Mumbai’s top 7 spots to dance, drink, and party

Mumbaikars don’t seem to dance. Is it because there are so few dance floors in the city? Or is it the other way around? While you ponder this funky chicken-and-egg dilemma, here’s your guide to the A-list clubs in Mumbai for the party season – and what makes them stand out.

1. Tryst: Where your name might just make it onto the menu

Co-owner Rajiv Tandon says, 'It’s a perfect way to impress your date.' He’s getting Tryst ready for the upcoming season with powerful air conditioning, an expanded hip-hop playlist, a fresh new dance floor, and—if you can believe it—way more lights.

2. China House Lounge: For spontaneous Wi-Fi hookups

China House offers a variety of experiences. You might be denied entry at the door for not dressing right or being a group of stags, but if you get in, you’ll be treated to pricey yet delicious cocktails like the Bonnie Beb, made with Dewar’s, apricot brandy, apple juice, and Assam tea. The fun continues with dancing at this Grand Hyatt club, where new DJs perform every Friday and the party goes until 3 a.m. Special shoutout to bartender Oster Fernandes, who takes impromptu cocktail requests, even when the bar is packed to the brim.

3. Trilogy: For a chance to spot the beautiful and the bold

At Trilogy, expect to find sexy red couches and aspiring models. Located above the famous Henry Tham in Colaba, it features a wooden bar on the first level and a striking red staircase leading to a massive dance floor—one of the rare finds in Mumbai. Plus, there's a dedicated smoking room, making it a standout spot.

Outside, bartenders in fedoras groove to popular club beats (think David Guetta) while serving up refreshing watermelon-basil martinis to a crowd that mixes teenyboppers with professionals looking for a heavy dance night. Must-try snacks include sushi and crispy batter-fried chicken.

4. Blue Frog: For appreciating the music

Every Mumbai musician will tell you: Blue Frog changed the live music scene in this city. With its iconic egg-shaped booths, cutting-edge acoustics, high-tech LED screens, tasty burgers and steaks, pricey drinks, and unapologetic attitude, it’s a place like no other.

Founded by a diverse mix of musicians, ad execs, and filmmakers, Blue Frog is a concert venue, recording studio, dance floor, restaurant, and bar all in one. It's hosted top acts like sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar, African pop icon Angelique Kidjo, British saxophonist Soweto Kinch, and the popular indie duo Shaa’ir + Func. With plans for a New Delhi location, the music is set to spread beyond Mumbai.

5. Matahaari: For a Bollywood-inspired night out

Once known as Hype, India’s 'first luxury nightclub,' Matahaari carries forward the legacy with an exclusive crowd. Styled like a secret agent’s lair, it boasts a VVIP room hidden behind a bookshelf, with a private bar, smoking area, and loungers. Despite being located in a mall, Matahaari has become a hit with the A-listers who flocked to its predecessor.

6. Aer: For a taste of the sky-high club life

Recently renovated and polished for its post-monsoon reopening, this rooftop bar and club at the Four Seasons Hotel rises 34 floors above Mumbai's bustling midtown, offering unbeatable views of the Haji Ali mosque, Mahalaxmi racecourse, and the Bandra-Worli Sealink. It's where expats unwind after a busy week, and fashionistas flaunt their finest outfits, dancing to the beats spun by the popular DJ Shaan.

We recommend trying a Lady Boy cocktail (white rum, coconut syrup, kaffir lime) or a Falling Indian (white rum, rose syrup, sambuca) paired with a thin-crust pizza. While weekend nights take on the energy of a Mumbai club scene, Aer offers a sweet deal for early birds with happy hours from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day (yes, including Sundays), when all cocktails are half price, and you can enjoy stunning sunset views over the city.

7. Tote on the Turf: A drink in a historic Mumbai landmark

Designed by renowned Indian architect Kapi Gupta, Tote on the Turf offers stunning views of the Mahalaxmi Race Course and surrounding greenery. This 'urban playground' is the perfect spot for chic Mumbai locals to gather. The sleek bar complements the expertly crafted cocktails and curated music. Hosting an event? Tote on the Turf also caters to banquets and private parties, providing everything you need for a memorable experience.