Offbeat Mumbai- Unique things to do in Mumbai
While a first time visit to this city of dreams starts with the usual attractions like Gateway of India, Chowpatty & Marne Drive, Mumbai is a treasure trove of attractions way beyond its touristy stuff. Go offbeat & find the unique things to do in Mumbai that will make your trip memorable, including a ticket to Bollywood. 🙂
Table of Contents
1. Bandra Fort- Take a pic with the Sealink
Located just next to Taj Lands End, this gem of a fort usually goes unnoticed. It’s open early morning & evening only. It is thriving with beautiful views of the sea & Sealink plus lots of greenery. Especially in the Mumbai monsoons!
A little offbeat Mumbai, but I would say this fort is the best place to take your picture against the stunning Bandra Sealink. Bandra Fort is in the heart of the city and should definitely be in your list of unique things to do in Mumbai.
You can feel this fortress, but also the care with which this place is maintained. There is a lotus pond & an amphitheater too where musical sessions are held. You’l find lots of runners & cyclists posing here early in the morning after their sessions- showing a different & the active side of Bombay.
2. Night cycling
Ever wondered what do people in Mumbai do for fun? Well not many cities in India can boast of midnight cycling on the streets. The most popular stretch for this starts from Gateway to Marine drive to ahead, ending with a sumptuous breakfast early in the morning! It’s truly one of the unique things to do in Mumbai.
Cycles can be taken on hire from the organizers or you could bring your own. Cycling along the sea with the breeze gently hitting your face, in a group & safe- this is one of the most Mumbaiya things you can do! An offbeat Mumbai experience; this should be in your list of unique things to do in Mumbai.
3. Flamingo watching
If you are in Mumbai in the months of November to May, go offbeat Mumbai & watch these pink flamingo birds from various vantage points in the city.
If you want to take a close look at them, take the Flamingo boat safari at Thane Creek, Airoli point. This sighting should be in your list of unique things to do in Mumbai!
For more details, refer to my detailed post on how to book this Flamingo safari.
https://thetravelingca.com/flamingo-mumbai-thane-creek-flamingo-sanctuary/
4. Open deck bus tour
Not exactly offbeat Mumbai- but a super touristy thing to do– imagine traveling through the seaside like Marine Drive, Chowpatty, Haji Ali, Worli Seaface and Bandra-Worli Sealink watching the sky and everything passing by from the top of an open-air bus, enjoying the breeze and sunshine! Now’s the time to feel like the main character of a movie. One of the awesome things to do in Mumbai!
Nilambari Bus Tour is a guided South Mumbai tour, covering historic buildings and heritage structures in an open air bus- one of the unique things to do in Mumbai.
I have taken this bus tour twice, once for a birthday party & once on a corporate outing- both times the bus was completely booked by us.
*This Bus tour operates differently during weekdays & weekends. During monsoons, it is completely closed from June to October.
Do check their timings, routes, rates etc. before you book.
Here’s the link: https://www.opendecktourmumbai.com/
5. Film city tour
Your visit to Mumbai is incomplete till you have got a taste of Bollywood. One of the most unique things to do in Mumbai is take a Bollywood Tour!
Especially if you have been wanting to see the workings of the film industry & sets.
Book tickets in advance, check out the behind-the-scenes action and simply live the magic of movies through a live shoot. This offbeat Mumbai tour gives you a chance to step into the famous world of Bollywood right in the heart of Mumbai.
Tickets are available on bookmyshow too.
6. Sailing /Cruise at Gateway of India
Apart from the usual ferry at Gateway which itself is fun, there are many operators organizing sailing & cruises- for groups of 8-10 in beautiful boats along with add ons. A really good option to experience one of the unique things to do in Mumbai.
Another offbeat Mumbai thing to do- take a ferry to Elephanta caves. Spend some time there & return in 3-4 hours. 😀
7. Fountain of Joy at BKC
This is the latest addition to the list of offbeat Mumbai & free as of now. At the Jio World Drive in BKC, the Fountain of Joy offers a unique collection of beautifully choreographed fountain performances.
Watch the jets of water soar high while moving to the rhythm of music, amidst a splash of vibrant colours. This mesmerizing combination of water, light and sound is one of the unique things to do in Mumbai, especially with your little ones.
*Do remember, walkins are not allowed & tickets though free, have to be booked in advance.
8. Take a local train
This is a must do amongst the unique things to do in Mumbai. To experience the lifeline of Mumbai, take a short trip on a local train- during non peak hours of course. 🙂
Stay back to see the crowds pushing in during peak hours, but do not try using it then. This is as Mumbaiya as it gets; whether you call it offbeat Mumbai or in sync with Mumbai but these Mumbai Locals are what keep the city running. <3
9. Dhobi Ghat
Really offbeat Mumbai- While dhobis are a rural term & used more in the smaller cities, the Dhobi Ghat here is famously used in movies like Munnabhai MBBS, Gully Boy etc. There’s a separate movie named ‘Dhobi Ghat’ too. 😀
Seeing this place in real life should be on your list of unique things to do in Mumbai. Don’t confuse it with Dhobi talao, which is a separate area.
These are only some of the offbeat things to do in Mumbai, there are actually many many more. Please list down your favourite offbeat experiences in the comments to make this list wholesome! 🙂
Comprehensive list! I didn’t know the open bus could be booked easily! Also the film City tour!!
Thanks for the info 👏🏻👏🏻
Yes! These are not so common 🙂
Superb! Didn’t know about many of these
.. definitely a try 🙂
Thanks a lot 🙂
A great list of things to do and off the beaten track is always a great way to experience things.
Agree! Gets you experience the local vibes 🙂
Love this alternative guide to Mumbai – there’s so much to do that I didn’t even know about!
Thanks a lot:)
Great list of things to try out in Mumbai👌👌
Thank you so much!
Film city & open bus! Didn’t know you could do that!!
Thank you
Yes! Lots of offbeat things to do…Enjoy:)
Heyyy! This is so interesting!
Film City tour 😍😍😍
Yess! Bollywood !!!