India

Mumbai

Mumbai: where dreams, chaos and the Arabian Sea collide.

Local time
UTC+5:30
Population
20.9M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Affordable
  • Food$$$$$About $18 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $56 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $0.8 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇮🇳 INR =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

BOMChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International AirportMain gateway, about 2 km from the centre.
HowCostTime
Metro Aqua LineBKC and Colaba₹10-7030-50 min
Cheapest and most comfortable option.
Suburban trainAndheri and Western Line₹5-5015-25 min
Vile Parle and Andheri stations are close to the airport.
Airport busVarious city points₹50-15040-70 min
Check locally for routes.
TaxiCity centre₹400-70030-60 min
Use the prepaid counter inside the terminal.
Uber / OlaCity centre₹350-65030-60 min
Pick-up zones are signposted.
NMINavi Mumbai International AirportNew airport opened 2025, mainly domestic; far from central Mumbai.
HowCostTime
Suburban trainNavi Mumbai and Central Line₹10-60check locally
Nearest stations serve the Central and Harbour lines.
BusNavi Mumbai and Mumbai₹50-150check locally
Check locally for routes.
TaxiCentral Mumbai₹800-120060-90 min
Long ride; agree the fare first.
Uber / OlaCentral Mumbai₹700-110060-90 min
Check app availability on arrival.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Mumbai

Getting around

Use the metro and local trains for speed; Uber or Ola for door-to-door trips.

  • Metro ★Modern and fast. The Aqua Line links the airport to BKC and Colaba.
  • Train ★Suburban 'local' trains are the city's artery. Buy a ₹275 Tourist Ticket for first class all day.
  • BusCheap and everywhere. Use the m-Indicator app to plan routes.
  • Taxi / ride appsMetered black-and-yellow taxis and blue cabs are common; agree the fare or insist on the meter. Uber and Ola work well.
  • FerryFerries from Ferry Wharf reach Elephanta Island and nearby beaches.
  • Rental carNot practical for most visitors; traffic is heavy and parking is hard. Use taxis and trains instead.
  • WalkingGood in Colaba and Fort for sights. Use transport for longer trips, especially in heat or rain.
Recommended stay★ 2 nights (3 days)

Two nights covers Colaba, the Gateway, Elephanta and a food crawl; add a night for Bandra and the suburbs.

Best for
  • CultureColaba's colonial streets, museums and the Gateway of India.
  • FoodStreet snacks, Irani cafés and long lunches across the city.
  • HistoryElephanta caves, forts and the story of old Bombay.

Weather by month

29°19°Jan
31°20°Feb
32°22°Mar
33°25°Apr
33°27°May🌧 3d
30°27°Jun🌧 26d
28°26°Jul🌧 31d
28°25°Aug🌧 30d
28°25°Sep🌧 27d
31°25°Oct🌧 11d
32°22°Nov🌧 2d
31°20°Dec🌧 1d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Tropical monsoon climate: hot and humid most of the year, with a long, very wet monsoon from June to September.

  • Best time: November to MarchDry days around 29–32°C with cooler evenings. Ideal for walking, ferries and street food.
  • Monsoon: June to SeptemberRain on most days, heaviest in July and August. Expect wet streets and possible travel delays.
  • Hot and humid April to MayHighs near 33°C with rising humidity. Sightsee early morning and rest in the afternoon.
  • Carry rain gear in monsoonAn umbrella or light raincoat is essential from June to September.
  • Humidity all yearIt feels hotter than the numbers. Light, breathable clothes help.
  • What to packLight cotton clothes, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat; add rain gear for the monsoon months.

Landmarks 15

Must-see · 8

  1. 1

    Gateway of India

    Mumbai's most famous monument, a basalt arch on the harborfront built to commemorate a royal visit. Go early morning to avoid crowds and heat; it's free and a short walk from Colaba Causeway.

  2. 2

    Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

    A UNESCO-listed Victorian Gothic railway station that is still a working commuter hub. Visit outside rush hours (mid-morning or afternoon) to admire the facade and interior without the crush; it's free to enter.

  3. 3

    Elephanta Caves

    Ancient rock-cut cave temples on an island in Mumbai Harbour, reached by a one-hour ferry from the Gateway of India. Ferries run roughly 9am–2pm and are closed on Mondays; wear comfortable shoes for the climb.

  4. 4

    Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

    Mumbai's iconic heritage hotel facing the Gateway of India, famed for its architecture and history. Non-guests can visit the lobby and some restaurants; dress smart-casual and expect security checks.

  5. 5

    Marine Drive

    The sweeping seaside promenade known as the Queen's Necklace, best at sunset when the lights come on. It's free and ideal for an evening stroll; avoid midday heat.

  6. 6

    Haji Ali Dargah

    A mosque and tomb on an islet linked by a causeway, a striking sight at high tide. Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees); it's free and busiest on Fridays.

  7. 7

    Siddhivinayak Temple

    One of Mumbai's most visited Hindu temples, dedicated to Ganesha. Remove shoes and dress respectfully; early morning or late evening is less crowded, and it's free to enter.

  8. 8

    Dhobi Ghat

    A vast open-air laundry where dhobis wash clothes by hand, a unique slice of Mumbai life. View from the Mahalaxmi bridge for free; be respectful and ask before photographing workers.

1Gateway of India2Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus3Elephanta Caves4Taj Mahal Palace Hotel5Marine Drive6Haji Ali Dargah7Siddhivinayak Temple8Dhobi Ghat

Cultural

Modern Architecture 1

Market 2

Urban Hub 1

Hindu 2

Gate 1

Islamic 1

Buddhist 1

Harbor 1

Park 1

Modern History 1

Natural

Beach 1

Activities

Filming Location 1

Amusement Park 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Mumbai

    Lonavla (Lonavala) · 2 h 00 by train

    ★★★★☆ · Full day · 82 km from Mumbai

    Best way: Direct trains from Dadar reach Lonavala in 2 hours, faster than the bus and right by the town.

    Direct suburban and express trains run from Mumbai's CSMT and Dadar stations to Lonavala, with local taxis for the hill viewpoints.

    • Train ★2 h 00 · from $1-$12
    • Bus2 h 40 · from $4-$30
    • Car1 h 05 · taxi ≈ 1,510 INR

    What to see

    • Bhushi Dam
    • Karla Caves
    • Tiger Point
    • Rajmachi viewpoint

    Good to know

    • Book express train seats ahead, especially for weekends
    • The monsoon (June-September) is the classic season for the hill views and waterfalls
    • Local taxis are needed to reach the viewpoints from the station

    Alībāg (Alibaug) · 2 h 59 by bus

    ★★★☆☆ · Full day · 94 km from Mumbai

    Best way: The bus runs in under 3 hours and drops you in Alibaug town, while the ferry route needs a road transfer at the far end.

    Take a ferry from the Gateway of India or a bus/train via Panvel, then a short road transfer into Alibaug town.

    • Bus ★2 h 59 · from $1-$5
    • Car1 h 13 · taxi ≈ 1,720 INR

    What to see

    • Alibaug Beach
    • Kolaba Fort
    • Murud-Janjira area coastline
    • Local seafood lunch

    Good to know

    • Ferries from the Gateway of India are the scenic alternative but depend on sea conditions
    • Weekends get crowded, so go on a weekday if you can
    • The beaches and forts are spread out, so expect local transport once there

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Mumbai rewards visitors with colonial landmarks, street food, Bollywood energy and a coastline that never sleeps. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    2 nights · Culture ★ Recommended length

    First-timers who want Colaba's colonial core, the waterfront and a Bandra evening.

    Stay: Colaba. Walk to the Gateway of India, museums and the ferry wharf. Best first-time base for sights and food.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ INR 0
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ INR 1,636
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Hotel
    INR 5,000–24,000
    2 nights · Colaba
    Day 1

    Arrive in Colaba, colonial icons

    Tickets ≈ INR 0 pp · taxis ≈ INR 108
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 342 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ INR 36
    2. 1

      14:00–14:45 · Free to walk through public areas · drinks and meals priced separately

      Taj Mahal Palace Hotel Landmark quest

      Walk the lobby and peek at the heritage wing. Dress smart-casual.

      Open Lobby open to visitors; restaurants have their own hours

    3. Taxi · 211 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ INR 34
    4. 2

      15:00–15:45 · Free to view from outside

      Gateway of India Landmark quest

      Two minutes on foot from the Taj. Best light late afternoon.

      Open Open area, always accessible · best in daylight

    5. Taxi · 444 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ INR 38
    6. 3

      16:30–17:30 · Free to browse · pay per item

      Colaba Causeway street market

      Stalls pick up late afternoon. Bargain politely.

      Open Stalls roughly 10:00–21:00

    7. 4

      18:00–19:00 · Meals roughly INR 400–900 per person (check on the day)

      Cafe Leopold

      Early dinner. It gets busy after 20:00.

      Open Roughly 08:00–midnight

    Day 2

    Fort heritage and Marine Drive sunset

    Tickets ≈ INR 0 pp · taxis ≈ INR 308
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ INR 63
    2. 1

      08:30–10:30 · Self-guided free · guided walks priced separately

      Fort district heritage walk

      Start early before the heat. Wear comfortable shoes.

      Open Daytime; start before the heat

    3. Taxi · 1090 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ INR 50
    4. 2

      11:00–11:30 · Free to view from outside · station is a working railway hub

      Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Landmark quest

      Late-morning light on the facade. Stay off the tracks.

      Open Station open 24 hours

    5. Taxi · 651 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ INR 42
    6. 3

      12:30–14:00 · Pay per stall · roughly INR 300–600 to eat well (check on the day)

      Mumbai street food walk (Fort area)

      Lunch stop on the street food walk. Go easy on spice at first.

      Open Stalls busiest lunchtime and evening

    7. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ INR 59
    8. 4

      17:30–18:30 · Free

      Marine Drive Landmark quest

      Sunset on the promenade. About 20 minutes by taxi.

      Open Promenade always open

    9. Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ INR 94
    Day 3

    Bandra culture, then fly

    Tickets ≈ INR 0 pp · taxis ≈ INR 1,220
    123
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 19 km · ≈ 1 h 8 min · ≈ INR 372
    2. 1

      09:00–10:00 · Free

      Bandra Bandstand promenade

      Morning sea air. About 40 minutes by taxi from Colaba.

      Open Always open

    3. Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 23 min · ≈ INR 129
    4. 2

      10:30–13:00 · Tours roughly INR 800–1,500 per person (check on the day)

      Dharavi community walking tour

      Book a community-run tour ahead. Check meeting point on the day.

      Open Tours usually morning and afternoon

    5. Taxi · 9 km · ≈ 36 min · ≈ INR 199
    6. 3

      14:00–15:00 · Free · pay for snacks

      Juhu Beach

      Snack stop. Busiest in the evening.

      Open Always open · busiest in the evening

    7. Taxi back to your hotel · 27 km · ≈ 1 h 36 min · ≈ INR 520

    Swap in instead

    • Take a ferry from Ferry Wharf to Elephanta Island for the cave temples; check sailing times on the day.
    • Spend a half day in Bandra: cafés, street art and the sea link views.
    • Add a day trip to a nearby beach or hill area; ask your hotel about current transport options.

    Getting around

    • Mumbai Metro is modern and fast; Aqua Line links the airport to BKC and Colaba.
    • Suburban 'local' trains are the city's artery; buy a ₹275 Tourist Ticket for first class all day.
    • Buses are cheap and everywhere; use the m-Indicator app to plan routes.
    • Metered black-and-yellow taxis and blue cabs are common; agree the fare or insist on the meter.
    • Uber and Ola ride apps work well across the city.
    • Ferries from Ferry Wharf reach Elephanta Island and nearby beaches.

    Where to stay

    • Colaba · ≈ INR 2,500–12,000 a night
      Walk to the Gateway of India, museums and the ferry wharf. Best first-time base for sights and food.
    • Fort · ≈ INR 3,000–14,000 a night
      Central and close to Colaba sights, with metro and train links. Good mix of heritage hotels and business stays.
    • Bandra · ≈ INR 3,500–15,000 a night
      Cafés, nightlife and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Near the domestic airport and BKC business district.
    • Juhu · ≈ INR 3,000–13,000 a night
      Beach-side stays near the airport. Quieter evenings and easy access to the western suburbs.

    Food & drink

    • Try Mumbai street snacks: vada pav, pav bhaji, bhel puri and pani puri. Eat where locals queue; prices are low, often ₹20–100.
    • Have a meal at an old Irani café: bun maska, chai and keema. Cheap and full of character.
    • Seafood is a highlight: try a thali or fish curry at a local restaurant. Ask about spice level.
    • Vegetarian food is easy to find everywhere, from thali places to upscale restaurants.
    • Drink bottled or filtered water. Go easy on very spicy food on your first day.

    Tips

    1. Avoid the local trains during extreme rush hours (8-11 AM, 5-8 PM) unless you are prepared for severe crowding
    2. Vada Pav and Pav Bhaji are quintessential local street foods you must try
    3. Meters in taxis and auto-rickshaws are generally reliable, but ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola are easier
    4. Monsoon season can cause severe waterlogging; plan travel carefully if visiting in July or August
    5. Carry small denominations of cash (rupees) for street vendors and small shops
    Sources for prices and hours

      Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

      Tours & activities

      Take this tour to unlock 4 landmark quests

      Gateway of India
      Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
      Marine Drive
      Dhobi Ghat
      • See Mumbai's top sights in one day
      • Includes Dhobi Ghat and Marine Drive
      • 2,155 reviews · 4.9 rating
      Entry includedHotel pickup

      Full-Day Sightseeing Tour of Mumbai

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (2,155)

      Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

      Elephanta Caves
      • Ferry ride to Elephanta Island
      • Guided tour of the ancient caves
      • 1,267 reviews · 4.8 rating
      Ferry includedExpert guide

      Elephanta Caves Half-Day Guided Tour with Expert

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (1,267)

      Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

      Chor Bazaar
      Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai
      • Sample street food at night markets
      • Explore bustling bazaars
      • 948 reviews · 4.9 rating
      Food tastingsLocal guide

      Handpicked Street Food Stops & Night Markets Tour

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (948)

      Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

      Dhobi Ghat
      • Insider view of Dharavi
      • Visit Dhobi Ghat laundry
      • 820 reviews · 4.9 rating
      Local resident guideSmall group

      Dharavi Slum Tour Guided by a Dharavi Resident

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (820)

      Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

      Dhobi Ghat
      • See the famous dabbawalla lunch system
      • Explore Dharavi and Dhobi Ghat
      • 765 reviews · 4.9 rating
      Dabbawalla visitLocal guide

      Dharavi Slum, DhobiGhat, and Dabbawallas Tour

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (765)

      Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

      Kanheri Caves
      Sanjay Gandhi National Park
      • Ancient Buddhist caves
      • Golden Pagoda temple visit
      • 138 reviews · 4.8 rating
      Entry includedGuided tour

      Kanheri Caves & The Golden Pagoda Temple Guided Tour

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (138)

      Souvenirs

      Masala Chai

      INR 400–800100g · shop prices

      An Indian black tea blend mixed with spices. It is a classic taste of Mumbai's everyday tea culture.

      Where: San-Cha Tea Boutique, Kala Ghoda
      Black tea without milk is sold as a separate choice, so pick the blend you want before buying.

      Kolhapuri Sandals

      INR 1000–30001 pair · estimate

      A traditional leather sandal from Maharashtra, the state Mumbai belongs to. They are handmade and known for their durable craft.

      Where: Anupam Chappals, Colaba Causeway
      Check that they are handmade and made of leather before you pay.

      Flights

      Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

      Search flights · Trip.com

      Hotels

      Search all Mumbai hotelsHotels.com

      Popular hotels

      eSIM

      Get an eSIM for MumbaiStay connected in India from day one · Airalo
      Compare all 3 plans · choose data and duration

      Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

      Luggage storage

      Store your bags in MumbaiDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce