There is so much to do and see in this unique city. We have lovingly hand-picked the top 10 things to do in Mumbai for you. A mix of culture, nature, noise and crowds, quiet and peace. There is something for everyone and the whole family to enjoy. Without further ado, we present our list of the top 10 attractions in Mumbai.

1) The Gateway Of India

Without a shadow of a doubt one of the most iconic symbols of Mumbai. As with the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and the Wellington Arch in London these buildings are a must-see for any tourist or visitor. Learn all about this impressive structure by booking a private full day sightseeing tour and get to also visit Mumbai's Hanging Gardens and the Prince of Wales Museum. A full day's itinerary that will satisfy the most ardent of culture vultures!

2) Bollywood Comes Alive At Chapel Road

The residents of Chapel road are an artistic lot! Through the narrow and winding alleys of the old neighbourhoods you will find life-like images of Bollywood stars of old and new brightly painted on buildings and walls. Try to spot your favourite actors and actresses as you make your way through the colourful streets. A must for lovers of modern pop art and fans of Bollywood stars alike. Before you go, find out a little more about Chapel road. 

3) Sanjay Gandhi National Park

London has it's Hyde Park, New York it's Central Park, and impressive they both are, but Mumbai's city center national park is something else altogether! It is after all a sprawling national park right of some 87km squared right in the city. The park is a bustling forest, with diverse and endangered species of flora and fauna,  over 250 species of migratory, land and water birds as well as a large variety of butterflies, insects and fish. This place is as biodiverse as city parks come and a whole day can be spent exploring it's many treasures or you may very well take a private park tour to show you the highlights and hidden, secret spots of interest that you may otherwise miss.

4) The Elephanta Caves

A short one-hour boat ride from Mumbai will take you to the tantalisingly named Elephanta Island. Given UNESCO World Heritage Status back in the 80s, this fascinating day trip will have you amazed as you take in the many cave sculptures, dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, skillfully cut out of the rocks. Some of these sculptures dating back to as early as the 5th century making the Elephanta caves a cultural site of intrigue well worth visiting. Watch a detailed video of the caves here.

5) Pandavkada Falls

If you like water and looking for the chance to cool down there is no better place than the Pandavkada Falls, located in a suburb of Navi Mumbai. Off the traditional tourist track, this is truly one of Mumbai's hidden gems. A plunge waterfall over 100 metres high with a rocky pool beneath for dipping and cooling down. Want to see what you may be in for? See this video of the Pandavkada Falls in action for yourself.

6) Kondivite Caves

If you are an ancient history buff then a visit to the Kondivite Caves is an absolute must. A group of 19 rock-cut monuments built between 1st century BCE and 6th century CE and carved out of a solid black basalt rock, a fine-grained rock formed from the rapid cooling of lava. These caves were mostly used by Buddhist monks as monasteries and cells. Find out more about the caves here before you visit.

7) BDL Museum

The oldest museum in Mumbai and set within a magnificent building the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum at Byculla was established in 1872 and rejuvenated in 2003. Exhibits tell of the history of Mumbai through the ages depicting the life and struggles of its people. With native works of art and literature as well as artifacts and treasures on display, the BDL Museum is the ideal place to spend a few hours and learn more about the history of this great city. Go to the BDL Museum website to plan your trip.

8) Haji Ali Dargah

The Haji Ali Dargah is an exquisite example of 15ht century Indo-Islamic Architecture, built in memory of a wealthy Muslim merchant by the name of Sayyed Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a Sufi saint and wealthy merchant from Uzbekistan who gave up all his worldly possessions before making a pilgrimage to Mecca. The dargah now contains his tomb and stands in memory of this man and his legend. Book a guided tour to get the full history of this place and the people associated with it.  

9) Juhu Beach

Set in an upmarket neighbourhood of Mumbai, Juhu is famous for the pleasure destination of choice on a hot, sunny day, the Juhu Chowpatty Beach. With work carried out to modernise parts of the walkways and service building around the beach as well as an impressive stretch of new lighting posts which make the area more safe as night falls. Take your swim shorts, towel and beach ball and head on to the golden sands of Juhu beach.

10) Chor Bazaar

Time for a bit of shopping? But forget about glitzy, marble floored, air conditioned shopping malls that are two to a penny in almost every major city in the world today and are on the whole very sterile, homogenous buildings lacking soul and character. You have to take in the sounds and smells and sights that is Chor Bazaar. A plethora of weird and wonderful goods as well as the usual everyday essentials are to be found in the crumbling and dilapidated buildings that surround the market and give it it's unique, old-world charm. You may go there for the shopping but you are also just as likely to go there just for the experience!

How did you like our list of Top 10 things to do in Mumbai? Here's the deal though, with your help we want to expand this list to the Top 50. If you live in Mumbai or are familiar with it or indeed if you have visited as a tourist let us know about your favourite places and activities in Mumbai. Send us an email and we may very well add it to our growing list of days out in Mumbai.