I have shared markets and neighborhoods that most tourists miss out on visiting in Mumbai. Below, I discuss the best ways to spend a day in Mumbai.

Best ways to spend a day in Mumbai

1. Gateway of India 

Gateway of India is a heritage site located in the southernmost part of the city. It is best to visit this place early in the morning, it may get hotter in the afternoon. 

Although some of the best pictures I have seen of this monument have been taken in the evening. The structure looks majestic under the dimly lit sky. 

The Taj Mahal hotel is located right in front of the Gateway of India where you can enjoy a generous buffet and drinks in the afternoon. The rest of the day can be spent feasting on street food, and feeding birds in the vicinity. 

Address: Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001

Entry fees: Free

2. Byculla Zoo

If you are into animals and nature, the Byculla zoo is where you need to go. If you are going to be spending the entire day here, it is recommended that you visit in the morning. There are plenty of things to see here. 

This zoo is located in the middle of a bustling city. It has Tigers, Elephants, Penguins, Pythons, and much more. You will be amazed by the variety of birds they have here.  

I like that the washrooms over here are clean and well maintained. The staff is courteous as well. Furthermore, the zoo has several places where you can sit and have a little picnic with your family. 

Address: Railway Station, 91A, Lalbaug Flyover, near Byculla, Byculla East, Byculla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400027

Entry fees: ₹25 for kids under 12 and ₹50 for the rest

3. Nehru planetarium

The Nehru Planetarium is a great place for someone who loves Astronomy. If you wish to know everything that is going on in the universe beyond Earth’s atmosphere, you must visit this place.  

In addition to the Astronomy stuff, this place also has an art gallery, a restaurant, a cultural center, a movie theater, and a library. If you are looking for one of the best ways to spend a day in Mumbai, this is the place. 

Address:  Nehru Center, Dr. Annie Besant Rd, Lotus Colony, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400018

Entry fees: ₹150

4. Colaba Causeway

Colaba Causeway is a commercial street located in South Mumbai. It is close to Colaba, Fort, and  Cuffe Parade. Regal Cinema is one of the popular landmarks near this market street. 

If shopping is your thing, you can head to the Colaba Causeway in the late afternoon, and spend the next 3-4 hours over here. 

You will get all kinds of clothes, wearable, and art decorations items for an affordable price. Also, note that this is not a place for someone who shies away from bargaining. 

Taj Starbucks, McDonald’s, Leopold Cafe, Delhi Darbar, and Colaba Social are some of the restaurants you can visit after you are done with your shopping. You will also find plenty of street food places on the market street itself. 

Address: Colaba Causeway, Near Regal Cinema, Police Colony, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400005

Entry fees: Free

5. Linking Road Market

Linking road market is another commercial street that begins in Bandra and extends up to Santacruz West. Shoppers from all over the city come here to buy affordable shoes, clothes, jewelry, bags, and a lot more.

Bear in mind this is a women-centric market, you will see a lot of women shopping here. However, men can look around for cheap shoes, wallers, and first-copy sunglasses. 

Starbucks, KFC, and McDonald’s are some of the restaurants around this market. You can also visit a fresco bar called Bonobo, which is quite popular among the hippie community in Bandra. 

Address: 33rd Rd, Khar, Khar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400052

Entry fees: Free

6. Palladium Mall

Palladium mall is one of the best malls in South Mumbai— it is one of the largest malls in the country. It is conveniently located near the lower parel railway station. The mall has a huge parking space for both two-wheeler and four-wheeler vehicles. 

Moreover, the mall has plenty of places to chill and relax. You will feel at home whether you are solo or with someone. 

There are several sections in this mall. The high-end section is beneath the Palladium hotel. The affordable shopping section is on the farther side— nearest to the railway station. 

The Palladium mall has a movie theater (PVR Phoenix) where you can enjoy the latest movies if you are bored alone. 

Address: 462, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013

Entry fees: Free

7. Marine Drive

You can get a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea from one of the most sought-after destinations in Mumbai. The marine drive is also known as the Queen’s Necklace as it resembles a string of pearls in a necklace when viewed from a distance at night time. 

It is common for people to spend the entire evening on the marine drive. Some folks also stay late till midnight. It is one of the safest places in the city, even after dark.

If you are planning to spend a day at marine drive, I suggest visiting adjacent tourist attractions such as Colaba Causeway, Girgaum Chowpatty Taraporewala Aquarium, and Jehangir Art Gallery. 

Pizza By The Bay is a popular Italian restaurant right across the marine drive promenade. Further, the street food area near Girgaum Chowpatty is one of the favorite evening spots for couples, backpackers, families, and friends. 

Address: Marine Drive, Churchgate, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400020

Entry fees: Free

8. Juhu Chowpatty Beach

Spending time at the beach is not only fun but also good for your mental health. A visit to the Juhu beach in the evening will leave you feeling happy, relaxed, and re-energized. 

The beach is surrounded by both high-end restaurants and street food stalls. You can try the famous beachside bhel puri and pani puri. Whether you are a high roller or someone with a frugal mindset, you will find lots to do on the Juhu beach.

Address:  Juhu Beach, Balraj Sahani Marg, Juhu, Juhu, Maharashtra 400049

Entry fees: Free

9. Global Vipassana Pagoda

A pagoda is a Chinese word to describe a large meditation hall. Some Chinese pagodas are more than 3,500 years old, and they can house approximately 10,000 people at a time. 

The Global Vipassana Pagoda is a Buddhist temple for meditation and prayer. Although entry to this spiritual place is free, you have to pre-book/pre-pay if you are planning to take one of their meditation courses. Some of the courses are free of cost as well.

You are allowed to roam the Global Vipassana Pagoda for free of cost. There’s plenty of space for picnicking with friends and family. 

To reach the Global Vipassana Pagoda, you must take a boat ride from Gorai creek (Borivali). You can spend an entire day meditating, learning about Buddhism or simply observing the serenity that surrounds the pagoda. 

Address: Global Pagoda Road near Esselworld Gorai, Borivali West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400091

Entry fees: Free

10. Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Sanjay Gandhi National Park (also known as Borivali national park) is the biggest area set aside by the Maharashtra government for the preservation of the natural environment. This park is open on all days except on Mondays. 

Cycling through a forest environment can be a special experience for nature lovers. You can ride your cycle by paying a nominal entry fee or hire a bicycle which is available near the entrance gate. 

One of the ways to spend a day in Mumbai is to visit this place in the morning and stay till late evening. This place is suited for solo travelers, but be careful when entering a secluded area. 

Likewise, you can also visit the Kanheri caves located right next to the national park. The ancient Buddhist caves are one of the key attractions in Mumbai. You do have to pay extra to gain access to the caves. 

Entry tickets to the national park and the caves are available at the national park entrance gate. You can also pay for the bicycle fare at the entrance gate itself.

Address: Western Express Hwy, Borivali East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400066

Entry fees: ₹15

Summary 

A busy schedule does not allow a regular Mumbaikar to spend an entire day outdoors. If you are one of the lucky ones or maybe you are new to the city, there are plenty of ways to spend a day in Mumbai. You will find both the typical tourist places and the hidden gems. The crowd can be a bit overwhelming at times, especially if you are new, but Mumbai is a friendly city.