Mumbai (formerly called Bombay) is a densely populated city on India’s west coast. A financial center, it’s India’s largest city. On the Mumbai Harbour waterfront stands the iconic Gateway of India stone arch, built by the British Raj in 1924. Offshore, nearby Elephanta Island holds ancient cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The city’s also famous as the heart of the Bollywood film industry.
Mumbai, is big. It’s full of dreamers and hard-labourers, starlets and gangsters, stray dogs and exotic birds, artists and servants, fisherfolk and crorepatis (millionaires), and lots and lots of people. It has India’s most prolific film industry, some of Asia’s biggest slums (as well as the world’s most expensive home) and the largest tropical forest in an urban zone. Mumbai is India’s financial powerhouse, fashion epicentre and a pulse point of religious tension.
If Mumbai is your introduction to India, prepare yourself. The city isn’t a threatening place but its furious energy, limited public transport and punishing pollution make it challenging for visitors. The heart of the city contains some of the grandest colonial-era architecture on the planet but explore a little more and you’ll uncover unique bazaars, hidden temples, hipster enclaves and India’s premier restaurants and nightlife.
Nightlife info
The city that never sleeps, the city that makes you feel safe at night, and the city that makes every dream come alive, is also the city that parties all night! The nightlife in Mumbai is dazzling enough to make anyone fall for it, be it the usual party freaks or the people in pursuit of peace. Right from the moment the stars come out to the time moon finally bids goodbye, there are a lot of things to do in Mumbai at night.
And the best thing is that there’s no specific best time to visit the city to experience its nightlife, but whenever you feel like. But, before you plan your Mumbai trip and get to your toes to dance away the night here, have a look at what the nightlife of Mumbai has in store for you!
1. Hang Out Zones To Admire The Citylight
The streets of Mumbai have a lot to wow you, especially during the wee hours. Be it the late night munching spots or the sea lanes, all you have to do enjoy the nightlife in Mumbai is head out and stay out!
- Marine Drive – Nariman Point
Irrespective of whether you’re alone or with your favorite squad, Marine Drive is a great spot to visit at midnight and even after. If the monsoon in Mumbai makes this place a hotspot for couples, the night makes it a great place to hang out with friends and family. It is undoubtedly the best place in the city that makes you believe that nobody sleeps here. From vendors selling bhuttas (roasted corn) and chai at late night, and people soaking in the beautiful views to the early risers who arrive here for their morning workout, this place is never at rest. You can listen to your favorite beats here, catch up with your old friends, or get your guitar and get into the jamming mode with your friends around.
Stays open throughout the day and night.
If you like staying out under the stars yet appreciate a little crowd around, this is the place for you to experience the nightlife in Mumbai. From families to couples, and group of friends, everyone can be spotted here. Take a stroll and unwind as the waves kiss your feet or spend the night indulging in the most talked about street food of the city. This famous beach has a lot of stalls that offer everything from Pav bhaji to chuski.
You can spend time at the chowpatty till 12 AM.
This is by far the best late night munching spot if you’re a non-vegetarian at heart. Of course, it does offer a scrumptious variety in vegetarian as well. But, to spend your night out on the streets of Mumbai, having lip-smacking tandoori tikkas and kebabs is a dream for many. And Bademiya located right behind Hotel Taj Mahal in Colaba, ensures your dream comes true.
And you know what’s more special, it stays open till 3 AM and even delivers at your doorstep!
2. Best Nightclubs And Pubs To Live Like A Party Freak
We’re sure you’ve heard a zillion times about the party places in Mumbai, and why wouldn’t you? Starting from Taproom to Olive, Social and Hoppipola, to Prive’, Hype, and local bars like Sunlight and Gokul, this city has something to suit everyone’s pocket. But, out of all the best nightclubs in Mumbai, these a few handpicked ones to make sure you experience the best of all during your visit here!
Trilogy is a much-hyped yet one of the top nightclubs in Mumbai, located in Juhu’s Hotel Sea Princess. The sizzling red couches along with the long wooden bar showcasing exotic cocktails and wines makes this club a popular attraction. While the first level of the club offers you the drinks of your choice, the next one has a throbbing dance floor. Get ready to have the best night of your life if Trilogy is the club you’re planning to visit.
Except for Sunday and Monday, this nightclub stays open on all the days from 10 PM to 3 AM.
- AER in Four Seasons Hotel, Worli
Set up on the 34th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel, this is the grandest and the most posh rooftop bar and club of Mumbai. If you’re someone who admires a fancy dinner over drinks on the rocks, this is definitely your place to experience the best of nightlife in Mumbai. You can visit here with your family and even your special someone. There’s enough room for everyone to savour the mesmerizing views of the city that this place offers.
You can chill at AER on any day of the week from 5 PM to 2 AM.
You might have second thoughts for once because of the name of this place if you’re not the one who loves exploring. But believe us, this is the place to go if you’re looking for a pocket-friendly yet best pubs in Mumbai. Just like the name, even the décor has been designed like a garage with the body of a VW Beetle suspended above the lounge and the Dj mixing some great numbers in a Maruti Van! It’s a fun place that serves toothsome delicacies like chilli paneer and chicken in ‘mesh wires! If you’re someone who fears the crowd, don’t count on this place!
The pub can be visited at anytime between 6 PM and 1 AM.
3. Entertainment, Entertainment, And Entertainment To Destress
There might be a long list of the best nightclubs in Mumbai, but there’s nothing that beats the comfort and joy of entertainment at night with your favorite people around. From live music performances to theatre plays, this Bollywood city has something to tickle everyone’s fancy!
- Live Music at Blue Frog in Lower Parel
Blue Frog, located in Lower Parel has revolutionized the concept of live music in the city and there’s no reason, but this that makes it the best place to see the nightlife in Mumbai. This high-end club is often a hub for celebrities like Lucky Ali, Priyanka Chopra, Farhan Akhtar, etc. who not only visit the venue, but also perform here. It has an egg-shaped seating arrangement, modern LED screens, and great food & drinks along with an endless list of high-profile visitors.
The club remains open from 6 PM to 1.30 AM from Tuesday to Saturday. Also, you can enjoy a free entry if you visit before 9 PM (only if it’s not a specially priced event or night).
- Late Night Movie Scenes At Metro or Regal
Mumbai is the best city for not just partying at night, but also to enjoy late night movie shows at the popular theatres. Be it the fancy Inox or the old Metro cinemas, you’d absolutely love the experience if you’re a movie buff. The cost of the tickets is quite pocket-friendly, especially during weekdays, and the crowd is a mix of family, couples, and friends, which only makes you feel more secure.
- Canvas Laugh Club in Lower Parel
There’s no better way to experience the nightlife in Mumbai than starting with a dose of laughter. Visit the Canvas Laugh Club at the Palladium Mall in Lower Parel, and witness the best of comedy right in front of your eyes. From famous comedians like Kanan Gill and Kenny to newcomers like Abhishek Upmanyu, the stage here is the best platform to enjoy an evening full of entertainment.
All the performances here happen between 7 PM and 10:30 PM on all the days of the week.
4. Fun Activities To Calm The Thrill Seeker In You
Who says Mumbai is all about partying? There’s an endless number of things to do for those who are crazy and adventurous. To calm the adventurer in you, you can take a cruise tour or go for moonlight kayaking nearby.
What can be a better way to explore the nightlife in Mumbai than to see the city on the wheels. Don’t forget to ride through the beautiful route of the city, and stop by at all the popular spots such as Marine Drive, Shivaji Park, and many more. This amazing ride will come to an end at Bandstand and help you unravel a totally different Mumbai with this delightful midnight cycling trip.
Yes, you read it right. Parasailing actually happens in Mumbai at night. You can avail a service at Water Sports Complex situated on Marine Drive, and whilst enjoy a bird’s eye view of the entire city. This should definitely be
on your list of must do here.
Driving on the empty roads in Mumbai is no less than a dream. Take a smooth drive through the Worli sea link to experience the true jewel of a time. It is located on one of the calmest sea fronts of the city and you will get to gaze at the beauty of the city like never before. While heading out on a romantic drive sounds perfect, this is also one of the ways to experience the nightlife in Mumbai for singles.
5. Sweet Spots For Your Sweet Tooth
It’s astonishing how some of the famous dessert places in Mumbai haven’t changed even a bit. From famous patisserie to ice cream parlours, there are a lot of spots offering delectable delights for everyone to relish.
Located right opposite to the Chowpatty seaface, this place serves the best fresh juices and ice cream sundaes. Anyone passing by stops here at midnight to satiate their hunger pangs with the light delicious bites, and enjoys the nightlife of Mumbai by indulging in the unique taste that this place offers.
It stays open from 10 AM to 1:30 AM.
The popular yet famous bakery and patisserie in Mumbai is the best place to visit if you want to see the sweeter side of the nightlife in Mumbai. Located in Colaba and Bandra, this place usually stays open till 12 AM. The choco chip brownies, red velvet pastries, and chicken sandwich are a must have here!
Theobroma remains open until 12 AM on all days of the week.
Ever been a fan of homemade ice creams? Well, this age old place at Churchgate serves scrumptious ice creams, which literally leaves you licking your fingers. This is the oldest Iranian parlour in the city, despite which it keeps on adapting the flavors over the years, out of which the sandwich is the best!
The ice cream parlour remains open from 9:30 AM to 11 PM on all the days except for Sunday, on which it opens from 3 PM to 11 PM.
And while the city has so much to offer to each one of you, it also lets you party at your own house till the morning if you prefer staying indoors. Right from the alcohol to the delicious food, you can get anything delivered at your doorstep, and make the most of the nightlife in Mumbai.
Culture and history info
The Mumbai culture is a blend of traditional festivals, food, music and theatres. It is the busiest cosmopolitan city of India holding its age-old culture. Marathi is the official language of the people of Mumbai. The bambaiya Hindi is also very popular among the Mumbai people.
The Mumbai music is an important part of the Mumbai culture tradition. In the coastal areas, the people love to sing the Marathi Koli songs which are an integral part of the culture of Mumbai. Since, the city is inhabited with varied ethnic groups; there has been a change in the music culture of Mumbai.
The Bollywood music is a very popular music of the city. Aside these, the Indian Classical Music, International Pop Music Heavy Metal Music are heard by the people of Mumbai. The festivals of Mumbai are an important of the Mumbai culture. Celebrations are observed by Mumbaikars (addressed to Mumbai people) irrespective of caste and creed. Diwali, Holi, Christmas, Id, Dussera, Moharram, Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja Maha Shivratri, Navratri, and Good Friday are the most important occasions of the city people. These festivals are celebrated in a grand way uniting all the people of Mumbai.
The culture of Mumbai is incomplete without the traditional delicacies of Mumbai. The traditional food of Mumbai includes Potato bhaji, Batatya rassa, Batatya rassa Chinch- gulacha, Okra bhaji and many more. During Diwali, delicacies like Chakli, Chivda, Besan laddu, Shankar pale, Karanji are prepared in the houses. Modak, Puran Poli, Sheera and Basundi are the special types of sweets prepared in auspicious occasion in Mumbai.
