What was once known as a collection of fishing villages has now transformed into a posh locality in Mumbai known as Bandra. Also known as the ‘Queen Of Suburbs,’ Bandra is home to the city’s best craft beer bars, swanky restaurants, murals with iconic characters of Bollywood’s greatest movies, and chic cafés. Mumbaikars would agree with the fact that Bandra marks the boundary between South and North Mumbai, and you’ll never find auto rickshaws crowding the roads beyond it. Since childhood, I have loved watching the mighty Arabian Sea from Bandstand Promenade and shopped to my heart’s content in the narrow alleys of Hill Road. There’s so much to explore in Bandra, and it might get confusing as to where to begin. Fret not, here’s my extensive list that will help you discover the hidden places in Bandra. So, scroll down to learn more.
Top things to see in Bandra
1. Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount
Standing tall for over a hundred years on a hillock, Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount is also known as Mount Mary Church. Its beautiful facade and Gothic arches always leave me awe-struck. Inside, you can view the 16th-century statue of Mother Mary and Infant Jesus, which was carved out of wood. I suggest coming here during the Mount Mary fair, which begins on the first Sunday after the 8th of September each year.
During the fair, it can get very crowded, so I usually visit here early on weekdays. After offering my prayers, I head straight to the stalls to buy sweets and candles. The fair also has fun games, street performances, and cultural shows.
Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount
Address: Mt Mary Rd, near Shanti Avedna Sadan, Mount Mary, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050, India
Website: Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount
Opening hours: 6am - 1pm & 2pm - 8:30pm (daily)
Price: Free entry
2. Bollywood murals
What amazed me while exploring the sleepy streets of Bandra were the quirky murals, which spoke volumes in terms of art! Head to Chapel Road to admire the portrait of Anarkali from the iconic Hindi movie Mughal-E-Azam.
A little ahead, you’ll notice a large wall painting of Bollywood’s angry young man Amitabh Bachchan and the great Rajesh Khanna on Pereira Road. Don’t miss out on spotting Dev Anand’s mural on your way to Hill Road.
These murals are conceptualized and created by the Bollywood Art Project and can spotted on the streets of Ranwar, an old colonial locality in Bandra dating back to the 18th century.
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3. G7 Gaiety Galaxy Movie Theatre
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
While most of Mumbai’s cinema halls have converted into high-end multiplexes, G7 Gaiety Galaxy Movie Theatre maintains its old charm and offers a vintage experience. To begin with, they still provide manual tickets from the small window. It’s a must-visit if you’re looking for a budget place and the canteen has decent food. I visited here in 2011 to watch Ranbir Kapoor starrer Rockstar and loved the vibes with the crowd singing and cheering at every song.
The theater is only 1 km (0.62 mi) away from Bandra Station.
G7 Gaiety Galaxy Movie Theatre
Address: 3R6Q+HF4, Tata Blocks, 30th Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050, India
Mumbai Tour Guide
Sukanya Roy Choudhury
I am a licensed guide but Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. I am also a visiting faculty teaching travel and tourism in the University of Mumbai and Patkar Varde College. Have alot of fun facts and stories about the city which I would be happy to share.
Tours by Sukanya
4. Bandra Fort
Every Mumbaikar must have bunked their college lectures at least once to visit this historic Bandra Fort at Land’s End in Bandra. Also known as Castella de Aguada, this structure was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century AD to patrol the Mahim Bay. Apart from being a famous tourist attraction, it has also been featured in several Bollywood movies.
I love spending time here gazing at the Arabian Sea and clicking pictures with the Bandra - Worli Sea Link in the background. Outside, you’ll also find several eateries where you can buy chips and sandwiches.
Bandra Fort
Address: Byramji Jeejeebhoy Road, Bandstand Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050, India
Opening hours: 6am - 6:30pm (daily)
Price: Free entry
Top places to shop
5. Hill Road
If you’re coming to Bandra to shop for clothes, footwear, and accessories, head to Hill Road, which was my go-to shopping destination during my teenage years. It’s around a 15-minute drive away from Bandra station, and you can easily reach here by hiring an auto rickshaw. Explore the many street stalls to find good quality clothes and first copies at cheap rates. Be sure to bargain to get the best deals.
Other than roadside stalls, Hill Road has high-end brands such as Pantaloons, Marks & Spencer, and TRENDS as well as the famous Elco Arcade.
Hill Road
Address: Hill Rd, Ranwar, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050, India
Price: Free entry
6. Linking Road Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Linking Road Market starts from Khar and stretches to Bandra West. Here, you’ll find everything from children’s clothes to wedding dresses. This place has a combination of roadside stalls, small plazas, and proper shops where you’ll find a variety of clothes, bags, footwear, jewelry, and more. It’s my go-to shopping place for it has a plethora of trendy outfits at cheap rates. Also, a piece of advice for anyone visiting here for the first time is to polish your bargaining skills and quote half of what the sellers ask to get the best price.
Linking Road Market also has boutiques and showrooms of several brands, such as Esbeda, Mochi, Lord’s, Metro, and more. After shopping, I take my time to relish the delicious street food, such as chocolate sandwiches and bhel puri (snack made with puffed rice) outside National College! Also, reaching this market is quite easy as you can hire an auto rickshaw from Bandra Station.
Linking Road Market
Address: 33rd Rd, Khar, Khar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400052
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free entry
Top places to eat in Bandra
7. Earth Cafe @ Waterfield
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Earth Cafe on Monday, August 29, 2022
This place has been my favorite as they whip up pure magic in their kitchen. The food is not just tasty but also healthy, thus inviting you to a guilt-free pleasure. From smoothie bowls to all-day breakfasts and from hummus to wraps, this café has something for every palate. The best part is their root-free menu, curated for people who don’t eat onion and garlic.
Earth Cafe @ Waterfield
Address: Durga Chambers, Waterfield Road, above Pernia’s Pop Up MEN, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050, India
Website: Earth Cafe @ Waterfield
Opening hours: 10am - 11pm (daily)
8. Kitchen Garden Bandra
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Here’s another organic café that offers healthy food, salads, and crepes made with farm-fresh ingredients. My favorite dishes here are avocado toast, coffee, and sandwiches, which are a must-try. I highly recommend this place for its high-quality food and commendable hospitality. Also, be sure to click a lot of pictures with rustic decor in the background.
Kitchen Garden Bandra
Address: Shop 8 & 9, Gaspar Enclave, Saint John Street, Pali Mala Rd, Bandra West, W, Maharashtra 400050, India
Website: Kitchen Garden Bandra
Opening hours: 8am - 11:30pm (daily)
9. Chantilly - The Café
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Are you having a sweet tooth? If yes, then visit this gem in Pali Hill called Chantilly - The Café. Its decor reflects European vibes which just transports me to another world and the menu is just perfect for my late-night cravings! I am in love with their Lotus Biscoff cheesecake and croissant ice-cream sandwich, both of which are the bestsellers here. They also have keto-friendly and vegan options. Lastly, the classic hot chocolate is a gem that you cannot miss while you’re here.
Chantilly - The Café
Address: Shop no. 2, Darvesh Royale Building, Opposite Kotak Mahindra Bank Turner Road, Perry Rd, Junction, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050, India
Opening hours: 12pm - 12:30am (daily)
Explore the hidden treasure in the 'Queen Of Suburbs'
Nestled on Mumbai’s coastline, Bandra is the perfect amalgamation of modern infrastructure and vintage charm. So, take a day out of your busy schedule and explore its old bylanes to unveil its true treasure. Use this list to uncover the hidden secrets and stories of Bandra and its beauty.
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