Top 10 Things To Do Alone In Mumbai, India - Updated 2024

Annelene
Annelene 
REVIEWED BY LOCAL EXPERT NISHI JAIN
Contributing Writer
REVIEWED BY LOCAL EXPERT NISHI JAIN
Updated
| 5 min read

Known as the front door to India, Mumbai is an explosion of colour, traditions, lights, religion and adventure providing travellers with a welcomed sensory overload experience. It is a melting pot of rich history and vibrant cultures, where ancient relics and architecture stand next to futuristic architecture. Experience the pulsating energy of the nightlife or explore the serene beauty of nature, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. Meander through the bustling streets sampling the tasty cuisine introducing your taste buds to the varying flavours of India. Unlock the magic and splendour of Mumbai by taking one of these memorable tours suited to your level of adventure.

Tip from tour guide

Sukanya

Sukanya
Mumbai

If you're on a tight budget, visit heritage buildings such as the Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and the Prince of Wales Museum. These attractions are free or require minimal entry fees.

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From transportation tips to medical essentials and everything in between, the Mumbai local guides share all the must-know information to help you plan your trip.

1. Mumbai city tour

Unravel the magic and enjoy the sights and sounds of Mumbai on this half-day city tour. Experience the city like the locals as you explore the vibrant streets of Mumbai getting a taste of the lifestyle and essence of this eclectic city. You are transported to and from historical landmarks and tourist attractions by an English-speaking guide. Take a step back in history and visit Mani Bhavan, which is where Mahatma Gandhi stayed or take a stroll through the bustling Crawford Market. Marvel at the intricacy and serenity of a Hindu Temple or take a snapshot at the Gateway of India.

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2. Half-Day Bollywood tour with dance show

things to do alone in mumbai | half-day bollywood tour with dance show

Get a behind the scenes look at the glitz and glamour of Bollywood, the Indian film industry. Bollywood is an explosion of colour, culture, dance and lights and is a sensory-induced adventure into the traditions and essence of India. Your half day tour will begin with your driver picking you up at the hotel before heading out to a real-life movie set where you get to see where all the magic happens. You get a sneak peek inside a film stars makeup room and strike a pose with some Bollywood stars of today. Be captivated by the Bollywood dance performance and learn a move or two before the end of the tour.

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3. From Mumbai: Half-Day Elephanta Cave Tour

things to do alone in mumbai | from mumbai: half-day elephanta cave tour

Rich in culture and traditions, Mumbai is teeming with historical architecture and cultural marvels waiting to be explored. When in Mumbai, be sure to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Elephanta Island. On this tour, you will take a ferry ride from the Mumbai to Elephanta Island to uncover the magnificent beauty of the caves. You get insight into the Hindu religion as the outer caves were used as a place of Hindu Worship and marvel at the numerous sculptures depicting the various aspects of Shiva’s life.

Tip from Trip101 local expert

Nishi

Nishi
Mumbai

Elephanta Caves ticket charges

Planned a day trip to Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Gharapuri. It's a must-visit for history buffs or families who are looking for a location not too far from the city for a one-day picnic. Here, you can find several caves showcasing rock-cut architecture and Hindu engravings.

As you can see from the picture, a round-trip ferry ride costs about 260 INR (3.14 USD) per person, and entry to the caves is 40 INR (0.48 USD). Note that the ferry ride takes about an hour, so it's better to plan an early visit as it gets humid with the soaring temperature. Also, pack snacks for the kids and caps for everyone to avoid sun exposure. Since you'll have to trek a small patch, wear comfortable shoes.

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4. Mumbai night tour

things to do alone in mumbai | mumbai night tour

Watch Mumbai come alive at night in twinkling lights and experience the vibrancy of the nightlife. This 4-hour tour will take you through the city to visit some of Mumbai’s iconic attractions like Gateway of India, Victoria Station and marine drive. Be captivated by the views of the Mumbai skyline. The well-educated guide will provide you with fascinating facts and insider tips of the city and its attractions. See Mumbai in a new light and book this tour today.

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Book Tours : Mumbai Night Tour

Mumbai Tour Guide

Sukanya Roy Choudhury

Sukanya Roy Choudhury

I am a licensed guide by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. I am also a visiting faculty member teaching travel and tourism at the University of Mumbai and Patkar Varde College. I have a lot of fun facts and stories about the city, which I would be happy to share.

Tours by Sukanya

5. Dharavi Slum Tour in Mumbai

Break the stereotypical beliefs of the slums of India with this insightful tour through Dharavi. Dharavi was made popular after the critically acclaimed movie, “Slumdog Millionaire” in 2008. Don’t expect to find extreme poverty and you will be welcomed with warm hospitality and get an insight into the lifestyle of the locals. Feel the unique spirit, and leave gaining a new perspective and appreciation for life. The tour will begin at the Plastic and Metal Recycling yard before walking through narrow lanes catching wafting aromas from local bakeries. Continue to Kumbharwada, known as the face of India’s largest slum dwelling and feel the sense of community while listening to the stories of the locals.

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6. Mumbai bicycle tour

Ride at a leisurely pace on this bike tour in the early morning hours before the streets get filled with the crowds. On this 4-hour bike tour of Mumbai, you will pass local market like Crawford Market, religious temples like Mumbadevi Temple and iconic landmarks before making a stop for breakfast at a local restaurant. The highlight of the tour is the visit to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.

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Book Tours : Mumbai Bicycle Tour

7. Mumbai: 3-hour Tadka Street food tour

Take your taste buds on an adventure savouring the different cuisine on this city tour navigating Bandra, Mumbai’s main food district. The delicious aromas alone will make you salivate with excitement before you even sample the many tastes. Be sure to try the famous Bombay Toast or the spicy Pani Puri before calming the taste buds down with a variety of sweetmeats like jalebi, ras malai and much more. This is also a perfect opportunity to mingle with the locals and experience the homegrown hospitality Mumbai has to offer its visitors.

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8. Eat like a local: Mumbai street food tour by night

eat like a local: mumbai street food tour by night
Source: www.viator.com

Tantalise your taste buds and indulge your senses on this street food tour. Meander through the bustling street and sample some traditional Indian cuisine while mingling with the locals. There is something for the varying taste buds and preferences of its visitors. Try authentic dishes like dosa or satisfy your sweet cravings and taste the jelebi pastries. The guide will provide you with insight into the Indian food culture, and you get to learn about Mumbai nightlife.

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9. hour walking tour of Mumbai bazaars

hour walking tour of mumbai bazaars
Source: www.viator.com

Feel the pulsating energy of the city with a tour through the bazaars of Mumbai on this 3-hour walking tour. Uncover the colourful people, the vibrant street markets and iconic attractions. Soak in the sights, sounds and tastes of this alluring city as the tour will take you to Mangaldas Cloth Market, Zaveri Bazaar, Phool Galli and Madhav Baug. Along the tour, you will learn about the oldest Muslim community on India, while gazing upon the grandeur of the majestic Jama Masjid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get insight into the history of the city while sampling an assortment of street food. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Bombay Panjrapole Animal Shelter and tap into the nations sacred cow beliefs.

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10. Sanjay Gandhi National Park Nature Tour with Kanheri Caves

Unlock the natural beauty and splendour of India on this scenic nature tour. You will get to explore Sanjay Gandhi National Park by taking a guided nature walk through tranquil nature catching glimpses of the indigenous fauna like deer, flying foxes, mongooses, leopard and more while marvelling at the picturesque flora. The National Park also offers everchanging landscapes of dense forests, pristine lakes and rolling valleys, waiting to be explored. Along the tour, you will visit the Kanheri Caves, which is a 2,000-year-old complex of rock-cut caves. The caves are a hidden gem protected where you can see magnificent relics of Buddha. Unlock the untold stories of ancient trade routes that connected India to other ancient civilisations. Incorporate nature and culture on an unforgettable tour.

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Say yes to Mumbai

Experience the best of Mumbai on one of these guided tours and unlock the secrets and hidden gems the city has to offer.

Traveler's tips

Local trains are the best way to get around the city, and you basically just need two apps to find your way through Mumbai's local train network. Make sure to download mIndicator for live updates and route suggestions for local trains and UTS for booking tickets online. However, note that UTS has an inbuilt GPS system that disallows you from booking tickets if you're within a 1 km (0.6 mi) radius of the station.

With these two apps, you'll have an easy time getting around the city. If you prefer buses, make sure to download the Chalo app, which tracks buses and lets you book tickets online.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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This article has been endorsed by Mumbai local expert Nishi Jain

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Annelene is a marketing graduate with a zest for life and a passion for travel. She believes these things help bring new perspective, introduce new cultures and educate us about life.

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