Overview
About Mumbai
Mumbai, still often called Bombay, is India's financial capital and its most restless, energetic city. Built on what were once seven islands off the Konkan coast, it stretches along the Arabian Sea from the colonial avenues of South Mumbai to the busy suburbs in the north. It is home to the stock exchange, the Hindi film industry and millions of people from every corner of the country.
The city wears its history openly. Grand Victorian Gothic and Art Deco buildings line the streets around Fort, Churchgate and Marine Drive, and both this ensemble and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Out in the harbour, the rock-cut Elephanta Caves are far older still, while temples, dargahs, churches and fire temples reflect the many communities that have made Mumbai their home.
What stays with most visitors, though, is the city's pulse: sea breezes along Marine Drive at dusk, crowds at the Gateway of India, the clatter of local trains, the bustle of Crawford Market and the endless street food. Mumbai rewards curiosity, and three to four days lets you sample its heritage, seafront, markets and neighbourhoods.
- Gateway of India
- Marine Drive
- Bollywood
- Street food
- Colonial architecture
- Local trains
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Mumbai
Landmarks & Heritage
Gateway of India
A basalt arch on the Apollo Bunder waterfront built to commemorate the visit of King George V, and the departure point for ferries to Elephanta.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
A UNESCO World Heritage railway station with a spectacular Victorian Gothic facade, domes and carved stonework, still one of the busiest stations in the city.
Marine Drive
A sweeping seafront promenade along Back Bay, nicknamed the Queen's Necklace for the way its street lights glitter at night.
Elephanta Caves
A UNESCO-listed group of rock-cut cave temples on an island in the harbour, best known for the giant three-headed Sadashiva sculpture. Ferries usually do not run in the heaviest monsoon weather.
Museums & Culture
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
The city's leading museum, formerly the Prince of Wales Museum, with collections of sculpture, miniature paintings, arms and decorative arts.
Kala Ghoda
An arts district packed with galleries, cafes and heritage buildings, home to an annual arts festival and a pleasant area to explore on foot.
Places of Worship
Haji Ali Dargah
A white mosque and shrine standing on an islet off the Worli coast, reached by a causeway that is accessible only at low tide.
Siddhivinayak Temple
One of the most visited Ganesha temples in India, in Prabhadevi, where devotees queue from early morning.
Banganga Tank
An ancient water tank in Walkeshwar surrounded by temples and old homes, an unexpectedly peaceful corner of the city.
Beaches & Nature
Juhu Beach
A long suburban beach famous for its evening crowds and street food stalls selling pav bhaji, bhel and gola.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
A large protected forest within the city limits that is home to the ancient Buddhist Kanheri Caves and good walking trails.
Bandra Bandstand and Bandra–Worli Sea Link
A seafront promenade in Bandra with views of the cable-stayed sea link, Bandra Fort and the homes of film stars nearby.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Mumbai
- 1
Watch the sunset on Marine Drive
Sit on the sea wall at dusk and stay until the lights come on along the curve of Back Bay.
- 2
Take a harbour ferry
Ride a ferry from the Gateway of India to Elephanta for the caves and views of the city skyline from the water.
- 3
Go on a street food crawl
Try vada pav, pav bhaji, bhel puri, sandwiches and falooda at beaches and busy street corners across the city.
- 4
Ride a local train
Experience the city's lifeline on a suburban train, ideally outside rush hour, when it is far less crowded.
- 5
Explore heritage South Mumbai
Walk through Fort, Kala Ghoda and Colaba to see Gothic and Art Deco buildings, old bookshops and Irani cafes.
- 6
Visit Dhobi Ghat
See the vast open-air laundry at Mahalaxmi, where washermen work at hundreds of concrete pens, from the bridge above.
- 7
Join a festival
Ganesh Chaturthi transforms the city with giant idols, processions and immersions at the beaches.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Mumbai
The best time to visit Mumbai is November to February. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to May
25°C to 34°C
Hot and very humid. Sightseeing is best in the mornings and evenings, with the afternoons spent in museums or malls.
Monsoon
June to September
24°C to 30°C
Mumbai receives very heavy rainfall, which brings dramatic seas and lush greenery but also flooding and travel disruptions. Keep plans flexible.
Winter
October to February
17°C to 32°C
The best time to visit, with lower humidity, clear skies and pleasant evenings. October can still be warm, so November to February is ideal.
Getting there
How to Reach Mumbai
By Air
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, with terminals in Santacruz and Sahar, is one of the busiest airports in India and has flights from almost every major Indian and international city. Prepaid taxis and app cabs connect it with the rest of the city.
By Rail
Mumbai has several long-distance terminals: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra Terminus and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus. Check which station your train uses, as they are far apart, and use local trains to connect.
By Road
Mumbai is about 150 km from Pune via the Mumbai–Pune Expressway and about 530 km from Ahmedabad. State transport and private buses run to cities across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Karnataka.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Mumbai
Vada pav
Mumbai's favourite snack: a spiced potato fritter in a soft bun with dry garlic chutney and green chillies.
Pav bhaji
A buttery mashed vegetable curry served with toasted, buttered pav, best eaten at the beaches.
Bhel puri
A tangy, crunchy mix of puffed rice, sev, onions and chutneys, the classic seaside snack.
Bombay sandwich
Layers of vegetables, chutney and spices in grilled or plain bread, sold at street stalls across the city.
Parsi and Irani café fare
Bun maska, chai, berry pulao and dhansak at the city's old Irani cafes and Parsi eateries.
Bombil fry
Bombay duck, a local fish, coated and fried until crisp, a coastal Konkan favourite.
What to Buy in Mumbai
- Colaba Causeway for clothes, jewellery and souvenirs
- Crawford Market for spices, dry fruits and household goods
- Linking Road and Hill Road in Bandra for fashion
- Chor Bazaar for antiques and vintage items
Travel Tips for Mumbai
- Avoid local trains at peak office hours unless you are comfortable with very heavy crowds.
- Check tide timings before walking to Haji Ali Dargah.
- Allow plenty of time for road travel, as traffic can be slow, especially during the monsoon.
- Use app cabs, black-and-yellow taxis or autos (autos operate only in the suburbs).
- Carry an umbrella and waterproof bag in the monsoon.
FAQs
Mumbai Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Mumbai?
November to February is the best time to visit Mumbai, when the weather is pleasant and less humid. The monsoon is atmospheric but can disrupt travel with heavy rain.
How many days are enough for Mumbai?
Three to four days is enough to see South Mumbai's heritage, Elephanta Caves, Marine Drive, the main temples and markets, and to sample the street food.
What is Mumbai famous for?
Mumbai is famous for the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, its Bollywood film industry, colonial architecture, local trains and street food such as vada pav.
Which are the must-visit places in Mumbai?
The Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Marine Drive, Elephanta Caves, Haji Ali Dargah, Siddhivinayak Temple and Juhu Beach are must-visits.
How do I get around Mumbai?
Local trains are the fastest way to travel north to south, while the metro, app cabs, taxis and, in the suburbs, auto-rickshaws cover shorter trips.
Is Mumbai safe for tourists?
Mumbai is generally considered safe for tourists, though you should watch your belongings in crowded places such as trains and markets.