Mumbai Must-Dos
Our experts recommend the top attractions in and around Mumbai—with advice on how to get the most out of your visit.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum
Mumbai’s largest museum; filled with an excellent array of items from around the country. Exhibits include old sculptures, exquisite Mughal paintings, handcrafted armaments, and rare artifacts from the Indus Valley. 159-161 Mahatma Gandhi (MG) Road, Fort; tel. 91 22 22844519; fee.
Chowpatty Beach
Popular gathering place during and after sunset, when the locals flock to this much loved beach to stroll, chat, play, devour bhelpuri (a fried savory snack), or simply breathe in the salty sea air. Few choose to swim here due to pollution. Chowpatty, Marine Drive (Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road).
Elephanta Island
Small island in Mumbai Harbor famous for its ancient cave temple carvings, most notably the Shiva Temple, which boasts a striking 19.6-foot-high (six-meter-high) triple-faced rock-carved sculpture of the deity. Shuttle boats available from near the Gateway of India. Fee. Elephanta Island.
Gateway of India
“The roaming balloon and snack vendors, touts, and magicians that congregate here create a carnival-like atmosphere around the grand old gateway.”—Richard I’Anson, writer/photographer, Travel Photography and Urban Photography. Colonial-era arch completed in 1924, overlooking Mumbai Harbor. Commemorates Britain’s King George V’s visit to India in 1911. Apollo Bunder, Colaba.
Haji Ali Dargah
“Magical at high tide when the sea swallows the causeway, leaving the mosque an island: unreachable, serene, and mystical.”—Sue Mitra, author, Sacred India. Picturesquely situated on an islet; whitewashed Islamic shrine dedicated to the Muslim saint, Haji Ali. Worli Bay.
Jehangir Art Gallery
A terrific place to feast your eyes on fine Indian art, with works by both established and emerging artists. Showcases a changing collection; most pieces are for sale. 161B Mahatma Gandhi (MG) Road, Kala Ghoda; tel. 91 22 22833640.
Juhu Beach
“In the late afternoon take a stroll and enjoy the festive atmosphere, eat freshly-cooked snacks and watch Indian families at play.”—Sue Mitra. Head to the more action-packed (especially around sunset) southern strip, to hang out with Mumbaikars from all walks of life. Juhu Beach.
Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat
“There's a fantastic overview from the nearby bridge but getting down among the washing is the way to go.”—Richard I'Anson. Massive open-air laundry where thousands of dhobi-wallahs (washer-people) clean dirty clothes and linen. Near Mahalaxmi train station, Mahalaxmi.
Marine Drive
Dubbed the “Queen's Necklace” for its string of night lights, Marine Drive curves along the shore of the Arabian Sea. Breezy promenade is a splendid spot to watch the sunset; popular with locals for an early morning or evening amble. Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road, Marine Drive.
St. Thomas’ Cathedral
One of Mumbai’s oldest remaining Raj-era structures; restored Anglican church, built between the late 17th and early 18th centuries, reflects Byzantine design influences; sports particularly beautiful buttresses. Some old British tombs on-site. Veer Nariman Road, Fort.
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
- Why this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect senseWhy this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect sense
- When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Environment
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
- Listen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting musicListen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music
History & Culture
- Meet the original members of the tortured poets departmentMeet the original members of the tortured poets department
- Séances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occultSéances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occult
- Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?
- Beauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century SpainBeauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century Spain
Science
- Here's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in spaceHere's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in space
- Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.
- NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Travel
- Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?
- What it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in MexicoWhat it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in Mexico