Mumbai has more than often been accentuated with a feeling. Mumbai is an emotion. Heard that too? Well, we are not denying it! A fusion in itself, the city is both overwhelming and pacifying. From the constant crowds at the Gateway of India to the serenity felt during sunsets at its beloved Marine Drive. The commotion of people outside their favourite vada pav stalls to the creaking fans you can hear having breakfast at old Irani cafes! To help you get the essence of it all, we have carefully curated a list of the top tourist attractions you must visit in Mumbai. Catch a kali-peeli (taxi), walk through its tantalising khau gallis (food alley) and we promise that you will fall in love with the city in no time!
1. Visit the Gateway of India
Packed with tourists and locals alike, we recommend arriving here early in the morning to catch sight of the beautiful piece of architecture standing tall for over a century now. With a stunning backdrop of the Arabian Sea, this tourist spot is worth waking up early for!
2. Catch a ferry ride
If you are a fan of leisure boat rides with stunning views, why not catch a ferry from the city’s coastline? Witness the architectural grandeur of the five-star Taj Mahal Palace right beside the Gateway from the comforts of your ride in the middle of the vast ocean. You can even take a Mumbai sightseeing tour– catching glimpses of old lighthouses, Oyster Rock (a heavily fortified Naval base), anchored ships and if your luck shines bright, dolphins jumping by!
3. Explore the famous Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)
A UNESCO World Heritage site situated right in the heart of the city, CST was built during British colonial rule. Embodying a Victorian-Gothic style, this exemplary building even offers guided tours to explore the structure from the inside. The porch inside offers a stunning view of the surroundings with cars and buses waltzing around the city center!
4. Take a walk along Mumbai’s beaches
Mumbai resides on the country’s coastal line and thereby harbours beaches famous for not only their gorgeous sunsets but also the rows upon rows of lip-smacking food stalls serving the best the city has to offer. Juhu Beach is considered one of the most iconic beaches in the city (usually crowded) with people from all walks of life. Girgaon Chowpatty, known for its extravagant celebrations of Ganpati Visarjans and Dadar Chowpatty offering staggering views of the Worli sea link are among other tourist attractions that you should visit.
5. Experience a magical sunset at Marine Drive
Witness an amalgamation of pastels as you catch a sunset from Mumbai’s famous marine drive. A popular spot among tourists and locals alike, take a break from exploring or maybe end your day by grabbing a seat here to witness the city’s glimmering skyline. Filled with food stalls and street artists, there’s always something to experience here!
6. Immerse yourself in India’s rich arts culture at NMACC
Mumbai’s heat is no joke. So, if you want to take a break why not do so inside this architectural grandeur built as a tribute to India’s rich art, culture and tradition? Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre with its Swarovski-studded interiors is home to the most technologically advanced theatre in the country. Be sure to catch a play or take a walk through its various art exhibitions offered.
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7. Shop till you drop at Colaba Causeway
Mumbai is famous for a lot of things- one being its abundance of street shopping destinations. One such street famous for shopping is the colourful Colaba Causeway. Junk jewellery, summer dresses, handbags, novelties, you name it, the market has it all!
8. Eat along Mumbai’s various Khau Gallis
A haven for street food lovers, the alleyways of Mumbai offer rows upon rows of famous street foods! These joints serving delectable delicacies have long since been etched into the fabric of Mumbai. Visit my favourite khau galli in Zaveri bazaar famous for chaats, pani puris, kachodis and more. You can also visit the ones in Ghatkopur, Carter Road, Mohammed Ali Road and Khargar for some mouth-watering bites.
9. Admire the beautiful Haji Ali Dargah
Positioned right in the middle of the sea, this dargah (mosque) is a sight to behold. Among the must-see tourist attractions, Haji Ali is also a pilgrim site near the coast of Worli, where thousands of devotees travel every year. Its beautiful Indo-Islamic architecture holds intricate mirror work in kaleidoscopic patterns held by marble panels. Further, because the mosque is situated on an island, it becomes inaccessible during high tides so make sure you check the conditions before planning a visit.
10. Take a drive down Bandra-Worli Sealink
Like long drives? Well, you are going to love this one! Be sure to shuffle through your favourite songs and leave for a beautiful night drive across the Bandra Worli Sea Link. Lit up at night, this hour-long drive will have you admiring the glimmering skyline. You can catch a kali-peeli as no two-wheelers are allowed on this bridge.
11. Walk through the corridors of Jehangir Art Gallery
Hosting around three hundred shows per annum, this art gallery in Kala Ghoda (nicknamed Mumbai’s art district) is considered one of the most prestigious art houses in the city. It is divided into four halls to showcase stunning visual arts in different mediums. The neighbourhood is also home to the Kala Ghoda Art Festival held yearly during the first week of February.
12. Take a fun trip to Imagicaa
Only two hours away from the city, Imagicaa is a humongous theme park perfect to spend a day in (or days) with friends and family. Bring out your inner child in this adventure and water park and we promise a fun time. Tickets start from INR 1,400.
13. Experience Bollywood at Film City
The centre ground for all things Bollywood, we recommend taking a tour of Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri Film City. Comprising twenty indoor studios, it has enough space to accommodate 1,000 film sets. With regular excursions organised, you can visit movie sets and be walked through the aspects of filmmaking!
14. Take a trip to Alibag
An hour’s ferry ride from Mumbai, Alibag is a coastal town that is famous for its beaches, historical locations and temples. Visit the Kolaba Fort, Varsoli Beach and Hirakot Lake among other things and you can easily spend a day or two here for a perfect getaway.
15. Visit the Bandra Fort
Offering beautiful views of the sea link over the vast ocean, Bandra Fort is a popular tourist attraction in Mumbai. We recommend getting here by late afternoon and catching beautiful vistas of the sun setting across the horizon.
16. Explore the 2nd-Century Elephanta Caves
A thirty-minute ferry ride out of the city, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit for all history lovers. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the caves consist of several intricate rock cutouts of the deity that will leave you amazed at the level of artistry prevalent during ancient times.
17. Take a walk through the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum
Previously known as the Prince of Wales Museum, it is one of the biggest museums in the country with artefacts from all over the world, a recent addition being its contemporary art gallery. Be sure to visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya if you love all things art and history.
18. Make your wishes come true at Siddhivinayak Temple
Considered one of the richest temples in India, it is dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha. It is also believed that a visit to the temple makes all your wishes come true! Frequented by Bollywood celebrities and locals alike, every Tuesday in the early morning hours, people from all across the city walk their way to the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
19. Have breakfast in Mumbai’s famous Irani Cafes
Famous for its Irani chai (tea) with bun maska and a long yet highly delectable menu ranging from keema pav, and sandwiches to mawa cakes, these cafes will provide you with the fuel you need to start your day! Kyani & Co, Britannia & Co and Sassasnian are all long-established cafes that not only treat you to their famous bun-based delicacies but also give you sneak-peek of Mumbai’s integral Parsi community.
20. Explore the beautiful street art across Mumbai
An endeavour by St+art India, the streets of Mumbai are filled with beautiful urban graffiti. A perfect way to explore different neighbourhoods without burning a hole in your pocket, you can easily spend a day finding snippets of their projects all over the city. We recommend visiting the streets of Bandra which provides a perfect backdrop for a quick photoshoot!
21. Visit the Mount Mary’s Basilica
A centuries-old Roman-Catholic church, Mount Mary attracts people from all faiths. An architectural splendour, the interior of the church is most famous for its iconic artwork on its ceiling. The church also hosts the Mount Mary Festival, popularly known as the Bandra Fair held every year during September. Inculcated into the very fabric of the city, this colourful and lively event pays homage to Mother Mary.