We will know what are the 10 best places to visit in Mumbai and also the best things to do for entertainment here.
Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, is also called the ‘city of dreams’, where there are many wonderful tourist places to visit. From beaches to Bollywood, museums and nature parks to religious places, there is definitely something for everyone here. Here we will know what are the 10 best places to visit in Mumbai and what you can do for entertainment.
It is said about Mumbai that it is a city that never sleeps. This city has a unique combination of old iconic architecture, modern high-rise buildings, cultural and traditional structures and slums. Tourists from all over the world come to visit this always bustling commercial capital of India. Mumbai is known for its local trains, street food, expensive restaurants and nightlife. There are many wonderful places to visit in Mumbai, after visiting which your trip will become memorable and fun. By the way, the time from November to March in winter is considered the best for sightseeing here.
Best Tourist Places to Visit in Mumbai #1: The Gateway of India
Gateway of India is one of the best tourist places in Mumbai. Built on the Apollo Bunder beach along the Arabian Sea, this magnificent structure reminds us that this city was once under the British rule. This 26-meter high basalt gateway uses triumphal arches of Roman architecture as well as traditional Hindu and Muslim designs. It was built to welcome King George V and Queen Mary who visited British India in 1911. There are stairs behind the arch that lead tourists to the Arabian Sea. Tourists visiting Gateway of India can enjoy boat rides, ferry rides or private yacht rides here. If you want to see beautiful views of the sea, Taj Palace Hotel, docks and the port, then this is the best place for you.
Mumbai Beach # 2: Chaupaty and Juhu beach
The city of Mumbai is situated on the seashore. Mumbai’s beaches are the best tourist destinations for sightseeing. The vast stretch of sand, the waters of the Arabian Sea, the spectacular view of the meeting of the sea and the sky, and the extremely pleasing sunset in the evening are really special. The pleasure of relaxing on the seashore cannot be described in words and the sparkling sea water is worth seeing. Chowpatty and Juhu Beach top the list of must-visit places. ‘Chowpatty’ (Girgaon) Beach, located near Marine Drive, is one of the busiest beaches in Mumbai, and the variety of local cuisines available here is extremely delicious. Talking about Juhu Beach, it is the most crowded beach in Mumbai. Its length is 6 km and thus it is the longest beach in Mumbai. Apart from tasting extremely delicious street food, tourists can also enjoy water sports like banana rides, jet skis and bumper rides here. Apart from this, tourists coming to Mumbai can visit Gorai Beach, Versova Beach, Marve Madh and Aksa Beach. Tourists can spend some time on the recently opened decks at Dadar and Chowpatty, and enjoy the fresh air as well as the beautiful sea views spread all around.
Must visit place for tourists in Mumbai #3: Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) located in Borivali is said to be the centre of clean air in this city. It is the only national park in the world that is located within the city. It is one of the best places to visit in Mumbai. This national park is spread over a total area of 103 square kilometers, which is maintained by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. More than 2 million people visit this place every year. This forest is completely protected to promote ecological tourism, and it is very exciting to see tigers and lions in the safari here. A green bus takes people on a tour of the forest along the fence. Animals roam freely in this forest, so these buses are made like cages with iron bars to protect tourists from the possibility of animal attacks. An estimated 40 leopards live in SGNP as well as the Tungareshwar Sanctuary located nearby. Apart from this, many other animals including mongoose, four-horned deer (Chausingha), Sambhar, Mouse Deer (Pisuri), wild boar, langur, monkey and leopard live here. This park has more than 1,000 plant species, 40 species of mammals and countless species of birds, reptiles, fish and insects. Within this park, there are Kanheri caves built between the 1st and 9th centuries AD, which are now included in the list of protected archaeological sites. Kanheri has a group of 109 small rooms, along with a prayer room, a stupa, water tank and a large hall for the people living there at that time. These have very beautiful and carved statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva. Kanheri caves were built by Buddhist monks, which was a center of Buddhist education as well as an important pilgrimage site.
Famous places to visit in Mumbai # 4: Siddhivinayak and Mumba Devi temple
Source: Pinterest
Shri Siddhivinayak Temple is one of the most famous temples to visit in Mumbai, as well as one of the most visited places in Mumbai. This temple of Lord Ganesha is known as Vinayak which is considered to be the temple that fulfills everyone’s wishes, and this is why devotees from all over the world come here to visit Lord Ganesha. Mumba Devi Temple is a famous pilgrimage site in Mumbai, and Mumbai got its name from this temple. This temple is dedicated to Bhagwati Mumba Devi, the goddess who protects this region. The temple was first built in 1675 in Bori Bunder, but it was rebuilt in 1737, after which it is located at the current location. Mumba Devi is worshiped by the Koli fishermen of Mumbai who consider her as their protector. The temple houses an ancient idol of Bhagwati Mumba Devi, and the idol of the goddess is decorated with gold necklaces, silver crowns and nose rings.
Best tourist places to visit in Mumbai #5: Haji Ali
Surrounded by sea on all sides, Haji Ali Dargah is a famous landmark of Mumbai, visited by people of all religions. Built in the 19th century, the mosque houses the tomb of 15th century Sufi saint, Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. Known for its excellent location, beautiful architecture and religious significance, Haji Ali Dargah is built on a small island about 500 metres from the coast. The shrine has a magnificent marble tomb, a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture, along with a mosque, minarets and an arch-shaped gateway. The majestic Arabian Sea lies behind the dargah and the ‘Makrana’ marble used in its construction was also used in the construction of the Taj Mahal. The location of this dargah is truly unique, and during high tide, the road leading to the mosque goes under water, making it almost impossible to reach here. Therefore, it is only during low tide that tourists can reach this famous dargah.
Mumbai’s most spectacular tourist place #6: Nehru Planetarium
Nehru Planetarium is one of the best places for children to visit in Mumbai, which is a part of Nehru Science Centre. Nehru Planetarium, i.e. Nehru Planetarium was established in the year 1977 in the Worli area of Mumbai city, which is one of the top class planetariums in the country. This science and space center is really very interactive and gives children various types of information about the universe. In this way, children’s knowledge increases, as well as the desire to know more about all these things also arises in their mind. A beautiful white dome has been built on top of this cylindrical building, which was designed by the famous architect J.M. Qadri, which is a major place of scientific and astronomical education. Here children are encouraged to learn more about the universe through different types of activities. The Solar System Show here captivates the tourists, in which you can calculate your weight on every planet present in the universe and can also see models of spacecraft. The planetarium also has a 3D IMAX theatre which shows films in a three-dimensional format that makes objects appear larger than their actual size. With its unique pillar-less circular structure, one can get a clear 360-degree view of the sky without any obstructions. The Nehru Planetarium also has a telescope for those interested in stars and moon. Inside the Nehru Centre, there are different types of exhibitions, galleries and auditoriums. Discovery of India is one of the most interesting sections of the centre which shows the events of history and the changes that took place in India through architecture.
Famous tourist attractions of Mumbai #7: Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo
Tourists visiting Mumbai with their children must visit the Byculla Zoo, also known as Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyaan or Mumbai Zoo. This only zoo of Mumbai was established in 1861 and is one of the oldest zoos in India. It houses a variety of birds and animals, including elephants, hippopotamuses, Nilgai, Bengal tigers and leopards, crocodiles and pythons. Recently, Humboldt penguins from Seoul have also been included in the animals here, which are kept in extremely cold chambers to give a feel of their natural habitat in South America. Walking through the recently built aviaries while listening to the chirping of birds is a wonderful experience. The water part of the Byculla Zoo, also known as Rani Bagh Zoo, houses some species of pelicans, flamingos, albino crows, cranes, herons and storks. Its campus has a beautiful botanical garden as well as a museum in an area of about 50 acres. The botanical garden has more than 3000 trees, herbs and flowering plants. The Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum (formerly called the Victoria and Albert Museum) houses many ancient artifacts, sculptures and historical photographs of Mumbai, including the Kala Ghoda statue and the stone elephant statue from the Elephanta Island caves.
Must visit place for tourists in Mumbai #8: RBI Monetary Museum
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWnGoBEoX6D/embed/?cr=1&v=14&wp=540&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fhousing.com&rp=%2Fnews%2Fhi%2Ftourist-places-to-visit-in-mumbai-and-things-to-do-hi%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A2410.9000000059605%2C%22ls%22%3A256.7000000178814%2C%22le%22%3A2265.300000011921%7D
The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Museum in Mumbai is a unique place to visit, and is the first museum of its kind in the country. This museum has more than 10,000 exhibits of Indian coins, paper notes, financial instruments and money-related curiosities on display for visitors. These exhibits include coins of different royal families, coins of medieval India, pre-British India, British India and modern India, paper notes of the past, gold bars and other means of economic transactions. Visitors are amazed to see coins ranging from very ancient punch-marked coins to coins of the 6th century BC in the museum’s coin gallery. The development of paper currency and financial instruments is explained through currency notes, paper bonds and certificates. Visitors can also see details of important events, bank seals and other similar things. Special kiosks have been created in the RBI Monetary Museum to provide information about money.
Must visit place for tourists in Mumbai #9: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, is located in Bombay (Mumbai) and is a must-visit for tourists visiting Mumbai. The museum houses more than 50,000 ancient artifacts, artefacts and sculptures showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage. It has been given the status of a Grade I Heritage Building, and has been awarded the first prize in the Urban Heritage Award by the Indian Heritage Society. The museum houses pottery from the Indus Valley Civilization, hand-carved Buddhist sculptures from the Mauryan Empire, jali work on Mughal-era jewelry boxes, Indian miniature paintings, European paintings, porcelain and coins from China, Tibet and Japan. The Bronze Gallery exhibits objects from the 9th to the 17th centuries. Krishna dancing on Kaliya and Lord Vishnu standing in a beautifully decorated frame are a sight to behold. The natural history section has a collection of reptiles, mammals, amphibians, birds and fish. Visitors can see various weapons, swords and shields in the exhibition of Indian weapons.
Best Tourist Places To Visit In Mumbai #10: Colaba Causeway
Those who love boutiques and high-end shopping as well as street shopping must visit Colaba Causeway. You will find a good collection of the latest fashion trends on this street. This street starts from the good old historic Regal Cinema, which is one of the most famous single screen theatres in Mumbai.
Best Tourist Places To Visit In Mumbai #11: Wankhede Stadium
The Wankhede Stadium is located on Marine Lines, and is a popular choice for one-day international cricket tournaments. Several cricket matches of the ICC World Cup 2023, hosted by India, were held here. The Wankhede Stadium is the home ground of the IPL team Mumbai Indians.
Best Tourist Places to Visit in Mumbai #12: Crawford Market
It is one of the largest wholesale markets in Mumbai, and is located near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Here you have wholesale shops of clothes, cosmetics, home improvement, jewellery, stationery, food, etc. A trip to Mumbai is incomplete without visiting Crawford Market.
Best Tourist Places To Visit In Mumbai #13: Bhaudaji Lad Museum In Byculla
Located just outside the Byculla Zoo, the Bhaudaji Lad Museum tells the history of the city of Mumbai. It is the oldest museum in Mumbai and houses archaeological finds, maps and historical photographs of Mumbai. Clay models, silver and copper utensils and costumes are also showcased.
Best Tourist Places To Visit In Mumbai #14: Hanging Gardens
Located at the top of Malabar Hill, the Hanging Gardens are located right opposite the Kamala Nehru Park. It overlooks the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea and also offers a magnificent view of the Mumbai skyline.
Best Tourist Places to Visit in Mumbai #15: Global Vipassana Pagoda
The Global Vipassana Pagoda in Gorai, Mumbai is a sight to behold. The Arabian Sea is visible in the distance behind it, and its golden-coated dome looks absolutely divine. If you want to spend moments of peace and tranquility, then you must come here. You can reach the pagoda by road from Bhayander in Thane district and by boat along the Gorai Creek in Mumbai. It has been built on the lines of the world’s tallest Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar, to show India’s gratitude to Myanmar for preserving the Vipassana form of meditation irrespective of sectarian differences. The entire structure is decorated with golden colour and its upper part, i.e. the Shikhara, is covered with real gold donated by the residents of Burma. The height of this 325 feet structure is almost equal to a 30-storey building. A huge dome has been built inside it where 8,000 people can sit together and practice Vipassana meditation. The Gong Tower and Bell Tower are very important structures within this building, which add to the beauty of the Global Vipassana Pagoda. Its wooden entrance has been intricately carved by artisans in Myanmar. It was established in February 2009 and was inaugurated by the former President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Patil. With the help of an ancient technique of joining stones, its dome has been built without any support, in which the relics of Lord Buddha are kept. The meditation hall here is the largest dome made of stones in the world, which does not have pillars for support.
What else can tourists do for entertainment in Mumbai
There are a lot of interesting things to keep tourists entertained in Mumbai, and they can do a lot of things from ferry rides to wildlife watching, visiting museums and religious places to watching movie shoots and enjoying pubs.
Ferry ride to Elephanta Caves
Enjoy the one-hour ferry ride from the Gateway of India to Elephanta. Located along the Arabian Sea, the Elephanta Caves are spread over an area of 60,000 square feet and the architecture is simply breathtaking. The place has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The caves were carved out of rocks by a sect of worshippers of Lord Shiva and are accessible only via boat from the Gateway of India. Elephanta houses caves dating back to the 8th century AD and is popular for its Mahesha idols – three-faced Shiva, Nataraja and Ardhanarishvara.
Amazing view of sunset at Marine Drive
Go for an evening walk on Marine Drive on the shore of the Arabian Sea. The sea spread all around, the very pleasant view of the sunset and the air that refreshes the heart and mind, everything is present here to remove the fatigue of the body and mind and get peace. The light here in the evening is worth seeing, which turns the whole road into a “Queen’s Necklace”, because the light looks like a garland of pearls.
Enjoy a drive on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link
Bandra-Worli Sea Link is actually a 5.6 km long and 8 lane bridge, which connects Bandra to Worli area of South Mumbai. Bandra-Worli Sea Link is also known as Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link and it is one of the main places to see in Mumbai. This sea link looks very beautiful during the day, while its beauty increases manifold at night due to the glittering lights. Enjoy the drive on this sea link in the morning or late at night, as the traffic is a little less during that time.
Walking Tour
Walking tours are the best way to get a closer look at Mumbai’s architecture, heritage and lifestyle, as well as enjoy delicious food and drinks. Plan a walking tour keeping in mind what you are interested in. You can include Dharavi slum tour, heritage tour, street food tour, naval dockyard tour, Mumbai temple tour or dhobi ghat tour in your walking plan.
Enjoy a tour of Film City
The real name of Goregaon Film City is ‘Dadasaheb Phalke Chitra Nagari’, which is spread over 520 acres. Built in Mumbai’s Aarey Colony, this film city has about 20 indoor studios as well as 42 locations for outdoor shooting. 1000 film sets can be set up simultaneously inside it. Many Bollywood films have been shot at this location in the past several years. Built in the western Mumbai suburb of Goregaon, this film city is located near the very secluded and extremely green Aarey Colony and on the outskirts of Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Enjoy the fun-filled nightlife
Mumbaikars love to party, and for those who love to party, the city has some of the best bars and nightclubs in every corner. The best clubs in Mumbai are frequented by party-loving locals as well as tourists. From budget drinks and dimly lit lounges to exclusive dance clubs and swanky bars—the city has it all.
Shopping in Mumbai
Source: Pinterest
Mumbai has something for every budget shopper, from boutiques and street markets to ultra-expensive stores. You can easily find the best of fashion designs, electronic gadgets, home décor items, latest fashion saris and similar designer items with fine craftsmanship in Mumbai. Mumbai is famous for its international fashion brands and labels as well as a variety of local markets, boutiques and shopping malls. Those who love shopping can shop in Mumbai at Phoenix Market City, R. City Mall, High Street Phoenix, Inorbit Mall, Palladium Mall, The Oberoi and one of the new age premium malls, World Drive Shopping Mall.
If you love bargaining for clothes, shoes, fashion accessories, cheap jewellery and the like and love street shopping, then Mumbai has a lot to offer to you. Some of the most popular street markets are Linking Road and Hill Road in Bandra, Colaba Causeway in Colaba, Fashion Street and Lokhandwala Market near Azad Maidan, and Irla in Vile Parle West.
If you like collecting vintage and antique items, then you must visit Chor Bazaar. The history of Chor Bazaar is hidden in the crowded streets of this place, which is about 150 years old. Although the name of this market makes people think that it is ‘Thieves’ Market’, but the truth is that not everything sold here is stolen.
Must taste some special things in Mumbai
Source: Pinterest
Mumbai is truly a melting pot of different cultures and cuisines. Here tourists can enjoy regional cuisines like Gujarati, Maharashtrian and South Indian as well as Italian, Chinese, Mexican and Thai food. Mumbai is known for its world class restaurants as well as delicious street food. The street food of Mumbai is very popular among the people, which includes Vada Pav, Bhelpuri, Pani Puri, Sev Puri, Bombay Sandwich, Ragda Patties, Pav Bhaji, Omelette Pav, Dabeli, Frankie and Kebab. Kulfi and Ice Gola are popular desserts of Mumbai.
Mumbai is also known for its Malvani and Gomantak cuisine. Its hot, spicy and coconut flavoured curries are served with rice. Bombil, prawns and surmai fry are some of the most popular dishes here. Don’t miss the Irani cafes which serve authentic Parsi cuisine including Salli Boti (mutton in caramelised gravy topped with crispy fried potato straws), Mutton Dhansak (mutton cooked in a creamy gravy of lentils and spices), Keema Ghotala (mutton minced curry mixed with scrambled eggs and served with pav for breakfast), Irani Chai, Keema Pav, Cheese Omelette and Mawa Cake.
Source: Pinterest
Source: Pinterest
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best places to visit in Mumbai for kids?
In Mumbai, children can visit Hanging Garden and Kamala Nehru Park, which is popularly known as Shoe Park. Apart from this, children will also have a lot of fun visiting the city’s oldest amusement park and water park, i.e. Essel World and Water Kingdom. Kidzania located in R. City Mall in Ghatkopar is also a place worth visiting, where children can enjoy a lot of real-life activities and role-play activities.
Which is the best way to travel around Mumbai city?
Mumbai is a crowded city and like other metros, it also faces problems of peak hour traffic. Buses, trains and metro are the most economical modes of transport to get around Mumbai. App-booked cabs and private cars are also good options if you want to explore the city in comfort. Auto-rickshaws can be hired in the western suburbs. Tourists can also enjoy the hop-on hop-off (HoHo) bus service from the Gateway of India to Juhu Beach.
What are the places worth visiting around Mumbai city?
Tourists coming to Mumbai can visit hill stations like Lonavala, Khandala, Matheran and Mahabaleshwar for sightseeing. Those who like beaches more can enjoy visiting Alibaug, and those who are fond of paragliding can go to Kamshet for this.
What are the must visit places in Mumbai?
Some of the must-visit places in Mumbai include the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Elephanta Caves, Haji Ali Dargah, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Colaba Causeway and Siddhivinayak Temple.
What is the best time to visit Mumbai?
The best time to visit Mumbai is during the winter months from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing.
How can I get around in Mumbai?
Local trains, buses, auto-rickshaws, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola are all easily available in Mumbai.
Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mumbai?
Yes, Mumbai has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) and the Elephanta Caves.
What are the best beaches to visit in Mumbai?
Some of the best beaches in Mumbai are Juhu Beach, Girgaon Chowpatty, Versova Beach, Aksa Beach and Gorai Beach.
Are there any good places for hiking or nature walks near Mumbai?
Yes, popular places for hiking and nature walks near Mumbai include Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Matheran, Lonavala and Khandala, Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Where can I go shopping in Mumbai?
Popular shopping areas in Mumbai include Colaba Causeway, Linking Road in Bandra, Fashion Street, Zaveri Bazaar, Crawford Market and High Street Phoenix Mall.
What are some famous foods to try in Mumbai?
Famous foods to taste in Mumbai include Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Bhel Puri, Pani Puri, Bombay Sandwich and seafood at local restaurants.
Is Mumbai safe for tourists?
Yes, Mumbai is generally safe for tourists. However, as with any big city, it is advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and avoid deserted places at night.
What should I wear when I visit Mumbai?
Mumbai has a humid climate. So light cotton clothes are recommended.
Are there any tips for first-time tourists visiting Mumbai?
Tips for first-time visitors include:
1. Stay hydrated and carry a water bottle.
2. Use sunscreen and wear a hat or sunglasses to avoid the sun.
3. Keep a map or navigation app with you.
4. Be careful about your belongings in crowded areas.
5. Try using public transport like local trains and buses to feel the vibe of the city.
