Mumbai, Maharashtra: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Mumbai handles over 95,000 flights annually, making Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport one of India’s busiest transit hubs? This bustling metropolis, formerly known as Bombay, is not just India’s financial powerhouse but also a fascinating blend of colonial heritage, Bollywood glamour, and vibrant street life. From the iconic Gateway of India to the tranquil Elephanta Caves, Mumbai offers an intoxicating mix of experiences that captivate first-time visitors and returning travelers alike.

Planning Your Journey to Mumbai

Before diving into Mumbai’s chaotic charm, proper planning ensures you’ll make the most of your visit to Maharashtra’s capital. The city’s vast size and diverse attractions require thoughtful preparation to navigate efficiently.

Getting to Mumbai

Most international travelers arrive via Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which connects to major global cities. Domestic flights are plentiful, making Mumbai easily accessible from anywhere in India. The city is also well-connected by an extensive railway network, with major stations including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) and Mumbai Central.

Visa Requirements

Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter India. E-visas are available for tourists from many countries and can be applied for online before your trip. Check the official Indian government visa portal for the most current requirements based on your nationality.

Best Time to Visit Mumbai

Mumbai experiences three distinct seasons, each offering a different perspective on the city:

The winter months (November to February) offer the most comfortable climate for exploring Mumbai’s outdoor attractions. The city comes alive during this period with numerous cultural festivals and events. If you don’t mind occasional rain showers, visiting during the early monsoon can provide a unique perspective of Mumbai’s lush side, with fewer tourists and dramatic coastal views.

Getting Around Mumbai

Navigating Mumbai’s sprawling urban landscape might seem daunting at first, but the city offers various transportation options to help you explore efficiently:

Local Trains

Mumbai’s lifeline is its extensive suburban railway network, divided into Western, Central, and Harbor lines. Trains are incredibly affordable (starting at ₹5) and efficient for covering long distances, though they can be extremely crowded during rush hours (8-11 AM and 5-9 PM). First-class compartments offer more comfort at higher prices. For women travelers, dedicated “Ladies Special” trains and women-only compartments provide safer options.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing

The iconic black and yellow taxis are Mumbai’s traditional mode of transport. They use meters with government-regulated fares (starting around ₹25). For convenience, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola are widely available throughout the city, often providing air-conditioned vehicles at competitive rates.

Auto-Rickshaws

These three-wheeled vehicles operate only in the suburbs (beyond Bandra in the west and Sion in the central areas). They’re cheaper than taxis but less comfortable for longer journeys.

BEST Buses

Mumbai’s red buses run by Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) cover routes throughout the city. They’re extremely affordable (from ₹5) but can be challenging to navigate for first-time visitors.

Metro and Monorail

Mumbai’s newer metro line connects the eastern and western suburbs, while the monorail serves limited eastern areas. Both offer air-conditioned comfort and are less crowded than other public transport options.

Where to Stay in Mumbai

Mumbai offers accommodation options for every budget and preference, from luxury heritage hotels to boutique guesthouses and backpacker hostels. Here’s a breakdown of the best areas to stay:

Top Attractions in Mumbai, Maharashtra

Gateway of India

This iconic arch monument, built during the British Raj, stands majestically overlooking the Arabian Sea. Completed in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, it ironically later became the ceremonial exit point for the last British troops leaving independent India. Today, it’s Mumbai’s most recognized landmark and a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. The area around the Gateway comes alive with vendors, photographers, and boat operators offering trips to Elephanta Caves.

Location: Apollo Bunder, Colaba
Best time to visit: Early morning to avoid crowds or evening to see it illuminated
Entry fee: Free

Elephanta Caves

Dating back to the 5th-8th centuries, these UNESCO World Heritage caves on Elephanta Island showcase remarkable rock-cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main cave contains a 20-foot-high sculpture of Trimurti – the three-faced Shiva representing creation, preservation, and destruction. Reaching the caves involves a scenic one-hour ferry ride from the Gateway of India, followed by a climb up 120 steps or a toy train ride to the cave entrance.

Location: Elephanta Island (accessible by ferry from Gateway of India)
Ferry timing: 9 AM to 2 PM (return ferries until 5:30 PM)
Entry fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners (plus ferry cost)

Marine Drive

This 3.6-kilometer-long boulevard curves along the coastline, offering spectacular views of the Arabian Sea. Known as the “Queen’s Necklace” for its glittering nighttime appearance when viewed from above, Marine Drive is perfect for evening strolls, watching the sunset, or simply sitting on the concrete tetrapods facing the sea. The stretch is lined with art deco buildings, luxury hotels, and restaurants.

Location: Nariman Point to Malabar Hill
Best time to visit: Evening for the sunset and illuminated views
Entry fee: Free

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic railway station is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture blended with traditional Indian elements. Built in 1888, CSMT (formerly Victoria Terminus) features intricate stone domes, turrets, pointed arches, and eccentric ground plan. It remains one of the busiest railway stations in India while standing as a testament to Mumbai’s colonial past.

Location: Fort area
Best time to visit: Early morning or late evening to avoid the rush
Entry fee: Free (Heritage Museum inside: ₹200)

Cultural Experiences in Mumbai

Bollywood Experiences

No visit to Mumbai is complete without experiencing the magic of Bollywood, the world’s largest film industry. While spontaneous celebrity sightings are rare, you can take organized tours of Film City in Goregaon, where many movies and TV shows are shot. For a more immersive experience, try to attend a live shooting of a TV show as part of the audience (tickets available online) or catch the latest Bollywood release at iconic theaters like Regal Cinema in Colaba or the modern PVR multiplexes.

Dharavi Slum Tour

For a deeper understanding of Mumbai’s complex social fabric, consider a guided tour of Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest slums and a hub of small-scale industries. These respectful, educational tours highlight the community’s resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and recycling industries that contribute billions to Mumbai’s economy. Tours are conducted by organizations that reinvest proceeds into community development.

Street Food Exploration

Mumbai’s street food scene is legendary, offering a tantalizing array of flavors that reflect the city’s diverse communities. Join a guided food walk to sample iconic dishes like vada pav (potato fritters in a bun), pav bhaji (vegetable curry with bread), bhel puri (puffed rice salad), and Mumbai’s famous cutting chai (strong tea served in small glasses).

Popular street food destinations include:

• Chowpatty Beach for classic Mumbai chaat
• Mohammed Ali Road for kebabs and Mughlai cuisine (especially during Ramadan)
• Khau Galli near CST for after-work snacks
• Carter Road in Bandra for modern street food innovations

Historical Sites and Museums

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

Formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, this premier art and history museum houses over 50,000 exhibits. The building itself is a masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic architecture, featuring a stunning central dome. Inside, you’ll find exceptional collections of ancient Indian art, miniature paintings, European paintings, and Chinese and Japanese artifacts. The Natural History section and the arms and armor gallery are particularly fascinating.

Location: M.G. Road, Fort
Timings: 10:15 AM to 6 PM (closed on Mondays)
Entry fee: ₹100 for Indians, ₹650 for foreigners

Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum

Between 1917 and 1934, this modest two-story building served as Mahatma Gandhi’s Mumbai headquarters. Now converted into a museum, it houses photographs, letters, personal artifacts, and dioramas depicting key moments in Gandhi’s life. The room where Gandhi stayed has been preserved, complete with his spinning wheel, books, and floor bed. The library contains a rich collection of books on Gandhian thought and India’s freedom struggle.

Location: Laburnum Road, Gamdevi
Timings: 9:30 AM to 6 PM (daily)
Entry fee: ₹20

Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

Mumbai’s oldest museum showcases the city’s cultural heritage and history. Housed in a meticulously restored Victorian building, the museum displays artifacts related to Mumbai’s development, decorative arts, and dioramas depicting the city’s communities and traditions. The building itself, with its ornate interiors and stained glass, is a work of art.

Location: Byculla East
Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM (closed on Wednesdays)
Entry fee: ₹100 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners

Kala Ghoda Art District

This crescent-shaped art district in South Mumbai is home to several galleries, museums, and cultural institutions. The area hosts the famous Kala Ghoda Arts Festival each February, but year-round you can explore the Jehangir Art Gallery, National Gallery of Modern Art, and numerous independent galleries showcasing contemporary Indian art.

Location: Fort area
Best time to visit: During the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (February) or gallery opening nights

Natural Escapes Within Mumbai

Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Remarkably, Mumbai houses one of the largest urban parks in the world, covering 104 square kilometers of protected forest. Located in the northern suburbs, this green oasis offers a refreshing escape from the city’s chaos. The park features two artificial lakes, a mini-train safari, nature trails, and even leopard sightings (though rare). The 2,400-year-old Kanheri Caves, with over 100 rock-cut Buddhist caves, are located within the park and showcase ancient sculptures, prayer halls, and living quarters for monks.

Location: Borivali East
Timings: 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM (closed on Mondays)
Entry fee: ₹80 for adults, additional charges for attractions inside

Beaches of Mumbai

While not ideal for swimming due to pollution concerns, Mumbai’s beaches offer vibrant social spaces where locals gather to unwind, exercise, and enjoy street food.

Hanging Gardens

Perched atop Malabar Hill, these terraced gardens offer panoramic views of Marine Drive and the Arabian Sea. The garden features numerous hedges carved into animal shapes, a flower clock, and a peaceful environment for morning walks or evening relaxation.

Location: Malabar Hill
Timings: 5 AM to 9 PM
Entry fee: Free

Religious Sites and Spiritual Experiences

Siddhivinayak Temple

One of Mumbai’s most revered temples, Siddhivinayak is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The 200-year-old temple houses a small black stone idol of Ganesha, believed to be self-manifested. The wooden doors of the sanctum are carved with the Ashtavinayak (eight manifestations of Ganesha). Visitors from all walks of life, including celebrities and politicians, come to seek blessings, especially on Tuesdays.

Location: Prabhadevi
Timings: 5:30 AM to 10 PM
Entry fee: Free (paid queue options available to skip lines)

Haji Ali Dargah

This iconic white marble shrine sits on a tiny islet connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway that gets submerged during high tide. Built in 1431, the dargah contains the tomb of Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a wealthy merchant who renounced worldly possessions before making a pilgrimage to Mecca. The Indo-Islamic architecture and serene setting make it a spiritual haven amidst the bustling city.

Location: Worli
Timings: 5:30 AM to 10 PM (accessible only during low tide)
Entry fee: Free

Global Vipassana Pagoda

This magnificent dome-shaped structure is modeled after Myanmar’s Shwedagon Pagoda and serves as a meditation center. The main dome houses relics of Buddha and is the world’s largest stone dome built without supporting pillars. The pagoda promotes Vipassana meditation techniques and offers free 10-day meditation courses.

Location: Gorai
Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM
Entry fee: Free

ISKCON Temple

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness temple in Juhu is a spiritual complex dedicated to Lord Krishna. The marble temple features beautiful deities, intricate carvings, and a peaceful atmosphere. The temple hosts regular bhajans (devotional songs), aartis (prayer ceremonies), and serves delicious vegetarian food at its restaurant.

Location: Juhu
Timings: 4:30 AM to 9 PM
Entry fee: Free

Shopping Experiences in Mumbai

Colaba Causeway

This bustling street market is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from trendy clothes and accessories to antiques and souvenirs. The charm lies in bargaining with vendors for the best deals on junk jewelry, bohemian clothing, leather goods, and handicrafts. The area also houses branded stores and the iconic Colaba Social for refreshment breaks.

Location: Colaba
Best time to visit: Weekday afternoons
Specialty: Fashion accessories, bohemian clothing, souvenirs

Crawford Market

Housed in a historic building dating back to 1869, this market (officially Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market) offers a sensory overload with its array of fresh produce, spices, pet supplies, and household items. The market’s entrance features a Norman Gothic style with a frieze designed by Lockwood Kipling, father of author Rudyard Kipling.

Location: Fort area
Timings: 11 AM to 8 PM (closed on Sundays)
Specialty: Fresh fruits, spices, dry fruits

Linking Road and Hill Road

These popular shopping streets in Bandra offer a mix of street shopping and branded outlets. Linking Road is known for its footwear, clothes, and accessories at bargain prices, while Hill Road features trendy fashion, home decor, and street food stalls. The area represents Mumbai’s contemporary, cosmopolitan culture.

Location: Bandra West
Best time to visit: Evenings and weekends for the vibrant atmosphere
Specialty: Fashion, footwear, contemporary designs

Chor Bazaar

Despite its name meaning “Thieves’ Market,” this is a legitimate antique market where you can find vintage items, colonial furniture, Bollywood posters, brass items, and collectibles. The narrow lanes of Mutton Street form the heart of this market, which dates back to the 19th century.

Location: Bhendi Bazaar
Timings: 11 AM to 7:30 PM (closed on Fridays)
Specialty: Antiques, vintage items, collectibles

Day Trips from Mumbai

Lonavala and Khandala

These twin hill stations in the Western Ghats provide a refreshing escape from Mumbai’s hustle. Just a 2-hour drive away, they offer misty mountain views, waterfalls (especially during monsoon), ancient caves, and forts. Don’t miss Tiger’s Leap viewpoint, Bhushi Dam, Karla and Bhaja Caves, and the famous chikki (hard candy with nuts) that originates from this region.

Distance from Mumbai: 85 km
Best time to visit: Monsoon (June-September) for waterfalls or winter (November-February) for clear views
How to reach: Train from CST/Dadar, bus from Mumbai Central, or taxi

Alibaug

This coastal town offers beaches, historic forts, and a laid-back atmosphere. The quickest way to reach Alibaug is by ferry from the Gateway of India to Mandwa Jetty (1 hour), followed by a short auto-rickshaw ride. Explore Alibaug Beach, Kolaba Fort (accessible during low tide), Kashid Beach, and the 400-year-old Kanakeshwar Temple.

Distance from Mumbai: 95 km
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach: Ferry from Gateway of India or drive via Mumbai-Goa Highway

Elephanta Caves

While mentioned earlier as an attraction, Elephanta Island makes for a perfect day trip from Mumbai. Beyond the main caves, you can explore the entire island, visit the Elephanta village, and hike to the cannon hill for panoramic views of Mumbai’s harbor.

Distance from Mumbai: 10 km by sea
Best time to visit: November to March
How to reach: Ferry from Gateway of India (hourly departures)

Matheran

India’s smallest hill station is also unique for being completely automobile-free. Explore this eco-sensitive zone on foot or horseback, enjoying viewpoints like Echo Point, Charlotte Lake, and One Tree Hill. The narrow-gauge toy train from Neral to Matheran offers a charming, albeit slow, journey through the hills.

Distance from Mumbai: 90 km
Best time to visit: October to May
How to reach: Train to Neral followed by toy train or taxi to Dasturi Point and walk/horse ride into town

Practical Tips for Mumbai Visitors

Safety Information

Mumbai is generally considered one of India’s safer cities, but standard precautions apply:

• Be vigilant in crowded areas and on public transport to avoid pickpocketing
• Women travelers should consider using women-only train compartments during rush hours
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps, especially at night
• Keep digital copies of important documents and emergency contacts
• The police helpline number is 100, and the tourist helpline is 1800-22-9999

Local Etiquette

Understanding local customs enhances your experience:

• Remove shoes before entering homes, temples, and some shops
• Dress modestly when visiting religious sites (covered shoulders and knees)
• Ask permission before photographing people, especially at religious sites
• Use your right hand for giving and receiving items
• A slight bow with hands pressed together (namaste) is a respectful greeting

Health Precautions

Stay healthy during your visit:

• Drink only bottled or filtered water
• Eat at busy establishments where food turnover is high
• Carry hand sanitizer and use it regularly
• Consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies
• Major hospitals include Lilavati Hospital, Breach Candy Hospital, and Jaslok Hospital

Communication

Staying connected is easy:

• Local SIM cards are available at the airport (bring passport and passport-sized photo)
• Major providers include Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants
• English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas
• Learning a few Hindi phrases like “Namaste” (hello) and “Dhanyavaad” (thank you) is appreciated

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Mumbai’s calendar is filled with vibrant celebrations that offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s cultural diversity:

Conclusion

Mumbai is a city of striking contrasts – where ancient traditions coexist with cutting-edge innovation, where colonial architecture stands alongside modern skyscrapers, and where extreme wealth brushes shoulders with humbling poverty. This vibrant metropolis offers visitors an authentic glimpse into India’s past, present, and future.

From the iconic Gateway of India to the tranquil Kanheri Caves, from bustling street markets to world-class museums, Mumbai rewards curious travelers with unforgettable experiences at every turn. The city’s infectious energy, resilient spirit, and warm hospitality leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

Whether you’re drawn by the architectural marvels, cultural diversity, culinary adventures, or simply the chance to experience one of the world’s most dynamic cities, Mumbai promises a journey that will engage all your senses and challenge your perceptions. As the locals say, “Mumbai meri jaan” (Mumbai, my life) – a testament to the deep affection this remarkable city inspires.