Top Tourist Attractions in Mumbai
1. Gateway of India
Location: Apollo Bunder, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening (October to March for pleasant weather)
Entry Fee: Free
Speciality: This iconic 85-foot-tall arch, built in 1924 in Indo-Saracenic style, commemorates the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, it’s a perfect spot for photography and ferry rides to Elephanta Caves. The nearby Taj Mahal Palace Hotel adds to its grandeur.
Tip: Visit at sunrise to avoid crowds and enjoy the sea breeze.
2. Marine Drive
Location: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, Chowpatty, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004
Best Time to Visit: Evening for sunset views (October to March)
Entry Fee: Free
Speciality: Known as the "Queen’s Necklace" due to its sparkling streetlights, this 3-km promenade along the Arabian Sea is ideal for evening strolls. It’s a cultural hub, inspiring artists and filmmakers, with nearby Nana-Nani Park for seniors.
Tip: Enjoy street food like bhel puri at Chowpatty Beach nearby.
3. Elephanta Caves
Location: Elephanta Island, Gharapuri, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Best Time to Visit: Morning (October to March); closed on Mondays
Entry Fee: INR 40 (Indians), INR 600 (Foreigners); Ferry: INR 130-150 round trip
Speciality: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these 5th–6th century rock-cut caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring intricate carvings like the Trimurti Sadashiva statue. The ferry ride from Gateway of India adds adventure.
Tip: Take the 9 AM ferry to avoid heat and crowds.
4. Haji Ali Dargah
Location: Dargah Road, Haji Ali, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400018
Best Time to Visit: Thursdays, Fridays, or Sundays (low tide for access)
Entry Fee: Free
Speciality: A stunning mosque and tomb on an islet, connected by a narrow causeway, this site honors Sufi saint Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. Its Indo-Islamic architecture and qawwali sessions on Fridays are highlights.
Tip: Visit during low tide and enjoy nearby street food.
5. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)
Location: 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Best Time to Visit: Morning or afternoon (closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: INR 30 (Indians), INR 500 (Foreigners)
Speciality: Formerly the Prince of Wales Museum, this Grade I heritage building showcases Indian history through art, archaeology, and natural history exhibits. Its Indo-Saracenic architecture is a visual treat.
Tip: Check for special exhibitions on weekends.
6. Juhu Beach
Location: Juhu Tara Road, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049
Best Time to Visit: Evening for sunset or during Ganesh Chaturthi
Entry Fee: Free
Speciality: A lively 6-km beach known for street food, horse rides, and Bollywood shoots. It’s a cultural hotspot during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi.
Tip: Try pav bhaji or gola (ice lolly) from local vendors.
7. Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Location: Borivali East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400066
Best Time to Visit: Morning (October to March)
Entry Fee: INR 65 (Adults), INR 25 (Children)
Speciality: One of Asia’s most visited national parks, it’s home to the Kanheri Caves, diverse flora, fauna, and a tiger safari. It’s a green escape from Mumbai’s chaos.
Tip: Visit Kanheri Caves early to avoid heat.
8. Kanheri Caves
Location: Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400066
Best Time to Visit: Morning (October to March)
Entry Fee: INR 5 (Indians), INR 100 (Foreigners)
Speciality: These 1st-century Buddhist caves feature 109 entrances, ancient sculptures, and stupas, offering a glimpse into Buddhist art and history. Less crowded than Elephanta Caves.
Tip: Hire a guide at the park entrance for deeper insights.
9. Global Vipassana Pagoda
Location: Global Pagoda Road, Gorai Village, Borivali West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400092
Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon
Entry Fee: Free
Speciality: A Burmese-style meditation dome accommodating 8,000 people, it promotes Vipassana meditation and Buddha’s teachings. Its serene location by the Arabian Sea is perfect for reflection.
Tip: Attend the 20-minute meditation session in the main hall.
10. Colaba Causeway
Location: Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400005
Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening
Entry Fee: Free
Speciality: A bustling market offering everything from fashion to souvenirs. It’s a shopper’s paradise with nearby cafes like Leopold Café for a cultural dining experience.
Tip: Bargain for deals and try street food at nearby stalls.
11. Film City
Location: Film City Complex, Aarey Colony, Goregaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400065
Best Time to Visit: Morning or afternoon (book tours in advance)
Entry Fee: INR 200–500 (depending on the tour)
Speciality: The heart of Bollywood, this studio offers guided tours of film sets, making it a must-visit for movie buffs. Over 1,000 films have been shot here.
Tip: Book a Bollywood tour for a chance to see live shoots.
12. Hanging Gardens
Location: Malabar Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400006
Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening
Entry Fee: Free
Speciality: A 138-year-old terraced garden with manicured lawns, flowerbeds, and Arabian Sea views. It’s a peaceful retreat atop Malabar Hill.
Tip: Visit the nearby Kamala Nehru Park for kids’ attractions.
13. Prithvi Theatre
Location: Juhu Church Rd, Janki Kutir, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049
Best Time to Visit: Evening for shows (check schedules)
Entry Fee: INR 125–400 (show-dependent)
Speciality: A cultural hub since 1978, it hosts plays, workshops, and festivals like the Prithvi Festival in November. Its bookshop and café add to the experience.
Tip: Switch off phones during performances and book tickets online.
14. Dhobi Ghat
Location: Dr. E. Moses Road, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400011
Best Time to Visit: Morning (before 10 AM for active washing)
Entry Fee: Free; guided tours INR 100–200
Speciality: The world’s largest open-air laundry, established in 1890, showcases Mumbai’s unique urban life. Watch dhobis wash clothes in traditional stone tubs.
Tip: Avoid unofficial guides claiming mandatory services.
