Bandra is more than just a suburb of Mumbai. It is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood that offers a glimpse into the city’s rich and diverse culture. Whether you are looking for history, art, food, shopping, nightlife, or celebrity spotting, Bandra has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the 10 best places to visit in Bandra that will make you fall in love with this charming and lively area.
1. Bandra Fort: The Architectural Brilliance
Bandra Fort, also known as Castella de Aguada, is a 17th-century fort built by the Portuguese as a watchtower and defense against the Marathas. The fort is located at the southern end of Bandra, overlooking the Arabian Sea and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. The fort offers stunning views of the sunset, the sea, and the city skyline. You can also enjoy the breeze and the sound of the waves as you walk around the fort’s ruins and gardens. The fort is open from 6 am to 7:30 pm and entry is free. If you are interested in learning more about the fort’s history and architecture, you can join a guided tour organized by the Bandra Collective, a group of local architects and activists.
2. Bandstand and Carter Road Promenades: The Sunset Points
Bandra is famous for its promenades, which are long stretches of walkways along the seafront. The most popular ones are Bandstand and Carter Road, which are connected by a bridge. These promenades are ideal for taking a leisurely stroll, jogging, cycling, or sitting on the benches and enjoying the view.
You can also spot some of the most expensive and luxurious houses of Bollywood stars, such as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Rekha, along the Bandstand promenade. The promenades are also the best places to witness the spectacular sunset over the sea and the city. You can find many cafes, restaurants, and street food stalls along the promenades, where you can grab a bite or a drink and soak in the atmosphere.
3. Pali Hill: The Foodie’s Paradise
Pali Hill is one of the most posh and trendy areas of Bandra, where you can find some of the best and most diverse cuisines in the city. From Indian to Italian, from Chinese to Continental, from street food to fine dining, Pali Hill has it all. Y
ou can savor the authentic flavors of Parsi, Goan, Mangalorean, and Konkani dishes at restaurants like Cafe Zoe, Pali Village Cafe, Soul Fry, and Candies. You can also indulge in the fusion and experimental dishes at restaurants like Masala Bar, The Fatty Bao, Papa Pancho, and Salt Water Cafe. If you have a sweet tooth, you can treat yourself to the delicious desserts and pastries at Theobroma, Love and Cheesecake, The Boston Cupcakery, and Le 15 Patisserie. Pali Hill is also home to some of the most famous and iconic eateries of Mumbai, such as Elco Pani Puri Centre, Lucky Restaurant, Khyber, and Pali Bhavan.
4. Linking Road: The Shopping Hub
Linking Road is one of the most popular and crowded shopping streets in Mumbai, where you can find everything from clothes, shoes, accessories, bags, jewelry, to electronics, books, and home decor. You can bargain and haggle with the street vendors, who sell a variety of items at cheap prices.
You can also browse through the branded shops, malls, and boutiques, where you can find the latest and trendy fashion and lifestyle products. Linking Road is also a great place to experience the street culture and vibe of Mumbai, as you can see people from different walks of life, backgrounds, and communities shopping, eating, and enjoying themselves.
5. Ranwar Village: The Art Lover’s Delight
Ranwar Village is one of the oldest and most charming villages in Bandra, dating back to the 18th century. The village is known for its colorful and quirky street art, which covers the walls, doors, windows, and roofs of the houses. The street art is a result of a collaboration between the local residents and the artists, who wanted to preserve and celebrate the heritage and identity of the village.
You can see a variety of themes, styles, and messages in the street art, ranging from social issues, cultural icons, religious symbols, to abstract patterns, geometric shapes, and floral motifs. You can also visit the Bandra Art District, which is a curated space that showcases the works of emerging and established artists from India and abroad. The Bandra Art District hosts exhibitions, workshops, festivals, and events throughout the year, where you can interact with the artists and learn more about their art.
6. Mount Mary Church: The Spiritual Oasis
Mount Mary Church, also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, is a Roman Catholic church that stands on a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who is believed to have miraculous powers and grant the wishes of the devotees. The church is visited by thousands of people every day, who come to pray, light candles, and seek blessings.
The church is also famous for its annual feast, which is held in September and lasts for a week. The feast attracts millions of people from different faiths and backgrounds, who come to participate in the religious and cultural festivities. The feast includes a fair, where you can find stalls selling food, clothes, toys, and souvenirs. The church is open from 6 am to 10 pm and entry is free.
7. Bandra-Worli Sea Link: The Instagram-worthy
Bandra-Worli Sea Link, also known as the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, is a cable-stayed bridge that connects Bandra and Worli, two of the most important suburbs of Mumbai. The bridge is an engineering marvel and a symbol of the city’s modernity and progress. The bridge offers a panoramic view of the sea and the city, especially at night, when it is lit up with colorful lights.
You can also see the skyline of Mumbai, including the iconic buildings like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the Gateway of India, and the Antilia. The bridge is a popular spot for photography and selfies, as you can capture the stunning scenery and the contrast between the old and the new. The bridge is open 24/7 and the toll is Rs. 70 for a one-way trip.
8. Walk of the Stars: The Bollywood Fame
Walk of the Stars is a tribute to the legends and stars of Bollywood, the Hindi film industry that is based in Mumbai. The walk of the stars is located along the Bandstand promenade, where you can see the handprints, signatures, and statues of some of the most famous and influential actors, directors, singers, and composers of Bollywood. You can also see the posters and memorabilia of some of the classic and iconic movies of Bollywood.
The walk of the stars is a must-visit for any Bollywood fan, as you can relive the memories and moments of your favorite stars and films. The walk of the stars is open from 10 am to 10 pm and entry is free.
9. Trendy Bars and Pubs: The Party Zone
Bandra is the party capital of Mumbai, where you can find some of the most trendy and happening bars and pubs in the city. Whether you are looking for a casual drink, a lively dance, or a cozy date, Bandra has a place for every mood and occasion. You can enjoy the music, drinks, and ambiance of some of the best bars and pubs in Bandra, such as Monkey Bar, Toto’s Garage, Bonobo, The Daily, Irish House, and Doolally Taproom. You can also discover some of the hidden gems and speakeasies of Bandra, such as Please Don’t Tell, The Bar Stock Exchange, The Little Door, and The Den. Bandra’s nightlife is vibrant and diverse, as you can meet and mingle with people from different backgrounds, professions, and interests.
10. Street Art: The Urban Canvas
Bandra is not only a village of art, but also a canvas of art. You can find street art all over Bandra, on the walls, bridges, flyovers, and even the trains. The street art in Bandra is a reflection of the city’s culture, politics, and social issues. You can see the expressions and messages of the artists, who use their creativity and talent to beautify and transform the urban landscape. You can also join a street art tour, where you can learn more about the history and meaning of the street art in Bandra. Some of the street art tours are organized by Bombay Underground, St+art India, and Bandra Street Art Project.
Bandra is a place that will surprise and delight you with its charm and diversity. It is a place that will make you feel at home, whether you are a local or a visitor. It is a place that will inspire and entertain you with its art and culture. It is a place that will satisfy and indulge you with its food and shopping.
It is a place that will thrill and excite you with its nightlife and celebrities. Bandra is a place that you will never forget and always
