When people think of Mumbai, the usual suspects pop up: the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Juhu Beach. But if you’ve already done the tourist checklist — or if you just want to see Mumbai like a true insider — the city hides a treasure trove of quirky, cultural, and one-of-a-kind experiences.
From comics to cafés to forgotten villages, here are Mumbai’s must-visit hidden gems you probably didn’t know about.
1. The Comic Book Store (Bandra West)
If there’s one place you cannot skip, it’s The Comic Book Store — India’s first and only dedicated comic book store, sitting proudly on Linking Road, Bandra West.
This isn’t just a shop. It’s an experience.
With a 20 ft frontage, a bright yellow signboard you can’t miss (rumor has it you can spot it from space 👀), and doors open 365 days a year from 11 AM to 11 PM, it has fast become a cultural landmark.
Inside, you’ll find everything from Marvel and DC classics to rare indie comics and manga, collectibles, and pop-culture merch. Whether you’re a hardcore fan, a first-timer, or someone who just wants a quirky selfie spot, there’s something here for everyone.
And it’s not just fans who love it — celebs like Hrithik Roshan, Gauri Khan, Jackie Shroff, Ishaan Khatter, A.R. Rahman, and many more have dropped by.
✨ Why visit? Because this is the place where fandom, design, and culture collide. The store has been personally designed by founder Hamza Sayed, and honestly, it needs to be seen to be believed.
2. Chor Bazaar (Byculla)
Known as one of the largest flea markets in India, Chor Bazaar is where you’ll stumble upon antiques, Bollywood posters, gramophones, vintage cameras, and oddities you didn’t even know existed.
✨ Why visit? It’s chaotic, it’s messy, it’s magical — and you’ll always leave with a story (and maybe a bargain treasure).
3. Doolally Taproom (Bandra)
Mumbai’s OG craft beer brewery, Doolally, has become a cult hangout spot. From trivia nights to board games and their legendary waffles, this is as “Bandra” as it gets.
✨ Why visit? Perfect to chill after a day of exploring Linking Road (yes, right after you visit The Comic Book Store).
4. Bhau Daji Lad Museum (Byculla)
Mumbai’s oldest museum is also one of its most underrated. The Bhau Daji Lad Museum is a beautifully restored 19th-century building that showcases Mumbai’s cultural history alongside contemporary art.
✨ Why visit? For the architecture alone — think Victorian arches, pastel shades, and Instagram-worthy corners everywhere.
5. Kala Ghoda Café (Fort)
Tucked into Mumbai’s iconic art district, Kala Ghoda Café is known for its organic food, minimal interiors, and artsy crowd. Pair your cappuccino with a stroll around the heritage lanes dotted with galleries, boutiques, and street murals.
✨ Why visit? A perfect blend of food, art, and history — ideal for a slow afternoon in South Mumbai.
Final Word
Mumbai is a city that never stops surprising you. Whether it’s diving into comic culture at The Comic Book Store, bargaining at Chor Bazaar, sipping craft beer in Bandra, or grabbing an organic bite at Kala Ghoda Café, there’s always something new to discover.
So next time you’re in Mumbai, skip the clichés — and dive into the city’s hidden gems. Who knows, you might just find your new favourite hangout.