Mumbai - India Travel Guide hero image

Mumbai!

india-guide.in

groups

Population

20.7 million

schedule

Best Time

November to February

calendar_month

Time Needed

3-5 days minimum

currency_rupee

Currency

Rupee (₹)

View full travel guide
See timings and practical tips

Plan by Intent

Trip Planning pages built for fast decisions and deeper discovery.

photo_camera

Did You Visit Mumbai?

Showcase Your Photography Skills • Help Thousands of Travelers • Get Featured with Credit

location_on Maharashtra map West India 🏖️ Beaches Mumbai Bombay Maharashtra Gateway of India Bollywood Beaches

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the financial capital of India and a city of stark contrasts. It's a vibrant metropolis where Bollywood glamour meets historical colonial architecture and bustling street life.

Mumbai attracts visitors with its iconic landmarks, diverse culinary scene, and the chance to experience the energy of a major Indian city. However, be prepared for intense crowds, persistent noise, and significant levels of pollution. The city can be overwhelming for first-time visitors to India.

To truly experience Mumbai, plan for at least 3 days to explore its key attractions. Getting around is challenging, so factor in travel time. Pre-booking accommodations and transportation is highly recommended.

When To Visit

Best Time

November to February

22-30 degrees C

The weather is pleasant and dry, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. This is the ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Why Visit:

The cooler weather makes exploring the city's attractions much more enjoyable. It's also the season for various festivals and events. The humidity is significantly lower, making it more comfortable for walking around.

Tip: This is peak tourist season, so expect higher prices for accommodation and flights. Booking well in advance is essential.

Shoulder Season

March to May

28-35 degrees C

The weather starts to get hot and humid, with temperatures gradually increasing. Afternoon heat can be intense.

Why Visit:

Fewer crowds compared to the peak season and potentially lower prices on accommodation. However, the heat can be uncomfortable for extended outdoor activities.

Tip: Carry water and wear light, breathable clothing. Air conditioning is essential.

Avoid

June to September

27-32 degrees C

The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, high humidity, and occasional flooding. Travel can be disrupted.

Why Avoid:

Avoid visiting during this time due to the heavy rains and potential for flooding. Many outdoor activities are limited.

Note: Some attractions may have reduced hours or be temporarily closed. If you must travel, be prepared for delays and disruptions.

Top Sights - Top Attractions!

Gateway of India

⏱ 1-2 hours Free

The Gateway of India is an iconic arch-monument built during the British Raj. It overlooks the Arabian Sea and serves as a symbolic entrance to India....

Read more arrow_forward

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST)

⏱ 1 hour ₹20 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners)

CST is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stunning example of Victorian Gothic architecture. It's a fully functional railway station and a major trans...

Read more arrow_forward

Elephanta Caves

⏱ 4-5 hours (including travel) ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners)

Elephanta Island is home to ancient cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and feature impressive rock-cut s...

Read more arrow_forward

Shree Siddhivinayak Temple

⏱ 1-2 hours Free

Shree Siddhivinayak Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It's one of the most visited temples in Mumbai....

Read more arrow_forward

Marine Drive

⏱ 1-2 hours Free

Marine Drive is a 3.6-kilometer-long promenade along the Arabian Sea. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and enjoy the sea breeze....

Read more arrow_forward

Dhobi Ghat

⏱ 1 hour Free (small fee may be requested by locals for taking photos)

Dhobi Ghat is an open-air laundry where clothes from all over Mumbai are washed and dried. It's a unique and fascinating sight....

Read more arrow_forward

Kanheri Caves

⏱ 3-4 hours (including travel) ₹25 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners)

Kanheri Caves are a series of ancient Buddhist cave temples carved into the hills within Sanjay Gandhi National Park. They date back to the 1st centur...

Read more arrow_forward
View all attraction details

Things To Do

attractions

Bollywood Studio Tour

⏱ 4-5 hours 💰 ₹2500-4000 per person

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the world of Bollywood. Visit film sets, watch live shootings, and learn about the filmm...

Read more arrow_forward
attractions

Street Food Tour

⏱ 3-4 hours 💰 ₹1000-2000 per person

Sample a variety of Mumbai's famous street foods, such as vada pav, pav bhaji, and pani puri. Learn about the history an...

Read more arrow_forward
attractions

Sailing in Mumbai Harbour

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 ₹3000-5000 per person

Enjoy a leisurely sail in Mumbai Harbour, taking in views of the city skyline and the Gateway of India. Some tours inclu...

Read more arrow_forward
attractions

Yoga Session

⏱ 1-1.5 hours 💰 ₹500-1500 per person

Participate in a yoga session led by an experienced instructor. Many studios offer drop-in classes for travelers....

Read more arrow_forward

Cultural Experiences

celebration

Attend a Bollywood Dance Performance

2-3 hours | ₹500-2000

Experience the energy and vibrancy of Bollywood dance. These performances showcase traditional and m...

Read more arrow_forward
celebration

Visit Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum

1-2 hours | Free

Mani Bhavan was Mahatma Gandhi's residence in Mumbai from 1917 to 1934. It's now a museum dedicated ...

Read more arrow_forward
celebration

Explore the Sassoon Docks

1-2 hours | Free

Sassoon Docks is one of Mumbai's oldest and largest fish markets. It offers a glimpse into the city'...

Read more arrow_forward
celebration

Attend a Classical Music Concert

2-3 hours | ₹300-1500

Experience the beauty and complexity of Indian classical music. These concerts feature skilled music...

Read more arrow_forward
celebration

Visit the Banganga Tank

1-2 hours | Free

The Banganga Tank is an ancient water tank surrounded by temples and residential houses. It's a peac...

Read more arrow_forward
celebration

Attend a Cooking Class

3-4 hours | ₹2000-3500

Learn to cook traditional Maharashtrian dishes. You'll learn about the ingredients, techniques, and ...

Read more arrow_forward
View all cultural experiences

Eat This!

Must-Try Dishes

Vada Pav
Vada Pav

a deep-fried potato patty served in a bun (try Ashok Vada Pav in Dadar)

Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji

a vegetable curry served with buttered bread rolls

Pani Puri
Pani Puri

small, crispy puris filled with flavored water, tamarind chutney, and potatoes

Misal Pav
Misal Pav

a spicy lentil curry served with bread rolls (try Aaswad in Dadar)

Where to Eat

Britannia & Co.

Britannia & Co.

₹₹

Parsi

📍 Fort

A legendary Parsi restaurant serving traditional dishes in a charming setting. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is nostalgic.

Berry Pulao

₹800-1200 for two

Cafe Leopold

Cafe Leopold

₹₹₹

Multi-cuisine

📍 Colaba

A historic cafe with a lively atmosphere, popular with tourists and locals alike. It's known for its diverse menu and its connection to the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Continental and Indian dishes

₹1200-1800 for two

Street Food Spots

Girgaum Chowpatty

Girgaum Chowpatty

💰 Budget: ₹100-300 per person

⚠️ Tips: Go in the evening for the best atmosphere. Be mindful of hygiene and choose stalls with long queues.

Mohammed Ali Road

Mohammed Ali Road

💰 Budget: ₹200-500 per person

⚠️ Tips: Visit during Ramadan for the best selection of food. Be prepared for crowds and traffic.

🍽️
Discover More on
Foodie Finder: Mumbai

More restaurants & dishes from Mumbai

Where To Stay ?

Best Neighborhoods

Colaba

A tourist hub with many attractions, restaurants, and shops. It's a great place to stay for first-time visitors, but can be crowded and noisy.

Best For: Sightseeing and convenience

Bandra

A trendy neighborhood with a vibrant nightlife and a mix of modern and traditional architecture. It's a good option for those looking for a more local experience.

Best For: Nightlife and shopping

Juhu

Known for Juhu Beach, this area offers a relaxed atmosphere and is popular with families. It has a wide range of hotels and restaurants.

Best For: Families and beach lovers

Accommodation Options

Budget

💰

₹1500-2500/night

Hotel Godwin

📍 Colaba

A decent budget option in a prime location. It offers basic amenities and clean rooms.

₹1500-2500/night

YMCA Colaba

📍 Colaba

A budget-friendly option with basic rooms and a central location. It's a good choice for solo travelers and backpackers.

₹1000-2000/night

Mid-Range

🏨

₹3000-5000/night

The Residency Hotel

📍 Fort

A comfortable hotel with well-appointed rooms and a convenient location. It offers good value for money.

₹3000-5000/night

Hotel Sea Princess

📍 Juhu

Located near Juhu Beach, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and a swimming pool. It's a good option for families.

₹4000-6000/night

Luxury

₹20000+/night

The Taj Mahal Palace

📍 Colaba

An iconic luxury hotel with stunning architecture and world-class service. It offers panoramic views of the Gateway of India.

₹20000+/night

The Oberoi Mumbai

📍 Nariman Point

A luxurious hotel with elegant rooms and exceptional dining options. It offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea.

₹18000+/night

View all stay & eat options

How To Get There ?

flight

By Air

Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), 15km from city

train

By Train

Stations:

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSTM)

Main station for long-distance trains, located in the city center.

Mumbai Central (BCT)

Another major station for long-distance trains, located in South Mumbai.

Routes:
  • From Delhi: 16-20 hours (₹1500-4000)
  • From Bangalore: 20-24 hours (₹1200-3500)

Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia

directions_bus

By Bus

Terminals:
  • Mumbai Central Bus Depot
  • Dadar Bus Stand
Routes:
  • From Pune: 4-5 hours (₹500-800)

Note: Trains more comfortable

Getting Around

directions

Local Trains

💰 ₹5-20 per ride

Best for: Traveling long distances quickly and cheaply.

Avoid traveling during peak hours (08:00-11:00 and 17:00-20:00). Buy a ticket in advance to avoid queues.

directions

Taxis and Auto-rickshaws

💰 ₹25-50 per km

Best for: Short distances and door-to-door service.

Make sure the meter is running. Negotiate the fare in advance if the meter is not working. Auto-rickshaws are not allowed in South Mumbai.

subway

Metro

💰 ₹10-40 per ride

Best for: Traveling between specific points on the metro lines.

Buy a smart card for convenient travel. Check the metro map to plan your route.

Practical Tips

checkroom

What To Wear

Wear light, breathable clothing, especially during the summer months. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Carry a scarf or shawl for covering your head.

payments

Money

Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1500, Mid: ₹3000, Luxury: ₹8000+

ATMs: Widely available

Cash vs Card: Cash is essential for street food and small shops. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants.

Bargaining: Expected in street markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers

health_and_safety

Health

Water: Drink bottled water or filtered water only. Avoid drinking tap water.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food from questionable sources. Be cautious of spicy food if you're not used to it.

Common Issues: Heatstroke, dehydration, and stomach problems are common. Carry sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent.

sim_card

Communication

SIM Cards: Available at the airport and from local vendors. Jio and Airtel are popular networks. You'll need a passport and visa for purchase.

WiFi: Available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants

translate

Language & Tipping

Language: English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Hindi phrases can be helpful.

Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: ₹20-50

Nearby Destinations

Explore More Of India

Mirzapur - India Travel Guide

Mirzapur - India Travel Guide

map North India

Top Attractions:

  • Vindhyavasini Temple
  • Ashtabhuja Temple
  • Kali Koh Temple

+3 more attractions

Thariyode - India Travel Guide

Thariyode - India Travel Guide

map South India

Top Attractions:

  • Edakkal Cave
  • Soochipara Falls (Sentinel Rock Waterfalls)
  • Chembra Peak

+2 more attractions

Gir National Park - India Travel Guide

Gir National Park - India Travel Guide

map West India

Top Attractions:

  • Gir Jungle Trail
  • Devalia Safari Park (Gir Interpretation Zone)
  • Kamleshwar Dam

+3 more attractions

Shimla - India Travel Guide

Shimla - India Travel Guide

map North India

Top Attractions:

  • The Ridge
  • Jakhoo Temple
  • Christ Church

+3 more attractions

Omkareshwar - India Travel Guide

Omkareshwar - India Travel Guide

map Central India

Top Attractions:

  • Shri Omkar Mandhata Temple
  • Siddhanath Temple
  • Kajal Rani Cave

+3 more attractions

Patan - India Travel Guide

Patan - India Travel Guide

map West India

Top Attractions:

  • Rani ki Vav
  • Patola House
  • Sahastralinga Tank

+2 more attractions

Halebidu - India Travel Guide

Halebidu - India Travel Guide

map South India

Top Attractions:

  • Hoysaleswara Temple
  • Kedareswara Temple
  • Basadi Halli Jain Temples

+2 more attractions

Sasaram - India Travel Guide

Sasaram - India Travel Guide

map East India

Top Attractions:

  • Sher Shah Suri Tomb
  • Hasan Khan Suri Tomb
  • Rohtasgarh Fort

+2 more attractions

Share Your Mumbai Photos!

Help fellow travelers by sharing your authentic travel photos. Get credited with your name and social links!

Found an Error?

Help us improve! Report incorrect information or suggest updates.

Suggest a Destination

Know a hidden gem we're missing? Help us add it to the guide!