Mumbai Travel Guide: 5 Places to Visit in the City of Dreams
Mumbai's landmarks stretch from the colonial-era waterfront in the south to the northern suburbs, so most itineraries split the city into a south Mumbai day and a separate day for the suburbs.
Gateway of India
Built to commemorate the 1911 visit of King George V, this arch monument overlooks the Arabian Sea and is the usual departure point for ferries to Elephanta Island.
Marine Drive
This curved boulevard along the coast is nicknamed the Queen's Necklace for the way its streetlights appear at night, and it's a popular evening walking spot.
Elephanta Caves
Reached by a short ferry ride from the Gateway of India, these rock-cut cave temples date to around the 5th to 8th centuries and are dedicated to Shiva.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
One of the few national parks located within a major city, it includes the Kanheri Caves and offers a break from Mumbai's density without leaving city limits.
Juhu Beach
A long, busy beach in the northern suburbs known for street food stalls and evening crowds, close to several Bollywood celebrity residences.
Best time to visit and getting around
November to February avoids both the heat of summer and the heavy rain of the June-to-September monsoon. Mumbai's traffic and long distances between south Mumbai and the suburbs make a scooter or bike rental a practical way to move faster than car traffic allows, monsoon flooding permitting.
Planning to ride there?
Compare current bike and scooter listings before you book.