The beautiful city of Mumbai is the epitome of rich culture with a touch of modernization that excels in every activity it offers making it a very desirable tourist spot. Whether you are a student looking for a weekend getaway a budget traveler or simply a wanderer like me who loves exploring places Mumbai has so much to offer to everyone. Now let’s get this straight. You do not need to spend a single dollar or rupee to enjoy the beautiful offerings of Mumbai. From coastal strolls to cultural hotspots the city has to offer a wide range of activities for you to take part in completely free of charge. Now let’s talk about some of the best experiences I believe can be had in Mumbai without spending anything at all. 1.Catch the Sunrise at Marine Drive Begin your day on a fresh note with a healthy dose of activities at Marine Drive which is the very famous 3.6 km promenade of Mumbai. In case you are not able to witness the mesmerizing sunrise on the Arabian sea the golden hue that engulfs the entire area will still leave you speechless. You can sit at the beach and enjoy the soft warm breeze and make the most out of the environment. Along with all this the Art Deco structures on the broadway combined with the bay offer a very calm and scenic view that is perfect to escape the city for a while. Visit the place: Marine Drive South Mumbai Best Visit Time: Early Morning (5:30 AM – 7:00 AM) to catch the sunrise or for an evening stroll after sunset. Did you know: Marine Drive is also referred to as the queen’s necklace due to the way the street lights sparkle and twinkle during the night. 2.Wander Through the Historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) As much a work of art as it is a railway station CST is harnessed in beauty stemming back to Britain’s Victorian era and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in 1887 this iconic structure is a testimony to Mumbai’s colonial history and current urban lifestyle. It is surely one of the beautiful and oldest railway assets in the entire world and is engraved with stunning carvings stained glass sculptures and grand arches. The best part is you don’t even need a ticket to marvel at its beauty just grab your camera! Location: Fort Mumbai Best Time to Visit:Late morning or early evening to avoid the rush hours Did You Know? CST was previously called the Victoria Terminus and was notably featured in Slumdog Millionaire which won the Oscar award for best picture. 3.Stroll Around the Gateway of India Like other parts of Mumbai the Gateway of India features a rich and deep culture stemming from the Arabian sea. The gateway proudly stands built on the edges of the Arabian sea making it a popular tourist attraction. Like most of the buildings of Mumbai the gateway also has a rich historical culture stemming from important events like the ending of World War II in 1947. Even today it features many street performers bobbing ferry boats and food stalls making it a hotspot for tourists. Location: Apollo Bunder Colaba Best Time to Visit:Early morning before the crowd or late evening for a beautiful view. Interesting Fact: Last British troops to leave the nation did pass through this arch upon India’s independence. 4.Get Lost in the Colors of Crawford Market A persistent buzz of activity marks Mumbai’s vibrant Crawford Market. This huge market from the 19th century has everything from fresh fruits flowers and even exotic pets! You can easily spend hours just walking through the stalls without having to purchase anything. Each lane offers an attraction of its own from vendors working to the tempting aroma of fresh spices. Location: Near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Best Time to Visit: Morning (before noon) for a lively experience Trivia: In 1882 Crawford Market became the first building in India to receive electric lighting. 5.Explore the Street Art of Bandra Bandra which is a suburb in Mumbai happens to be a hub for young people because of its vibrant lifestyle and stunning street art. While sculpting and painting the artists incorporate everything from abstract to Bollywood idols. The stunning murals added to this ‘photographer’s paradise’ ensures that Mumbai’s historic stories are showcased through colorful art. Location: Bandra West near Hill Road Best Time to Visit: Daytime for clear views Fact Check:Many of the murals are painted by both local and foreign artists as part of Mumbai’s urban art movement. 6.Hike to the Kanheri Caves Tracing back to the first century B.C the Kanheri Caves which acted as meditation halls for monks are carved of Basalt rock places of worship for Buddhists. Make sure to lace up your hiking boots when you plan your visit as i’m well aware that the caves provide free enty for trekkers who make their way to the caves on foot. While there is an entry fee for the main park the park itself is easy to explore on foot. Location: Borivali East inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park Best Time to Visit: Early morning or winter months to avoid the heat Did You Know?Some caves contain paintings and carvings from ancient times in sophisticated scripts. 7.Relax at Juhu Beach You haven’t fully explored Mumbai until you’ve seen Juhu Beach in all its glory. If you’re willing to shell out a few bucks you’ll be greeted with a coastline packed with families friends kids flying kites and locals who are mesmerized by the waves. Notably the beach and surrounding areas are popular among local celebs and tourists. Location: Juhu Western Suburbs Best Time to Visit: Sunset for a mesmerizing view Fact Check: Alongside many local tourists Bollywood actors such as Amitabh Bachchan are known to live near the beach 8.Visit the Free Art Galleries Art lovers rejoice. Who said you need to spend money in order to appreciate art? The National Gallery of Modern Art offers free admission on selected days while the Jehangir Art Gallery hosts exhibitions by new and established artists at Kala Ghoda. Location: Kala Ghoda Fort Best Time to Visit: Weekdays to avoid weekend rush Trivia: The Jehangir Art Gallery was founded in 1952 and remains one of India’s most prestigious art spaces. Final Thoughts In conclusion whether you’re strolling around bucolic markets admiring the sea or indulging in splendid colonial buildings Mumbai is abundant in free tourist attractions that limber your wallet while providing a multitude of experiences. Exploring Mumbai without having to spend a rupee is a bracing experience that provides great rewards. The city’s energy culture and heritage can be enjoyed through so many avenues other than expensive tours and attractions.