things to do in bombay

25 Cool Things to Do in Bombay with Family and Friends

There are plenty of cool things to do in Bombay. If you are a hodophile and planning your next visit to Bombay with your family and friends, here you can get information about the cool things to do in Bombay with family and friends. 

Bombay is the dreamland for youngsters. This unique city is undeniably fascinating with over 20 million population. Despite being challenging and competitive, this city is extremely interesting with amazingly vivid markets, a lively zoo, and many cool places to visit. The appetizing street food will feast your taste buds. You will just love to live the life of a Mumbaikar

Bombay fun things and weekend things promise you fun and memorable time with your family and friends. If you are planning your family trip to Bombay or planning to settle in Bombay, we’ve come up with some of the cool things to do in Bombay with family and friends. Move on to know them:

Experience the Hill Climbing at Gilbert Hill

The Gilbert Hill or Gilbert’s Toe is one of the oldest basalt formations on earth. It is said to be the result of some volcanic eruption. 

Similar basalt structures can be seen in Wyoming and California but people are not allowed to get near them. The plus point of Gilbert hill is that you can climb and cherish the astonishing bird’s eye view. Climbing this Gilbert is one of the coolest things to do in Bombay. 

  • Open timing: Always
  • Entry fees: Free

Relish the Mumbai Art and Culture at Kala Ghoda

Another cool thing to do in Bombay is relishing the real Mumbai Art and Culture. Kala Ghoda is named after the great statue of King Edward VII during colonial times. You can soak up the Mumbai art and culture with numerous galleries and museums at this place.

Kala Ghoda

 If you are looking for the Bombay fun things, don’t miss the Kala Ghoda Festival held once in a year. This place art lover’s Heaven.

  • Open timings: Morning to late evening.

Witness the real luxury with Antilia

Antilia, the most expensive house of India is a property owned by Indian Tycoon and billionaire Mukesh Ambani. This luxurious and huge building is constructed on 400,000 square foot land. The building consists of 27 floors with 3 helicopter pads, 6 parking, and over 600 people in caretaking staff. 

Once you have a look at the building, you will get to know the real meaning of luxury. People visit Bombay and one of the things they never miss to do is seeing this house. Witnessing the luxurious house is one of the coolest things to do in Bombay. 

Enjoy the mesmerizing sunrise at Bandra Fort

Sunrise at Bandra fort is one of the best things to do in Bombay. This stunning experience will leave a lifelong impression on you. This is one of the most preferred places by visitors. It is also one of the best weekend things in Bombay. 

Bandra Fort

This fort is also a famous place usually can be seen in Bollywood movies like Dil Chahta hai and Buddha Mil Gaya. 

Family Picnic at Hanging Gardens

Hanging Gardens is one of the best weekend things in Bombay. This place allows you to spend some quality time with nature. The park has been famous since its inception in 1881. Strolling around this terraced park is one of the favorite Bombay fun things.  

Hanging Gardens

You can enjoy the mesmerizing view of the Arabian sea and Marine Drive from this place. Taking your kids to ‘Old Woman’s Shoe’ is one of the Bombay fun things for kids. It is a huge boot and kids love to play inside it.

  • Open timings: 5 am – 9 pm
  • Entry fees: Free

A heaven for shopaholics- The Colaba Causeway

Shopping at Colaba Causeway near the Gateway of India is one of the best things to do in Bombay. You can enjoy shopping and the most- lively atmosphere. This is a dream place for the shopaholics. They find it a Bombay fun thing. You can do anything you think of at this place. From accessories and clothing to delicious food, you can get almost everything on this huge market stretching from Colaba to Old Woman’s Island. 

Colaba Causeway

When you get tired of shopping, numerous cafes welcome you to offer refreshment. This is also one of the most preferred weekend things to do in Mumbai. This place gets extra lively during weekends and so add this on your list of cool things to do in Bombay on weekends. 

  • Open timing: Morning to Night
  • Entry fees: Free

Satiate your taste buds at Marine drive

Marine drive, the beautiful place we have witnessed many times in Bollywood movies. This place is best for couples. It is also known as ‘The Queen’s necklace’. You can soothe your taste buds while enjoying the scenic view.

things to do in bombay

When it comes to street food, Marine drive is one of the best things to do in Bombay. You can get plenty of lip-smacking street delicacies. If you are looking for fun things in Bombay, then visit this place at night. The nightlife here is something you would have never experienced before. Visiting Marine drive is also one of the most preferred weekend things you can plan with your family and friends.

  • Open timings: 24 hours
  • Entry fees: free

Decorate your nest with something unique- Crawford Market

Visiting Bombay without buying a gift for your house from this market is a very unfair thing. Trust us, you can buy a huge variety of home décor items in this market. 

Buying antique and unique home decor items are the best things to do in Bombay. You can get everything depending on your house type and your preferences. This the biggest market especially for the home items. Not just the home décor, you can also buy all the household essentials from Crawford Market.  

  • Open timing: Morning to late Night
  • Entry fees: Free

Have a closer look at the film city of Mumbai

Mumbai, the heart of Bollywood is a major attraction in Bombay. This is one of the Bombay fun things to do with your family or friends. You can witness the real movie sets that you have only seen in movies. Bollywood has emerged as the greatest movie-making industry in the world.

The experience you get while witnessing the real magic of Bollywood is one of the coolest things to do in Bombay. You can enjoy a half-day tour to see behind the scene Bollywood. Enjoy the live Bollywood show at Prithvi Stadium. If your luck favours, you can even spot Bollywood celebrities. 

  • Open timings: 10 am – 5 pm
  • Entry fees: Rs. 600 onwards

Go for the adventurous safari at Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Sanjay Gandhi National park is one of the best things to do in Bombay to escape from its crowds. You can witness rare elephants, waterfalls, and wildlife in this largest forest in the city. Adventurous safari around the national park is the best Bombay fun activity that can provide you the most cherishing experience of your life. 

Visit Sanjay Gandhi National Park with your friends and family to take a trip to the famous landmarks like Shilonda waterfall and hillside Kanheri caves. 

Kids can enjoy a lot while searching for monkeys, tigers, lions, and leopards. Follow the map in the premises to enjoy the best of this national park.  

  • Open timing: 7:30 am – 6:30 pm (Monday Closed)
  • Entry fees: Rs. 50 approx.

Juhu Beach, everyone’s favorite 

Juhu beach is the longest beach In Bombay and luxury houses can be seen along the roadside. Visiting this place is the coolest thing to do with dear ones. Here you can also get a chance to meet your favorite stars. 

Juhu Beach

This place is regularly visited by Bollywood famous actors and actresses. People visit here to escape the crowded and pollution of the city. You can enjoy Bombay fun things like cycling along the beachside, jogging, and yoga. You can even enjoy the famous foods offered by the cafes here.  

  • Open timing: always
  • Entry fees: free

Witness the heritage and architecture- Shivaji Chhatrapati Terminus

Bombay’s famous Railway station is among the historical buildings with amazing architecture. 

Shivaji Chhatrapati Terminus

Its gothic style will steal your heart. It is the most crowded place in Bombay being the main railway station. Admiring the architecture of this building is one of the coolest things to do Bombay.

  • Open timing: 24 hours
  • Entry fees: free

Dhobi ghat, the largest hand washing activity

Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat is the largest place where hand-washing is done. You can see endless numbers of clothes hanging all over the place.

washing activity

This place is occupied by more than 700 dhobis and their families. This is a slum where they live and work. All the children, women, and men work throughout the day and wash millions of garments every day. 

  • Open timing: always
  • Entry fees: free

Adore the Gateway of India

Gateway of India is one of the famous places in Bombay. Adoring its unique structure is one of the coolest things to do in Bombay. Its astonishing arch is the key ingredient of its beauty. It was inaugurated in 1924 and is one of the reminders of British reign in the city. 

Gateway of India

It was originally built as the memory of King George V and Queen Mary’s visit to Bombay. This 83-foot high monument is the best weekend thing for the local people. You can also enjoy the delicious street food here. 

  • Open timing: 9 am to late evening
  • Entry fees: Ferry rides- Rs. 55 onwards

Get spiritual – Visit Haji Ali Dargah 

The most popular place for the spiritual people, Haji Ali Dargah, a famous worshiping site. Visiting this Dargah and soaking up the calmness are the best things to do in Bombay. This beautiful Dome structure has the grave of a famous saint, Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. It is situated at the seashore of the Arabian Sea and lies 500 meters from the coast. 

Haji Ali Dargah

The dargah also offers the mosque to the people who wish to offer prayers. Every day around 10,000 people visit this place. Although it is mostly visited by the Muslim community people Dargah welcomes visitors from all religions without any discrimination.  

  • Open timing: 6 am – 10 am
  • Entry fees- Free

Visit the most prominent Hindu temple- Hare Krishna Mandir 

Worshipping at the ISKON temple at Juhu beach is one of the best things to do in Bombay for spiritual souls. This temple construction was completed in 1978.

People visit this place to seek guidance for their work, relationship, and many other issues. Some people also visit this temple to relax and get inspiration. The complex also has a Marble temple, 72 storied guest house for the visitors, a restaurant, and an auditorium.

  • Open timing: 7 am – 10 pm
  • Entry fees: free

Kids will love to stroll in Kamla Nehru Park

The famous park located at the top of the Malabar hills is the best weekend thing. You can take your kids to this park which allows a perfect view of Bombay. This park is named after the pt. Jawaharlal Nehru’s wife and occupying the space of 4000 square feet.

Kamla Nehru Park

This park is famous among kids as Bombay fun things. The diverse varieties of flowers, trees, and shrubs make it more beautiful and attractive.

  • Open timing: 24 hours
  • Entry fees: free

Escape the noise of the city, visit Kanheri Caves

Bombay city is highly polluted and noisy, you can enjoy the escape from this by visiting the Kanheri Caves. These are the oldest caves in India with approx. 1000 entrances These are situated in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Exploring these caves is one of the coolest things to do in Bombay. Over 30 Buddha paintings give you lots of valuable information about the Monks and their lives. You will also find a spacious prayer hall inside the caves.  

Kanheri Caves

The visitors can enjoy the Bombay fun things by participating in adventurous sports like Rappelling and trekking outside the Kanheri Caves. 

  • Open timing: 7:30 am – 5 pm
  • Entry fees: Indian- Rs.5, Foreigners- Rs. 100

Mahalaxmi racecourse for sports enthusiasts 

Mahalaxmi Racecourse is one of the greatest racing tracks in Asia. It was started around 100 years ago. This famous racecourse is owned by the Royal Western Turf club. 

things to do in bombay

The Indian Derby event is the famous and Bombay fun activity held every year in February in this racecourse. This event attracts visitors from all over the world and is mostly visited by High-Class citizens of India. The restaurants and cafes around this place are open for all.

Witness the lifestyle of Mahatma Gandhi at Mani Bhavan

Mani Bhavan is a 2-storied iconic building located at Laburnum Road. Knowing many things related to Mahatma Gandhi is one of the best things to do in Bombay. 

Many influencers and Mahatma Gandhi used to stay in this building during the non-violence movement carried out for the welfare of the Indian society. 

things to do in bombay

Gandhiji also stayed here when he was sick. This building contains over 40,000 books that Gandhiji used to read. Mahatma Gandhi used to hold meetings, spend time while reading and meditation in this building. You can witness numerous things related to Mahatma Gandhi and understand his lifestyle from this building. 

Book your Darshan at Shree Siddhivinayak

Shree Siddhivinayak Ganpati temple is located in downtown Mumbai. This is over 200 years old temple containing numerous images of Hindu Gods.

things to do in bombay

Witnessing the towers, ornamental windows, and astonishing idols of this temple are the best things to do in Bombay. The visitors have to book their darshan online before visiting the temple. If you can’t visit the temple in person, you can receive darshan on the Siddhivinayak website. The Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are done with full pomp and joy here.

Many special events and religious ceremonies are held at this temple which can be the Bombay fun things. Uncountable devotees visit this temple every day which makes it a very crowded place.

  • Open timing: 5:30 am – 10 pm
  • Entry fees: Free

Stay at the luxurious Taj Mahal Hotel

Taj Mahal Hotel is the most luxurious Hotel in Bombay. It is usually visited by high-class people from all over the world. The most astonishing Taj Mahal hotel is situated at Colaba in South Bombay. The dome on the top of the hotel gives it the most mesmerizing look. It is the first seaside hotel in Bombay built-in 1903. You can enjoy the scenic view of the Arabian Sea from this hotel.

things to do in bombay

Staying in this hotel is one of the luxurious things to do in Bombay. It offers you the most luxurious stay. The royal parties and facilities will leave you spellbound. 

Explore the 5th and 6th century era in Elephanta Island and Caves

Elephanta Island and caves are the perfect examples of all kinds of archaeology of the 2nd century BC. Elephanta islands contain many pieces of evidence from the 2nd century which gives much valuable information about the civilization at that time. 

things to do in bombay

The Elephanta island was carved from a rock in the 5th and 6th century AD. You can witness many religious shreds of evidence there. One of the most famous pieces of evidence is a 7-meter long statue of Lord shiva representing his 3 sides. Much other evidence can be seen related to different Religions of India. 

These caves are managed by the Indian Archeological Society. Witnessing this historic evidence is one of the coolest things to do in Bombay.

  • Open timing: 9 am – 5 pm (Monday closed)
  • Entry fees- For Indians- Rs.10, For foreigners- Rs.250

Enjoy the astonishing sunset at beachstand

Beachstand is a very beautiful place in Bombay. Visiting the jogger’s park and other hangout spots here are the cool things to do in Bombay. Spending time and clicking beautiful photographs at the beach is one of the Bombay fun things. It is the best place to visit for couples because of its romantic sunset view. 

things to do in bombay

You can spot numerous couples walking hand in hand, taking a stroll, and sitting in the lap of nature while enjoying their quality time together. The amazing sunset views from here is one of the most romantic things to do in Bombay. 

  • Open timing: 24 hours

Visit amusement park- Essel world

Essel world Amusement park is the favorite picnic spot for the kids as well as adults. Visiting and enjoying the games and in this park are the best weekend things. This is one of the most thrilling amusement parks in India. You can enjoy crazy rides such as caterpillar, Hoola Loop, shot and drop, senior telecombat, crazy cups, and Rio Grande Train. Essel world is the perfect place to kick off your stress and enjoy the most.  

The oldest water park in India- Water kingdom is also a part of Essel world. Enjoy fun activities like Brat Zone, Wetlantic, Adventure Amazonia, and What-a-Coaster. 

  • Open timing: 10 am – 7 pm
  • Entry fees: Essel world- Rs. 949
  • Water Kingdom – Rs. 999

Conclusion

Bombay is a perfect vacation destination. You can do plenty of cool things in Bombay with family and friends. Escape from your busy and stressful lifestyle. Spend some time in Bombay with your family and friends. 

Bombay offers numerous vacation spots where you can enjoy your time the fullest and create a special bond with your loved ones. Plan your vacation to the city and enjoy the cool things to do in Bombay, the weekend things, and Bombay fun things. Whether you are adventurous, art lover, fun-loving, or a foodie person, Bombay has a treat for everyone.