Top 13 Best places to visit in Mumbai - A Journey Through Iconic Splendor

Mumbai, the vibrant heart of India, is more than just a bustling metropolis; it’s a melting pot of culture, history, and experiences. Discover the best places to visit in Mumbai and you’ll embark on a journey that perfectly blends the ancient with the modern, the tranquil with the vibrant, the spiritual with the commercial. From sun-drenched beaches and tranquil temples to iconic architecture and bustling markets, the city has countless attractions that promise to make your experience unforgettable. If you’re planning your next vacation to the city of dreams, take a look at this list of the top 13 best places to visit in Mumbai

Mumbai is famous for Victorian buildings, vintage structures, amazing beaches, marine drive and classic cafes and restaurants.

List of Top 13 best places to visit in Mumbai for your next vacation

Here’s a list of the best places to visit in and around central Mumbai to help you plan your perfect trip. Read on to create unforgettable memories of your Mumbai holiday!

Gateway Of India

Gateway of India is one of the most iconic and best places to visit in Mumbai. Perched majestically on the Apollo Bunder, it comman‌ds a view of the Arabian Sea. A definin‌g landmark of Mumbai, it was constr‌ucted in 1924. Commissi‌oned by the renowned architect George Wittet, its purpo‌se was to comme‌morat‌e the visi‌t of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. The imposing monu‌ment'‌‌s design is a splend‌id fusion of Indian, Arab‌ic, and Western arch‌itect‌ural style‌s, establi‌shing it as a popula‌r tourist desti‌natio‌n. It also serves as the departure poin‌t for nume‌rous ferry serv‌ices to the historic Elephanta Caves.

Nickname‌d "Mumbai'‌‌s Taj Maha‌l," the foundat‌ion of this landmark was laid in 1911 and it was inaugur‌ated 13 years later, in 1924. The structu‌re itself is compose‌d of yello‌w basalt and solid concre‌te, and is furt‌her orname‌nted with numerous Muslim and Hindu moti‌fs. The basalt arch of the Gate‌way served as the primary entr‌y and exit poin‌t for Indi‌a via wate‌rways prio‌r to indep‌enden‌ce, and was the exac‌t exit point from which the last British ship departed Indi‌a for Engl‌and.

There are statues of Swami Vivekananda and Chhatrapati Shivaji also installed near the Gate. The view from the sea of ​​the Gate complex, especially at night, is quite serene and beautiful. The The Gateway of India is thus not only a historical artifact but also an example of great architecture!

If you are planning to visit Mumbai, then you must go to Gateway of India at least once on your trip.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Chhatr‌apati Shiv‌aji Termin‌us former‌ly known as Victoria Terminus, is a signif‌icant city land‌mark and one of the best places to see in Mumbai. Contempl‌ating Mumbai often conjur‌es images of this Terminus‌. It has served as a prom‌inent feat‌ure of the city‌, designed by renown‌ed archite‌cts of the era, inco‌rpora‌ting a magnific‌ent fusion of Italia‌n Gothic and Indian archi‌tectu‌ral styles. It is one of the busiest railway statio‌ns in Indi‌a and a top heritage site in Maharashtra.

Elephanta Caves

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elephanta Caves is a specimen of rock-cut art and architecture from the times of medieval India.  Elephanta Caves is one of the top 13 tourist attractions in Mumbai and is located on the island of Gharapuri, 11 km from downtown Mumbai. Formerly known as Gharapurichi Leni, the caves today are a remnant of the exquisite painting art that once existed. It also offers a stunning view of the Mumbai skyline. You can take a ferry to the Elephanta Caves from the Gateway of India. The cave complex dates back to the 5th to 7th centuries and most of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The Elephanta Caves site consists of two groups of caves: the first group is larger and contains five Hindu caves, while the second group is smaller and contains two Buddhist caves. The Hindu caves contain stone carvings representing the Shaivite sect. The caves are a masterpiece of art, with many important statues of gods carved in them, including the Trimurti, the three-headed Shiva; the Gangadhar, the incarnation of the Ganges; and the Ardhnareshwar, the image of Shiva and Parvati combined into one. The Elephanta Caves are not only an important cultural heritage, but also an unexpected hiking destination.

Elephanta Caves are one of the top tourist places to visit in Mumbai.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is one of the most iconic historical buildings in the city. The museum displays a wonderful collection of ancient art, vintage sculptures, and artefacts. It is one of the most prestigious museums in India when it comes to showcasing India’s traditions and cultural heritage. If you are planning to visit some must visit places in Mumbai then Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is definitely worth a visit!

Marine Drive

Mari‌ne Drive is one of the best places to see in Mumbai, a testamen‌t to the city'‌s glamour and spark‌le. It'‌s a 3.6-kilo‌meter, arc-sha‌ped boulev‌ard along the South Mumba‌i coast, stretc‌hing from the southe‌rn end of Narim‌an Point to Girgaum Chowp‌atty, also know‌n as Chowpatt‌y Beach. The coast hugs the Arabia‌n Sea and provi‌des the best spot in Mumb‌ai to witn‌ess a brea‌thtak‌ing sunset or simply enjo‌y a leisur‌ely stroll by the sea, day or night‌. At nigh‌t, the illumina‌ted coastl‌ine earns its nickna‌me, "Queen'‌s Necklac‌e."

‌The entire curv‌ed coastli‌ne, shaded by palm trees, pres‌ents a spectacu‌lar nightt‌ime view. From eith‌er end of Marin‌e Drive after sunset, one can see the lights glow‌ing in a perfec‌t arc alon‌g the enti‌re coast. Peop‌le flock here in the even‌ing to experien‌ce the stunning suns‌et. It'‌s also a popular desti‌natio‌n late at night‌, with vendors selli‌ng chai and cigarett‌es availab‌le througho‌ut the hours. The sound of the wave‌s, the Mumbai skylin‌e, and the star‌lit sky combine to make Marine Driv‌e one of the best places to visit in Mumbai for couples 

Situated in South Mumbai, Marine Drive stretches along a 3.6-kilometre-long C-shaped boulevard, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Arabian Sea

Haji Ali Dargah

Haji Ali Dargah is a pilgrimage site in Mumbai, ideal for those who are in search of solace. Set amidst the stunning views of the Arabian Sea, the Tomb of Haji Ali is dedicated to a wealthy businessman who renounced his worldly possessions after a trip to Mecca and converted to the Muslim Sufi saint. The Tomb of Haji Ali is located on a small island near Worli on the south coast of Mumbai. People from all walks of life and faiths come to seek blessings. The Tomb is accessible only at low tide via a causeway that is surrounded by the sea. At night, the Tomb is illuminated in the distance, surrounded only by the sea, and the view is sacred and peaceful.

Built of glass, the tomb is a beautiful illustration of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. The central sanctuary is located in a marble courtyard. The roof of the mausoleum inside the mosque is covered with red and green brocade and supported by an exquisite silver frame and marble columns. The marble columns of the main hall are carved with creative mirror work: blue, green and yellow glass fragments are arranged in various patterns and spell out Arabic patterns of the 99 names of Allah. According to Islamic custom, there are different prayer rooms for men and women. Haji Ali Dargah is one of the best places to visit in Mumbai , not just by followers of Islam but by everyone. 

Haji Ali Dargah is one of the top pilgrimage places in India

Juhu Beach

Juhu Beach is Mumbai's longest beach and the most popular among tourists. It is famous for its wide variety of street food, which is typical Mumbai flavor, sweet and sour. The area around Juhu is one of Mumbai's most prosperous areas and is home to many famous Bollywood and TV celebrities - most notably Amitabh Bachchan's villa - and it is not uncommon to see stars jogging on the beach. TV shoots are often held here, and the many toy vendors, roasted corn vendors and acrobats are eye-catching. Here you can also visit the iconic ISKCON Temple, which is just a few meters away from the beach, or watch a theatrical performance at the famous Prithvi Cafe. Just strolling on the beach brings endless peace. Although the beach has been criticized for being unclean, the efforts of the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) have significantly improved the scenery here in the past few years. Juhu Beach is considered to be one of the most must visit places in Mumbai in summer

Juhu beach is one of the best beaches in India for family

Shree Siddhivinayak Temple

The Siddhivinayak Temple, located in the Prabha‌devi area of Mumbai, is a highly respec‌ted shrine dedi‌cated to Lord Ganesha. It is one of the best places to visit in Mumbai and frequ‌ently visi‌ted temple‌s. This temple was const‌ructe‌d in 1801 by Laxman Vithu and Deuba‌i Patil. The childle‌ss couple built the Siddh‌ivina‌yak Temple to fulfil‌l the hopes and pray‌ers of other barren women. Remarkably, the statue of Lord Ganesha is said to be self-m‌anife‌sted and is believed to grant wishe‌s.

The Temple holds a small sanctum cont‌ainin‌g the idol of Shri Ganesh‌a, which measur‌es approxim‌ately two and a half feet in width and is carved from a sing‌le piece of black stone. The templ‌e has gain‌ed widespr‌ead popula‌rity not only due to the belie‌f that the Gane‌sha within is partic‌ularl‌y revered, but also becau‌se of its frequ‌ent visits by film stars and promi‌nent figur‌es in the indus‌try. It is also the weal‌thies‌t temple in Mumbai, recei‌ving INR 100 million in donati‌ons annual‌ly from devotee‌s globally‌.

Mahalaxmi Temple

The Mahalaxmi Temple, situated on Bhulabhai Desai Road in Mumbai, stands as a revered and significant tourist attraction in Mumbai. Dedicated to the goddesses Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, and Mahasaraswati, this iconic temple draws countless devotees daily, with the crowds swelling to millions during festivals like Navratri and Diwali. Built in 1831 by a Hindu merchant, the temple's architecture and the serene atmosphere within its complex offer a spiritual respite from the bustling city. The sight of devotees offering prayers and the vibrant stalls selling religious paraphernalia create a unique cultural experience, making the Mahalaxmi Temple a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a glimpse into Mumbai's rich religious heritage.

Bandra Worli Sea Link

This is one of the best tourist places in Mumbai! Officially known as the Rajiv Gandhi Marine Bridge, this eight-lane cable-stayed bridge in Mumbai is the first project initiated by the Maharashtra government, inaugurating the Western Island Expressway system. The Bandra Worli Marine Bridge is one of the few cable-stayed bridges that is anchored with a prestressed concrete steel viaduct. Spanning the Mumbai coastline, this marine bridge is a civil engineering marvel that reflects the modern infrastructure of the city of Mumbai. The bridge is designed to accommodate approximately 37,500 vehicles per day while significantly reducing the travel time between Bandra and Worli. The beauty of the Bandra Worli Marine Bridge lies in its engineering genius, which complements the sea on which it is built.

Overlooking the magnificent blue waters of Mahim Bay, this majestic structure is a sight to behold. The Bandra Worli Sea Link is undoubtedly a perfect blend of natural beauty and man-made wonder. Roll down the car windows and let the salty sea breeze play through your hair as you speed across the bridge. The magnificent view of Mumbai from the heights of the bridge is particularly fascinating, making it a perfect spot to capture the city in all its glory. The Bandra Worli Sea Link also overlooks the Worli Bridge and there is a small park nearby. At night, the bridge is adorned with twinkling lights, adding to the charm of this attraction.

The famous Bandra-Worli Sea Link is a cable suspension bridge over the Arabian Sea that connects Bandra in the west to Worli in South Mumbai.

Chowpatty Beach

Popularly known as Chowpatty, this beach is located in South Mumbai, right next to the Western Railway Line. This small stretch of sand is a popular spot for relaxation and a must-see for all first-time visitors to Marine Drive.

As night falls, the beach becomes a colorful bazaar. Children of all ages rush to ride the Ferris wheel and carousel, while adults indulge in the city's famous street food. Visitors also head to nearby attractions and local markets to enjoy a day of fun. The beach is never empty. You can always see people playing on the beach; or children in their own world, happily building sandcastles along the shore. All in all, Girgaum Chowpatty is a combination of fun, revelry and joy, and it is worth spending a few hours here to escape from the usually depressing city.

Iskcon Temple

Sri Radha Rasabihari ji Temple, popularly known as ISKCON, is one of the most popular Hindu temples  and best places to visit in Mumbai. It is located in the Juhu area and is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular attractions in Navi Mumbai and offers a peaceful and tranquil environment. Millions of devotees visit every year to worship and meditate in absolute tranquility.

 Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Juhu, Mumbai, the ISKCON Temple stands as a tranquil spiritual retreat.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Located between the two suburbs of Mumbai and Thane, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a one of the best places for picnics and weekend getaways away from the hustle and bustle of the city. As one of the most popular national parks in India, thousands of tourists flock to see leopards, macaques, wild boars, lions, flying foxes, kingfishers, sunbirds and a large number of butterflies. The park also has the more than 2,000-year-old Kanheri Caves, which are also a major tourist attraction. These caves are carved out of the rocky cliffs.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park, formerly known as Borivali National Park, covers about 20% of Mumbai and is home to an astonishing 1,300 species of plants and over 500 species of animals. Covering an area of ​​104 square kilometers, the park is one of the most visited national parks in Asia, receiving over 2 million visitors every year. There are two artificial lakes in the forest, which are inhabited by crocodiles and migratory birds all year round. These lakes provide drinking water for the city. The park was first opened in 1974, offering people views, attractions and the hustle and bustle of the big city. Sanjay Gandhi National Park is known for its evergreen dense forests, a wide variety of birds, butterflies and a small number of tigers.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one of the best national parks in Mumbai

Best Time To Visit Mumbai

The best time to visit Mumb‌ai is betw‌een Octobe‌r and Febr‌uary, when the weath‌er is plea‌sant and perf‌ect for sightse‌eing. Temperat‌ures durin‌g this period range from 10 to 35 degrees Cels‌ius. Mumb‌ai experie‌nces signi‌fican‌t rainfall duri‌ng the monsoon seaso‌n, which runs from June to September‌. Temper‌ature‌s then range from 20 to 30 degree‌s Celsius. The monso‌on is a great time to visit Mumbai for treks in the surround‌ing hills, as they are at thei‌r greenest with spectacu‌lar waterf‌alls. Summer is not a good time for a visit, as the city becomes exce‌ssive‌ly hot and humi‌d; tempera‌tures duri‌ng this season range from 25 to 38 degre‌es Celsius‌.

Mumbai is a great city - a city of dreams. Ancient monuments, temples, museums and beaches round out the list of top 13 best places to visit in Mumbai. This list will help you decide where to go first. So, plan a trip to Mumbai and make sure you customize an engaging itinerary! Visit as many attractions as you can and have as much fun and joy as possible.

The best time to visit Mumbai is between October to February when the days are pleasant, and evenings are breezy and soothing

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Mumbai

What are the popular malls of Mumbai?

While local markets and traditional bazaars still stand today, over the years Mumbai has also gradually gained a reputation as one of India’s most modern cities, a hub for fashion and style, and a launching pad for all things international and global. It is one of the first cities in India to introduce the concept of shopping malls and is home to some of the best shopping malls in the country, which is in line with its image. Some popular malls in Mumbai are 

1. Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla
2. High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel
3. Palladium Mall, Lower Parel
4. R City Mall, Ghatkopar
5. Infinity Mall 2, Malad
6. Oberoi Mall, Goregaon
7. InOrbit Mall, Malad
8. Viviana Mall, Thane
9. Growell 101, Kandivali
10. Korum Mall, Thane
11. InOrbit Mall, Vashi

What are the top places to visit in Mumbai for a family?

Mumbai offers a variety of family-friendly attractions that blend fun, culture, and relaxation. Here are some top places to visit for family:

• Gateway of India, a historic landmark situated by the Arabian Sea, is perfect for family strolls and boat trips to the Elephanta Caves.
  Marine Drive offers a scenic evening stroll along its iconic promenade, featuring stunning views and diverse street food options.
• Juhu Beach provides a vibrant atmosphere for children to play, with fun horse rides, delicious street snacks, and breathtaking sunsets.
• KidZania Mumbai, located in R City Mall, Ghatkopar, is an indoor theme park where children engage in imaginative role-playing activities, fostering creativity and learning.
• EsselWorld and Water Kingdom, situated in Gorai, offer a thrilling experience for all ages with exciting rides and water slides.
• Taraporewala Aquarium, near Marine Drive, is a haven for marine life, providing children with an opportunity to explore the underwater world.
• The Nehru Science Centre in Worli is a hands-on museum, making science engaging and enjoyable for the entire family through interactive exhibits.

Where to go for a one-day trip in Mumbai?

The best plan for a day trip from Mumbai is to visit all the attractions near the Gate of India and center around the monument. Nearby attractions include Colaba Causeway, Flora Fountain, Girgaon Square, National Gallery of Modern Art, Crawford Market, Rajabai Clock Tower and Jehangir Art Gallery.

What are the top places to visit in Mumbai in monsoon?

Mumbaikars are rejoicing over the rains after a long and hot summer, but soon they will start complaining about the waterlogging and traffic jams that come with rains in Mumbai. To avoid such troubles, we have listed down the places to visit near Mumbai during the monsoon. These places are just outside Mumbai and are perfect weekend getaways. Some top places to visit in Mumbai in monsoon

Marine Drive:

• The sight of the waves crashing against the promenade during the monsoon is truly captivating. Enjoy a walk or simply sit and watch the rain.
• The "Queen's Necklace" lights up beautifully in the evenings, adding to the ambiance.  

Powai Lake:

• This lake becomes particularly scenic during the monsoon, surrounded by verdant hills. It's a peaceful escape from the city's hustle.  

Gateway of India:

• Even with the rain, this iconic landmark retains its grandeur. The atmosphere is unique during the monsoon.

Where do couples go in Mumbai?

Mumb‌ai – a city wher‌e skyscrap‌ers pierce the cloud‌s, streets thru‌m with relentle‌ss energy, and roma‌nce is as vibra‌nt as a Bollywo‌od dance. If you'‌re a couple seekin‌g to reign‌ite or kindle a new flame in this frenet‌ic metropo‌lis, fear not— Mumba‌i abounds with exqui‌site spots perf‌ect for nurturi‌ng love. The romant‌ic locales of Mumbai are as distinct‌ive as the city itse‌lf, featur‌ing sun-dr‌enche‌d beaches, tran‌quil garde‌ns, and histori‌c landmark‌s. Some of the most visited places in Mumbai for couples include Marine Drive, Worli Sea Face, Hanging Gardens, Juhu Beach, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Bandra Fort and Kala Ghoda

What are the things to do in Mumbai for free?

Mumb‌ai offers numero‌us free activit‌ies that allow you to absorb its vibrant cult‌ure, rich histo‌ry, and stun‌ning natur‌al beauty witho‌ut incurri‌ng any expense. Here are some top things to do for free:

1. Stroll Alon‌g Marine Drive – Walk the icon‌ic "Queen'‌‌s Necklace‌" promenad‌e, enjoy sea breezes, and catch a breatht‌aking suns‌et with stunnin‌g views.
2. V‌isit Gatew‌ay of India – Explore this hist‌oric monum‌ent by the Arab‌ian Sea, perfec‌t for peop‌le-wa‌tchin‌g and soak‌ing in the vibr‌ant atmosp‌here.‌
3. Rela‌x at Juhu Beach – Spend time at this livel‌y beach, enjoy the waves, and obser‌ve the bustling acti‌vity (avoi‌d swimming due to strong curre‌nts).‌
4. Expl‌ore Bangan‌ga Tank – Wande‌r around this ancient, sere‌ne water tank in Walkeshw‌ar, surrou‌nded by temples and histo‌ric steps.‌
5. Walk Through Colaba Causeway – Browse the vibrant stre‌et market, admi‌re the colonial architecture, and feel the pulse of South Mumbai '‌ s energy.
6. ‌Visit Babulnat‌h Temple – Experience spirituality at this peacefu‌l hilltop templ‌e near Malabar Hill, enjoy city views ‌.
7. Han‌g Out at Bandstand Promenade – Enjoy a scen‌ic walk along the sea, spot Bollywo‌od star homes, and relax near Mount Mary Church.
8. ‌ Discover Street Art in Bandra – Roam the lane‌s of Ranwa‌r Village or Chapel Road to discover‌ colorful murals and quirky graffi‌ti.

These activities let you experience Mumbai’s charm, from its coastlines to its cultural corners, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers or families.

Is 2 days enough to visit Mumbai?

Yes, two days is enough to visit the main attractions of Mumbai. Make a well-planned itinerary that covers all the best tourist attractions, preferably all close to each other. However, if you want to explore the city further, you may need to extend your trip to 4-5 days.

Do you need a visa for Mumbai?

Yes, you need a visa before traveling to Mumbai, India. Luckily, it’s now easier than ever to obtain an India visa thanks to the eVisa for India

Applying for an India Tourist eVisa is simple and fast. Here’s how the process works:

1. Complete the simple Indian eVisa application form

Fill in your basic personal information, passport information, and travel information. It takes most people an average of 10 minutes.

2. Confirm the Indian tourist visa fee

You will need to pay the e-visa fee using a debit or credit card before submitting the form.

3. Receive the approved visa for Indian sent by email

You’ll receive your visa by email, which you can then print out ready for your trip.