There are so many places to visit in Mumbai that your head will be spinning. There are many hotels in Mumbai so, do not worry about your stay. And while it’s not possible to hit them all at once, here is a list of 20 places that you just have to see during your Mumbai trip.
So what are you waiting for? Book a flight and explore this eclectic city’s hidden gems!
1) Taj Mahal Palace Hotel: The Taj is the grandest example of colonial-era architecture in India and the most enduring symbol of luxury. The interior is an opulent mix of Indian, French, Afghan, and Moorish styles with oak furnishings from Burma, marble from Italy, and silk from Japan. There are many hotels in Mumbai near this place that are famous for their authentic dishes so you can try them.
2) Gateway of India: The Gateway of India was built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai, and it’s a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture. This is where you’ll find the world’s largest community of Parsis in their private section, “The Tower of Silence”.Gateway of India (South): The Gateway of India is on the southern end of the city. This grand structure was built after World War I and was originally called Viceroy’s House. It houses a popular museum with an incredible view of the Arabian Sea and Bandra.
3) Marine Drive: This iconic 5km promenade is the most scenic way to see this city from a distance. The wide boulevard is dotted with palms and lined with old long-standing buildings that house some great restaurants, cafes, bars, and pubs like the architecturally noteworthy Taj Mahal Hotel or Leopold Cafe.
4) The Prince of Wales Museum: Located on a quiet street in the Colaba area, this museum was set up in memory of Edward VII. It’s an interesting collection dedicated to natural history, anthropology, and art.
5) Hanging Gardens: This urban oasis is a peaceful getaway with shady trees and vibrant floral displays. Visitors to the gardens can enjoy the wide variety of plants in bloom as well as a tranquil basin in the centre.
6) Flora Fountain: Mumbai’s pride and joy; this ornate fountain is said to have been designed by Sir Bartle Frere, who was appointed Bombay’s first governor after it became part of British India. It’s a great place to take your kids to splash in the waters.
7) Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: The CST, referred to as “The Queen of the Eastern Suburbs”, is one of Mumbai’s oldest railway stations. It’s a grand building with a large circular dome, and it’s built in the Indo-Saracenic style. Two terminals and about 9 runways, this is one busy airport, both for domestic and international flights. The terminal is designed in a dual approach with both Indian and Western touches which creates an interesting contrast
8) Marine Drive Promenade: The most romantic hour of the day is undoubtedly the early sunset when you can sit around sipping coffee at one of the many seafront cafes and watch Mumbai come alive. A great place to just marvel at Mumbai’s skyline.
9) CST Railway Museum: Located on Platform 13 of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, this museum has an incredible collection of steam engines and vintage carriages that will transport you back in time.
10) Hanging Gardens: Another nice place for a family stroll is this popular park in neighbouring Bandra. Featuring beautiful gardens and lots of green space, it’s a great place to take your kids for an afternoon outing and enjoy some greenery.
11) Walk to Girgaum Chowpatty: The hip and happening neighbourhood of Bandra is full of coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants. It’s a great place to walk around, especially if you want your fix of good food. This is also a good place to visit in the evening and watch the local youth play cricket or hang out on the beach.
12) Visit Worli Koliwada: A famous fishing village that remains an important fishing base to date, Worli houses many traditional Koli dwellings with unique fort-like architecture. It’s a good place to see old fishing boat houses and the famous Koli Weavers Market.
13) Dhobi Ghat: This place is Mumbai’s most famous laundry area. Located on the banks of the Mithi river, it’s a fascinating place to visit with vibrant blue-coloured laundry being washed in the open air and not-so-delicate smells of chemicals in the air.
14) Walk around Colaba Causeway: This popular hangout area has many interesting attractions such as Marine Drive, Hanging Gardens, and Mumbai’s largest wholesale market: Crawford Market, set up by the British in 1875. It’s a good place for shopping for some local souvenirs and art pieces.
15) Mumbai’s first skyscraper, the Prince of Wales: Built-in 1924 and completely restored by the British in 1990, this world-renowned architectural marvel is a must-see for any architecture buff. Today, it houses a museum of historical objects including clocks and maps of the British era.
16) Walk to see all five islands: This walk is divided into two parts: 1) The beginning of the walk takes you to Marine Drive where you’ll find a lot of local seafood restaurants and cafes. 2) The second part takes you past Bandra Fort and onto one of Mumbai’s famous beaches, Juhu Beach. It’s a reasonably easy walk and you can always get a taxi back at any stage.
17) Walk from Nariman Point to Carter Road: This scenic walk runs along the coast from Nariman Point to Carter Road, which is an area known for its tourist restaurants and cafes. It’s a great place for an evening stroll with the family and an opportunity to discover some of the quieter parts of this city.
18) Walk around Girgaum Chowpatty: This is one of Mumbai’s most famous fish markets and it’s where you’ll find all kinds of local dishes cooked in different wacky ways. It’s also a good place to visit on a weekend as it often hosts live performances of local artists and musicians.
Conclusion
Walk around Colaba Causeway is another popular walk-in Mumbai; it will take you through the heart of South Mumbai and allow you to discover the city’s many hidden treasures. It’s a good place for shopping, people-watching, and getting a feel of what Mumbai is all about. Make sure to book hotels in Mumbai for added experience.
