Mumbai, the “city of dreams” as many call it, has something or the other for anyone to do. Whether it’s about work opportunities or vacation ideas, Mumbai is not short of anything. Many think vacationing in Mumbai can be a bit pricey but there are plenty of budget-friendly things to do in Mumbai.
Having night-outs in Mumbai’s luxurious pubs is not the only way of vacationing in the city. So we bring light on how this city can be enjoyed through cheaper routes. Continue reading our article to find out some of the best budget-friendly things to do in Mumbai.
Admire The Enthralling Skyline Of Marine Drive
After you have sorted your accommodation, hopefully in goSTOPS Mumbai, take a walk along the broad sidewalks of Marine Drive. Sit on the concrete parapet, get comfy and listen to some Prateek Kuhad while appreciating the skyline of the city.
The best time to do this is when the sun sets slowly into the horizon while the city lights up its posh Art Deco buildings, flashing across the Arabian Sea. Adding to the experience, you will also have local street vendors offering you their best masala chai with some tasty snacks. This soothing experience is why Marine Drive still continues to be one of Mumbai’s most visited destinations by tourists and locals alike.
Fun Fact: Marine Drive attains the name “The Queen’s Necklace” not only for its necklace shape but also for its magnificent lighting that captures the spirit of Mumbai.
Marvel At The Colossal Structure Of The Gateway Of India
The Gateway of India has been the opening shot of many Bollywood films like Ghajini and Hero No. 1. But we’re sure that those “reel” shorts won’t be half as close as the “real” ones shot from your camera. You need to see the finesse and the articulation of history etched in its basalt walls for yourself. What’s better is, you don’t need to pay anything to witness this grandeur! While you’re admiring this 85-foot tall monument situated feet away from the Taj Hotel, munch on some bhel puri sold by local vendors. This truly completes the spellbinding experience of visiting this historic monument left by the British Raj.
If India’s rich cultural upbringing enchants you, then the Elephanta Caves located on Elephanta Island is just a ferry ride away from The Gateway of India. The entrance fee is just a mere INR 40 and the ferry ride is about INR 150. Three cheers for budget touring in Mumbai!
Wander Along The Shores Of Girgaum Chowpatty
A day at the beach is the best way to unwind from the calamities of life. And just a whiff of that sea breeze is enough to rejuvenate your thoughts altogether. Located adjacent to Marine Drive, Girgaum Chowpatty is the best place to sip on a tender coconut while watching children make sandcastles, youngsters playing cricket, and stray dogs basking in the heat.
But here comes the best part, the restaurants and stalls overlooking the sea are plentiful and should not be missed. With a variety of chaat and pav bhaji stalls situated on the beach, sorting out your evening snack will be much easier. Restaurants can be pricey in prime areas like these, but stalls like these are cost-effective and make up for a traditional outing experience like no other. This allow you to experience Mumbai in its rawest form.
Shop Till You Drop At The Causeway Market In Colaba
A trip to Mumbai without indulging the shopper in you is considered to be a cardinal sin. How can you avoid the irresistible markets of Mumbai calling out to you to avail of their best prices? And if you’re at The Gateway of India, the Causeway market is just a stone’s throw away from that monument. From gift items and electronics to vibrant colored shawls, quirky handbags, and fancy clothes, you will feel spoiled to the core with such a choice. We hope you’re good at haggling because if you are, you will be able to get items at throwaway prices.
Tour Film City, The Home Of Bollywood
This is a must-visit place for all the Bollywood buffs out there. Home to a production of over 900 films and television shows, this 520-acre property has given Bollywood an immeasurable number of studios and outdoor locations to choose from. It’s like a palette of colors that directors can use to produce their work.
Constructed under the guidance of veteran producer and director V. Shantaram, Film City can be toured with packages starting at INR 500. Technically, you will be learning how filmmaking is an art and how directors have to pay keen attention to directing the film. If you’re lucky, you will also witness a live shooting scene as well on these excursions. Of course, it depends on whether the shooting is taking place or not. The best part is, you will be shown various film sets depicting foreign locations! Maybe you will be able to recognize scenes from famous movies, so to do that, you need to experience this land where all the magic unfolds.
Learn About The Galaxy At The Nehru Planetarium
If you ever wanted to feel what Coldplay meant by a “sky full of stars”, you need to visit the Nehru Planetarium. This is one of the most budget-friendly things to do in Mumbai since the entry fee is just INR 100. And you get to experience the world of astronomy on a whole different level. Nothing makes you feel warmer than when something is articulated in your mother tongue. That’s why the shows are not restricted to solely English, but also are in Hindi and Marathi as well.
Such an enriching experience not being heavy on the pockets is a rarity and you must visit this scientific center at all costs. To cut down further costs, you can even travel by a BEST bus, or you can just Ola or Uber your way if time is the factor. Who knew that stargazing could be done in the second half of the day!
Stand In Awe Of The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is also known as the Victoria Terminus. It is a perfect embellishment of the architectural renaissance of the Victorian era, now used as the headquarters of the Central Railways. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will surely feel overwhelmed by its carefully-finessed domes and arches with monumental pillars strategically at its side to give the terminus its character. Just a gentle reminder though – admiring this is for free as well! And our guide to travel on a budget will also give you more tips on how to enjoy your travels even when broke.
A Whole New World Awaits (Of Course, Being Easy On The Pockets)
You should have no financial fear of vacationing in Mumbai at all because most of the experiences cost little to no money! Your pockets will jingle and your time in this city will indeed be fruitful. If you want your journey to be even more fruitful and cost-effective, then pop into our goSTOPS property in Mumbai. Our accommodation rates are affordable, and we are quite central to major tourist attractions as well. So, what are you waiting for?
FAQs
Which Place Is Good For Shopping In Mumbai?
Colaba Causeway is just one of the many places you can be a shopaholic. If you’re looking for more options visit Crawford Market, Linking Road, Hill Road, Fashion Street, and Chor Bazaar.
How Can I Spend 3 Days In Mumbai?
You could probably spend the first day visiting Mumbai’s primary heritage sites such as The Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, and The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. On the second day, you could go on a shopping spree by visiting one or two of Mumbai’s major markets such as Colaba Causeway, Crawford, or Fashion Street (all that haggling is bound to make you tired). And on the third day, enjoy the serenity on Marine Drive or on the shores of Girgaum Chowpatty. This will be our recommended 3-day itinerary covering the spirit of Mumbai.
What Is The Favourite Food Of Mumbai?
Among the usual street food items like shev and bhel puri, Mumbai is famous for its vada pav. A batata vada (potato patty coated with chickpea flour) fitted in between a pav moistened with a mixture of sweet and pungent chutneys is an irresistible delicacy. Vada pav is an emotion and anyone who thinks otherwise should be blocked on all social media platforms immediately!
