A hub of business, education, entertainment, art and culture, Mumbai is the busiest and largest city of India, with an electrifying energy that overwhelms everyone. It is the capital of the state of Maharashtra, the second-most populous city in India and the seventh-most populous city in the world. Mumbai city sits on the western coast of India with the Arabian Sea on the right, the Western Ghats on the left, Goa on the south, and Gujarat on the north. Book a Mumbai car rental with Savaari and get the best experience of your trip.
Table of Contents
- Things to do in Mumbai
- Places to visit in Mumbai
- How to Plan a trip to Mumbai
- History & Geography of Mumbai
- Places to stay
- Nearby Road trips from Mumbai
Things to Do in Mumbai
Things to do in Mumbai during the Summer
| Activity | Description | Location |
| Spend the day at the Water Kingdom | Beat the scorching summer heat by spending a fun day at the Water Kingdom at Essel World, one of the oldest and largest water parks in India. Visiting this extravagant fun zone and recreation area, loaded with games and thrilling rides, makes it a popular weekend outing place in summer in Mumbai. Opening hours: 10 AM to 8 PM Entry fee: Rs. 920 for adults and Rs. 650 for Children |
Essel World, Gorai Island, Borivali West |
| Unwind in a Pool Party at C’est La Vie | Nothing beats chilling by the pool in Mumbai during summer but relaxing with the most refreshing beverages by the poolside at C’est la vie. As one of the ultimate clubs in Mumbai, C’est la vie, is home to numerous pool parties every summer which has a soothing and youthful vibe, which also makes it one of the best places to visit in Mumbai in summer. | Bandra |
| Indulge in the famous Chuski | There is something super satisfying and nostalgic about indulging in super tasty golas during the summer. They are locally called chuskis in Mumbai and come in a variety of flavours like Kala khatta, cola and strawberry and more. While slurping on these golas with a rainbow-coloured tongue, memories of your child are sure to come to light. | Across Mumbai |
| Soak in the sunset from Bandstand | Sunsets in Mumbai are certain to leave you in awe with the cool breeze from the sea and sunshine on your face, Bandra Bandstand is the place to be. It is a long walkway built with rocks, by the sea. It is perfect in summer as most people love to catch the sunset, hang out, stroll in jogger’s park, and enjoy the breeze. | Bandra West |
| Take a relaxing stroll through Marine Drive | A leisure walk by the Arabian Sea on Marine Drive in the evening is not only the best thing to do in summer in Mumbai but also one of the most rejuvenating experiences. Chill out with your gang, indulge in street food, watch the ferries cruising, and enjoy the summer evening in the best possible way. | Mumbai |
Things to do in Mumbai during Winter
| Activity | Description | Location |
| Witness the famous Gateway of India | This 20th Century monument is one of the best attractions in the city. Spending your summer in Mumbai can be a great experience if you visit the magnificent Gateway of India. The historicity of this monument is quite significant and takes you back to the time when the city was captured by the British. | Colaba, Mumbai |
| Explore the magnificent Elephanta Caves | To make the most of your Mumbai visit, you must explore the Elephanta Caves. These caves are counted among the best places to visit in summer in Mumbai and for all the right reasons. They are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are based on the essence of Lord Shiva. Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM Entry Fee: Rs. 40 |
Gharapuri, Maharashtra |
| Spot Wildlife at Sanjay Gandhi National Park | Previously known as Borivali National Park, this is a biosphere reserve boasting common as well as rare wildlife. Exploring this national park and spotting wildlife is one of the most sought-after things to do in summer in Mumbai for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Timings: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm. Closed on Mondays. Entry fee: Rs. 48 per person |
Borivali East, Mumbai |
| Catch the waves at Juhu Beach | A winter vacation in Mumbai can be quite fun if you are visiting Juhu Beach. You can spend quality time at this beach strolling around whilst relishing ice cream or bhel puri. The beach is quite happening owing to the presence of some of the best bars and other places where you can grab a bite. | Mumbai |
Things to do in Mumbai with Family
| Activity | Description | Location |
| Explore history & spirituality at the St. Thomas Cathedral | A UNESCO World Heritage Site, St. Thomas Cathedral is a standing testament to British colonial rule in India. Being the first Anglican Church, it holds paramount religious importance to the Christian community in Mumbai and dates back to 1718 when it was built and dedicated to St. Thomas. It has characteristics of the Neo-Gothic and Neo-Classical architectural oeuvre which are brilliant. Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM |
Churchgate, Mumbai |
| Visit the Rajabai Clock Tower | The majestic 250 ft. clock tower is one of the most highlighted attractions of Mumbai city. The clock portrays itself as a glaring example of the early Gothic and French architecture that was brought in during British rule in India. | Bombay University, Mumbai |
| Meet celebs at the Red Carpet Wax Museum | It is one of those tourist places in Mumbai that one simply cannot miss because the museum showcases lifelike statues of celebrities and prominent people from all walks of life, such as socialites, politicians, world leaders, scientists, social workers etc. The figures are made to be entirely alike for the person with an authentic feel to it it. Entry fee: INR 250 (weekday), INR 350 (weekend) Timings: 9.45 AM-9.30 PM |
Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Enjoy Role-playing at Kidzania | The KidZania centre in Mumbai consists of a realistic replica of a real city- complete with buildings, shops, theatres and malls. It even houses child-sized versions of cars, traffic and pedestrians who move up and down the “streets” of the city replica. KidZania Mumbai is an international chain of indoor centres devoted to family entertainment. Entry Fee: Rs.500 to 1300 Timing: Monday to Sunday (10:00 am – 8:00 pm) |
Amrut Nagar, West Ghatkopar, Mumbai, India. |
| Catch winter vibes at Snow World | Take a fascinating relief from the sweltering heat of Mumbai at a one-of-its-kind theme park – Snow World. Situated in Phoenix Market City, Snow World is a perfect place for your family to enjoy a day in the world of snow. The state-of-the-art technology at the Snow World is such that you get to witness the bliss of Kashmiri snowfall in the financial capital of India. | Kamani Junction Kurla (W), Mumbai |
Things to do in Bombay with Friends
| Activity | Description | Location |
| Explore the Kanheri Caves |
Situated within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park forests near Borivali, Kanheri Caves is a group of ancient rock-cut cave monuments created by basalt formations. Dating back to somewhere between the 1st and 9th centuries, these caves were used by Buddhist monks as a study hall, a prayer hall and a place to live. By climbing up the rock-cut steps, one can enjoy sightseeing the caves, a congregation hall, intricately carved pillars, Buddhist stupas, and water channels. Entry Fee: Rs. 15 for Indians and Rs. 200 for foreigners |
Mumbai |
| Catch a glimpse of Bollywood at the Film City | The government and other tour agencies arrange for a plethora of tours where you get an opportunity to visit the lavish film sets, get a sneak peek of what happens behind the camera, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot your favourite movie star here! A visit to these sets in the real world is worth a visit, especially if you’re a movie buff. Price: Rs. 600 – 1699 Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM |
Goregaon East, Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Have fun at Suraj Water Park | If you are planning a cool day out with your friends and family, Suraj Water Park located in Thane, Maharashtra is a great choice. There is a constant buzz of background music while you take a swim and dip into the cozy and cool water slides. Entry Free: Varies based on height Kids (Height below 3’.6”) – No Entry Fee Kids: (Height between 3’.6” to 4’.6”) – INR 650 Adults (Height above 4’.6”) – INR 800 Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM |
Thane, Mumbai |
| Shop with your buddies at the local market | You’ll find everything here – from breezy apparel, colourful jewellry and antique clocks, brass knick-knacks, bags and trendy footwear. Usually filled with tourists, this street market also hosts upscale boutiques such as Bombay Electric and Bungalow 8, offering an essential shopping experience in Mumbai. And when you get tired, head to eateries like Bagdadi, Bade Miyan or Light of Asia for a delicious meal. Timings: 9:00 AM to 10 PM |
Colaba |
Things to do for Couples
| Activity | Description | Location |
| Explore masterpieces at the Jehangir Art Gallery | It is one of the premier venues in Mumbai for accomplished and budding artists to exhibit their artwork for public view. The gallery was established in 1952 by Cowasji Jehangir and was named after his late son Jahangir. It is a wonderful haven for art enthusiasts who want to see a splendid exhibition of artworks under a single roof. The art gallery has exhaustive collections of paintings by famous artists such as M F Husain and S. H. Raza as well. | M.G. Road, Mumbai |
| Admire the beauty of the Flora Fountain | Popularly known as the Hutatma Chowk, the Flora Fountain is one of India’s oldest heritage structures which was built in 1864. The name “Flora” has been coined after the name of the Roman Goddess of Flowers. The Flora Fountain in Mumbai is a booming commercial hub and many of the prominent institutions are located around this place. The fountain exudes a brilliant appearance at night and is one of the best tourist attractions of Mumbai City. Timings: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Fort Business District, South Mumbai |
| Go boating at the Chota Kashmir Boat Club | Located amidst the lush green surroundings of Aarey Colony, Chota Kashmir Boat Club is a great place to enjoy a weekend. Visitors can enjoy boating on the swan-shaped pedal boats and soak in the beauty of the surrounding greenery. With verdant gardens, chirping of birds, fresh air, and a cool breeze, Chota Kashmir Boat Club is indeed a holiday spot for any Mumbaikar for budget-friendly activities. Entry Fee: Rs. 20 Timings: 9 AM to 8:30 PM Boating Timings: 11 AM to 3 PM |
Goregaon, Mumbai |
| Relax at the Hanging Gardens | Standing on top of Malabar Hill, Hanging Gardens offers a magnificent view of the Arabian Sea. It was built in 1880 in memory of Pherozshah Mehta. Visit this place in monsoons, when the grass appears greener and the garden even more beautiful. It’s ideal for couples as you can spend an entire day here, exploring and strolling through the terraced garden. Entry Fee: Free Timings: 7 AM to 8 PM |
Malabar Hill, Mumbai |
| Have a fun date at an amusement park | Adlabs Imagica is the perfect getaway in Mumbai for couples seeking thrill and an adrenaline rush. The amusement park celebrates love and especially on Valentine’s Day when the dim lights of the Candlelight Dinner. You can spend the day with your loved ones with activities and a splash of romance here. Entry Fee: Rs. 500 to Rs.3000 Timings: 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM |
Khalapur, Maharashtra |
Offbeat things to do in Mumbai
| Activity | Description | Location |
| Enjoy Sailing in Mumbai |
Soak in the mesmerizing views of the Mumbai Skyline, Gateway Of India, Taj Mahal Hotel, old lighthouses, and naval bases as you sail through the Arabian Sea in Mumbai. Book the cruise to celebrate prominent occasions of your life with beautiful decorations of colourful balloons and music onboard. If you are lucky, you might also get a chance to see lovely dolphins. Price: Rs. 5000 for 6 |
Colaba, Mumbai |
| Spend the day on the race course | If you’re in Mumbai between November and April, you could spend a day watching the galloping horses at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse. Explore the local Mumbai cuisine, grab a few beers, and watch the magnificent horse races while in Mumbai. | Mahalakshmi, Mumbai |
| Explore culinary treats at the Britannia & Co. | Mumbai is home to various Parsi Cafes that offer unique dishes and are an ideal networking hub. They are quite famous for the berry palov which is only available at this venue. The city is popular for its various culinary delights, so why not give the usual suspects a miss and explore something new? Price: Avg Rs. 1000 for two Timings: 12 PM – 4 PM |
16 Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai |
Places to visit in Mumbai
For wholesome sightseeing, you can also do these things and explore the city like a local –
- Drive through the Bandra Worli Sea Link connecting the suburbs to South Bombay.
- Walk or ride a Victorian-style horse-drawn carriage – along the Marine Drive in the evening or late night.
- Ride ponies or watch sunsets at the popular beaches.
- Join a heritage walk or a food walk through central Mumbai and sample local flavors, art, and history.
- Catch a play at Prithvi Theater, the oldest and most prominent theater community.
- Take a ferry ride to the nearby Elephanta Caves, housing ancient Buddhist and Jain temples, and rock sculptures.
- Enjoy an hour-long chopper ride over the city to get the best view of the skyline and the shores.
- Go for a sunset sail on a sailboat or yacht on the Arabian Sea at sunset or afternoon.
- Visit the riverside retreat of Kolad, famous for white water rafting. The frothy waters of Kundalika River are perfect for both pros and amateurs. Visit during or right after monsoon for the best experience.
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Shopping in Mumbai
From street shopping to luxury boutiques and huge malls, shopping in this metro is an adventure. Here are some of the best places to shop in –
- Colaba Causeway, Colaba
- Fashion Street, MG Road
- Zaveri Bazaar, Dana Bandar
- Hindmata Market, Dadar East
- Dharavi Leather Market
- Hill Road, Bandra West
- Linking Road, Bandra West
- Lokhandwala Market, Andheri West
- Palladium Mall, Lower Parel
- Phoenix Market City, Kurla East
- Oberoi Mall, Goregaon East
If you’re visiting Mumbai and want to see everything the city has to offer, book a cab service in Mumbai with Savaari who can take you to all the hidden jewels, including buzzing tech parks and lovely parks and gardens.
Nightlife in Mumbai
Nightlife here is a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you want to eat, drink, relax, enjoy live music, spend quality time with a special someone, or dance the night away, there are a host of places for couples, singles, and groups alike.
Check out these places to spend the post-sunset hours –
- Leopold, Colaba Causeway
- Toto’s Garage, Bandra
- Glocal, Andheri West
- Anti-Social, Khar
- Razzberry Rhinoceros, Juhu
- AER Lounge, Parel
- The Dome, Churchgate
- Trilogy, Juhu
- Escobar, Bandra
Places to visit in Mumbai
There are countless tourist places to see and visit in this massive metropolis. But here are some of the best places to visit –
- Gateway of India – entry point into the Mumbai port and a famous landmark.
- Byculla Zoo – the biggest zoo and wildlife reserve within the city.
- Borivali National Park – the greenest part of the city with forests, wildlife, caves, and streams.
- Elephanta Caves – ancient caves with Buddhist and Jain statues and temples, off the coast of Mumbai.
- Film City – a mini township with studios and sets used for movies, TV shows, and events.
- Haji Ali – a 15th-century mosque and a sacred pilgrim center located in the middle of the sea.
- Siddhi Vinayak Temple – one of the most sacred and popular pilgrimage destinations in the city.
Apart from the above, there are also several beaches you ought to explore–
- Marine Drive – a beachside promenade in South Bombay and the southernmost tip of the city.
- Juhu Beach – a popular sandy beach in the western suburbs known for prime hotels, resorts, and dining options.
- Bandra Bandstand – a rocky beach with hilly road and luxury villas, and popular local hotspot.
- Carter Road – a suburban seafront in Bandra, known for upscale dining and leisure options.
You can also visit other suburban beaches like Versova Beach, Marve Beach, Aksa Beach, and Gorai Beach, known for palm-lined sandy shores, quaint resorts, and peaceful vibes.
Popular Places to visit nearby
Besides visiting famous places, you can also explore these scenic places near Mumbai.
- Lonavala-Khandala – One of the most popular getaways near Bombay, the twin hill towns of Lonavala-Khandala are famous for their verdant beauty, natural trails, clear lakes, and a pleasant weather throughout the year, but best during the monsoon or winter. You can also easily book a Mumbai to Lonavala cab to reach this beautiful destination
- Visit the Pawna Lake, Rajmachi Fort, Kune Falls, and Bushi Dam.
- Lavasa – A popular picnic spot near Bombay, Lavasa is a colorful retreat on Mutha Lake. Designed after the resort town of Portofino, Italy, the township showcases European architecture with state-of-the-art hotels, a lake promenade and boardwalks. Stay at a boutique hotel/apartment, go for boating, swimming, or hiking around the forests.
- Mahabaleshwar – Known for strawberries, hills, and misty trails, Mahabaleshwar is one of the best hill stations nearby. Visit the ancient Mahabaleshwar temple of Shiva, spend a day at the Mapro Food Farm, or experience a country stay at the organic farms.
- Matheran – It is the smallest hill station near Mumbai, famous for forested hills and great viewing points. Stop by the Sunset Point for a breathtaking view of the setting sun between two cliffs or cross the U-shaped 1000 meters gorge at Valley Crossing.
Popular places to eat in Mumbai
You will find everything from food trucks to cozy diners, budget eateries and upscale rooftop restaurants to sample the city’s eclectic flavors.
Here are the best restaurants to try –
- Wasabi by Morimoto, Taj Hotel, Colaba
- Café Leopold, Colaba Causeway
- Slink & Bardot, Worli Village
- Bombay Canteen, Lower Parel
- Mahesh Lunch Home, Juhu
- Silver Beach Café, Juhu
- Pali Village Café, Bandra
- Mirchi And Mime, Powai
- Olympia, Colaba
One of Mumbai’s most iconic street foods, the vada pav, holds great significance for the people of this bustling city. Hence, we asked the residents of Mumbai to share their recommendations for the best vada pavs in the city. Through their reviews, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to help our fellow travellers discover and relish the best vada pavs in Mumbai.
How to Plan a Trip to Mumbai
How to reach Mumbai
By Train
Mumbai has nearly 20 railway terminuses with trains connecting to all major cities and towns in India. You can get regular express trains from Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune etc.
By Road
The city is connected to the rest of Maharashtra and neighbouring states by NH48, NH848, and NH61. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Bangalore Highway connect it to the southern states. There are also plenty of state-run and private buses to and from Mumbai to Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Surat, Vadodara, Hyderabad etc. You may also book a Mumbai to Pune cab with us and enjoy the luxury and convenience of a private vehicle for the finest road travel experience from Mumbai to Pune.
[Also read: Travel from Pune to Mumbai by Road – Distance, Time and Useful Travel Information]
By Flight
The nearest airport is at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (MUM), 4KM from the city center. The domestic terminal is at a distance of 6KM distance from the international airport. There are regular flights to Mumbai from all major cities and towns across India. You can book an airport taxi for a comfortable and safe journey.
Best time to Visit Mumbai
Mumbai enjoys classic coastal weather with hot and humid summers, refreshing monsoon, and pleasant winters. The best time to visit the city is between November to March, when the temperature is conducive enough to travel around. The monsoon period is also cooler but receives heavy rainfall. Depending on your travel goals, you can plan your trip.
Best Places to Stay
There are a host of hotels, hostels, resorts, and homestays you can choose from for a comfortable stay –
| Hotel Name | Address |
|---|---|
| ITC Grand Central | Dr 287, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012 Phone: 022 2410 1010 |
| The Royal Orchid | 83, Narayan Gajanan Acharya Marg, adj. to Railway Station, Chembur West, Chembur Gaothan, Chembur, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071 Phone: 022 6129 1234 |
| Waterstones – 5 Star Services Hotel | International Airport, Airport Rd, near Mumbai, Navpada, Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400059 |
| St. Regis | 462, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013 Phone: 022 6162 8000 |
Witness the beauty of Mumbai by booking a car rental to take you to all these places with a local driver. Install the Savaari cab booking app for offers and discounts on outstation rentals.
History & Geography
Mumbai is technically an island in Maharashtra. It was once an archipelago of seven ancient islands and home to the local fishermen communities. There is no record of exactly when the islands were first occupied but there are evidence that show traces of the South Asian Stone Age, followed by ancient Indian empires. For most parts of history, Mumbai (formerly Bombay) was colonized by the Portuguese and then the British East India Company, which largely influenced the cultural, economic, and social history of the city.
Known Facts of the City
There are many historically and culturally significant places in Mumbai that the city is famous for. It is home to Bollywood – the biggest entertainment industry in the country and the fifth largest in the world. It also houses three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Elephanta Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus), and the distinctive ensemble of Victorian and Art Deco buildings designed in the 19th and 20th centuries. These iconic structures are the major tourist attractions here. Apart from these, the city also boasts the biggest public transport network in the country, multiple prominent beaches, a long-standing literary and art community, and a vibrant nightlife, which accounts for most of Mumbai’s tourism.
[Also Read: Getaways from Mumbai for New Year 2022]
Nearby Road trips from Mumbai
| Destination | Distance | Time Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai to Lonavala | 83Km | 2 Hours |
| Mumbai to Alibaugh | 95Km | 2 Hours |
| Mumbai to Pune | 148Km | 3 Hours |
| Mumbai to Nashik | 166 Km | 4 Hours |
| Mumbai to Shirdi | 247 Km | 5 Hours |
Mumbai Travel Updates
- Samruddhi Mahamarg Expressway to cut Mumbai, and Nagpur travel time by half
- Changing City: 5.6-km-long elevated road proposed to decongest Mumbai’s Dahisar Check Naka
- Soon, you can reach Panvel hwy from Palm Beach Road
- Through mountains and under a lake, Mumbai to Pune via Asia’s widest road tunnels
Last Updated on April 5, 2024 by V Subhadra
