In Bombay Over The Weekend? Here Are All The Things To Check Off Your List

Start your day with a morning stroll along the enchanting Marine Drive. Even at dawn, you’ll find many locals here, especially on a weekend. You can join them for group activities like garba, dancing, singing, or just engaging in a conversation about the city itself, and Mumbaikars would be thrilled to amuse you. You can rest at the edge of the sea on the concrete pavement, soaking in the wonderful view that is tantalising during sunrise.

Britannia & Co. is an Iranian cafe with vintage interiors and a timeless culinary legacy. Here, you can savour a delightful Parsi breakfast, like Akuri on toast, which is a Parsi-style scrambled egg dish, or a simple bun maska and some Irani chai. Other delicacies that you can try here are dhansak, caramel custard, and berry pulav.

The lanes of Kala Ghoda are an artistic enclave where every corner is adorned with murals, street art, and sculptures. The place is a heaven for art enthusiasts and culture aficionados, where art narrates the tales of rebellion and love. The quaint cafes and bookstores add an intellectual layer, waiting for you to step in and learn more about the city’s past. If you happen to be here, make sure you visit the Jehangir Art Gallery and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum, where the city’s actual treasure lies.

Colaba Causeway is a paradise for shopaholics, where one can find trendy and extravagant boutiques next to quaint street stalls. It is a kaleidoscope of fashion, accessories, and artefacts that fuses traditional and contemporary styles. Colaba Causeway is a cultural mecca, where the air is filled with the sound of bargaining and the enticing aroma of street snacks.

Leopold Cafe was founded in 1871, so it has witnessed the ebb and flow of Bombay’s history, making it a cultural landmark. The walls are graced with sepia-toned photographs and artefacts that echo the voices of people who have dined there for generations. The restaurant offers continental classics and Indian delicacies. Their tandoori chicken, cold coffee, cheesecake, and sandwiches are a must-try. You’ll find many tourists at this cafe which turns into a lively hub at night, with clinking glasses and hum of conversations.

The Gateway of India is an emblem of Bombay’s grandeur, standing tall on the waterfront in all its glory. If you have more time on your hands, you can take a ferry to the Elephanta Caves, to be mesmerised by the intricate sculptures and ancient myths of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has now become a symbol of the city’s maritime splendour.

The golden shoreline and gentle waves of Juhu Beach are irresistible. You’ll fall in love with the sunset and the vibe of Juhu, bustling with laughs and giggles of children and adults. You can rent a mat and sit peacefully by the ocean, snacking on some bhel or sev puri. The street vendors add a touch of local flavour to the experience, with their classic pav bhai, pani puri, and ice popsicles. Lying down under the blanket of the twilight sky, after the sunset, is the perfect end to a long and happening day.

Whether you are a Bollywood lover or not, a cinematic pilgrimage to Film City is a must, as it is the epicentre of Bombay’s entertainment industry. The studios in Film City are more than just sets, they are the dreams and imaginations of filmmakers who shaped the narrative of Indian cinema. You can take a guided tour here, and explore the different sets, and the stories behind them. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a celebrity or two!

The Bandra Bandstand is a suburban destination with a view of the ocean and a picturesque stretch of natural beauty. What makes the place unique is its unique association with Mumbai’s entertainment industry. The promenade is adorned with the Walk of the Stars, which is a series of brass statues that honour Bollywood legends. Many tourists come here for a view of Mannat, i.e., Shah Rukh Khan’s sea-facing mansion worth around INR 200 crores.

Pali Hill is a sophisticated area in the heart of Mumbai, that seamlessly blends the old-world charm of colonial architecture and the cosmopolitan spirit of contemporary Mumbai. The elegant bungalows of artists, intellectuals, and business tycoons, contribute to the neighbourhood’s rich cultural fabric. The streets of Pali Hill are lined with eclectic cafes, eateries, and high-end restaurants. While the place has evolved with time, it remains a lifestyle, more than a residential enclave.

If you ever visit Bombay, do not miss out on the seafood! At Gajalee, you’ll find the freshest and most succulent seafood options, prepared by their skilled chefs, who carry a rich culinary heritage. Each dish served at Gajalee showcases the effect of coastal spices and the vibrancy of Konkan cuisine. Their signature crab dishes like Crab Masala and Butter Garlic Crab are delightful symphonies that leave a lasting impression.