Mumbai Itinerary for First-Timers.

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After having been to India quite a few times, I thought it was high time to visit Mumbai. To be honest, I was always a bit intimidated by the mega-metropolis. And I also thought it would be just like New Delhi, a city that I just never really warmed up to (still, if you are going – check out my New Delhi travel guide). 

However, I realized that I actually have two friends in Mumbai and I got curious. With that, I asked for their help to plan a little Mumbai itinerary. And to my utter surprise, I was in love with the city by the time I strolled through the exhibits of Art Mumbai the very first evening after I had arrived. 

Mumbai’s energy is electric and incredibly cool though the weather is hot and humid as it should be for a city located on the coast of theArabian Sea. There is history, there is art, there are soo many cats, great food, and just a really interesting vibe for a lack of better word. I immediately decided that I would come back to Mumbai very soon to explore more. 

In the meantime I wanted to share my first impressions with this little Mumbai itinerary for you – I recommend you book a trip as soon as possible! 

Tips for your Mumbai Itinerary

What to do & see in Mumbai

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay is the capital of the Indian state Maharashtra. It has an interesting history and in fact, used to be seven islands where Koli fishermen lived. Only by 1845 were those islands unified after much reclaiming of land and draining of waterways had been done. 

The city was first under Islamic rule and later occupied by the Portuguese and then the English. With Indian independence, Mumbai became the capital of Maharashtra. Today it is still a melting pot of cultures, religions, and languages – Marathi, Hindi, English, and Gujarati are spoken in Mumbai.

Mumbai is still full of history and you can see the leftovers of the various cultures that conquered and shaped the city throughout the centuries. But it also has a thriving art scene, is home to the most well-known Bollywood studios, and is the financial capital of India thanks to the Mumbai Stock Exchange. 

Whether you are planning a Mumbai itinerary for 2 days or have a whole week, here are some sights and activities in Mumbai you shouldn’t miss. 

Gateway of India

Probably the top tourist attraction in Mumbai, the Gateway of India, is located in Apollo Bunder right on the waterfront. It was built to commemorate the arrival of King George V and later used as an actual and proverbial entrance to India for nobility and politicians. 

I read somewhere that some refer to it as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai, an overstatement if you ask me. However, it is free and a sight to behold so I reckon you go see it very early in the morning if you are in the area. Otherwise, it will get incredibly crowded – seems like Indians agree with the Taj Mahal comparison and don’t want to miss it.

While you are there you can also get a nice view of the Taj Mahal hotel. 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Railway fans will have to visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Even if you are not taking the train to Mumbai, it is well worth a visit. It is one of the biggest and busiest train stations in the world and probably one of the prettiest too. After all, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. 

Even if you are not going inside, you should see it from the outside. It is said to be a wonderful example of two architectural styles merging: Victorian Gothic Revival with traditional Indian architecture. UNESCO calls it responsible for Mumbai’s nickname as ‘Gothic City’ and even from the outside you can quickly see why. 

By the way – if Gothic Revival isn’t your style, maybe Art Deco is. After Miami, Mumbai is home to the most Art Deco buildings in the world. On this website, you can see what they are and where they are. 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

Another Mumbai highlight named after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum. It is an art and history museum and yet another UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Inside you will find anything from Indian miniature paintings to Japanese art, Indian textiles and jewelry, the replica of jewels still in England, and the only known mummy in Mumbai. They also have a great exhibit about modern Mumbai. 

The entrance fee is ₹ 700 with an audio guide.

Kala Ghoda

After you have visited the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya you should take some time to stroll through Kala Ghoda. The neighborhood was first named after a black statue of King Edward VII mounted on a horse. This statue was moved but has been replaced by a simple black horse statue named “Spirit of Kala Ghoda”. 

The area is full of museums, galleries, cool shops, and eateries, and is well worth a stroll. I especially liked the former Watson’s Hotel, Mumbai’s last cast-iron building. It has an interesting history though I liked the story of Jamsetji Tata best. Allegedly he was denied entrance here once due to their rule of “no Indians, no dogs” 🙁 and decided to retaliate by building the Taj Hotel. 

There is also the Jehangir Art Gallery, the Elphinstone College, the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Knesseth Eliyahoo Synagogue, and many other interesting buildings and businesses. 

Dharavi

Probably one of the most unique places to visit in Mumbai is Dharavi. Dharavi is India’s biggest slum and one of the biggest in the world with an official population of 1 million people (obviously the inofficial number is going to be much higher). 

If you have seen movies like Slumdog Millionaire you will have seen Dharavi. 

To be honest, I was curious. I have done a favela tour in Rio and a township tour in Cape Town before and was intrigued to see this side of the city too. At the same time, I have no interest in poverty porn or treating someone’s home like a zoo. With that in mind, I chose to do a Dharavi tour with Reality Tours and Travel. They run various tours all over Mumbai, especially in Dharavi. The tours are held by locals from the Dharavi communities and have a strict no-photo policy. This policy was part of the reasons why I chose them. 

My tour guide Leena was a young woman who showed me her neighborhood and the thriving businesses that are home in Dharavi. Contrary to popular belief there are many businesses creating over a billion in profits each year. Plastic recycling, leatherwork, and pottery is at the heart. 

While it was incredibly fascinating, it was anything but sad – I highly recommend you book a tour with them to see another side of Mumbai. 

Book a Dharavi walking tour or add a lunch or a pottery workshop

Mumbai Morning Market Tour

Who doesn’t love a local market? I know I do! But while places like the flower market in Bangkok are easily explored on your own, other places are not as accessible if you are a foreigner. This is why I chose a local guide to take me to the produce markets in Hanoi at 4 am and why I decided to book a Mumbai market tour with a guide. 

This tour doesn’t start quite as early, but it is still a morning tour that takes you to the fish market, a fruit and veggie market, and finally the flower market in Mumbai. You will also see the famous Dhobi Ghat, the world’s largest outdoor laundry.

Let’s just say that these markets get crowded and can be overwhelming for the senses, so I was grateful for my guide, Jay. He made sure I didn’t get lost, step into too much fish goo, and answered my never-ending questions patiently. 

While I loved all three markets, keep in mind that yes, you will see dead fish at the fish market. If you are a sensitive vegetarian, this might not be for you. I was a bit sad to see a few sharks and big rays myself, and chose not to share those pictures – just keep this in mind for when you book. 

Also: Wear shoes and pants that you can easily clean after. Things can get a bit fishy…

Book the Mumbai Market Tour

Where to eat in Mumbai

Mumbai also has a thriving food scene and there is much to explore. Whether you want some seriously yum street food, feast on seafood, or try some Indian fine dining – Mumbai has it all. 

I recommend you start with a street food tour in Mumbai to get an overview of what the culinary scene is all about. Below I share my favorite tour with you as well as some cafes and restaurants I liked in Mumbai. Mind you, this is just a snapshot from a trip that was way too short. I’d say you will need to take your time to eat your way through Mumbai thoroughly . 

Bombay Express – Street food tour in Mumbai

This year I have done a lot of street food tours with A Chef’s Tour (read my reviews here about Bangkok, Hanoi, and Kuala Lumpur). They are such a great company and I really love their tours. Street food tours are a great way to dig into a city’s culinary scene as you will have a local guide taking you to places that are well-curated and where it is safe to eat. 

Especially in India, many travelers worry about food safety and I think a street food tour is a great way to avoid getting sick. 

I previously did their street food tour in Old Delhi but I liked the Bombay Express tour in Mumbai even more. Maybe because I overall just really vibed with the city and thought the food was amazing. Some honorable mentions go to the pani puri we had, the dil kush dosa that was a perfect marriage between a dosa and a pizza, and the most delicious curry with flakey naan. But of course, we were also introduced to pav bhaji, Mumbai’s national dish, and vada pav, the Indian version of a chippie sandwich (according to me). 

The dishes and restaurants will change depending on the day and the guide, but you will never go hungry, that much is sure. And you will also get a good glimpse into the food traditions that were introduced in Mumbai by the Parsi and Irani communities. In addition, the tour is a mini city walk showing you some of Mumbai’s famous markets and streets and teaching you how to make your way through the city. 

Book the Bombay Express Street Food Tour

Masooli Lunch Home

You will find quite a few places in Mumbai that are called “lunch homes”. However, don’t worry – they are just regular restaurants open for lunch. My friend Roxy took me to Masooli as I finally had to try some proper seafood and the famous Bombay duck. 

Masooli is a great option to try yourself through a delicious menu of squid, prawns, and that duck, actually a Parsi dish of local deep-fried Lizard fish. The BBC calls it “fiendishly ugly and pungently smelly” and here is how my Roxy describes it. Check it out because the history of the dish and its name is fascinating. 

In addition, Masooli makes other great seafood dishes at affordable prices like prawns masala and squid tawa fry. Obviously best to have a local to do the ordering for you but I recon the lovely staff will be able to guide you through the menu too. 

The Bombay Canteen

Bombay Canteen had been top of my ‘where to eat in Mumbai’-list from the start. Then I got annoyed because they wouldn’t share a menu with prices. Who does that? I guess a restaurant that is always full. I did end up going with some friends of mine who suggested it as one of their favorite restaurants in Mumbai. 

We went on a dry day as it was the night before the election but that didn’t change the fact that it was full to the brim and we had to have our starters at the bar. The portions are small and perfect for sharing with some innovative twists to Indian classics. Like with most Indian restaurants there is a huge selection of vegetarian dishes though the kebab and prawn curry we had were definitely the star. 

Even if you want to come during the week, make sure to get a reservation. Prices are okay by the way and won’t break the bank. 

Ekaa

I went to Ekaa after I had just arrived in Mumbai for my one fancy dinner as they are part of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. It was going to be my first experience with Indian fine dining and I was keen to see what they had to offer. 

The setting is loft-like and cool but homey and even though it wasn’t full it felt busy. There was something about the service that felt antsy in its attentiveness. 

They have a few tasting menus as well as an a la carte and tapas menu. It is a little tricky to figure out portion sizes and what is what so I went with a small chef’s tasting menu. In hindsight that was a mistake as it didn’t go beyond what was on the menus and didn’t give any extras in terms of value. 

I think I was just lazy to work my way through the menu but had I done it, I would have ordered some different things. That is not to say, I didn’t like it – there was a lovely little spicy sausage to start and some pate with melba toast, a fresh veggie salad, and a delicious piece of barramundi. Unfortunately, they also gave me an all-chocolate dessert (for me, the non-chocolate lover), and the sorbet was frozen solid. 

Do I sound overly negative? I don’t mean to – I think Ekaa has so much potential and you will just need to be in the mood to work your way through the menu. And do order the bitter lavender gin cocktail – it was one of a kind and amazing. 

Leopold Cafe

I stayed just around the corner from the famous Leopold Cafe so I had to go there for breakfast at least once. The cafe is quite iconic because it was already founded in 1871 by Iranis and became a famous hangout for scoundrels and backpackers alike through the decades. In fact, I knew it from Shantaram. 

However, they were also the first location of the 2008 Mumbai attacks when 10 people were killed there by the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist group. Right after, many Indians started to frequent Leopolds again to show their support. 

I decided to check it out and to be honest, I was a bit disappointed – I had completely forgotten that Shantaram wasn’t filmed in Mumbai and so it looked different from what I thought. These days you will neither find scoundrels nor many backpackers but mainly your average Indian and international tourists like myself, curious to find out what all the fuss is about. Still, the service was friendly and the coffee was strong – if you are in the neighborhood it is worth checking out. 

Americano

During my second time in Mumbai, I had already been to India for a while and gotten my fill of great Indian food. I was in the mood for something else, and so I finally went to Americano on a rainy evening for a pizza. 

Of course, this cool kid is located in Kala Ghoda, run by famed chef Alex Sanchez and restaurateur Mallyeka Watsa. On the menu: pizza, homemade pasta, shared plates, cocktails, and desserts, all made with local produce and ingredients. 

It’s hard to explain the hype until you take a bite. The pizza is the right amount of chewy and crispy and the right mix of thin yet doughy (the dough is delicious by the way), and the menu is both a bit traditional and a bit innovative, and always yummy. Whatever else you order, trust me when I say – you need to have the Brussels sprout salad. Yes, even if you usually don’t like Brussels sprouts! It was honestly one of my top dishes of 2025. 

For drinks, try a banana negroni. While it wasn’t quite as good as the banana negroni I had at Uncle’s in Sri Lanka, it was a close second. 

Otra

If you are not in the mood for Italian but prefer something with a Mexican twist, then Otra will be your choice. The latest venue by the same team behind Americano is perfect for taco lovers. 

That said, this ain’t your average taco joint but offers a menu that takes you on a wild ride through Mexico with a liberal interpretation of what Mexican food is all about. Sometimes that works well, sometimes it doesn’t, but I was keen to come along for that ride. 

Tacos and tostadas usually come in pairs, but the staff was kind enough to give me singles so I could try more. I liked the chilled shrimp skagenröra, though the truffle mushroom tostada would have been nicer if warm. They have an interesting watermelon aguachile and beetroot with pistachio crema (missed this when I was there, unfortunately), and I went for the steak & chips salad. Basically it is a steak tartar with salad and chips – what is not to love?!

As I was still peckish, I went for the taglierini pasta that was too thin for my liking and a bit bland. In hindsight, I would go for the lamb birria ravioli, alas, I only discovered my love for birria during my recent trip to Mexico City. 

On the cocktail menu, you will find some really good concoctions, and while not traditional Mexican, I recommend you go for a Pisco Sour. 

Bombay Sweet Shop

Already one of the favorite places to visit in Mumbai with friends is the Bombay Sweet Shop by the same team as Bombay Canteen. The branding is as good as it gets and it looks like you have stepped into an Indian version of Willy Wonka. 

While they have some savory dishes, changing restaurants to get something sweet is not unheard of in Mumbai and this is one of the spots to go. It sits in a small alley in Kala Ghoda and also functions as a shop for their own brand of Indian sweets and snacks. 

I went for a matcha which I had been craving but it was unfortunately disappointing. Luckily I also ordered an apple crumble with a chilled mascarpone cream and Indian spices. And this was to die for. I always assumed Indian sweets to be overly too sweet, and this wasn’t. It was almost restrained, tasted almost healthy thanks to freshly stewed apples, and was utterly delicious.

During my most recent visit, I went for one of their savory noodle dishes and a matcha orange blossom dessert. After having had a lot of matcha sweets in Japan early in the year, I was doubtful, but honestly, it was another one of my favorite things I ate in 2025. They also offer cola kombucha that tastes incredible. If you are a Coke fan but don’t want the sugar, this is for you. 

The Cacao Mill by Subko

If you want proper coffee you go to Subko and if you want chocolate you go to the Cacao Mill by Subko. You can view the little factory downstairs and even do a bit of cacao tasting before buying a slab or two. 

Upstairs is a small but very cool coffee shop. While it doesn’t really invite to linger (I am not sure I would bring my laptop) they have a good coffee menu and a variety of sweet and savory pastries, not all featuring chocolate. Perfect place for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack if you are not in the mood for chai. 

Where to stay in Mumbai

The city has one problem in my eyes: the hotels in Mumbai aren’t great. While there is a good amount of the usual luxury chains, the famous Taj Mahal Palace, and now a Soho House branch, the amount of decent and affordable accommodation is tiny. Honestly, the only time I have seen such a huge amount of badly rated hotels in one spot was Koh Phi Phi.  

The second problem is Mumbai’s size. First-timers will probably stay in Fort or Colaba as this is where most of Mumbai’s sights are. However, I was told multiple times by my friends that staying in Juhu, Worli or Bandra is just so much nicer. Considering that those are mainly coastal residential areas they are probably right but you will also be far away from the action. 

And still, the problem of cool affordable places, or rather a lack thereof remains. 

I decided on a single room at Backpacker Cowies in Colaba. The location was amazing and the room was spacious and clean with good wifi and aircon. However, the whole hostel was a bit dingey and definitely overpriced. 

• > Book a room at Backpacker Cowies

Abode Bombay

I heard great recommendations for Abode Bombay, basically the only small boutique hotel in Mumbai. During my last trip, I was finally early enough with my bookings to get a room. 

The location in Colaba couldn’t be better, and the setting in an old colonial building is lovely. If you want a guesthouse with character, this is it!  

That said, like most Mumbai accommodation, prices are quite steep, and some rooms don’t have a window. While my basic room had a shower and a sink, the toilets were down the hallway and shared. Also, since it is an old building, you will have to put up with some odd features like padded beams in the middle of your room and no sound insulation. 

However, I honestly didn’t care. The rooms are super cozy, the beds are comfy, and the staff is helpful and kind. They also have a nice lobby/ cafe, and a really good breakfast is included. They also have a property in Sri Lanka and a new one in Jaipur that I am keen to check out. 

• > Book at room at Abode Bombay

If you can splurge, I would recommend the Taj Mahal Palace. The hotel is an iconic landmark and just so beautiful. 

• > Book a room at the Taj Mahal Palace

Alternatively, Mumbai Airbnb offers some good options. Whichever accommodation you choose make sure to read the reviews thoroughly especially if you are a solo traveler like myself. 

General Tips for your Mumbai itinerary

Money

You will pay in Indian rupee just like in the rest of India. You can see the current exchange rate here. In many places, you can also pay with your credit card and local payment apps. 

That said, smaller hotels may charge you an extra fee when using your credit card. Depending on the amount it might be cheaper to pay in cash. However, do the math before because most ATMs will charge you a fee and only allow a ₹ 10,000 withdrawal. 

Internet

I found the wifi in Mumbai to be really good. I still recommend you get an eSIM for your India trip so you can stay connected even when you are away from the hotel wifi. While I usually get a local SIM card and data is cheap, it is such a hassle in India. Therefore an Airalo eSIM is a much better idea if slightly more expensive. 

Buy an Airalo eSIM and get 12% off with code MBE or by using this link 

How to get to Mumbai 

Of course, Mumbai being a city of over 21 million people it has an international airport, the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM). I was flying domestically from Jaisalmer to Mumbai and then again from Mumbai to Kochi. The airport is pretty nice, modern, and clean (speaking for the domestic terminal which is terminal 1 at least) so I had no complaints. 

I flew IndiGo both times, a national low-cost carrier that I quite like. Except for some very hard seats their service is good, especially for their low prices. Regardless of where you are flying in from, you can find your domestic flights on 12Go or on AirAsia as they also have IndiGo flights. 

If you are flying in from overseas you will arrive at terminal 2 and will need to go through immigration at the airport. Make sure to get your eVisa beforehand. Once you have your luggage, you can use the airport wifi to call an Uber or an Ola. There are designated pick-up areas outside. 

Alternatively, if you are just arriving from overseas and it is your first time in Mumbai or India, I recommend you book yourself a transfer with Welcome Pickups. They are slightly more expensive than a taxi but you will have a driver with your name sign waiting for you and be able to talk to them via WhatsApp in case your flight is delayed or you are having any issues. And you pay for your transfer when you make your booking with your credit card or via PayPal. 

Book a transfer with Welcome Pickups

How to get around Mumbai

I underestimated just how big Mumbai is. Yes, of course, I knew it was a large city but I simply didn’t grasp what its size meant for getting around. Your best bet is the Mumbai Metro which has currently four operational lines with more being built or the local trains. 

There are also busses, but despite them being the cheapest way to get around, can be hard to navigate for foreigners. Plus you will still sit in Mumbai traffic thus negating the advances of using public transport. 

As for taxis, I was told that they are pretty good and will usually use a meter. When in doubt go for a ride-share app like Uber or Ola. This way you will be sure to get where you need to go and pay a fixed price. 

There are also auto rikshas/ tuk-tuks in Mumbai however they will not take you to the old part of the city in the south. 

Whatever you choose, make sure to leave enough time for getting from one place to the next when planning your Mumbai itinerary. 

Is Mumbai safe?

As usual, there is a personal answer and an official answer. In Mumbai’s case, they align. Mumbai is truly just like any other big city and as such, I felt quite safe but watched my purse at all times. The masses offer some anonymity that I always enjoy but Mumbai also felt particularly modern and cosmopolitan. As a woman, I felt a lot less exposed or worried walking on my own, especially when compared to Delhi or very touristy places where you get hassled to buy something like Jaipur. 

My friends also told me that Uber and Ola are very safe and reliable. While I saw quite a few cars that had seen better days, all my drivers were incredibly courteous. If you take trains, you can even choose a women-only compartment if that makes you feel better. 

I think just like in any big city, watch your belongings and your drinks, don’t walk down dark streets at night, and rather take a taxi than public transport with lots of crowds if you feel a bit uneasy. 

Some travelers might still be worried visiting Mumbai due to events like the Bombay riots in 1992/1993 and the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Of course those were horrible but wouldn’t deter me personally from visiting. That said, you may still see more than average businesses that have metal detectors at the entrance, something I found startling.