I’ve got to be honest. Mumbai is one of those cities that you read about and hear about that is described as one of the busiest and most chaotic destinations in the world. My question was as to whether the touted things to do in Mumbai make it worth navigating the busyness and chaos?
Now, I’d say yes. Absolutely.
Mumbai is so iconically India. It really is just like the pictures you see.
It is fascinating in its overwhelming hustle and bustle – like a city of superlatives! There is plenty to do and lots to take in that make navigating that chaos well worth it.
Here is our guide to the best of Things To Do in Mumbai.
- About Mumbai
- Logistics
Getting There
Getting Around - Things To Do In Mumbai
- Things To Do In Mumbai With Kids
- Planning Your Trip
- Where To Stay
- More About India
Part 1: About Mumbai
Welcome to Mumbai—the “City of Dreams” – and quite possibly the loudest place you’ll ever love!
Formerly known as Bombay, this enormous coastal powerhouse of a city is the beating heart of India’s economy and the glitzy home of Bollywood. It’s a city of staggering contrasts. I’m talking Victorian-era architecture alongside soaring modern skyscrapers and vibrant, sprawling street markets (just like the kind you see in the pictures).
It’s intense, fast-paced, and arguably the best place in the country to experience the true hustle of India while hunting down the perfect Vada Pav or that quiet moment for chai.
Whether you’re navigating the historic lanes of Colaba or watching the world go by at the Gateway of India, Mumbai is an experience that stays with you long after the city noise fades.
Part 2: Logistics – Getting There and Around
First things first; getting to this megacity and then how to get around.
Getting to Mumbai
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) is one of the busiest in Asia, with direct flights from almost every major global hub.
We got the train – actually the multi-day overnight train from Kolkata to Mumbai. That was an adventure in itself!
- The Airport Transfer: We highly recommend using a pre-paid taxi counter inside the arrivals hall or booking an Uber/Ola. It saves you the hassle of negotiating with drivers after a long flight.
- By Train: If you are arriving from elsewhere in India, you will likely end up at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)—one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world and a UNESCO site in its own right.
Getting Around the City
We were lucky to stay in close walking distance to Colaba and the Gateway of India. But otherwise, we used taxis to get around the things to do in Mumbai.
- The Local Train: The lifeblood of Mumbai. It is fast and incredibly cheap, but avoid it during rush hour unless you want to experience what we heard touted as the super dense crush load…
- Kala-Peeli Taxis: The iconic black-and-yellow Premier Padmini taxis (and newer models) are everywhere. They are metered, which makes them one of the most honest transport options in India.
- Uber & Ola: Reliable and great for longer distances across the city.
- Auto-Rickshaws: These only operate in the suburbs (north of Bandra). In South Mumbai (Colaba/Fort), you must use taxis.
Part 3: The Must-See Things To Do in Mumbai
The city is enormous and there are loads of things to do in Mumbai to keep you busy for days. But these are the highlights and must-see places in Mumbai for your first day’s itinerary.
1. The Gateway of India
This is the city’s most defining landmark. Built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911, it ironically became the spot where the last British troops departed India in 1948.
- Tip: It is beautiful at sunset in the golden hour. But go early in the morning to avoid the scorching heat and the massive afternoon crowds. It’s a great spot for people-watching as the city wakes up.
2. The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
Located right next to the Gateway of India is the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel of Mumbai.
This is more than just a hotel; it’s an architectural icon and one of the most famous things to do in Mumbai even if just for a photo.
If you aren’t staying here, it is worth walking through the lobby or booking a high tea. The contrast between the chaotic street life outside and the silent, opulent luxury inside is quintessentially Mumbai!
3. Marine Drive (The Queen’s Necklace)
This 3.6km C-shaped concrete promenade along the coast is the heart of Mumbai’s social life. At night, the streetlights look like a string of pearls, giving it its famous nickname.
- Tip: Join the thousands of locals who head here at sunset to sit on the sea wall, feel the breeze, and escape the city’s humidity.
4. Girgaon Chowpatty Beach
Located at the northern end of Marine Drive, Chowpatty is not a beach for swimming, but it is a beach for eating.
This is the best place to try Mumbai’s legendary street food. Look for stalls serving Bhel Puri, Sev Puri, and Pav Bhaji.
It’s a carnival atmosphere with Ferris Wheels, balloon sellers, and families enjoying the evening air.
5. Crawford Market (Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai)
For a(nother) sensory overload as far as things to do in Mumbai, head to this historic market. It is housed in a stunning Victorian Gothic building and is the place to buy everything from exotic fruits and spices to pets and household goods.
- Tip: Look up at the stone carvings at the entrance—they were designed by Lockwood Kipling, the father of author Rudyard Kipling.
6. Leopold’s Cafe
Have you read the book, Shantaram?
This was top of my bucketlist of things to do in Mumbai!
The café was made globally famous by the book Shantaram. But Leopold’s has famously been a traveller’s institution on Colaba Causeway since 1871. It still bears the bullet holes from the 2008 terror attacks as a mark of resilience.
- Tip: It’s loud, crowded, and serves cold beer and great chili chicken. It is the perfect place to soak in the ‘Old Bombay’ backpacker vibe.
7. Mumbai Chor Bazaar: The ‘Thieves Market’
Located just a few kilometres from the more mainstream Crawford Market, Chor Bazaar offers a completely different world. It is one of the largest and oldest second-hand markets in India, and its name literally translates to ‘Thieves Market’.
Legend has it that if you lose something in Mumbai, you can probably buy it back here the next day!
While it is technically a flea market today, it remains a paradise for photographers (and treasure hunters alike). It is loud, dusty, and absolutely brilliant for catching a glimpse of Mumbai’s hustle.
8. Haji Ali Dargah
The Haji Ali Dargah is one of Mumbai’s most iconic religious landmarks. This stunning 15th-century mosque and tomb houses the remains of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a Sufi saint.
Its Indo-Islamic architecture is beautiful, but what makes it truly special is its location.
The shrine is situated on a tiny islet about 500 meters off the coast, connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. At high tide, the path is completely submerged, making the white marble structure appear to be floating on the Arabian Sea.
9. Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya (Gandhi Museum)
This modest building, Mani Bhavan, was Mahatma Gandhi’s headquarters in Bombay between 1917 and 1934 and served as the focal point for his political activities.
Today the museum is beautifully maintained and follows a similar style to the Gandhi Museum in Delhi. It is filled with photographs, books, and personal belongings—like his spinning wheels—that illustrate his philosophies of non-violence and civil disobedience.
It’s a quiet, reflective space that offers a deep look into the life of the man who led India to independence.
10. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)
To understand the sheer scale of Mumbai, you have to visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
Every single day, a staggering 8 million people use public transportation in Mumbai—a figure that is almost hard to wrap your head around!
The CST is the heart of that movement. Completed in 1888, it is a stunning example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Even if you aren’t catching a train, it is worth visiting just to see the incredible stone carvings and the organized chaos of the commuters. If you are arriving in Mumbai by rail, there’s a high chance this magnificent station will be your first introduction to the city.
Part 4: Even More Things to Do in Mumbai
Mumbai is a beast of a city, and if you only have a few days on your first itinerary, we strongly recommend not trying to cram everything in. You’ll spend more time in traffic than actually seeing the sights!
However, if you have extra time or are already planning your second visit, here are some other things to do in Mumbai to add to your list:
Cultural & Local Experiences
- Mumbai Dhobi Ghat: If you enjoyed the community feel of the Dhobi Khana in Kochi, this is the Mumbai version. It is the world’s largest open-air laundry, where thousands of dhobis wash the city’s linens.
- Dharavi Slum Tour: While often controversial, a respectful, guided tour of Dharavi offers an incredible look at the industry and resilience of Mumbai.
- Mumbai Food Tour: From Pav Bhaji at Cannon to the kebabs of Mohammad Ali Road, a dedicated food tour is a food-highlight!
- Siddhivinayak Temple: One of the richest and most famous temples in India, dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Architecture & History
- Fort Area: This district is the architectural heart of the city. Spend an afternoon wandering past the High Court of Bombay, the University of Mumbai with its Rajabai Clock Tower, and the stunning St. Thomas Cathedral.
- Regal Cinema: A beautiful Art Deco landmark. If you have time, catching a Bollywood flick here is a nostalgic experience that feels worlds away from a modern mall cinema.
- Bandra Fort (Castella de Aguada): Located at Land’s End in Bandra, this 17th-century Portuguese fort offers a bit of quiet history and great views of the coastline.
Modern Mumbai Landmarks
- Bandra-Worli Sea Link Bridge: This is an engineering marvel. Even if you don’t have a specific destination, taking a taxi across this cable-stayed bridge at night provides a spectacular view of the Mumbai skyline.
Remember, Mumbai is a city that has been welcoming travellers for centuries. There is a lot to see, but the best way to do it is to leave a few things to do in Mumbai for next time so you have an excuse to return!
Part 5: Things to Do in Mumbai with Kids
Mumbai can be a lot for little ones, but with a few strategic stops, they will love the city’s high energy.
These are a few stops and things to do in Mumbai with kids.
1. Get a Lassi (or Falooda)
When the heat gets too much, treat the kids to a thick, creamy lassi.
For a uniquely Mumbai experience, head to Badshah across from Crawford Market for a Falooda—a rose-syrup milkshake with vermicelli noodles and basil seeds. It’s a drink and a dessert in one!
2. Visit the Beach (with a twist)
Don’t expect to build sandcastles. Instead, take the kids to Chowpatty in the evening. Let them ride the small, hand-cranked Ferris Wheels and eat a “Gola” (shaved ice with colourful syrups) or ice block on the beach.
3. Visit a Modern Mall
When the kids need air conditioning and a clean floor to run on, Mumbai’s malls are a godsend. Phoenix Palladium in Lower Parel is world-class. It has great food courts, toy stores (like Hamleys), and indoor play zones that offer a much-needed break from the sensory input of the streets.
4. The Nehru Science Centre
Located in Worli, this is a fantastic interactive museum. It has over 500 hands-on science exhibits for school-aged children.
5. Take a Ferry Ride
From the Gateway of India, you can take a short, breezy ferry ride around the harbour. You don’t even need to go all the way to Elephanta Caves; just the 30-minute loop on the water provides a great view of the city skyline.
Part 6: Planning Your Trip
Now you’ve got a plan of things to do in Mumbai the next step is to organise the logistics.
Transport aside, there are a few tips to choose timing for your visit and where to stay that will help make Mumbai even smoother.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mumbai is during the winter months from November to February.
- November to February: The Winter months are the best. The weather is dry, and temperatures are a manageable 25°C to 30°C.
- June to September: This is the Monsoon Season and Mumbai takes its rain seriously. Expect flooded streets and high humidity.
- March to May: Again, it is incredibly hot and humid. Sightseeing becomes a real chore during midday anywhere in India at this time!
Where to Stay in Mumbai
Mumbai is a massive city, so location is everything.
We recommend the Colaba Area in the south of the city as the best place to stay close to the main things to do in Mumbai.
- Chowpatty (Boutique-Budget): The Ferreiras
Small, boutique style hotel only 1km from Chowpatty Beach set back on a quiet(er) pedestrian only street. - Colaba (Budget-Mid): Gulf Hotel
Good location in Colaba just a few mins walk to Gateway of India. Basic rooms, oddly lots of mirrors, a very old elevator and very basic breakfast included. - Central (Budget-Mid): Hotel KumKum
A good budget hotel near the Grant Road Train Station with simple, clean rooms. - Colaba (Budget): Backpacker Panda Colaba Hotel
A great location just off Colaba Causeway and only minutes from the Gateway of India. - Colaba (Luxury): Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
Feel like checking out India’s most famous hotel? There is a second wing of mid-range accommodation too!
Do We Recommend Travelling to Mumbai?
Mumbai is loveably enormous. The colourful chaos and relentless energy of the city embody everything that India is—distilled into one vibrant, sprawling peninsula city.
Looking back, we’ll (shyly) confess apprehension before our first visit, but that only makes us want to recommend it more now. It is every bit as busy as it sounds. It will inspire you, confuse you, and likely insult all your senses at once!
But the unlikely, contrasting energy of Mumbai is catching. It’s a city that rewards the brave, and you’ll be damn pleased you decided to experience it for yourself!
Final Thoughts
Take your time, don’t try to see it all in one day, and always leave room for an unplanned lassi. 🙂
Ready for the next leg of your India adventure? Check out our guides to the Golden Triangle or our tips for visiting the Taj Mahal!
Do you have questions about visiting Mumbai with your family? Drop us a comment below—we’d love to help you plan!
Safe travels, adventurers!
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- Ultimate India Food Tour: 10 Must-Try Treats.
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- What To Wear In India.
- 10 Tips To Avoid Delhi Belly In India.
- 4-Day Kochi & Kerala Itinerary.
- Travelling India By Bus: Intercity, Tourist & Sleeper Buses.
- 10 Iconic Things To Do In Kolkata.
Travel Planning for India & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner – Our favourite flight search engine. They can search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide – A huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for short or longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before planning those things to do in Mumbai!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.
