Ever wish you knew the inside scoop before visiting a new destination? Now you can! We’ve reached out to our favorite locals and tour guides from all over the world for their insider tips. In the City Insider Q&A, they’ll let you in on the spots that should be on your must-see and do list!
Name: Anant Goenka
Email: Anant.goenka@expressindia.com
Short bio: Head – New Media, Indian Express and Foodie
Occupation: Media
Born in: Mumbai
Live in: Mumbai (and on Go Air’s flights to and from Delhi)
Twitter: @anantgoenka
Youtube: anantgoenka2
Favorite World Heritage Site: Mumbai International Airport
Best way to the airport: Taxi (cool cab in the summer)
Best way from the airport: Private taxis available at the airport
Best way to get to/from train station: Riskshaws and taxis
Best way to/from port: Taxi
Favorite 5 – star hotel: Trident, Nariman Point
Favorite budget hotel: Sea Green, Marine Drive
Favorite fine dining restaurant: Wasabi by Morimoto at the Taj Mahal Hotel
Favorite casual restaurant: Indigo Deli, Colaba and Sanchos, Bandra
Favorite cafe: Pali Village Cafe
Best museum: Prince of Wales
Most popular local food: Vada Pao
Local fruit: Mateera
Local drink: GangaJamuna — a mix of orange and fresh lime juice with salt..
Movies filmed there: Too many to count but who can forget Slumdog Millionaire
TV shows filmed there: Lots of reality and news shows have recorded the Mumbai dabbawallas..
Best souvenirs locals can buy: Mumbai t-shirts, old British clocks at Chor Bazaar, and very cheap high-fashion clothing at Fashion Street. Also: kola puri chappals from Colaba Causeway
Recommended reading for your city: Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found
10 places visitors must see:
- Chowpatty Beach
- Taj Hotel
- JJ Flyover
- Juhu Beach
- Film sets at Film City
- Dharavi
- VT Station (Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus) during lunch hours
- Dhobhi Ghat
- Race Course
- Bombay Stock Exchange
Best place to volunteer: Welfare of Stray Dogs or Salaam Bombay
Biggest tourist trap: Don’t forget to bargain at Colaba Causeway
Best smartphone apps: IndianExpress (excuse the plug) and Brown Paper Bag
Best websites: MumbaiBoss.com, IndianExpress.com
Best travel tip for your city: Come December – February, do NOT visit during the monsoons! :)