The Ultimate Guide to Mumbai’s Nightlife

Synonymous with Bollywood and home to India’s rich and famous, Mumbai may be known domestically as the ‘City of Dreams’. However, having undergone a nightlife revolution in the last decade, there are now fewer reasons to head to bed early here than ever before.

Musty pubs have given way to fine-dining hotspots and chic cocktail lounges, while hip neighborhoods boast packed nightclubs for party lovers. Moreover, experiential tour groups have emerged to engage the intellectuals after hours.

At the end of another fast-paced Mumbai day, here’s a list of things to do to make the most of a night out in the City of Dreams.

Fine-dine in South Mumbai

While Mumbai is famous for delicious street food, the city’s fine dining scene has transformed recently. Both domestic and international restaurateurs are bringing innovations and diverse cuisines to enhance the culinary landscape.

To appreciate this change, head to the iconic Taj Mahal Palace and enjoy scrumptious Japanese cuisine at Wasabi by Morimoto, while savouring views of South Mumbai’s skyline fading into the Arabian Sea. Alternatively, sip complex cocktails at the 8th-floor Dome in Intercontinental, all complemented by a sea breeze.

Moving north to Bandra and Lower Parel, you’ll find numerous upscale dining options in transformed industrial mills. Try Parsi cuisine at SodaBottleOpenerwala in High Street Phoenix mall or enjoy sushi at KOKO in Kamala Mills Compound. In Khar, Olive Bar & Kitchen remains a stalwart of Mumbai nightlife, providing a chic atmosphere for social gatherings.

Hit the Dance Floor in a Mumbai Club

If you’re eager to unwind after a day of exploring, Mumbai offers numerous cool places to dance the night away.

For a lively atmosphere with heavy beats, visit LIV, a compact club in Kala Ghoda catering to trance and techno enthusiasts. Kitty Su at the Lalit Mumbai hotel is the go-to for house, hip hop, and R&B, with guest DJs keeping the dance floor packed until the early hours on weekends. For a different vibe, head to Bonobo in Bandra, where you might even spot a Bollywood celebrity sipping cocktails.

Haggle for a Late-Night Bargain

Mumbaikars are known for their exceptional bargaining skills. As the sun sets, the city markets come alive, offering food, fashion items, and vintage treasures.

If shopping post-sunset is on your agenda, head to Colaba Market near the Gateway of India to find embroidered tops, shirts, and purses. Alternatively, delve into streetwise fashion at Fashion Street in VT or Linking Road in Bandra.

Indulge in Mumbai’s Art Scene

Mumbai thrives as India’s creative hub. Spend an evening at the Royal Opera House enjoying classical concerts or experience cutting-edge plays at Prithvi Theatre. For dance enthusiasts, the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) hosts regular dance festivals.

For a more laid-back experience, check out Canvas Laugh in Lower Parel for stand-up comedy or explore the mural-covered lanes of Bandra, where artistic events are always happening.

Stargaze After Dark

Surprisingly, stargazing can be an enchanting experience in Mumbai. The sea creates a light-pollution-free zone, making stars visible on clear nights.

Consider booking a session with Stargazing Mumbai for a cosmic tour led by amateur astronomers. Overnight workshops also take place in Mahuli, a serene area not far from central Mumbai.