Culture Trip offers up to 40% savings on unique Mumbai tours with its selection of immersive Epic Trips, carefully-planned Mini Trips and sparkling Sailing Trips.
Mumbai’s most beloved tourist attraction is undoubtedly the Gateway of India, a landmark overlooking the Arabian Sea. Come watch locals dance and take selfies at this iconic site; or charter a private boat for an incredible seascape view from below. Cathay Pacific flights are available on several routes, including Auckland to Mumbai.
1. Gateway of India
Gateway of India is one of the city’s iconic landmarks and should be on every traveler’s agenda. Constructed to honor King George V and Queen Mary’s arrival to India during their visit in 1911, its design by George Wittet resembles that of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe.
Apollo Bunder is an immensely popular tourist attraction that can be reached via road, train and ferry transport. This tourist site lies very near both the Taj Mahal Hotel and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station – commonly referred to as Victoria Terminus in earlier years.
All year, it is open to the public; however, be wary of heavy crowds on weekends and public holidays. To minimize heat and humidity exposure, visit in the early morning or late evening for optimal experiences.
Events and celebrations take place throughout the year at this site. One major annual celebration is the Festival of Sails Regatta, featuring various sailboat races. At the same time, programs for kids aged 8-16 years are planned to introduce them to sailing.
2. Colaba Causeway Market
Colaba Causeway Market in Mumbai is one of the best places for street shopping, affordable goods, and British-era architecture. This busy street features shops after shops with clothing, accessories, handicrafts and sweets – often popular among foreign tourists and college students.
Near the Fort area and Cuffe Parade, this market provides an ideal way to experience Mumbai’s lively culture. Here you’ll find everything from spicy chaat to sweet desserts; this market provides an enjoyable way to experience India’s unique street life!
Colaba Causeway is not only an attractive shopping destination but also home to some of Mumbai’s best-loved restaurants and cafes, such as Leopold Cafe – known for serving Indian, Chinese and Continental fare – Delhi Darbar (famous Mughlai cuisine), Bademiya coffee shop with walls lined with cartoons drawn by Mario Miranda himself, Bademiya coffee shop filled with cartoons designed by Mario Miranda himself and Bademiya (well-known coffee shop featuring walls covered by Mario Miranda cartoons). Finally Regal Cinema stands proud as one of Mumbai’s few remaining old-style movie theatres – make sure you visit it before leaving Mumbai behind!
3. Marine Drive
Marine Drive, one of Mumbai’s most easily identifiable landmarks and symbols of glamour and glitz, stretches along South Mumbai coastline for 3.6 km connecting Nariman Point with Girgaum Chowpatty beach and is popular with pedestrians, joggers, jogners and strollers alike. At sunset it offers breathtaking views of Arabian Sea with plenty of delicious snacks like bhel puri and paav bhaji being sold at various stalls lining its route; at night its entirety illuminated beautifully earning it another name – Queen’s Necklace!
The walkway is a popular spot for locals looking for respite from Mumbai’s hectic atmosphere, offering stunning ocean breezes and panoramic horizon views. Additionally, this promenade can offer glimpses into Mumbai nightlife with street vendors and performers along its length.
4. Juhu Beach
Juhu Beach is an attractive option for Mumbaikars looking for exercise, relaxation and socializing. While swimming or sunbathing may not be ideal, strolling along its stretch offers great views as well as sampling some tasty local snacks available on site.
At Ganesh Chaturthi festival, Siddhivinayak Temple attracts large numbers of devotees who fill up the beachfront area. Furthermore, vendors selling street food and toys also create a festive ambiance on this special day.
Juhu is a luxurious suburb and home of many Bollywood celebrities such as Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan and Salmaan Khan. Additionally there are numerous fashion boutiques and restaurants here as well as great hotels such as JW Marriott which combines traditional designs with contemporary furnishings while providing rooms with breathtaking sea views.
5. Siddhivinayak Temple
Siddhivinayak Temple, established in 1801 and dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is one of the premier Hindu temples in Mumbai. Devotees travel from all across India and beyond to visit its famous two-and-a-half foot tall main idol carved out of black stone; depicting him with four arms holding modak, axe, japmala and plateful of his favourite treat; flanked on either side by statues depicting Riddhi and Siddhi; darshan tickets may also be booked ahead for a small fee.
The temple is famous for its grand architecture and distinct features, such as its luxurious golden dome at its apex. Additionally, its inner sanctum is lined with gold plating to house Lord Ganesha in his seat atop an elegantly decorated pedestal. Furthermore, wooden doors bearing images of Ashtavinayaks adorn this beautiful structure as well as multiple shrines dedicated to Hanuman.
6. Prince of Wales Museum
Prince of Wales Museum (formerly Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya) is one of Mumbai’s must-visit places, located in Fort Area. This impressive architectural marvel was designed by George Wittet who also created Gateway of India.
The museum showcases an expansive collection of artifacts, from sculptures and miniature paintings to weapons and armors from India as well as European paintings. Additionally, there is also an exhibit dedicated to Far Eastern culture which showcases ceramics and porcelain.
The museum is open daily from 10:15 am to 6 pm; however, it will be closed on January 26th, May 1st, 15th August and 2nd October for maintenance purposes. Located within 20-minute walking distance from both Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Churchgate railway stations as well as accessible via bus, an audio tour is provided in six languages for your enjoyment at this facility.
7. Essel World & Water Kingdom
Essel World’s Water Kingdom, Asia’s largest water park, offers a fun experience for visitors of all ages. There is something here for every age group with rides like What-a-Coaster, Bratzone and Adventures Amazonia guaranteed to put a smile on your face!
This park is open year-round, though for optimal experience it is best to visit from October to March when the temperature is more pleasant and there are fewer visitors.
Bandra-Worli Sea Link is an essential sight in Mumbai and an incredible feat of modern engineering that connects Bandra to Worli via cable-stayed bridge. Not only is this beautiful structure worth seeing, it makes travelling between both areas much simpler. A popular spot for photography, this bridge also makes the journey an incredible breeze. Well known for its scenic sunset views as well as being home to leopards, boars and flying foxes making this an attractive spot for wildlife enthusiasts!
8. Bandra Fair
Mount Mary Basilica Church in Bandra West hosts an annual festival known as the Bandra Fair to commemorate Mother Mary’s birthday and attract pilgrims and tourists from across Mumbai for this week-long carnival event.
At church, devotees can shop for anything they need – from household essentials and sweets, to children’s toys. Many stalls sell religious items such as channa, rosaries and halva while pilgrims leave behind wax hearts, dolls or houses to express their wishes.
Bollywood celebrities often visit Bandra as film shooting locations nearby are located here. Many film star homes such as Shah Rukh Khan’s Galaxy Apartments and Salman Khan’s Mannat can be found along its sea facing promenade; its charming bylanes offer further opportunity for exploration – making Bandra one of Mumbai’s most stunning areas with old world charm.