By Devashree Sanghvi and Harit Agrawal for Thecrazyindianfoodie

Mumbai, the city of dreams is always alive, always moving and never fails to surprise you. There are endless things to do and explore around here but what would you do if you just had 24 hours in this magnanimous land?

The minute you step in to the city of Mumbai be it from the airports, train stations, or bus stops, or hey maybe you’re a local and lived here your entire life – there’s no denying that nothing can prepare you for the experience and moments the city throws you in. The people, the sights, the smells, the attitudes are enthralling. There’s no other way than to spend a day in Mumbai city and experience it for yourself. So, we bring to you our guide to 24 hours in Mumbai – things to see, do, and eat. Experience it, live it, feel it!

Morning :

Breakfast :

Kick start your day by indulging in a hearty breakfast at The Nutcracker Kala Ghoda which serves fresh waffles, eggs, pancakes, hot chocolate and more.  You can also opt for breakfast at Dwarka (Fort), Pizza by the Bay (Marine Drive) or Salt Water Café (Churchgate). This should energize you for the packed day ahead with various sights and experiences waiting for you!

 

Self-guided Walking Tour of Indo-Victorian Goth Architecture : 

After a scrumptious breakfast transport yourself back a few decades by visiting some Colonial architectural marvels displaying stunning Indo-Victorian Goth buildings and monumental designs. Start at the beautiful Ballard Estate followed by the majestic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, moving on to the Rajabai Clock Tower and Bombay High Court, both of which are situated on the perimeter of the Oval Maidan.

 

End your walking tour at the Gateway of India – a 26m tall stone arch on the waterfront. The Gateway of India is a must-see sight, so keep your cameras ready! Check out the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel while you’re in the area, located directly opposite the Gateway of India. Make time for a quick bite at Cafe Marina, located next to the promenade, which offers stunning views of the sea and makes for a perfect date spot.

 

Afternoon :

Lunch and Shopping in Colaba Causeway : 

Try out Leopold Café or Café Mondegar for lunch after much walking in the morning. Both these restaurants serve up some delicious food in multiple cuisines from Indian, Western, and Asian.

After lunch, stone’s throw distance from these restaurants head to Colaba Causeway for an exciting and adventurous shopping experience. The sidewalks are packed with street vendors selling all kinds of things! Clothes, accessories, shoes, jewellry, purses, home décor goods, and Indian vintage knickknacks – just to name a few. This experience with stimulate all your senses and make sure you leave Mumbai with unique souvenirs and memories! Keep your street-smart hat on and don’t forget to bargain prices to a reasonable amount.

Tired from all the shopping? Head to our Queens Necklace/Marine Drive for unmatched views of the Arabian sea and the city’s skyline as the cool, salty wind blows by. This is the best place to watch the sunrise or sunset too.

Stop by the various street food vendors near Chowpatty Beach to indulge in some local Mumbai food. The dosas, vada pav, bhuttas, and chaats are an absolute must have! The Kulfi outside Sukh Sagar is not to be given a miss.

Hop on a black and yellow taxi cab found very easily on the streets of Mumbai and make your way up to Central Mumbai. Pay only by the meter and make sure your taxi driver turns it on as you enter the vehicle. While visiting Mumbai for a short time span, the taxis are a convenient and pocket-friendly option of traveling within the city. You can also opt for an Uber.

Visit the Haji Ali Dargah and Mahalaxmi Temple – famous spiritual landmarks in Mumbai that are rich in cultural and architectural heritage.

 

Make your way past the Dhobhi Ghaat, an outdoor laundromat and Dharavi, India’s largest slum. Time permitting, you could take a tour and visit some of the many micro-industries within the slums and get an idea about how people live there. It’s truly a mind-boggling experience that will change your perspective towards the world.

Indulge in authentic Maharashtrian food at Aaswad, Shivaji Park, Dadar that serves some of the best Misal Pav in Mumbai. Food joints like Ramashray, Cafe Madras and Arya Bhawan at Matunga are pocket friendly options for authentic South Indian food.

Go on a culinary journey through Lower Parel with its various mills that has endless dining options at Kamla Mills, Phoenix Mills and Todi Mills. This is also a great place to grab a drink, shop, watch a movie or dance the night away. Palladium at Phoenix Mills is perfect for indulgent shopping with the top luxury brands on display.

Evening: 

Explore Bandra : 

Take a ride on the gorgeous Bandra-Worli Sea Link as you are surrounded by blue waters and a lovely sunset.

The final destination after your taxi ride is the hipster neighborhood of Bandra. Small cafes and bakeries, outdoor recreational space, and many beautiful historic churches are scattered all over this area. Don’t forget to check out Castella de Aguada (Bandra Fort) and Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount.  

Grab a casual but delicious meal at Candies located in Pali Hill, Bandra. The food and bakery items are a big hit and regular go-to spot amongst the locals. They have a very expansive menu with sandwiches, salads, wraps, rolls, burgers as well as Asian and Indian Tandoori items. Don’t forget to save room for the scrumptious desserts they have to offer!  Mini Punjab, Lucky Biryani,Su Casa, Zaffran and San Churros are other notable places to dine out in Bandra.

Bandra has amazing, pocket friendly shopping at Elco Maket, Linking road and Waterfield road where you can find trendy clothes, shoes, bags, etc at cheap prices.

Night :

Dinner and Nightlife 

Other must visit places for a good meal include China Garden at Kemps Corner (Chinese food), Kangan at Westin, Goregaon (Indian food), The Wine Rack at Lower Parel  (Wine and dining) amongst others.

Mumbai is the city that never sleeps and to do this name justice, you have a plethora of bars and nightclubs to choose from. Escobar, The Irish House, Tote on the turf, 145, Kitty Su, Trilogy, The Stables, Kaama and Tamasha are just a few spots where the drinks are flowing, the music is thumping, and the vibes are good. What other way would you want to end your perfect day in Maximum City!?

Tell us what are your favorite things to do in Mumbai!