Mumbai is the metropolitan city of India which was formerly known as Bombay. More than 20 million people live here, and the city is India's eastern gateway. Mumbai is the country's financial hub and the heart of the Bollywood film industry. It is the reason thousands of ambitious professionals come to Mumbai every year.

Here, you can witness a mixture of traditional Indian culture and modern innovations. Besides that, you can also explore some of the stunning architectural masterpieces here and learn more about the city's rich history. If you are in Mumbai or plan to visit soon, continue to read and find out how to have the best time in the city!

Best In-City Experiences in Mumbai 2023

Here is how you can have a great time in Mumbai:

Visiting The Gateway Of India

Visiting the Gateway of India is one of the best things to do in Mumbai. The gate is sitting on the Apollo Bunder and overlooks the Arabian Sea. The gate was built in 1924 under the supervision of George Wittet (famous architect). The beautiful architecture of the gate shows a blend of Arabic, Western, and Indian architecture. You can also take the ferry to visit the famous Elephanta Caves.

The historic iconic is made from solid concrete and yellow basalt. Also, it has been decorated with different Hindu and Muslim motifs. The gateway also acted as the entry and exit point before the independence. Also, it is the point from where the last British ship left the country. The statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji and Swami Vivekananda have also been installed near it. The area looks so lively and beautiful at night.

Chilling By Marine Drive

The marine drive is one of the best ways to witness the glitter and glamor of the city. The 3.6 kilometer longer arc-shaped pathway starts from the Nariman Point and ends at Girgaum Chowpatty. You can walk along the Arabian Sea, one of the best places in Mumbai, to enjoy sunsets and sunrises. You can also take a leisurely walk along the sea any time of the day to relax and unwind your soul.

The palm trees cover the entire curve and give you the majestic views of the night. If you want to see the light glowing along the coast, go there after sunset. Mostly, locals come here in the evening to relax, and vendors sell the chai at all hours. The views of the Mumbai skyline, a sky full of stars, and the sound of water waves make it one of the city's best spots to relax.

Exploring The Film City

Mumbai is a land where it is difficult to differentiate between dreams and reality; visiting the Film City is a must for every film lover. The Film city covers more than 520 acres of land and is known as the home of Bollywood. More than 100 movies are filmed here, and it is a huge area where more than 1000 film sets can be made simultaneously. You can explore this place to see the actions behind the scenes and get an insight into the method of filmmaking.

The tour to Film City will let you know what makes Indian films so distinctive and unique. More than 900 films and hundreds of TV shows have been recorded here. It has become one of the most established and well-equipped film studios. All sorts of facilities and essential amenities are available here. Also, it is filled with greenery, which gives a refreshing feel.

Exploring The Colaba Causeway Market

The market offers you cool stuff; you will find everything here, from chunky jewelry to crystals. When visiting the market, remember to explore the antique stores and the historic cafes in the market. Besides that, you can also find clothes, accessories, souvenirs, and handicrafts there. In short, everything from traditional Indian wear to modern wear is available there. You will also get to know about the history of this beautiful area. The market is in the heart of Mumbai and just closer to the iconic Gateway of India.

Reach by taxi or bus and visit the market anytime from 10 am to 10 pm. Remember that bargaining is common. So, negotiate prices to make the best deals. Leopold café is also near the market; don't forget to have a cup of coffee there. While shopping, if you feel hungry, taste the delicious street food. You can find various options, including international cuisine, pav bhaiji, and pani puri.

Visiting Elephanta Island

The caves are 30 minutes from the Gateway of India, and you can take a ferry to reach there. These caves are an important part of the culture and history. Once you reach there, you will be amazed by the beautiful rock-cut caves. You will also find the Shaivite sculptures there. The caves are on the famous "Gharapuri" island, about 10 kilometers east of the Gateway of India.

The most important of these is Cave 1. There is the seven-meter-high Sadashiva sculpture, which represents the aspects of Shiva. The sculpture is just at the entrance. Plus, all the caves have an impressive rock-cut, but the interior of the caves tells more about the expertise and talent of the artists. You can also ride around the caves; kids will love this toy train. In 1987, the caves became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and date back to the 5th-6th centuries.

Conclusion:

The other name for Mumbai is the "City of Dreams," the lively city of India is popular around the globe for its fun activities, historical icons, and mix of different cultures. Out of so many things to do, the best one is to visit the India gate, explore the markets, and chill by the Marine Drive is a must if you want the best in-city experience in Mumbai.