Stretching along the Arabian Sea on India’s western shores, Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) is India’s most populous city. It’s home to the Bollywood film industry and offers loads to experience, from film studio tours to boat trips to the ancient temples at the Elephanta Caves. Many of the best things to do in Mumbai are situated in the southern part of the city, from the landmark Gateway of India to the UNESCO-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
The best time to visit Mumbai is between October and mid-May when there’s little to no rainfall. The annual monsoon rains usually begin in late May or June and last until September. Arts fans should consider a winter visit to coincide with the annual Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, which runs for nine days, starting on the first Saturday of February.
Mumbai is well-served by train, with an extensive rail network that connects different neighborhoods from north to south. Auto rickshaws and taxis are also good options; using the meter is standard practice in Mumbai, so you won’t have to worry about negotiating a fee. Both can easily be hailed off the street or booked using ride-hailing apps such as Ola Cabs.
If you want to try an array of delicious Indian specialties in Mumbai, make a beeline to Chetana Veg Restaurant in South Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda neighborhood. The restaurant is known for its thali, a complete meal featuring a smattering of dishes on one large plate. Expect copious amounts of bread, rice, vegetable curries, and lentil dishes, along with a selection of desserts. There’s also a small bookstore attached to the restaurant that sells titles on topics ranging from Indian philosophy to Ayurvedic medicine.
Local Currency Indian Rupee (₹) | Time Zone IST (UTC +5) | Country Code +91 | Language(s) Gujarati | Attractions 48 | Tours 845 | Reviews 14,312 |
Margot lived in India for more than six years, mostly in Delhi, with a spell in Mumbai for work. Although Margot will always be a Dilliwalli at heart, she secretly loves Mumbai just as much.
have a meal at one of the famed Parsi cafés. These iconic restaurants were founded by Parsis (Zoroastrians whose ancestors immigrated to India) and have their own distinct cuisine and ambiance.
starts with a morning boat trip out to the cave temples at Elephanta Island, is followed by an afternoon visit to the seafront Haji Ali Mosque, and ends with a sunset and people-watching at Chowpatty Beach.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. This gorgeous railway station is one of the best examples of the Indo-Saracenic architecture style in the world, earning it a well-deserved place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.). This gorgeous railway station is one of the best examples of the Indo-Saracenic architecture style in the world, earning it a well-deserved place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
get out of the touristy South Mumbai Colaba and Fort neighborhoods and head up to residential areas such as chic Bandra West or historic Mahim.
head over to Marine Drive, also known as the Queen's Necklace because the lights that line the street resemble a string of pearls after dark.
is that they equate Mumbai with Dharavi, the slum area portrayed in Slumdog Millionaire. Mumbai is incredibly diverse when it comes to everything from architecture to religion to lifestyles, and no one part of town can properly represent the city.
Mumbai mixes modern-day India with nuggets of its colonial period. Its Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Gateway of India, and CST station testify to Britain’s architectural legacy, while its high-rises, overshadowing old markets and slum districts, reflect its new wealth. The city’s also known as the hub of India’s glittering Bollywood film industry.
...MoreTourists focus on Mumbai’s Raj-era gems, covering must-sees such as the grand Gateway to India and ornate CST railway station. Other highpoints include the Dhobi Ghat outdoor laundry, Crawford Market—a grand 19th-century market hall—the Elephanta temple caves, and Marine Drive, a curving promenade lined with beautiful art deco houses.
...MoreOne day allows a whistle-stop Mumbai tour, but two or three is better. After admiring the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, High Court, and CST, you’ll have time to explore the Elephanta Caves and Crawford Market and gain insight into locals’ lives at the Dharavi slum area or open-air Dhobi Ghat laundry.
...MoreThe city’s name was changed by its ruling political party in 1995 because Bombay—its English-given moniker—was too heavily associated with the British Empire. The name Mumbai was chosen for its roots in the name of Mumba Devi, the Hindu goddess of the area’s oldest fishing communities, the Koli.
...MoreYes. Mumbai is considered one of India’s safest cities for women travelers. If you’re female and out and about—either solo or with others—you can feel pretty safe. However, don’t be surprised if you encounter some staring and unwanted attention from local men, although actively hostile behavior is unlikely.
...MoreYes. India’s largest city by population, the vast metropolis of Mumbai offers everything from brooding colonial architecture to vibrant markets, exotic temples, humbling poor districts, and glass skyscrapers. It’s worth visiting because it’s India in microcosm: All that is old and new about this captivating country captured in one city.
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