There are numerous places to visit in Mumbai however few attractions stand out as worth visiting.
There are so many places to visit in Mumbai that you could spend an entire week here and not see them all. Having said that, most of the sights are not worth the time or money except for a handful of Mumbai attractions that are spectacular for their architectural beauty. The iconic landmarks of Mumbai such as the Gateway of India and Haji Ali Mosque are unique in their own rights and are definitely worth visiting.
One of the best things to do in Mumbai is to go on a self-guided walking tour of the different districts in Mumbai. The most popular walk is the Kala Ghoda walking tour which takes you through central Mumbai and showcases the architectural contrast of the buildings in the area. The walking tour concludes at the Gateway of India with the Taj Mahal Palace standing proud behind you.
Mumbai is replete with colonial era buildings, museums and galleries. Museums such as the Prince of Wales Museum and Bhau Daji Lad Museum are worth an inspection from an architectural viewpoint as well as for cultural and historical education. Hindu temples, Buddhist pagodas, and Islamic mosques stand with equal importance in this cosmopolitan and tolerant city.
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of chaotic Mumbai there are a few places to visit in Mumbai. A walk through Kotachiwadi will show you the quieter side of Mumbai, while the beach at Girgaum Chowpatty will make you feel like you’re far away from the madness and noise of Mumbai.
Below is a list of popular places to visit in Mumbai.
1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Mumbai
[singlepic id=2145 w=720 h=560 float=center]
The most impressive example of Victorian Gothic architecture in India, Victoria Terminus railway station (now renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) is a rich extravaganza of domes, spires and arches. Imposing, exuberant and overflowing with people, this is the city’s most extravagant Gothic building, the beating heart of its railway network, and an aphorism for colonial India.
See our Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus article for more information.
2. Gateway of India Mumbai
[singlepic id=2298 w=720 h=560 float=center]
The Gateway of India is Mumbai’s most famous landmark and popular tourist attraction. Built in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India, it triumphantly faces the Mumbai Harbour at the tip of Apollo Bunder. It’s a great place to take a walk around the esplanade while enjoying the views, sea breeze and the atmosphere.
See our Gateway of India article for more information.
3. Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai
[singlepic id=2234 w=720 h=560 float=center]
Built in 1903 by JN Tata, the Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai is a five star hotel and one of Mumbai’s prominent landmark. Located in the Colaba district of downtown Mumbai, it is situation overlooking the harbour and the Gateway of India. You can stay here and be a part of the celebrity status if you have the $$$.
See our Taj Mahal Palace article for more information.
4. Kala Ghoda Mumbai Walking Tour
[singlepic id=2250 w=720 h=560 float=center]
A Kala Ghoda walking tour is a wonderful way to get an introduction to the heart of Mumbai. The area between Colaba and Fort is replete with colonial era buildings, art galleries and museums. If you are an architectural buff, you will love this self-guided tour which will allow you to see the stark contrast between the architectural styles of the buildings in central Mumbai.
See our Kala Ghoda Mumbai Walking Tour article for more information.
5. Prince of Wales Museum Mumbai
[singlepic id=2282 w=720 h=560 float=center]
Prince of Wales Museum, now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is the biggest and best museum in Mumbai. Housed in a grand Indo-Saracenic building, the museum is renowned for its impressive collection of sculptures and miniature paintings.
See our Prince of Wales Museum article for more information.
6. Bhau Daji Lad Museum Mumbai
[singlepic id=2198 w=720 h=560 float=center]
Bhau Daji Lad Museum located in Byculla East is the oldest museum in Mumbai and showcases more than 3500 objects relating to Mumbai’s history and culture. The Museum is housed in a beautiful Renaissance style building with ornate ceilings and columns and a beautiful grand staircase and chandelier.
See our Bhau Daji Lad Museum article for more information.
7. Marine Drive & Girgaum Chowpatty Mumbai
[singlepic id=2158 w=720 h=560 float=center]
Situated next to each other, Marine Drive and Girgaum Chowpatty couldn’t be more different. Marine Drive is worth a visit as it’s one of the more classy areas of Mumbai with its Art Deco buildings and twinkling streetlights. Girgaum Chowpatty, on the other hand, is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city noise and mayhem. It’s the perfect spot in Mumbai to just relax on the beach and unwind.
See our Marine Drive & Girgaum Chowpatty article for more information.
8. Mani Bhavan Mumbai
[singlepic id=2163 w=720 h=560 float=center]
Mani Bhavan is a small yet poignant museum and memorial to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It was the building where Gandhi lived while in Mumbai between 1917 and 1934 and from where his political activities took place against the British to achieve Independence for the people of India.
See our Mani Bhavan article for more information.
9. Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat Mumbai
[singlepic id=2191 w=720 h=560 float=center]
The Mahalaxmi dhobi ghat is the largest and oldest human powered washing machine in Mumbai. This is the place where all the clothes and linen from Mumbai’s hotels and hospitals get washed. It makes for a great tourist attraction and a colourful photo opportunity.
See our Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat article for more information.
10. Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai
[singlepic id=2215 w=720 h=560 float=center]
Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai is the oldest and most popular temple in Mumbai. Dedicated to Mahalaxmi, the goddess of wealth, the temple is home to three goddesses, Mahalaxmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati. All three images located inside the temple are beautifully decorated. The temple comes alive during the celebrations of Navrati (Festival of Nine Lights) in September/October.
See our Mahalaxmi Temple article for more information.
11. Global Vipassana Pagoda Mumbai
[singlepic id=2222 w=720 h=560 float=center]
Modelled after Burma’s Shwegadon Pagoda, the breathtaking structure of Global Vipassana Pagoda is designed to hold 8,000 meditators and houses the relics of Buddha. Located near Esselworld in the Gorai district of Mumbai, it’s hard to get to but it’s worth the trouble to see this magnificent Pagoda and learn about the principles of Vipassana.
See our Global Vipassana Pagoda article for more information.
12. Haji Ali Dargah Mumbai
[singlepic id=2178 w=720 h=560 float=center]
The Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and dargah (tomb) of Sufi saint, Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. Constructed in the Indo-Islamic tradition during the 15th century, it is one of the most striking landmarks of Mumbai.
See our Haji Ali Dargah article for more information.
Tell us what you think. Which attractions are you planning to see in Mumbai? If you’ve been here before, which places did you visit? Please share with us your experiences.
We love to hear from you so please leave your comments below.
Leave A Comment