Bandra is a suburb of Mumbai, India. It is a prominent commercial and residential area known for its vibrant street life, diverse communities, and upscale shopping and dining options. Some of the famous landmarks in Bandra include the Mount Mary Church, the Bandstand Promenade, and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Bandra also serves as a transportation hub, with the Bandra Terminus railway station and several bus stops providing links to other parts of Mumbai.
In this guide, we have curated a complete list of the best things to do in Bandra. So, without further ado let’s dive into this complete guide about the best things to do in Bandra.
Shopping
When it comes to shopping, Bandra is a paradise. Whether you’re looking for cool streetwear, designer labels, vintage clothes, or unique trinkets and decor items, Bandra has it all. From high-end boutiques and malls to vibrant street markets and vintage stores, this suburb has something for everyone. Let’s take a look at some of the best places for shopping in Bandra.
Linking Road
Located in the heart of the city, Linking Road is one of the most popular shopping destinations for tourists and locals alike. It has everything that shoppers may need, ranging from trendy streetwear to unique eateries. It also boasts being home to some of Mumbai’s oldest and most renowned outlets such as Bandra’s Shopper’s Stop.
Whether you’re looking for clothes, snacks, or souvenirs to take home after your visit to Mumbai, Linking Road’s vast selection will leave you spoiled for choice. There are popular clothing stores like Forever 21, Two Casuals, and H&M; beauty outlets such as Boots and Lakme; lifestyle brands like Crate & Barrel; and traditional restaurants like Chote Nawab. Prices are very reasonable and quality is ensured by friendly shopkeepers in each store.
Linking Road also a great place to find unique items that add a special touch to your wardrobe or home décor at a fraction of their original cost! Whether its handcrafted jewelry, antique pieces or vintage items- it is always worthwhile to take a quick detour off Linking road when you have the time.
So, if you ever find yourself in search of high-street fashion in Mumbai city, make sure Linking Road is at the top of your list!
Hill Road
Hill Road is one of the most popular shopping streets in Bandra which is lined with shops, stalls and restaurants offering a wide variety of products. The road is open late into the night and is jam-packed with people who attend weekend markets or by those who come to shop for their everyday needs.
The street is known for its bargains, so shoppers looking for discounted products should try the numerous treasure trove of stalls that line the sidewalk. There are no big brands here, but you will find almost everything from clothes, accessories to groceries. Visitors looking to pass time browsing through items should also visit Hill Road’s secondhand stores offering jewelry, shoes and clothes at bargain prices.
If you want to buy art pieces or souvenirs, there are plenty of stores along Hill Road selling interesting items like handmade artworks from local artists as well as ethnic Indian gifts such as terracotta trinkets and home decor pieces. There are also numerous restaurants in the area serving an array of cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, Continental and Middle Eastern food.
Bandra Kurla Complex
Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) is a modern business district located in the Mumbai suburbs. It’s filled with malls, bustling markets and numerous restaurants, as well as corporate offices. BKC has become one of the most popular commercial spots in the city due to its prime location, with plenty of entertainment and nightlife options.
The complex houses some of biggest names in retail such as Godrej, Reliance Industries and Vodafone. There are plenty of options for shopping enthusiasts starting from thrift stores to designer outlets and everything in between. The area also contains health centres, banks, grocery stores pharmacies among other essential services for locals’ residents and tourists alike.
When it comes to special occasions such as festivals or big family gatherings there are also several fun activities for children such at snow parks which makes it a great entertainment spot for all ages. Popular restaurants here include KFC, Cocoberry Smoothies & Waffles Bar and Punjabi by Nature (by appointment only). In addition, music gigs are held at Hard Rock Café & BMS theatre which has hosted other events such as stand-up acts and conferences too.
Food
Bandra is a lively place with a wide variety of restaurants offering different cuisines. Whether it is Indian, Chinese, Continental, or Italian, you can find all kinds of food here. From traditional restaurants to some unique spots, Bandra has it all. Let’s get into the details and look at the five best food places in Bandra.
Cafes
Bandra is known for its eclectic mix of cafés and restaurants boasting global cuisine from European, American and Asian recipes. Whether you’re looking for a cozy café to sit back and relax in, or an international restaurant for an extraordinary dining experience, Bandra has it all.
Start your day with a hot cup of coffee from the numerous cafes offering special blends from across the world. Some popular cafes in Bandra include The Nutcracker Cafe, The Pantry, Café Zoe and Jughead’s with all-day breakfast options for those who don’t enjoy early mornings. For lunch or dinner try Sassy Spoon or Pali Village Cafe if you want sophisticated yet simple interiors and delicious creations.
Not ready to settle down? Check out Siddhivinayak Big Binge Bar where you can grab a quick snack like samosas, pakoras and more while sipping on chai or coffee at any time of the day. Or you can opt for Kookie Jar if your stay requires some sweet satisfaction as they specialize in scrumptious desserts like macaroons, tarts and ganache cakes which will really hit the spot!
Overall, Bandra has something to offer everyone – whether it’s grabbing a quick cuppa or treating yourself to a delectable meal fit for royalty so go ahead and indulge yourself!
Restaurants
Bandra is known for its great food and dining options. From casual street-side snacks to multi-cuisine restaurants, Bandra has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for an international cuisine or a local favorite, here are some of the highly recommended restaurants from food lovers in the area:
1. Café Zoe – Located in the heart of Bandra West market, this upscale café offers modern European cuisine with an Indian twist and an eclectic mix of cocktails.
2. Mainland China – This Chinese restaurant serves up traditional dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and add variety to your mealtime experience.
3. The Doorstep Dabba – The “Dabba” stands for tiffin box, a popular Indian meal delivery system where meals are delivered directly to homes or offices during mealtimes. This restaurant serves up delicious home-style meals and snacks in the traditional tiffin format!
4. Elco Pani Puri Center – If you’re looking for classic street food from India, look no further than Elco Pani Puri Center! Fresh pani puri (also called gol gappa) and other classic snacks are served up piping hot every day of the week.
5. Barbq – Offering a wide array of international flavors, Barbq boasts various meats marinated in spices and grilled carefully over charcoal embers before being served with regional flatbreads or rice accompaniments such as biryani, pilafs, etc.
Street Food
Street food is ready-to-eat food or drink sold by a hawker, vendor, or street peddler in a public place, such as a market. Common features of street food include quick preparation and the use of readily available ingredients. Generally speaking, street food is prepared with simple techniques on an open fire or hot plate.
The ultimate origins of street food are lost in antiquity; however, it has been a part of human culture since ancient times. Historically, street vendors provided an easy way for people to obtain basic necessities when they could not access it through other means—such as in places with limited resources or diverse dietary restrictions. Street food also serves as a convenient way for busy people to eat meals with minimal effort and expense.
Common examples of street foods around the world include: tacos from Mexico; falafel from the Middle East; roti from India; dumplings from China; souvlaki from Greece; shawarma from Europe; fritters and plantains from Africa; tempura and yakitori in Japan; satay skewers and sate padang in Southeast Asia; burgers, hot dogs and pretzels in North America. Additionally, many cities across the globe have embraced traditional regional dishes as well as ethnic specialties that may be found being served up by roadside vendors – offering both tourists and locals alike an opportunity to expand their culinary horizons by sampling new flavors.
Nightlife
Bandra is a vibrant neighborhood full of attractions and activities, and one of the most popular things to do in the area is explore its nightlife. Whether it’s a stroll along the historic Bandstand Promenade or a wild night out at some of the best bars and clubs in Mumbai, there’s something for everyone here. We’ve compiled a list of the 5 best things to do in Bandra when it comes to nightlife, from laid-back lounges to chic rooftop bars. Read on to find out more.
Bars
Bars are an increasingly popular destination for nightlife that offer a variety of drinks and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for craft beer, vintage cocktails, late night dancing, or simply an atmosphere to unwind with friends and family, bars can provide it all.
When visiting a bar, you’re likely to find a wide selection of beers on tap or in bottles from all over the world along with several types of wine and spirits. Many bars also offer creative vegetarian and vegan food options along with classic bar snacks like wings, nachos, or pretzels.
For those who prefer music or dancing while they drink and eat, some bars feature live music spanning many genres like jazz, blues, funk and rock ‘n roll to DJs that spin the latest hits plus everything in between. Karaoke is also a common phenomenon at bars across the globe while fancier venues can include well-known performance artists into the mix making these venues must-sees for tourists wanting to experience the local nightlife scene.
No matter what atmosphere you’re looking for: relaxed social gatherings or wild dance floors just beware of establishments that may have stricter dress codes.
Pubs
Pubs, also known as bars in some parts of the world, are traditional British establishments that offer alcoholic and soft drinks, as well as bar food. Pubs can range from small neighborhood establishments to large breweries. Typically, they offer a relaxed atmosphere where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to socialize over drinks.
The traditional pub consists of a long, narrow room divided into two sections: the public bar and the saloon bar. In larger pubs, there may be additional bars with live music and entertainment facilities. Pubs often have jukeboxes, dart teams for tournaments, quiz nights or pool tables. Many pubs serve dinner on weeknights or provide lunch menus during the day making them great places for business meetings or family dinners.
The atmosphere in pubs varies widely depending on the location and the time of night you visit. During certain days or hours, you may find patrons playing cards or having sing-alongs at karaoke nights; other times it can be quite busy with people just out for a few drinks after work or college students catching up over burgers and beers, while still other times there may be live entertainment like bands playing folk music or traditional Irish tunes if you’re lucky!
Clubs
Nightclubs are social gathering venues that allow patrons to dance, drink, and socialize. Depending on the type of club, different kinds of music and services may be available. There is a wide variety of clubs available for all types of tastes.
The most common type of club is a dance club where patrons can enjoy upbeat music from DJs or live bands playing popular genres such as hip-hop, edm, dubstep, pop and rock. Dancing can range from formal ballroom dancing to wild rave-style activities depending on the venue and atmosphere. Some clubs also offer pool tables or gaming machines for entertainment purposes. Some even have special nights featuring themed events like costume parties or drag shows.
Clubs also often feature bars to serve alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, cocktails and specialty drinks. Various foods are typically served in nightclubs like snacks, appetizers and light meals with some offering full buffets or themes according to the night’s event or genre playing in the background.
Drinking forms a large part of many cultures all over the world especially when it comes to nightlife. In this regard there are distinct categories based on types of drinks served including beer bars (serving different types of bottled beers), sports bars (with various big screens showing various sports matches), wine bars (where patrons can sample wines from around the world) whiskey/rum bars (specializing in hard liquor) etc.. So whether you’re looking to relax over a glass of wine with friends or break it down on the dance floor–there’s something for everyone in today’s nightclub scene!
Sightseeing
Bandra is a beautiful neighborhood in Mumbai with plenty of sightseeing spots. Whether you are looking for heritage and culture, art, food, or shopping, Bandra has something to offer for everyone. From old churches to bustling markets, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best sightseeing spots in Bandra.
Bandstand
Bandra’s Bandstand is one of the most popular spots for couples, families and friends who want to take a break and enjoy the stunning views of Mumbai’s seaside. This picturesque promenade dates back to 1835 and has undergone extensive renovation since then. It is an open-air theatre which has a seating capacity of around 12,000 people and offers spectacular views of the Mumbai coastline from Worli Sea Face to Juhu.
At Bandstand, you can stroll along its pathways, observe the bands of exercise freaks that gather in the evenings for their workout sessions or take a walk around one of its colorful markets during weekends. You can even get your daily dose of culture by visiting the nearby Mahim fort or shop for souvenirs in some local stores. For refreshments, there are plenty of cafes on site that serve traditional Indian snacks like bhel puri as well as sandwiches and wraps if you’re looking for something lighter. There is even an ice cream parlor nearby to cool off when things get too hot.
If you’re up for some adventure, don’t miss out on exciting activities such as windsurfing, jet skiing and parasailing provided at Bandstand by several sailing clubs around town. This breathtaking sightseeing destination also offers several amazing photo ops which will surely make your trip memorable.
Mount Mary Church
Mount Mary Church has been serving the Catholic community and providing spiritual support for centuries. Situated on the heart of Bandra, Bombay’s most vibrant suburb, this beautiful structure overlooks the Arabian Sea and is a major pilgrimage destination.
The Church also hosts an annual fair that is celebrated from September 8th to September 18th every year during which millions of devotees from around the world visit here to seek blessings from our Mother Mary. Its architectural grace, resplendent interiors and serene atmosphere make it one of the best places for sightseeing in Mumbai.
Apart from its spiritual significance, it also has great historical importance as many historic artifacts like coins, pottery and symbols of ancient Hindu gods have been found in its vicinity. It was a major center of activity during Portuguese rule in this region and thus visitations are restricted at certain times due to archaeological research done here regularly.
Thus, Mount Mary Church is one such amazing Tourist attraction located in Bandra-Mumbai which never fails to enthrall one with its exuberant aura of spirituality and utmost religious reverence.
Bandra Fort
Located on the outskirts of Mumbai in the Western suburbs, Bandra Fort or Castella de Aguada is an iconic tourist spot in the city. Built in 1640 by the Portuguese, it was constructed as a watchtower to keep a lookout for incoming ships to protect their trading vessels. This fort is located near Land’s End on the tip of Bandra and offers a stunning vista of sunrise and sunset along with incredible panoramic view of Bandra-Worli Sea Link, twin towers of EROS and Shree Siddhivinayak Temple which makes it a perfect sightseeing spot.
It also houses one of India’s only remaining Wadiyas which is an underground water storage tank used to store potable water for troops stationed at forts. The fort has recently undergone restoration work, giving visitors an insight into old days by displaying old maps, armours and ammunitions from those times. So, if you enjoy history and want to watch some breathtaking views while you’re out sightseeing then make sure you visit Bandra Fort on your next trip!
Adventure
Bandra offers many exciting and unique adventure activities that can provide thrill seekers with the adrenaline they need. Whether it’s white-water rafting, zorbing, or paragliding, there are plenty of options that are sure to make your adventure vacation a memorable one. Let’s take a look at some of the best adventure activities that Bandra has to offer.
Juhu Beach
Juhu Beach is a popular tourist destination located in the western suburb of Mumbai. Known for its golden sand, long coastline and stunning views of the Arabian Sea, Juhu Beach attracts millions of visitors each year. Apart from the beach, visitors can also explore nearby fishing villages and enjoy the variety of street foods available here.
Water sports equipment such as surfing boards, paddle-boating and parasailing are available for hire at Juhu Beach, and you can take part in various activities like beach volleyball and cricket by renting nets on the beachfront. Other recreational activities include horse riding, swimming with dolphins in sheltered coves and visits to nearby theme parks such as Essel World.
With a wide array of attractions ranging from yoga classes to some great places to shop at nearby malls such as Atria Mall or Inorbit Mall, Juhu Beach offers something for everyone looking for an adventure-filled weekend away. Whether it’s a romantic stroll along the seashore or simply indulging in tasty treats while sunbathing under Mumbai’s warmth you’ll be sure to make some lasting memories visiting this charming beach.
Water Sports
Bandra offers some of the best water sports activities in all of Mumbai. If you’re looking for a splash of excitement, then head to the popular Arabian Sea coast in Bandra. From jet skiing, banana boat rides, kayaking to parasailing and more, the choices for water-based adventure are endless. With professional staff and quality equipment, be assured that you will be in good hands rocking the waves at Bandra’s beaches.
Jet skiing is one of the most popular and accessible forms of adrenaline pumping blast on water. Operating an individual/twin engine watercraft across Bandra’s choppy waters is truly a memorable experience and appeals to beginners as well as experienced riders alike.
Banana Boat Rides are an exciting way for families or friends to spend time on the sea together. The boat usually carries about 6 or 8 people along with rope attached between it and speedboat pulling it forward creating a roller coaster effect on the sea.
Kayaking is another adventure loved by people who have already acquired good strength endurance through other forms of sport activities like rock climbing or trekking – kayaking across Bandra’s choppy waters surely brings a whole new level of excitement! Kayaks can hold up to 3 people giving everyone an opportunity partake in this adventurous activity together.
Parasailing is another thrilling activity wherein you get to experience something close to skydiving while sitting securely attached with a parachute parachuting behind a speedboat gives an adrenaline rush like no other while taking in some amazing views from up above. Enjoy soaring above Bandra from anywhere from 30-200 feet even during sunset.
Kiteboarding also known as kite surfing gives real sense of being close and connected with nature – this high risk yet high reward activity requires physical strength, endurance and surfing skills all at once! While it sounds scary for first timers when done right this can be one very rewarding high-risk activity on water! Kiteboarders should proceed with caution at their own risk because once you understand all safety warnings this is definitely one of most thrilling experiences out there.
Cycling
Cycling is an excellent way to explore the outdoors in a healthy, enjoyable, and low-impact way. It’s perfect for adventurers of all ages and abilities — from experienced mountain bikers to laid-back leisure cyclists. Whether you’re planning on taking a leisurely spin around your neighborhood or embarking on a multi-day epic journey, it’s important to consider what type of bike best suits your needs.
Road bikes are typically lightweight and designed for speed and longer distances, making them a great choice if you plan on cycling long distances over paved roads or trails with hard surfaces like packed earth or compacted gravel. Their lightweight frames make them less suited for rough terrain or off-roading adventures.
Mountain bikes are great if your destination includes rougher terrain such as dirt trails, mud, streams, and single-track paths with roots and rocks. They have larger tires for added traction in difficult conditions with suspension built into the frame for comfort on rough tracks. If you plan on pedaling up steep hills and facing multiple obstacles along the way, then mountain bikes are essential tools to have ready at hand.
Hybrid bikes are a combination of road bike design with some mountain bike elements included to balance out both performance types. If you plan on riding half paved roads while still tackling slightly technical areas where more stability is needed, then these may be just the right vehicles for you!
These three types of bikes come in an almost endless array of sizes, styles, materials, and prices — so no matter what type of adventure awaits you can be prepared with exactly the right ride.
