Being the largest city in India, Mumbai is truly a city of dreams settling in the hearts of hard-working people. It is one of the most visited destinations in India and attracts a large number of people every year.
Perhaps it’s the heritage that goes way back or the charming corners of Mumbai that makes the city so popular. The city has several beholding sites that you would not want to miss.
Some of them being the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Bandra Worli Sea Link and the Gateway of India. Along with great sights, Mumbai also offers a roaring nightlife and many delicious food spots.
The calming sunrises and sunsets by the sea, contemporary cafes, lip-smacking roadside snacks, the hustle and bustle of the city will make you fall in love with it. The city is a perfect mix of modern and retro.
Surely you can’t experience all the lovely highlights in 24 hours, but you can definitely cover the best places and capture the flavour of the city. Here is how you can spend a day in Mumbai and know what to see, where to eat and what to do.
Spend your early morning at Juhu Beach
In my opinion, a beach is the best way to start your day. There’s nothing better than watching the sunrise at Juhu Beach for a refreshing morning. The rising sun will be a source of energy for the next 24 hours of adventure!
The Juhu Beach is the best beach to visit during a day trip in Mumbai, it is also a very popular one. A morning stroll at this beach will surely give you peace and quiet before the journey ahead.
If you are a die-hard fan of Bollywood cinema, you might even witness a few celebrities jogging around since the neighbouring areas are some of the plush localities in the city.
Behold, Bandra
As you reach Bandra, A One Bakery at Hill road will immediately attract you to the aroma of freshly baked bread and mini-croissants. You can grab a hot cup of tea and a breakfast bag of cinnamon rolls and blueberry muffins while exploring the streets.
The first thing you explore here is the narrow streets of Ranwar which lies right behind the bakery. These streets will lead you to Chapel Street, which is covered in graffiti. People here love to express and you will see that in the street art of Bandra.
Gradually, you will also come across balconies hanging from colonial homes and huge Christian crosses which signify the rich 200-year-old history of the place. The charming stretch of urban street art here is a fusion of traditions and vibrant colours.
Cross the iconic cable-stayed bridge – the Bandra Worli Sealink and take in the rejuvenating wind that gives you the rush to explore more. You can even stop and relax at Hanging Gardens.
Spend your afternoon in South Bombay
As you walk around in the lanes of South Bombay you will get to witness the remnants of this city’s remarkable past. From enticing vintage curios to heritage buildings, this part of Mumbai has so much to offer.
Grab some authentic lunch at some of the Iranian cafes and restaurants in and around the area. One of the oldest Irani cafés in Marine Lines, Kyani, offers a yummy chicken roll and sumptuous keema dishes.
The Fort area is made up of colonial-style buildings which are now converted into office complexes. You can make a stop at the favourite destination of book lovers – Kitab Khana. Replenish the energy once again.
If you are a fan of art and history, don’t miss the Jehangir Art Gallery and the famous museum, formerly known as the Price of Wales Museum. The museum has some of the best collections.
For the evening, grab a home-brewed organic coffee at Kala Ghoda Café to walk with a newly-found spring in your step. Walk the Colaba streets and enjoy the architecture.
Witness the ravishing sunset along with the majestic Gateway of India. This way, you hit two birds with one stone. The Gateway of India is the most famous site you will visit in Mumbai. Located on the waterfront, this place is often packed.
Get immersed in the lights at Marine Drive
For a good pint of beer and delicious food, head to Leopold’s Café or Café Mondegar and enjoy the beer towers and chilli cheese toast. The well-known cartoonist Mario Miranda has decorated a jukebox and walls of the place for you to admire.
Zip away by a cab and reach the moon-shaped Marine Drive. The boardwalk of Marine Drive is popular with a tight group of friends, people in love, singles enjoying the serenity and a tea vendor to bless you with a warm drink.
You will not regret a day trip to Mumbai as there are plenty of more things to discover here.