Are you planning a trip to India and wondering about braving the deduced chaos of things to do in Mumbai? It is not only India’s largest city but also a city of enormous contrasts.
Mumbai, known as Bombay until 1996, is one of the world’s largest cities by population.
It is known for its film industry, being home to Bollywood and with a beach skyline of towering skyscrapers. But more than sixty percent of the Mumbai population lives in slums.
Albeit for travellers, the unlikely contrast and those numbers can seem justly overwhelming. But arriving to the colourful chaos of India’s former capital city that has been welcoming tourists for decades is well worth the braving!
Here are our top things to do in Mumbai on your first visit.
- About Mumbai
- What is it like?
- Best time to visit
- Things to do in Mumbai
Colaba Causeway
Gateway of India
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Marine Drive
Haji Ali Dargah
Crawford Market - Getting there
- Getting around in Mumbai
- Where to eat
- Where to stay
About Mumbai
Mumbai is often dubbed ‘The City of Dreams’ as the place in India where Bollywood films are made.
The city was known as Bombay until 1996 and is one of the world’s largest cities by population. It is India’s largest city and there are plenty of things to do here.
Since the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, Mumbai has been the principal gateway to the Indian Subcontinent. Thus, the reality is that the city is enormous in proportions, contrast and population.
But although Mumbai presents challenges, it is not the arduous experience some travellers portray it to be.
What is it like visiting Mumbai for the first time?
I’ve got to be honest that I was dubious planning our first time in Mumbai.
We’ve travelled a lot all over Asia and we had been to India before. But regardless of travel experience you do hear a lot from well-meaning or claimed more experienced travellers about the overcrowded slums and sham scams you are assured will happen to you.
In practice though?
We had a fabulous time in Mumbai. The city has a kind of energy that is unmatched even elsewhere in India.
Albeit it does have slum districts, and it is overcrowded and dirty. But it is a loveable and underrated kind of energy to the chaos.
There are stunning historical monuments and architecture that is pivotal in the nation’s history. There are deliciously overflowing street food markets and bustling bazars that leave you no time to think. The hustle and haste of this megacity is infectious in spirit.
There are a lot of things to do in Mumbai that are technically just a wander in one of the famous districts or streets. Which in itself kind of sums up the adventure and cosmopolitan metropolis of Mumbai!
I rate it is a great destination in India.
How long do you need to see all the things to do in Mumbai?
To be honest, you could easily spend days (and weeks) exploring the city. It is India’s largest city and the largest megacity in South Asia!
But the realities for most travellers (us included) means you likely will have 1 or 2 days in Mumbai to see the city.
With one day in Mumbai, you can see some of the highlights and most famous sites in Colaba, Mumbai. With two days in Mumbai, you can comfortably see all the highlights and enjoy some of Mumbai’s best food too.
If you have more time in Mumbai, you can plan for a day trip out of the city to see Elephanta Caves a little further afield.
What is the best time of year to visit Mumbai?
The best time to visit Mumbai is during the winter months from November to February.
In winter, the temperature ranges from around 10°C (50°F) to 25°C (77°F), providing a comfortable and enjoyable climate for sightseeing.
In the summer it can get seriously hot during the daytime.
The Mumbai and Maharashtra region experiences heavy rain at times during the monsoon season in July and August. Take extra precaution traveling during this time as it is also the notorious mosquito season in India.
- Read about getting Dengue Fever in India and ending up in hospital in Delhi.
12 Things to do in Mumbai
In no particular order, here are 12 things to do in Mumbai that we recommend for your first visit.
1. Colaba Causeway
Colaba is the area of the city located on the very tip of the tiny peninsula that makes up Mumbai. It is a diverse and dynamic area of the city, filled with bustling markets, colourful art galleries, restaurants and historic monuments and often described as the heart of Mumbai.
For travellers Colaba is a great starting point with many of the best things to do in Mumbai located in the Colaba district.
A first walk along Colaba Causeway feels like a gateway to Indian life in Mumbai.
2. Gateway of India
The imposing Gateway of India is one of Indias most famous landmarks and the most iconic of things to do in Mumbai. The Gateway of India was built is 1924 to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary, who were the first British monarchs to visit India in 1911.
Later, the gateway monument was used as a symbolic ceremonial entrance for the Viceroys and the new Governors of Bombay.
Today it is Mumbai’s most popular tourist attraction, and it does get busy (BUSY). You will likely be swarmed for selfie-requests as a foreigner.
But as the most iconic of things to do in Mumbai it is a must for your Mumbai itinerary.
- Open: 24 hours
- Cost: Free
- Location: Apollo Bandar, Colaba
3. Mumbai Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
The Taj Mahal Palace is a heritage, five-star, luxury hotel in the Colaba area of Mumbai.
The hotel was built in 1903 and opened as the first of India’s true luxury hotels with a blend of Islamic and Renaissance style of architecture.
Albeit the prices to stay are right up there but it is beautiful to admire from the causeway and is touted as India’s second-most-photographed monument (after its namesake).
It is located right next to the Gateway of India (you will get the best views of the hotel from there).
- Tip: Even if you don’t stay there, you can still visit the hotel’s shops and restaurants. There’s an entrance on the right side of the building.
4. Marine Drive
Marine Drive borders the Arabian Sea and is home to a long promenade which is a popular place to watch the sunset from the city. Definitely allow time on your Mumbai itinerary to take a wander and admire the sea and city views in the golden hour.
It is often referred to as the Queen’s Necklace because of its stunning nighttime view with the dazzling lights of Mumbai’s skyline.
- Tip: You can find delicious street food near the Chowpatty Beach walkway.
5. Chowpatty Beach
Chowpatty Beach is known for its various eateries and market stalls. Though for travellers it is another of the things to do in Mumbai that has become more famous name since the novel Shantaram.
The beach is popular in the late afternoon and evenings with food stalls and kiosks lining the shore.
I’d bravely compare it to neighbouring Clifton Beach in Karachi with horse rides and wandering food vendors amidst families and romantic couples enjoying the setting sun. It gets seriously BUSY!
6. Crawford Market
I admit we are always drawn to the bustling markets in India! But Crawford Market is one of Mumbai’s most famous markets and one of the oldest in the city.
Inside the main market hall, you can find everything from household items to vegetables and fruits, herbs, jewellery, clothing and souvenirs.
Don’t forget to check out the sculpture at the fountain in the middle of the market and the facade at the entrance. These were created by John Lockwood Kipling, the father of the Jungle Book author Rudyard Kipling, who grew up in Mumbai.
- Open: 9:00am – 9:00pm except Sunday
- Location: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area
- Read about the markets in Delhi and souvenir or gift ideas from India.
7. Mumbai Chor Bazar / Thieves Market
Chor Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest second-hand markets in India. It is located just a few kilometres away from Crawford Market but has a completely different vibe.
The name Chor Bazar literally translates to ‘Thieves Market’ though today it is (supposedly) a flea market.
For travellers, the market is a paradise for photographers. The hustle and bustle amid antiques, vintage items, and second-hand goods makes for an exciting snippet feel of history in action.
- Open: 11:00am – 7:30pm except Friday
- Location: Mutton Street, South Mumbai
- Travel by metro
The closest railway station to Chor Bazaar is Grant Road Station.
8. Haji Ali Dargah
Haji Ali Dargah is a tomb and mosque that houses the remains of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a 15th-century Sufi saint.
It is an iconic landmark in Mumbai and is known for its Indo-Islamic architecture. The shrine is located on a tiny island-like structure a few metres off the shore with a backdrop of the Arabian Sea.
9. Mumbai Ghandi Museum / Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya
The Mumbai Ghandi Museum was the former residence of Mahatma Ghandi during his visits to then Bombay. Mani Bhavan was the focal point of Gandhi’s political activities in Mumbai between 1917 and 1934.
The museum is set up similarly to the Delhi Ghandi Museum with photographs, books and personal objects that illustrate his philosophies of nonviolence and civil disobedience.
- Read about things to do in Delhi.
- Open: 10:00am – 5:30pm
- Cost: Free (but visitors are encouraged to donate to the museum trust)
- Location: Laburnum Rd
10. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Every day, 8 million people use public transportation in Mumbai, India. Isn’t that a crazy enormous figure?!
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) is the biggest railway station in Mumbai and was built in 1888. It is also one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
The chances are if you are traveling to Mumbai by train you might arrive at the famous terminus.
- Read about train travel in India and getting the overnight train from Kolkata to Mumbai.
11. Leopold Café
Leopold Café is one of the most famous things to do in Mumbai.
The café gained popularity from the novel Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. But it is a historic café in Mumbai that originally opened in 1871 named after King Leopold of Belgium.
We ate here twice while we were in Mumbai.
It is only a short walk from the Gateway of India and a must-do while in the area – especially if you are a fan of Shantaram!
12. Prince of Wales Museum / Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
The historic Prince of Wales Museum in Mumbai was founded by the British in the early 20th century.
In modern times the name has officially changed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (quite a mouthful) but fortunately it is popularly known as the Prince of Wales Museum.
It is the largest museum in Mumbai with thousands of artefacts categorized into three sections: art, archaeology and natural history.
Plus, the building itself is spectacular in the typical Indo-Saracenic style of architecture of the era.
- Tip: It is worth it albeit one of the most time-consuming things to do in Mumbai. Allow at least two hours to explore the museum.
- Open: 10:15am – 6:00pm
- Cost: 700 INR
- Location: Mahatma Gandhi Road
- Travel by metro
The nearest train station to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Prince of Wales Museum) is Churchgate.
More things to do in Mumbai
If you only have a couple of days on your itinerary for a first visit, I don’t recommend cramming everything in. It’s a huge city!
Some of the other things to do in Mumbai (for your next visit) include:
- Mumbai Dhobi Ghat
- Siddhivinayak Temple
- Bandra-Worli Sea Link Bridge
- Bandra Fort / Castella de Aguada
- Fort Area
- Dharvai Slum Tour
- Mumbai Food Tour
- St. Thomas Cathedral
- Regal Cinema
- High Court of Bombay
- University of Mumbai
Remember that Mumbai is a city that has been welcoming tourists for decades. There is a lot to see!
Day trips and other things to do near Mumbai
Although there are plenty of things to do in Mumbai itself, some of the sites are out of the city and require a daytrip or tour.
- Elephanta Caves: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site right off the coast of Mumbai on a small island with a collection of cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Shiva dating to the mid-5th to 6th centuries AD.
- Mumbai Film City: Mumbai Film City is the place to be if you would like to visit Bollywood film sets. It’s good to know that this place can only be visited on a guided tour.
These day trips are best visited with a guided tour booked online ahead of time.
Do we recommend travel to Mumbai?
Mumbai is loveably enormous, and the colourful chaos and energy of the city embodies all that India is.
Albeit I look back now after shyly confessing our apprehension for a first visit though feel we can justly recommend it even more for that.
It is as busy as it sounds.
It will inspire you, confuse you, and insult all your senses at once.
But the unlikely and contrasting energy of Mumbai is catching and you will be dam pleased you braved it!
Getting there
Mumbai is well connected with India by air, road and rail as well as internationally by air.
The new airport in Mumbai has daily flights to London Heathrow that are often cheaper than flying into Delhi.
Domestic flights from Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and others fly into Mumbai daily. We flew onwards from Mumbai to Jodhpur on our first trip en route from Mumbai to Jaisalmer.
By train or bus, the next large cities are Goa, Kerala or Ahmedabad.
- Read how to get an e-Visa for India and all about arriving at Delhi International Airport.
How to travel to Mumbai by train
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) station is the most popular station in Mumbai. Arriving by train from a mid-long-distance journey means that you will likely pull up at the Terminus station and you’ll be in for a treat!
The most likely next destinations by train to or from Mumbai are Ahmedabad, Goa, or Kerala.
Though we did the multi-day journey by train from Kolkata to Mumbai on our first visit!
Transport in and getting around in Mumbai
Mumbai is a big city (the biggest in India), and the thought of navigating can feel overwhelming for a first visit. However, most of the tourist attractions and main things to do in Mumbai are in Colaba.
It is easy to get around the wider city using the train.
Or within Colaba and the inner-city areas it is simple to flag down a taxi or auto-rickshaw for just a few rupees.
- Read our travel guide to India.
Where to eat / Restaurants and cafes in Mumbai
There are many recommended places to eat in Mumbai.
- Leopold Café: Famous due to the book Shantaram. I admit we ate twice at the famous Leopold Café!
- Madras Café: A popular (busy) local restaurant on Colaba Causeway. *Try the epic jumbo Dosa!
- Britannia Restaurant: An Iranian Indian restaurant located in the Fort Area.
- Kala Ghoda Café: Located in the Fort Area with good cappuccinos and a selection of international food.
Otherwise head to Chowpatty Beach in the evening for all kinds of delicious street food stalls.
Where to stay in Mumbai close to all the things to do
The Colaba area in the south of the city is the best place to stay close to the main things to do in Mumbai.
- Chowpatty (Boutique-Budget): The Ferreiras
Small, boutique style hotel only 1km from Chowpatty Beach set back on a quiet(er) pedestrian only street.
- Colaba (Budget-Mid): Gulf Hotel
Good location in Colaba just a few mins walk to Gateway of India. Basic rooms, oddly lots of mirrors, a very old elevator and very basic breakfast included.
- Central (Budget-Mid): Hotel KumKum
A good budget hotel near the Grant Road Train Station with simple, clean rooms.
- Colaba (Budget): Backpacker Panda Colaba Hotel
A great location just off Colaba Causeway and only minutes from the Gateway of India.
- Colaba (Luxury): Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
Feel like checking out India’s most famous hotel? There is a second wing of mid-range accommodation too!
Read more about travel in North India
- Epic 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary
- What to wear in India as a traveller
- 3 Day Jaipur Itinerary
- Food to try (safely) in India
- Things to do in Jaisalmer
- How to avoid Delhi Belly in India
- How to travel by bus in India
- Overnight train Delhi to Jaisalmer
- Jaisalmer to Jaipur (and Jodhpur too) by overnight train
More about planning for travel in India and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in India.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before embarking on all the great things to do in Mumbai!
