The best walking tours in Mumbai

What is it: A walking tribute to the city’s most renowned poets, from the spaces they used to write at to the subjects of their poetry, founded by poet, writer and city archivist Saranya Subramanian

Best for: Anyone who believes a city is best understood through the people who wrote about it. The walks present a rare chance to see familiar neighbourhoods through a literary lens, where a street corner or a chai stall becomes the backdrop to a verse you'll never forget. They mostly focus on Bombay poets who wrote about the city from 1947 to 1999 across languages like Hindi, English, Urdu and Gujarati, but several of their walks span poets from across India, and activities range from walking around to attending talks to even honouring the poets through food! 

How to register: To keep up with upcoming events, dates, timings and locations, follow @thebombaypoetrycrawl on Instagram. 

What is it: Home to one of Asia's largest collections of Art Deco architecture, this tour guides you through the UNESCO World Heritage Site Art Deco cluster in Oval Maidan and Marine Drive

Best for: People who love cool architecture! It's the kind of walk that ruins you (in the best way) because you'll never be able to stroll down Marine Drive again without craning your neck at every curved balcony and geometric facade.

Art Deco Mumbai has dedicated themselves to the cause for years now, and no one does a guided walk better than them. You can arrange private or group tours on a day of your preference in a neighbourhood of your choice. Guides are also curated based on whether you’re a visitor or a resident of Mumbai! 

How to register: Check out their Instagram @artdecomumbai for latest updates and more information.

What is it: A variety of tour experiences by a company called Khaki Tours, who lead heritage walks through colonial Bombay. While walking tours are their speciality, they also conduct tours by car, in a sailboat, and in open-top jeeps

Best for: People looking to experience Mumbai in the easiest, most efficient way. Khaki Tours are by far the best in terms of heritage walks, and packages offer a variety of tours from classic tourist attractions like colonial neighbourhoods like Churchgate and Fort, to hidden Portuguese villages like Kotachiwad or Ranwar in Bandrai. 

The walks are highly customisable, from kids-only tours to literally curating a route of your choice. Whether you're a first-timer or a lifelong Mumbaikar, there's almost always a corner of the city you haven't seen yet that Khaki Tours has. 

Time Out tip: Check out the Bombay By Night Tour if you’re trying to avoid the sun and see the city come to life at night. 

How to register: Head to their website to see the full scope of what they offer. 

What is it: Operated by A Chef’s Tour, this is a voyage through Mumbai’s rich culinary history, with over 15 food-tasting stops that show you the full length and breadth of the exotic street food the city’s been cooking up for the last several decades

Best for: Foodies, of course, but foodies armed with a sense of curiosity, an openness to new cuisines, and a stomach that won’t fail them at the slightest provocation. The tour’s not just about eating, though – it’s equal parts delicious and educational, and is the sort of experience that completely reframes how you think about the city's culture and identity. Come with an empty stomach and no plans for the rest of the day. It’s a four-hour tour for eight guests, resulting in a guaranteed food coma. 

Time Out tip: This isn’t the friendliest place for the vegan and lactose intolerant community. 

How to register: For more information on how and where to register, check out their website. 

What are they: Ultra-niche walks for those curious about Mumbai’s fauna, and a surprising wake up call for those who thought the city didn’t have any!

Best for: Nature lovers, amateur ornithologists and birders, and anyone interested in delving into the quieter, greener spaces of the city. The Bombay Natural History Society offers really cool marine and botanical garden walks, where you can discover the vast biodiversity nestled within the city. Particularly fascinating is the teeming life found in Mumbai’s tide pools.

Alternatively, for people more interested in sea and beach life, Marine Life of Mumbai offers two-hour shore walks through the rocks of Juhu Beach, Carter Road and Haji Ali. It's like a gentle reminder that beneath all the concrete and noise, Mumbai has always had a wilder, quieter side. A welcome exhale. 

Time Out tip: If you’re tired of the concrete jungle, don’t fret! Mumbai actually has a ton of really cool outdoor places, including forests and parks where you can walk and jog in peace. 

What is it: A walking tour of Mumbai’s native bazaars, including the iconic Phool Galli, Jama Masjid area, Zaveri Bazaar, and more

Best for: Shopaholics, but also folks intrigued by the historic wares of the city, plus those looking to cop a bargain or find a particularly interesting and local souvenir. Bazaars are, after all, arguably the soul of any city, where artisans and local vendors thrive, and you can plunge right into the chaos, hitting famous spots like Crawford Market, Zaveri Bazaar (gold market) and Phool Galli (for all things floral). 

Having a guide cuts through the overwhelm and turns the noise into narrative. It's one of those experiences that makes you fall for Mumbai all over again, even if you've lived here your whole life. Mumbai Magic offers two-hour tours of some of the bazaars in the city at varying price points for varying group sizes, as well as a solo one-on-one guided tour. 

Website: Check out their website for more information on prices and group sizes, as well as tour timings.