Whether it’s relishing street food in the city’s most loved beaches or grooving to live music at its hottest clubs, places to visit alone in Mumbai are endless, especially for those travelling alone to the city of dreams. India’s busiest and most populous city is a melting pot of the old and new, with streets built of centuries-old buildings and sprawling modern complexes touching the skies. From plush nightclubs and luxurious spas to flea markets and sprawling museums, Mumbai is a perfect companion for solo travellers. Here is your guide to all the places that can keep a solo traveller entertained in the maximum city. 

A solo trip is everyone’s fantasy, from the jilted lover, to the stressed out IT executive, and this is why it is important to understand which places can be visited solo. Among the places to visit alone, Mumbai definitely stands high up there. Solo trip in Mumbai is great fun, as the city has an urban character, with a natural knack for glamour. 

GETTING AROUND IN MUMBAI

Mumbai’s most iconic street eats and where to have them

10 Mumbai hotspots where you can shop till you drop

Your guide to Mumbai’s heritage sites

Mumbai’s most loved beaches

10 places to read a book in Mumbai

The heart of art in Mumbai

5 nightspots to party hard in Mumbai

Known as the Commercial Capital of India, Mumbai is a city of glamour and glitz. It is only safe to assume that Mumbai nightlife would be eclectic and exciting. Mumbai nightlife places are of many types, from your regular local bar to the exclusive clubs visited by the who’s who of tinsel-town. When in Mumbai, you are in safe hands as far as entertainment is concerned, and hence there are numerous night hangout places in Mumbai. From one end of the city to the other there are loads of places for you to have a great night with friends and close ones. 

6 places to get live and loud in Mumbai

Mumbai’s most relaxing spas

Breakfast in Mumbai

To the point: Mumbai ki sardi is famous for its blink and miss role in our lives. But this year we’ve been lucky to have a winter where sweatshirts are needed and hot beverages really give out the much-needed warmth. And since we are such aficionados of hot beverages, we decided to compile a list of some mouth-watering beverages that can be the perfect companions this season. So we say, sip on!

1. Home-made Dark Hot Chocolate

If you love all things home-made then you’ll love Suzette’s rich, dark and unadulterated Hot Chocolate. A big cuppa to satisfy your heart, this chocolaty indulgence is a must in the winter, chill or no chill. Team it with a crepe or simply gorge on a salad for that good food feeling to sink in.  

Where: Suzette Creperie & Café
Price: Rs. 220++

2. Pink Latte 

Your regular latte gets a makeover with an pink hue that’s soothing to the soul. The Pink Latte comes with a frothy layer on top and biscuits on the side that can give you company while you enjoy the weather and the views. We suggest you take the window seat but if you can’t the café is also eye-pleasing enough to enjoy a pleasant evening. Plus, a round of Pooja Dhingra’s famous macaroons to end the evening would be like icing on the cake.

Where: Le15 Café
Price: Rs. 180 ++ 

3. Matcha Vanilla

Matcha’s become quite a fad these days with people using in various ways. Well, here’s a matcha-infused beverage you won’t regret ordering. With rich matcha and vanilla paired with creamy steamed milk, this makes for a palate-pleasing beverage.

Where: Tassa De The
Price: Rs. 197++ 

4. Strawberries and Cream Tea 

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A mesmerising combination of black tea, white chocolate, strawberries, and Roman chamomile served along with some flavouring this beverage is a truly unique concoction. Sip on it along with the tea cake of the day for a more wholesome experience. If this is too experimental for you, try their Madagascar Hot Chocolate with 70 percent cocoa and you’ll be floored. Another hit on their menu is the Signature Belgian Chocolate Freakshake. 

Where: The Rolling Pin
Price: Rs. 230 ++

5.  White Chocolate 

This whimsical and warm concoction is made with pure white chocolate. Melted chocolate is served with creamy milk that gives it the silky, caramelly texture you are bound to love. Order one of their signature desserts or churros along with this and you’ll be on a chocolate overload that’s all worth it.

Where: Chocolateria San Churro
Price: Rs. 215++

6. Charcoal Latte 

Your regular latte gets a makeover with the addition of activated charcoal that not only lends it a rich, black hue but also the benefits. While you are sipping this enjoyable beverage order a Wild Mushroom Crepe or a Banana Split Waffle and make it an indulgent evening.  

Where: Poetry by Love and Cheesecake
Price: Rs. 170++

To the point: We have all had those days when we are just fed up of the usual dal-roti and crave something yummy for lunch. We have found the perfect lunch home where all you office-goers can gorge on yummy food.

While one loves the thrill of the Maximum city, one can hardly afford to eat lunch at one of the many fancy cafes or restaurants on a daily basis. But if you are a foodie like us and love trying out different types of food then head to Shubha Bhojnalaya for a lunch fix. Located in Lower Parel, this is the perfect place to catch a quick yet affordable meal. They offer a variety of thalis in vegetarian and non-vegetarian options but what caught our eye was the Surmai Thali.

The thali, costing just Rs. 140, comprises curry, sabji, rice, two pieces of fish fry and even two rotis. Now, what else could a hungry tummy ask for? If fish is not your meal of choice, then try their chicken and mutton options instead.One word of warning, the tiny restaurant is usually packed during lunch hour so be prepared to wait for a bit before being seated. However, their service is super fast so you won’t be kept hungry for too long.

Where: Shubha Bhojnalaya, Tulsi Building, 446/A2, Ground, Tulsi Pipe Rd, Lower Parel
Cost: Rs 50 onwards 

To the point: A warm, fluffy cloud packed with a filling of your choice and steamed to perfection. What’s not to like? We have listed down 6 restaurants in Mumbai serving the best baos we’ve tried.

1: The Fatty Bao

From a crispy tofu and a mock meat version, to a roast duck one, to a fried eggplant one, to a chilli crab and prawn version, The Fatty Bao serves over 10 varieties of this Asian delicacy. And mind you, all great interpretations of the classic!

Where: The Fatty Bao, Bandra, Andheri, Lower Parel and Powai
Cost: Rs 250++ onwards

2: Plum by Bent Chair

India’s first experiential dining retail restaurant, Plum by Bent Chair offers some mean baos – wild mushroom (for the vegetarians), and spicy barbecued chicken and tenderloin and black pepper baos (for the meat-eaters). 

Where: Plum by Bent Chair, Third Floor, Trade View Building, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
Cost: Rs 485++ onwards

3: Keiba

Beside being one of the most romantic spots in Mumbai, Keiba is also known for their delicious Asian food. They serve unbelievably fluffy buns – baos but closed – with 3 different fillings – mushroom, chicken and pork.

Where: Keiba, Royal Western India Turf Club, Mahalakshmi
Cost: Rs 395++ onwards

4: Umame

When Chef Farrokh Khambatta is behind the kitchen, you know he’s about to create magic. Apart from serving world-class sushi and khao suey, they also master in making baos. Pick the honey garlic chicken bao or the one with mixed vegetables and water chestnuts, and trust us, you won’t regret it!

Where: Umame, 1st Floor, East Wing, Cambata Building, Near Eros Theatre, Churchgate
Cost: Rs 385++ onwards

5: China Bistro

A restaurant townies swear by for authentic Chinese food, it would be a sin to not mention China Bistro for their baos. Serving baos and bao pockets, they serve 3 vegetarian and 3 meat options catering to everyone’s palette.

Where: China Bistro, Worli, Shivaji Park, Thane and Chembur
Cost: Rs 405++ onwards

6: Foo – Asian Tapas

This new Asian restaurant has been the talk of the town and for all the right reasons. Gorgeous interiors, delicious tapas and pocket-friendly prices. Though they only have 2 baos on their menu, both are must tries. 

Where: Foo, Phoenix Mill Compound, High Street Phoenix, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
Cost: Rs 290++ onwards

To the point: Tired of begging your musically gifted friends to come perform at your parties or events? We’ve curated a list of Mumbai based bands and artists who will liven up your special occasions. You’re welcome.

1. Shanay Shah

A singer, songwriter and guitarist, Shanay Shah is sure to make you remember your first crush with his soulful singing. A mix of Hindi and English, you can check out his work on  YouTube.

2. Tanuj Vats 

A vocalist, lyricist, composer, and a producer, Tanuj is a multi-instrumentalist who plays the guitar, and piano. Once you listen to his covers, there’s no going back, we bet. You can follow him on YouTube.

3. Vernon Noronha

Singing since he was 8, singer and songwriter Vernon’s songs will move you because of the aw emotion in them. Follow him here.

4. Simetri

The singer-songwriter duo – Riya and Simran Duggal will stun you with Western Rock, Indie, Pop Music, and also Indian classical music. You can check out their work here.

5. Shivangi Bhayana

We’re glad this desi girl moved from Canada to India to pursue a full-time career in music. Beside Hindi numbers, her Sufi music will transport you to the world of poetry. You have to follow her on YouTube.

6. Anket Dhoundiyal

Ankit Dhoundiyal is sure to turn your gathering into a party! Sing-along music teamed up with a lively high-energy band will turn you all on the dance floor. Follow his work on YouTube.

Cover Image Source:  UTV Spotboy

To the point: Cool tones of blue, white and teal, earthy oranges and airy spaces, no we aren’t talking about taking a trip to Greece, Italy or Morocco to experience Mediterranean architecture at its best. All you gotta do is hop into a car, bump across the winding Sahyadris and pitstop at The One, an abode so beautiful located in the heart of GanpatiPule and we promise you, your eyes are in for a treat.

Hosted by Niyoti, a production designer by profession, she’s a woman with a passion for decorating spaces and making them come to life. With a love for nature, outdoors, books and experiences true to locals, her home exudes her personality to the T. 

Two bedrooms, one as blue as the bright daylit sky and the other as green as a rainforest the home is perfect to accommodate four guests looking for a serene getaway. Eclectic in style, and furniture as white as snow, The One, surely calms the eye. With a  beautiful big sea green butterfly chair to sink in and enjoy the company of loved ones as well as a bookshelf in the house, relaxation at this property is inevitable. If you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy eating out too much and want to just buy all the yummy fresh catch of seafood and whip up a home cooked meal, there’s a fully equipped kitchen in store for you.

Workaholics or social media lovers, fear not you can take your work along with you and update your gram’ every second cos the home has WiFi too! Mosaic tiles, glass lanterns, a ton of plants and your loved ones, need we say more? This getaway is sure to be perfect. An amalgamation of unique items, each one so different from the other and quirky knick-knacks handpicked by the host, the house is nothing short of paradise. Quit booking a trip abroad to experience the Mediterranean culture, just book your stay at the one and you’re sure to become one with the Mediterranean.

Not just that, if you’re an outdoorsy kinda person looking to explore the pristine village of Malgund, no stress there’s a lot to do! Set out and pay a visit to the Jaigad fort not too far away from the property or pay your respects at the Ganesh Temples in Ganpatipule and Kachare. Not just that, experience fresh produce at its best at the local market that’s a stone’s throw away. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed. Happy travels!

Price: Rs 6,500
Contact: 9820134242
To book, click here

To the point: Imagine this — you are walking (more like trekking) amidst a dense jungle, are surrounded by nothing but nature, are headed to a site which will offer a panoramic view of Satara. Wouldn’t you like to just soak in the natural beauty and just stay there? Well, we don’t know about staying back but we surely know about how you can experience this.

Arranged by Karma Events & Holidays, attend a two-day long Vasota Jungle trek this month.  It is comparatively an easy, medium endurance level trek that will start from the Warje Flyover on the Katraj-Dehu Road bypass. 

It includes camping and trekking (of 5 km, each side) with the organisers taking care of your camping stay and food. All you have to carry is one extra pair of clothes, water, warm clothes, blankets, and medicines if required.

The trip begins on January 19, 2 pm and ends on January 20 at 11 pm. Not only will it involve camping and trekking, but there’s also boating and exploration of the Vasota fort, also known as Vyaghragad. How cool will that be? Go ahead and unwind on a camping trip like no other!

Where: Vasota, Satara, Maharashtra
When: Jan 19-20
Cost: Rs 1800 per head.
Contact: +91 9970787493; +91 9657473595; +91 9764442120

The change in the way that this city’s name was spelled could not change the love we have for it. Yes, calling Bombay as Mumbai really did not change much. Still Bombay to all the old souls out there, it stays as the city maximum, as the city that never sleeps and the city that is welcoming and brutal at the same time. 

It had its brush with the Portuguese and the British as well, and reminders of those eras now stand tall and mute as the landscape keeps changing. If you are in Mumbai and are eager for a Bombay experience, go off the famous lanes. 

Explore Mumbai like a lover of Bombday would, here is some help. 

Chor Bazaar

Credit: ThinkStock PhotosIf there is one place in South Mumbai that will blow your mind away, I would name it Chor Bazaar. Famous as the underbelly of the city, this is more of a flea market than a thieves’ market as its name suggests. It is a place to haggle to the best of your ability and dig souvenirs that include stuff as random and mismatched as typewriters, vinyl records, antique clocks, radios, and automobile parts that might be coming from a down and out Bentley! 

You will find this market stretched on Mutton Street, and the shops are open from 11 AM to 7:30 PM. 

Kala Ghoda

Photo by:  Nichalp, Creative Commons Attribution LicenceFebruary is, unquestionably, the best time to make this cultural nosedive. Yet, if you are in Mumbai and do not visit Kala Ghoda, it is almost a sin of sorts. An art district, Kala Ghoda is where you will find city’s most coveted heritage buildings, art galleries, museums and more. Some of the must-visits here are the Esplanade Mansion, Jehangir Art Gallery, National Gallery of Modern Art, and the Great Western Building. Do remember to carry your camera along, for Kala Ghoda is a photographer’s’ delight. 

Marine Drive

Photo by:  SevenSoft, Creative Commons Attribution LicenceThere simply is no getting over this one. If Marine Drive is not on your list of essential Mumbai experience, it really does not make a list. A very laid-back vibe even as the crowd keeps surging till well past midnight, Marine Drive is where you will find the local kids strumming guitar and calling it a day. Bandra Bandstand might just be a great match with it. 

Mumbai local trainsCredit: ThinkStock PhotosTake out a few hours of your time in Mumbai and hop over for a ride on one of the Mumbai locals. It might not be plush or even close to luxurious but this is where the city’s heart is. Always on time, except when the rail tracks go under water during annual monsoon bursts, most of the Mumbai locals run every day from 5 AM to 2 AM. Some of the coaches are reserved for women, making it a more comfortable experience if you wish to have one. 

Elephanta Caves

Credit: ThinkStock PhotosImagine going on a ferry ride to one of India’s most prized UNESCO heritage sites; if you fancy the idea, get a ticket for the ferry ride to the Elephanta Caves. The island that houses the caves is about 2 km off the shore, and has some of the world’s best rock-cut sculptures. Most of the carvings here depict stories from Hindu mythology and a visit is more than just a break from Mumbai’s traffic if you are craving for one. 

A day can also be very well-spent exploring the Parsi culture of the city, including some hours at the Parsi Dadar Colony and some famous Irani cafes. An evening at Leopold Cafe is another must if you wish to experience Mumbai in its Bombay days. 

Do not forget to drop in your suggestions in the comment section below if you know of more Bombay delights. We are reading.