Best Places to Visit in Mumbai – A Complete Guide for Foreign Tourists

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is a city that never sleeps - a pulsating blend of colonial heritage, coastal charm, Bollywood glamour, street food, slums, and skyscrapers. As India’s financial capital and its entertainment powerhouse, Mumbai offers an electrifying energy that is truly unmatched. For foreign tourists, the city promises an immersive experience filled with contrasts, culture, and charisma.

Whether you're walking the Queen’s Necklace, exploring the bustling bazaars of Colaba, or chasing sunsets from the Arabian Sea, this Mumbai travel guide for international visitors covers everything you need to know - including the top tourist attractions, must-do activities, hidden gems, and essential travel tips.

Why Visit Mumbai?

• Home to the iconic Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, and Marine Drive
• A melting pot of cultures, cuisines, religions, and languages
• Bollywood capital — chance to catch a film shoot or celebrity sighting
• World-class shopping — from luxury boutiques to quirky bazaars
• Fascinating historical sites mixed with modern urban life

Top Places to Visit in Mumbai for Foreign Tourists

1. Gateway of India

Colonial Architecture | Sea Views | Historic Landmark

Built in 1924, the Gateway of India is Mumbai’s most iconic monument — a grand archway overlooking the Arabian Sea, originally built to commemorate the visit of King George V.

Highlights:

• Photo spot with the majestic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in the background
• Street food stalls & vendors selling souvenirs
• Take a boat ride to Elephanta Caves from here

Tip: Visit early morning or during golden hour for the best light.

2. Elephanta Caves

UNESCO World Heritage Site | Rock-Cut Caves | Island Excursion

Located on Elephanta Island, about 11 km from the Mumbai shore, these 7th-century cave temples are a fascinating blend of art, mythology, and archaeology.

What to See:

• The giant Trimurti statue of Lord Shiva
• Stone-carved pillars, shrines, and mythological panels
• Serene forested island atmosphere

How to Reach: Ferry from the Gateway of India (approx. 1 hour).

3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST)

Victorian Gothic Architecture | UNESCO Heritage | Railway Station

Formerly known as Victoria Terminus, CST is a living monument and one of the most stunning railway stations in the world.

Why Visit:

• Marvel at intricate Victorian-Gothic design
• Great photo spot at night when it’s lit up
• Watch the vibrant chaos of India’s train culture

4. Marine Drive & Chowpatty Beach

Sunset Walk | Local Street Food | Queen’s Necklace

Stretching along the Arabian Sea, Marine Drive is Mumbai’s most romantic and relaxed boulevard. At night, the streetlights resemble a glittering necklace — hence the nickname.

What to Do:

• Enjoy a walk or cycle ride
• Watch the sun dip into the sea
• Eat bhel puri, pav bhaji, or kulfi at Girgaon Chowpatty

5. Colaba Causeway Market

Street Shopping | Local Fashion | Global Vibes

A paradise for shoppers, Colaba Causeway is full of quirky boutiques, souvenir shops, antique dealers, and cafes. Foreigners love its bohemian energy.

Top Picks:

• Handicrafts, silver jewelry, leather goods
• Grab a cold beer at Leopold Café
• Mix with locals and expats alike

6. Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

Luxury Icon | Architectural Beauty | Historic Significance

Standing regally beside the Gateway, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is as much a cultural symbol as it is a luxury stay.

Things to Know:

• Built in 1903, it has hosted presidents, royals, and movie stars
• You can enjoy a meal or high tea at Sea Lounge without staying here
• Combine visit with the Gateway for a seamless experience

7. Dhobi Ghat – The Open-Air Laundry

Real Mumbai | Photography Spot | Unique Experience

Located in Mahalaxmi, Dhobi Ghat is the largest open-air laundry in the world, where over 700 washermen (dhobis) clean clothes for hotels and households.

Why Foreigners Love It:

• Stunning photo opportunities of colorfully dyed clothes
• Authentic slice of Mumbai’s working-class life
• Some guided tours offer meet-the-dhobi experiences

8. Crawford Market & Chor Bazaar

Local Markets | Antiques | Old Bombay Vibe

Crawford Market is where Mumbai shops for everything — fruits, spices, pets, dry fruits, etc. Nearby, Chor Bazaar (“Thieves’ Market”) is famous for antiques, vintage Bollywood posters, and oddities.

Perfect For:

• Antique hunting
• Buying spices and souvenirs
• Experiencing old-school Bombay bazaar chaos

9. Haji Ali Dargah

Spiritual Site | Island Mosque | Iconic Landmark

Floating like a mirage in the sea, the Haji Ali Dargah is a beautiful white shrine dedicated to a 15th-century Sufi saint.

Travel Notes:

• Accessible via a long causeway at low tide
• Entry is open to all faiths
• Best visited during sunset for spiritual ambiance and ocean breeze

10. Bandra-Worli Sea Link

Modern Engineering | Scenic Drive | Mumbai Skyline Views

This 5.6 km bridge connects South Mumbai with the suburbs and offers spectacular views of the sea and skyline.

Great For:

• Scenic car drives or cab rides
• Capturing Mumbai’s contemporary side
• Night photography

Experience Bollywood in Mumbai

Mumbai is the home of Bollywood, India’s massive film industry.

How to Explore Bollywood:

• Visit Film City (Goregaon) with a guided tour
• Attend a live shoot (sometimes possible through contacts)
• Watch a movie at Regal Cinema or Maratha Mandir for a local experience

Spiritual & Cultural Sites in Mumbai

• Siddhivinayak Temple – sacred Ganesh temple in Dadar
• Global Vipassana Pagoda – meditation center near Gorai
• ISKCON Temple Juhu – serene Krishna temple and spiritual center
• Banganga Tank Walk – spiritual and heritage walk in Malabar Hill

Nature Escapes in Mumbai

• Sanjay Gandhi National Park – Leopard territory with caves, treks, and toy train
• Kanheri Caves – ancient Buddhist caves inside the park
• Hanging Gardens – green space with views of Marine Drive
• Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum – where Gandhi stayed during Bombay visits

What to Eat in Mumbai

Mumbai’s food scene is legendary — from spicy street bites to world-class restaurants.

Street Food to Try:

• Vada Pav – spicy potato burger
• Bhel Puri & Sev Puri – tangy snacks
• Bombay Sandwich – triple-layered with chutney and veggies
• Pav Bhaji – buttery spicy curry with buns
• Frankie Rolls – Indian wraps

Fine Dining for Foreigners:

• Trishna (Fort) – seafood
• The Table (Colaba) – global fusion
• Masque (Mahalaxmi) – India’s top gourmet experience
• Yauatcha – upscale Asian in BKC

Where to Shop in Mumbai

Luxury Malls:

• Palladium (Lower Parel) – international and Indian designers
• Phoenix MarketCity (Kurla) – global brands
• High Street Phoenix – stylish yet accessible

Local Bazaars:

• Fashion Street – cheap fashion for all sizes
• Zaveri Bazaar – gold and diamond jewelry
• Kalbadevi Road – Indian textiles and sarees

Where to Stay in Mumbai

Luxury:

• The Taj Mahal Palace (Colaba)
• The Oberoi Mumbai (Nariman Point)
• The St. Regis Mumbai (Lower Parel)

Boutique:

• Abode Bombay (Colaba)
• The Gordon House Hotel
• Taj Wellington Mews

Budget:

• YMCA Colaba
• Backpacker Panda
• Zostel Mumbai

Best Time to Visit Mumbai

• November to February – ideal weather, cool evenings
• March to May – hot but manageable
• June to September – monsoon season, romantic but wet

Getting Around Mumbai

• Uber and Ola are widely available
• Auto-rickshaws (only in suburbs)
• Local Trains – experience the Mumbai lifeline (avoid peak hours!)
• BEST Buses – cheap but slow
• Walking – best for South Mumbai neighborhoods like Colaba, Fort, Bandra

Nearby Day Trips from Mumbai

• Alibaug – beach town (via ferry or drive)
• Lonavala/Khandala – hill stations (2 hours by train or car)
• Elephanta Caves – via ferry
• Karnala Fort & Bird Sanctuary – for hiking and nature