Mumbai holidays

Formerly Bombay, India’s financial capital is a teeming metropolis of densely populated streets and nameless alleys where vendors hawk everything from coconuts to curbside haircuts. Holidays in Mumbai reward the adventurous. From sacred pagodas and shimmering skyscrapers to glamorous boutiques and basement bazaars to the hedonistic nightclubs frequented by Bollywood royalty, see why Mumbai is making a name for itself as one South Asia’s most exciting cities. 

Mumbai holiday highlights

Mumbai
Jayesh Jagtap

Architectural icons

Getting a photo with the Gateway of India is a must on vacations to Mumbai — and make sure you return to see it magically lit with colour at night. Nearby is the extravagant Taj Mahal Palace Hotel that’s more than a century old. Stroll along Marine Drive to see Art Deco mansions mixed in with luxury hotels. Even one of India’s busiest train stations, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, is a Victorian Gothic Revival masterpiece. 

Bazaar treasures

Prepare to be dazzled in Zaveri Bazaar, one of the largest gold markets in India. Before buying gold, check that it's hallmarked by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Nearby, Crawford Market is crammed full of fresh food, homewares and accessories. Chor Bazaar shines with lanterns and antiques. Even on cheap holidays to Mumbai, you’ll pack your suitcase full of bargain treasures. 

Temples and shrines

Many religions coexist in Mumbai, with shrines, temples and churches to visit (though make sure to observe any conditions for entry). See the ornate twin towers of Mount Mary Church in Bandra and the golden dome of the Global Vipassana Pagoda, which houses Buddha relics. At the blue-trimmed Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue, go inside to admire Victorian stained glass.

Mumbai: Know before you go

Language

Marathi, Hindi

Currency

Indian rupee (₹)

Time zone

UTC+5:30 (IST (India))

High season

October – February

Low season

June – September

Find the best time to go to Mumbai

Weather in Mumbai

March – May: Summer in the city is hot and humid. Cool evening breezes can offer some relief, especially along coastal areas like Marine Drive.

June – September: Mumbai’s monsoon season sees heavy downpours that can cause flooding and disrupt travel plans. But it’s also when the city is at its greenest and attractions are typically quieter. Don’t forget your umbrella.

October – February: Winter is the high season and marks the start of the dry season in Mumbai. Expect comfortable temperatures with little to no rainfall. Clear blue skies and low humidity make this an ideal time for outdoor sightseeing.

Events in Mumbai

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (January or February): Experience the best of Mumbai’s arts and culture at this nine-day event in the hip Kala Ghoda district. Highlights include concerts, exhibitions, workshops and food stalls.

Elephanta Festival (February): The UNESCO-listed Hindu cave temples of Elephanta Island are the setting for this festival of classical Indian music and traditional dance.

Ganesh Chaturthi (August or September): A citywide celebration honouring the birth of the Hindu elephant god Ganesh. Live music, colourful processions and huge idols of Ganesh take over the streets.

MAMI Mumbai Film Festival (October or November): Catch feature films, documentaries and shorts by mainstream and independent filmmakers from India and beyond.

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The best neighbourhoods in Mumbai

Colaba

Most first-time visitors feel comfortable in Colaba, the best neighbourhood to stay in Mumbai to visit the Gateway of India and Marine Drive. Take your pick of hotels for all budgets near Colaba Causeway. It’s lined with upmarket restaurants, boutiques and market stalls. The area is part of the old British quarter, so expect plenty of grand buildings and tourists. But you’ll still see locals brewing masala tea on pavements.

Good for: Iconic landmarks, shopping, restaurants

Fort

Explore the remnants of Fort George, built around Bombay Castle in 1769. Otherwise, this trendy business district of Gothic-style buildings features chain stores, market stalls and churches. And it’s one of the best areas to stay in Mumbai for art galleries. The Kala Ghoda Art Precinct features the National Gallery of Modern Art and Jehangir Art Gallery.

Good for: Historical buildings, museums, art galleries

Juhu

If you’re travelling with kids or just want the relief of an ocean horizon after city traffic jams, stay along Juhu Chowpatty Beach. That’s not to say the sandy urban stretch is altogether quiet. Cricket games, street food stalls and bars attract crowds after a day of swimming. But you can start each morning peacefully with the sunrise and join the yogis stretching on the sand.

Good for: Beach, families, street food

Things to do in Mumbai

Mumbai
Deepak Bhandari

Shopping

The question is, where can’t you go shopping in Mumbai? Everywhere you look, bling beckons from a market stall. When you’re not happily lost in bazaars, a good starting point is Fashion Street near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. Find Gucci and Cartier at the luxurious Jio World Plaza. With rows of colourful spices and glittering Indian paraphernalia, you’ll want to have your camera ready at Lalbaug Spice Market.

Places to eat

Spicy scents wafting from street stalls and local eateries are hard to resist. Choose street food that’s roasted or cooked in hot oil to kill bacteria, such as samosas and toasted Bombay sandwiches. Otherwise, find upmarket restaurants in Mumbai in Colaba, Fort and Bandra. Splurge at Wasabi by Morimoto in the Taj Mahal Palace or spot celebrities at Olive Bar & Kitchen.

Take in the culture

Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum is Mumbai’s oldest museum and contains a great overview of the city’s history. See weaponry and pottery among thousands of objects in the Palladian-style heritage building. Take the kids to the Nehru Science Centre for optical illusions and electric current displays. You’ll learn about Mahatma Gandhi at his former headquarters, the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum.  

Beaches

With its street food stalls, merry-go-rounds and snake charmers, Chowpatty is one of the most famous beaches in Mumbai. You’ll escape the crowds at Versova Beach, which is home to a fishing community and a fish market. Plan to spend a day at peaceful Marve Beach, including a quick ferry ride from here to the golden sand of Manori Beach.

Nightlife

Dress up for an elegant evening at the Royal Opera House or the National Centre for Performing Arts. Nightlife in Mumbai features techno clubs in Kala Ghoda and cocktail lounges in Bandra, where you might catch a glimpse of a Bollywood star. Relax at the Art Deco Regal Cinema to see the latest Bollywood movies.

Family friendly things to do

Despite traffic chaos and crowds, you’ll find plenty of relaxed, fun things to do with family in Mumbai. With panoramic views from Malabar Hill and nursery rhyme-themed attractions, Kamala Nehru Park is ideal for little ones. Sanjay Gandhi National Park is home to ancient Buddhist caves and a butterfly garden. 

Plan your holiday to Mumbai

Budget

With affordable food, drink and lodging options, a cheap holiday to Mumbai is very doable. Enjoy a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for around 400 Indian rupees (₹) and street food snacks for even less. Sip on a local beer for about ₹200 and a coffee for ₹230. A short taxi ride costs under ₹150. But auto rickshaws are cheaper and great for short trips.

Day trips from Mumbai

Elephanta Island is an hour by ferry from the Gateway of India. It’s famous for its ancient caves dedicated to Hindu gods. For a relaxing getaway, head to Khandala and Lonavala. These two hill stations, just under two hours away in the Western Ghats, are beloved for their viewpoints, waterfalls and tranquil hikes.

Getting around Mumbai

Stay in Juhu, Fort or Colaba for easy access to Mumbai’s attractions. Use a Mumbai Local Tourist Pass for local trains and a Smart Card for the Metro. Taxis, auto rickshaws and rideshare services are easy to find. Take ferries to Elephanta Island or Alibaug from the Gateway of India.

FAQs about Mumbai holidays

Take holidays to Mumbai between October and February to avoid the stifling heat of summer and potential monsoon season floods.
The Indian rupee (INR) is the official currency. From small purchases to tipping, carrying a little cash during your trip to Mumbai is a good idea.
Marathi and Hindi are the languages you'll encounter most often while on a city break in Mumbai.
As India’s most populated city, Mumbai can be overwhelming. It’s important to stay alert around enormous traffic jams and crowds. However, the city is generally considered safe regarding crime levels. Stick to the known tourist areas and explore with guides if you feel concerned during trips to Mumbai.
Whether you want to indulge or keep things more affordable, your preferred travel style will help determine the cost. When budgeting for your Mumbai flights and hotels, consider your choices, from flying economy class or business to booking basic or luxury stays. The time of year also matters, with some seasons bringing better value for a city break in Mumbai.
With temperatures reaching a high of 34ºC (93ºF), April is the hottest month in Mumbai.
With an average rainfall of 80 cm, July is the rainiest month to go on a Mumbai holiday. When the clouds roll in, head indoors and enjoy the city's art exhibits, cafes, shopping centres and more.
Plan your Mumbai holiday for January and you'll be there when the weather is at its coolest. 20ºC (68ºF) is as cold as the city gets.
Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, this city has a way of making every trip unique. If checking out attractions is on your list of things to do in Mumbai, be sure to include Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Marine Drive.
It’s easy to see Mumbai’s most famous attractions in two or three days, as they’re clustered around Colaba and Fort neighbourhoods. Stay for a week to enjoy museums, art galleries, food scenes and fascinating culture during your holiday in Mumbai.

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