Mumbai, India — Things to Do
Sightseeing in Mumbai
Most of Mumbai's typical tourist sites are situated round southern Mumbai, but this cosmopolitan city boasts attractions to take you through the old and new.
The best time to plan a visit to Mumbai is in the winter months between November and February when the weather is cooler and less humid. The colonial buildings that are scattered throughout Mumbai remind travelers of the history not only of the city, but of the country as well. Best examples of this architecture can be seen in the Gateway of India, the CST terminus, and the Police headquarters, while the Prince of Wales Museum, founded in the early 20th century to commemorate the visit of the then Prince of Wales, is a great way to learn about the country's history.
And while you're in the area, check out the Taj Mahal Hotel, one of the oldest five-star hotels in India and also a site for the 2008 Mumbai terrrorist attacks. The Elephanta Caves are also located nearby and the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Mani Bhavan Ghandi Museum is a Gujarati-style house featuring three floors for visitors to explore all things Gandhi.
For great views of Mumbai, visit the terraced Hanging Gardens, now known as the Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens, head to the Marine Drive Chowpatty (beach) for people watching, and for a really authentic Mumbai shopping experience, look no further than the always crowded, bright and colorful Crawford Market.
Shopping in Mumbai
The cosmopolitan city of Mumbai is a shopper's paradise. From everything from haute couture to local markets and dinky shops tucked away in side streets, Mumbai is a fabulous place to spend some time and money. M Gandhi Road is a great place for all those fashionistas to go for designer brands. Known as 'Fashion Street' travelers can buy label clothing and other wares for a fraction of the price that they would in the United States. Department stores such as Shopper's Stop and Globus are also common, while Frazer and Haws in Bandra is worth a visit. Those with a knack for haggling are in luck! All the markets in Mumbai follow this practice and markets such as Chor Bazaar, Crawford Market, the silversmith's bazaar and Dharavi are all great places to exercise your bargaining skills. The rule of thumb is start haggling from half the price you'd like to pay, not what the shopkeeper wants you to pay. Brass, copper and silver jewelry and items are great to buy in Mumbai, as well. Other popular souvenirs include carved sandalwood boxes and wooden Buddha or Hindu deity statuettes. Shops are generally open from Monday to Saturday from 10am till 8pm, but markets and street vendors often open earlier. Taxes can be added on to the cost of good, depending on the item. Service tax is 5% while tax-free shopping is usually confined to special stores, usually located in ports and airports. There is no tax refund system in place in Mumbai.
Mumbai Nightlife
Many might not think of Mumbai boasting a fabulous nightlife, but this city will not disappoint with its dazzling display of clubs, discos, bars and restaurants all bustling into the early hours. With so many 'Bollywood' stars, millionaires and high-profile society, Mumbai has become one of the most exciting cities and the pulse of India's nightlife with plenty of chic and trendy spots to enjoy. Sip on your favorite poison in one of Mumbai's rooftop bars overlooking the Arabian Sea before heading out for the night to a bouncing nightclub to dance the night away. The lively Colaba Causeway is a great place to start with plenty of down to earth pubs with zero pretence. Head to Churchgate or Juhu if you're looking for somewhere to shake a tail feather, while Bandra is a very chic area where style is the order of the day and going to a bar or club to be seen is all just part of the experience. Join locals on the dancefloor and jam to some bhangra and R&B or for something completely unique, go wild to some Hindi house hits. Being the home of 'Bollywood', visitors in Mumbai should definitely head to a local cinema to take in a movie and popcorn. Fort and Churchgate areas are the best places to head to for an experience not to be missed.
