India

Hi all, Today I am going to share with you everything about Places of Mumbai which I think you must visit if you are in Mumbai or nearby, including my experiences. Mumbai, often called the “City of Dreams,” is a vibrant city that beautifully blends history, culture, and modernity. 

Mumbai is the financial and commercial capital of India. It has the Bombay Stock Exchange, Reserve Bank of India and many big corporate offices. So it’s a big city for business and trade and people come from all over the country in search of jobs.

It’s also the hub of India’s film industry, Bollywood. Many movies are made here and it’s where the famous actors, directors and film studios are located. Bollywood is a big part of Indian culture and people come to Mumbai to make it big in the entertainment industry.

Mumbai’s diversity is also another reason it’s famous. People from different regions, religions and backgrounds live together and hence a mix of traditions, food and languages. Diwali, Eid and Christmas are celebrated with equal enthusiasm and hence the city is always alive. Whether it’s the markets, street food stalls or late night activities, Mumbai always has something happening.

Every city has its own charm that attracts tourists, and Mumbai offers that too, supporting a great number of visitors to its cities. Here’s another list of places that should not be missed in Mumbai. I will first provide the name and details of the places and scheduled activities and then I shall narrate my experience. So here goes the 10 must visit places in Mumbai:

1. Gateway of India

Gateway of India is a heritage site in Mumbai. Built in 1924 during the British era to welcome King George V and Queen Mary to India. Today it stands as a symbol of Mumbai’s colonial past. The huge arch overlooks the Arabian Sea and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to sit, click or just watch the boats coming and going. I did the same for half an hour. I also did the same for half an hour.

2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)

This is one of the most iconic landmarks in Mumbai, both for what it does and how it looks. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus or CSMT is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a perfect example of Victorian Gothic architecture in India. It’s a working station so you can see the chaos of thousands of daily commuters while you admire its greatness from outside. It’s one of the busiest stations in Mumbai but also an architectural wonder. But I couldn’t go there due to time constraints.

3. Marine Drive

Marine Drive is one of Mumbai’s most stunning and renowned places. It’s a favorite spot among people who want to go for a walk or a jog, or even simply sit near the sea. The sea breeze and the waves are a perfect holiday gift to someone tired of life in the city.

Evenings at Marine Drive hold a different tune altogether. The sight at dusk is clear, as the blue Mediterranean sky turns orange and pink while electric lamps along the curve are lit turning it to the ‘Queen’s Necklace’. This is called the ‘Queen’s Necklace’ because from a distance the lights appear as if the city is sporting a sparkling necklace. Citizens and visitors alike throng here to sit and wait for the sun to dip, or simply to admire the advancing night and the prevailing cool breezes and calm seas. Fortunately, I’ve been to this place twice in a day.

4. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, is one of Mumbai’s most important museums. Located in a beautiful heritage building with Indo-Saracenic architecture, it houses a vast collection of art, artifacts, and historical exhibits. 

This includes collections of early images, Indian painting of the miniature variety, crafts, and other objects from the many cultures in Asia as well. Explore galleries that cover the history of India – the Indus Valley through the Mohammedan Period. The museum display sure makes one interested in the rich Indian history which every traveler should not miss.

5. Hanging Gardens of Mumbai

The Hanging Gardens in Mumbai are called “Hanging Gardens” because they are built on terraces that “hang” or are laid out on the slopes of Malabar Hill. These terraced gardens offer a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with well-maintained flower beds, green lawns, and tall trees. One of the main attractions of the gardens is the stunning view they offer of the Arabian Sea and Marine Drive. 

Visitors often come here to take a relaxing walk, enjoy the fresh air, or just sit and take in the view. The gardens are also famous for their animal-shaped hedges, which are a fun sight, especially for children. It’s a perfect place for families, joggers, and anyone looking to unwind in a serene environment.

6. Siddhivinayak Temple

This temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is one of the most popular and important religious sites in Mumbai. People from all over come here to pray and seek blessings.

It’s a peaceful spot in the midst of the city’s chaos, and even if you’re not religious, it’s worth visiting to understand the local culture. The temple’s simple yet elegant architecture and spiritual atmosphere offer a peaceful end to a hectic day.

7. Haji Ali Dargah

The Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and tomb located on a small islet in the Arabian Sea, connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. Built in memory of a wealthy Muslim merchant who gave up his worldly possessions and became a saint, this place is a major pilgrimage site for people of all faiths. The view of the dargah, especially during high tide when it seems to float on water, is quite unique. I felt the fast paced wind there and it was wonderful. The pathway leading to the dargah is worth your visit.

8. Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves are a group of ancient rock-cut caves located on Elephanta Island, just a short ferry ride from the city of Mumbai. These caves are famous for their stunning sculptures and intricate carvings, especially the giant statue of Lord Shiva, which is over 20 feet tall. The caves date back to around the 5th to 8th centuries and offer a glimpse into India’s rich history and culture. Exploring the caves is like stepping back in time, surrounded by beautiful artwork and natural beauty. I could not be there as I had limited time but you must.

9. Bandra-Worli Sea Link Bridge

The Bandra-Worli Sea Link is an impressive bridge that connects the neighborhoods of Bandra and Worli in Mumbai. This cable-stayed bridge stretches over the Arabian Sea, making it a stunning sight with its tall towers and smooth curves. It was opened to the public in 2009 and has since become an iconic landmark in the city. The bridge not only helps reduce travel time between these two areas but also offers beautiful views of the sea and the Mumbai skyline. 

Many people enjoy driving across it, especially during the evening when the sunset casts a golden glow on the water. The Bandra-Worli Sea Link is not just a crucial transportation route; it’s also a symbol of Mumbai’s modern development. However, pedestrian crossing is not allowed.

10. Juhu Beach

Juhu Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Mumbai, known for its lively atmosphere and scenic beauty. Stretching for about six kilometers along the Arabian Sea, it is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. The beach is perfect for evening strolls, where you can enjoy the cool sea breeze and watch the beautiful sunset. People often gather here to relax, play games, or enjoy delicious street food from nearby stalls, like vada pav and pav bhaji. 

The vibrant energy of Juhu Beach makes it a great place to unwind, and it’s also a lovely spot for families, couples, and friends to spend quality time together. The sound of waves and the sight of colorful umbrellas dotting the shore made Juhu Beach capture the spirit of Mumbai perfectly.

Entry Fees: Free
Best Time to Visit: Evening for Sunsets and Stalls
Nearby Attractions: Iskcon Temple, Prithivi Theatre, etc

Besides this also, there are several other spots where you can visit if you are in Mumbai. They are:

• Nehru Science Park: Nehru Science Park is a fun and educational place in Mumbai for families and children featuring various science exhibits, interactive displays, and models that help visitors learn about science and technology in an exciting way.

• Mani Bhavan: It is a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.

• Chor Market: Chor/Thieves Market of Mumbai is a great place to hunt for antique and vintage items.

• Colaba Causeway Market: Colaba Causeway is a lively market in South Mumbai where you can shop for clothes, accessories, and souvenirs.

• Bandra West: It is a place where houses of many famous bollywood actors/actresses lie with plenty of people staying outside.

Now, I think it is time to share my experiences with you. As I have been to Mumbai for just one day, I had very limited time to explore there. I reached Mumbai LTT Station at around 5 AM. And I thought of going to Marine Drive as the first destination. I used local trains for commuting there. After Marine Drive, my next destination was Gateway of India. I used locals again up to church gate and walked up to Gateway from there. After reaching Gateway, one travel agent approached me pitching about Mumbai Darshan for INR 250. I thought of it and grabbed the opportunity. They promised to show Mumbai for a whole day which will cover the most famous and tourist places of Mumbai. And I explore the whole day in Mumbai via that bus service which has several stops at famous locations. I also made a Vlog and uploaded it on my Youtube Channel. You can watch my full Mumbai Vlog by clicking here. Using this service, I was able to explore as much I could and also without suffering the problems of commutation.  

In conclusion, Mumbai is a city with something for everyone, from historic monuments and temples to lively markets and beautiful coastlines. Even with just one day, you can experience a rich mix of culture, history, and modernity. Whether you’re into architecture, shopping, or just taking in the local vibes, Mumbai has a little bit of everything to make your day unforgettable.

If you are a visitor outside Mumbai and reading this article and want any information about Itinerary, please feel free to write on my Contact Me section of this website. And if you have already visited all these places in Mumbai, please comment your experience.

Also Read: Famous Places to Explore in the hearts of Bengaluru