Mumbai is India’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan city. As the country’s financial hub, Mumbai offers visitors an invigorating blend of history, culture, cuisine, arts, and entertainment.
From iconic landmarks to serene beaches, Mumbai caters to all sorts of travelers. This complete Mumbai travel guide covers the top attractions, activities, sights, and experiences that make a visit to Mumbai truly unforgettable.
What to Do in Mumbai, India – Key Takeaways
| Category | Attractions/Information |
|---|---|
| Iconic Mumbai Landmarks | Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Elephanta Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus |
| Fascinating Mumbai Museums | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum, Jehangir Art Gallery, Dhanraj Mahal |
| Vibrant Neighborhoods | Colaba Causeway, Chor Bazaar, Kala Ghoda Arts Precinct |
| Amazing Religious Sites | Siddhivinayak Temple, Haji Ali Dargah, Mahalaxmi Temple, Banganga Tank |
| Best Beaches | Juhu Beach, Aksa Beach, Gorai Beach, Versova Beach |
| Activities and Attractions | Dharavi Slum Tour, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Sailing from Gateway of India, Bollywood Studio Tour |
| Eclectic Food Experiences | Mumbai Street Food Tour, Parsi Cafes, Indian Fusion Restaurants |
| Shopping | Colaba Causeway, Chor Bazaar, Crawford Market |
| Nightlife | Marine Drive, Bars and Pubs, Live Music |
| Getting Around | Public transportation network of trains, buses, taxis and rickshaws |
Introduction
Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is India’s most populous city and the center of the world’s largest film industry, Bollywood.
Situated on the west coast of India, Mumbai is built on a peninsular landmass jutting into the Arabian Sea. The natural harbors provided by this geography led to Mumbai emerging as a major port city and trading center during British colonial rule.
Today, Mumbai is India’s financial capital and the nerve center of business and commerce. Some iconic attractions that Mumbai is renowned for include:
- Gateway of India – An arch monument built in the 20th century overlooking the Arabian Sea
- Marine Drive – A scenic 3-mile boulevard with Art Deco buildings known as the “Queen’s Necklace”
- Elephanta Caves – Ancient rock-cut cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, accessible by ferry
- Dharavi Slum – One of Asia’s largest slums and a fascinating maze-like place to explore Mumbai’s contrasts
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park – A protected tropical forest area right within Mumbai city limits
- Siddhivinayak Temple – A revered and frequented Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha
From bustling bazaars to serene seasides, this Mumbai travel guide takes you through the must-see attractions and top things to do during your visit.
Iconic Mumbai Landmarks
Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is a striking 26m arch monument facing the Arabian Sea. Built in 1924 to welcome King George V and Queen Mary, it is a renowned Mumbai landmark. Local ferries depart from the Gateway of India, taking visitors to the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves on Elephanta Island. It’s also a popular spot to enjoy the seaside promenade and buy snacks from hawkers.
Marine Drive
Marine Drive is a curving 3-mile long boulevard that hugs Mumbai’s western shoreline. Its glittering streetlights at night have earned it the nickname “Queen’s Necklace.” Spend an evening strolling or sitting on the seaside promenade watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea.
Elephanta Caves
Accessed by ferry from the Gateway of India, the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves contain remarkable 7th-8th century Hindu cave temples with intricate sculptures of deities, including a towering 6m-high statue of Lord Shiva.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
This UNESCO World Heritage railway station, opened in 1887, is a remarkable example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India. Its elaborate domes, turrets, arches and adornments make it as much a historic architectural landmark as a functioning commuter rail hub.
Fascinating Mumbai Museums
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, this vast museum has impressive collections of ancient Indian art, artifacts, and archeological relics including Hindu and Buddhist sculpture, terracotta figurines, miniature paintings, and more.
Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya
Discover the life of Mahatma Gandhi through photographs, letters, and memorabilia at this museum located in the house where Gandhi once lived and led India’s freedom movement.
Jehangir Art Gallery
Since its opening in 1952, the Jehangir Art Gallery has been an important showcase for contemporary Indian art. Changing exhibitions regularly highlight up and coming local artists.
Dhanraj Mahal
Within the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, the Dhanraj Mahal art gallery houses a premier collection of Indian miniature paintings from the Mughal era and various regional schools.
Exploring Mumbai’s Vibrant Neighborhoods
Colaba Causeway
Colaba Causeway is a bustling market street lined with shops selling jewelry, clothes, crafts, and street food stalls. It’s a hub of activity and the gateway to South Mumbai’s colonial architecture and attractions.
Chor Bazaar
Search for antiques and bargain for vintage Bollywood posters, furniture, and oddities at Chor Bazaar, a lively flea market area operating since the 19th century. It’s a fascinating place for exploratory wanderings.
Kala Ghoda Arts Precinct
This vibrant arts district contains art galleries, cafes, design boutiques, and Mumbai’s premier museums all clustered together. It hosts a two-week long art festival each February.
Amazing Mumbai Religious Sites
Siddhivinayak Temple
Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Mumbai’s most beloved deity, the Siddhivinayak Temple is visited by over 25,000 devotees daily. Observe intricate temple carvings and the main shrine’s imposing silver-domed sanctum.
Haji Ali Dargah
This striking Islamic shrine and mosque juts out into the Arabian Sea and can only be accessed by a causeway at low tide. It attracts faithful pilgrims who come to pray at the tomb of the Muslim saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari.
Mahalaxmi Temple
This temple is dedicated to goddess Mahalaxmi, the Hindu deity representing wealth and good fortune. It’s located by the shores of the Arabian Sea and attracts massive crowds during the Navratri festival celebrating the victory of good over evil.
Banganga Tank
Concealed amidst residential blocks in South Mumbai, the Banganga Tank is an ancient water tank with special significance in Hinduism. Stairs lead down to the tank, which has a central shrine. It’s set amidst temples, pilgrim accommodation and bathing ghats.
Mumbai’s Best Beaches
Juhu Beach
This lively beach is a favorite getaway for locals who come here on weekends to swim, play cricket, and snack on tasty bites from the beachside food stalls. Stay until sunset to join in the festive atmosphere.
Aksa Beach
Located on the far northern outskirts of Mumbai, Aksa Beach is popular for its clean sands, water sports, and serene views. It has a pristine, peaceful ambiance.
Gorai Beach
Lined with lush mangroves, Gorai Beach offers a quieter, less crowded seaside experience than Mumbai’s more famous beaches. Essel World amusement park is also located near Gorai Beach.
Versova Beach
Watch local fishermen haul in their daily catch as the sun rises over Versova Beach in the quiet fishing village of Versova. It’s a nice spot for an early morning walk when Mumbai is still sleepy.
Mumbai Activities and Attractions
Dharavi Slum Tour
A tour through the massive Dharavi slums provides eye-opening insight into how over 1 million people live and work in this incredibly industrious and entrepreneurial neighborhood. Multistory homes and thriving small-scale industries exist side-by-side within Dharavi’s dense spaces.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Escape Mumbai’s concrete jungle at Sanjay Gandhi National Park – a surprising 103 sq km protected tropical forest right within city limits! Spot deer, birds, and butterflies on nature trails. Lion and tiger safaris are also offered.
Sailing near Gateway of India
Set sail into the Arabian Sea near the Gateway of India for postcard-perfect views of Mumbai’s skyline and coastline. You’ll get a serene perspective of the iconic Gateway monument from the water.
Bollywood Studio Tour
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the illustrious Hindi film industry on a Bollywood studio tour. See shooting locations, sets, editing rooms, and learn insider tidbits about the world’s most prolific film city from expert guides.
Experience Mumbai’s Eclectic Food
Mumbai Street Food Tour
Dig into Mumbai’s flavorful street food like pani puri, bhel puri, pav bhaji, vada pav, and kande pohe on an expert-led street food walking tour of the city’s best mobile food stalls and hole-in-the-wall eateries.
Parsi Cafes
Visit one of Mumbai’s old-school Irani cafes for a taste of the city’s colonial past. Savor Parsi comfort foods like mawa cakes, berry pulao, and Irani chai while soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere. Popular vintage cafes include Britannia, Kyani & Co., and Yazdani Bakery.
Modern Indian Fusion Cuisine
Mumbai’s contemporary dining scene includes world-class restaurants serving innovative Indian fusion cuisine that puts creative spins on traditional dishes and ingredients. Top picks include Bombay Canteen, Bastian, and The Table.
Shopping in Mumbai
Colaba Causeway
Find endless options for street shopping at bazaars and stalls selling clothes, jewelry, shoes, and handicrafts around Colaba Causeway near the Gateway of India. Hone your haggling skills for deals on souvenirs and accessories.
Chor Bazaar
Unearth antique treasures, vintage Bollywood posters, furniture, clocks, and all kinds of odds and ends at Chor Bazaar’s fascinating flea market. The 350-year-old bazaar operates daily except Fridays.
Crawford Market
Dating back to the British Raj era, Crawford Market is a bustling wholesale market where you can buy fresh produce, spices, dry fruits, jewelry, pets, and more at bargained prices. It’s a sensory overload!
Mumbai Nightlife
Marine Drive
One of the most popular things to do in Mumbai at night is stroll along Marine Drive. Its arc of glittering Art Deco buildings has earned it the nickname “Queen’s Necklace.” The carnival-like atmosphere, seaside stalls, and cool breeze draw locals and visitors alike.
Mumbai Bars and Pubs
Mumbai is home to some of India’s coolest nightlife. Hip bars and pubs like Aer, The Boston Butt, The Quarter, Woodside Inn, and AntiSocial provide lively settings to experience Mumbai’s after-dark energy over craft beers and innovative cocktails.
Live Music Performances
Catch live music shows at venues like antiSOCIAL Khar, Fandom at Gilly’s Redefined, The Habitat, and BlueFrog. You may get to discover the next Indian indie music star before they hit international acclaim.
Practical Tips for Visiting Mumbai
Getting Around
Mumbai has an efficient public transportation network making it easy to get around. The metro, local trains, buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws connect you to all corners of the sprawling city.
Where to Stay
Mumbai has accommodation options ranging from backpacker dorms to 5-star hotels. The hip suburb Bandra is a trendy area with boutique hotels. For seaside stays, consider Colaba, Juhu or Marine Drive.
When to Visit
Winter months from November to February are ideal with relatively cool, dry weather. Monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rain. October-November is busy with festivals like Navratri and Diwali.
Day Trips from Mumbai
Lonavala
Escape to the green Sahyadri hills at this peaceful hill station known for its Buddhist caves and scenic trekking trails. It’s about 2.5 hours from Mumbai.
Matheran
Matheran is a car-free hill station surrounded by forested cliffs and lookout points. Ride the narrow-gauge train up to this laidback getaway offering respite from Mumbai’s hustle.
Alibag
Alibag’s beaches and historic seaside forts like Murud-Janjira and Korlai make it a favorite beach retreat for Mumbai residents. It’s accessible via ferry or a 3-hour drive.
Nashik
Nashik is nestled along the sacred Godavari River and surrounded by vineyards. Sample wines or relax at scenic temples like Potla Devi Mandir. It is located about 4 hours from Mumbai.
Conclusion
The welcoming spirit of Mumbaikars, the city’s resilient residents, leaves a lasting impression. A visit to Mumbai provides the quintessential Indian experience, making it a must-visit destination.
