Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay is located on India’s west coast and is one of the most visited cities in the world. There are so many things to see in Mumbai so depending on whether you’ve got five days or five weeks, this guide will help you choose the best.
The modern city is densely populated and India’s largest city offering a variety of food, entertainment and nightlife. It is a city of colour and is home to breathtaking historical landmarks, famous places, rich culture, and much more.
Mumbai is a city that’s always on the move, always in a hurry, always crowded. And because of this, it has much to offer from history to arts to shopping and nightlife.
You could start your day at the sea-facing Gateway of India on the Mumbai Harbour waterfront, take a look at the latest inclusions at the famous Jehangir Art Gallery, or visit nearby Elephanta Island which holds ancient cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
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Top Things to do in Mumbai
- Take in the views of the Taj Mahal Palace
- Head to the museums
- Visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
- Immerse yourself in Bollywood
- Join a festival celebration
- Head to the beach
- Gatecrash an Indian wedding
When is the best time to visit Mumbai?
India experiences mild winters, and Mumbai itself rarely gets cold. Most of the year, the weather is hot and humid throughout the day (and night).
December through February is cool and dry; the humidity hits from mid-March to mid-June and then again during September and October.
The monsoon season is from mid-June through August. The best time to visit Mumbai is from December through February, when it is pleasant outdoors.
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Currency
The Indian monetary unit is the Rupee (Rs. or INR), which can be divided into 100 Paise.
Language
The official languages of India are English and Hindi and most people understand at least some of either language or a blend of both known as “Hinglish”. Marathi is also the official language of Mumbai and the state of Maharashtra and is spoken widely in the city.
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10 Best Things to See in Mumbai
Take in the views of the Taj Mahal Palace
Mumbai’s most famous landmark, this stunning hotel is a fairy-tale blend of Islamic and Renaissance styles, and India’s second-most photographed building.
Head to the museums
When you travel to Mumbai, be sure to check out the city’s numerous art and history museums. Try out Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai’s biggest and best museum displays a mix of India-wide exhibits.
Visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Imposing, exuberant and overflowing with people, this monumental train station is the city’s most extravagant Gothic building and an aphorism for colonial-era India. It’s a meringue of Victorian, Hindu and Islamic styles whipped into an imposing Daliesque structure of buttresses, domes, turrets, spires and stained glass.
Immerse yourself in Bollywood
Mumbai is the birthplace of Indian cinema and the home of Bollywood. Check out some films while you’re there.
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Join a festival celebration
A wide variety of Western and Indian festivals offers a chance to eat, drink, and dance. Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, Navratri, Moharram, and Maha Shivratri are all popular festivals that visitors will enjoy experiencing.
Relax, drink and eat at Colaba Social
Colaba is the best of the locations of the hip Social chain, which combines a restaurant/bar with a collaborative workspace. The happening bar nails the cocktails and the food spans everything from fish and chips and poutine to Punjabi and Mangalorean.
Head to the beach
Beaches are a great attraction in the city so why not head to the coast to enjoy swimming and the sun.
Gatecrash an Indian wedding
Head to the gymkhanas on Marine Drive and listen out for the telltale sounds of an Indian wedding in full swing – bhangra, Bollywood grooves, Punjabi rap – sashay straight through the doors and shake a leg. If anyone asks, you’re the groom’s neighbour’s daughter’s friend from London.
What are your favourite things to see in Mumbai?
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Where to stay in Mumbai
Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai – £49
Luxe hotel offering free Wi-Fi & breakfast, plus a restaurant, a spa & a rooftop pool.
Hotel Sea Princess – £42
Chic rooms & suites in a high-end, sea-view hotel offering 2 restaurants, a spa & a nightclub.
ITC Maratha, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Mumbai – £41
Grand hotel offering refined quarters, plus upscale dining, an outdoor pool & a spa.
JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu – £64
Contemporary lodging with 4 restaurants & 2 cafes, plus a spa, a fitness centre & an infinity pool.
T24 Residency – £22
Laid-back hotel featuring an industrial-style restaurant, plus a rooftop bar & an outdoor pool.
Qubestay Airport Capsule Hotel And Hostel – £8
Unpretentious quarters in a laid-back capsule hotel/hostel featuring a cafe & a terrace.
Lakeside Chalet, Mumbai – Marriott Executive Apartments – £46
Polished apartment hotel offering 6 restaurants & a bar, plus a spa & an outdoor pool.
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If you on a bigger trip exploring more of Europe check out my guides to France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and United Kingdom.
My Travel Tips and Recommendations
Flights
To book flights, I always use flight search engine Skyscanner, I regularly use the Everywhere tool to find the cheapest places to travel. It’s how I get to travel so much all around the world. I find it the easiest way to compare flight prices across airlines and get the best deals.
Accommodation
For accommodation, I usually book most of my hotels or hostels through Booking.com. I love using this platform as it provides me with some amazing deals for accommodation all around the world. Or if you prefer, I also recommend using Airbnb. If you haven’t signed up with Airbnb already, you can use this link to get £25 off your first visit!
Travel Insurance
Picking travel insurance that covers you in all eventualities is an essential part of planning a trip for every single person. If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. You never know what’s around the corner.
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