20 Must-Visit Attractions In Mumbai

From historic restaurants to iconic monuments, Mumbai’s many sites of attraction can overwhelm any visitor. To help you plan your visit better, we’ve rounded up 20 attractions in Mumbai that you shouldn’t miss when visiting the city.

1. Gateway of India

Memorial

Initially constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city, the iconic Gateway of India monument also happens to mark the spot from where British soldiers last departed India after centuries of colonial rule. It was designed by Scottish architect George Wittet and inspired by Indo-Islamic, Indian and Roman influences.

Colaba Causeway

The historic Colaba Causeway thoroughfare is lined with street-side stalls selling everything from cheap jewellery to clothes and used books. From cafes, bars and restaurants such as Leopold Cafe and Cafe Mondegar that boast of cult-like followings to historic stores selling quirky items, there’s a lot to see here.

Cafe Mondegar: 5A, Metro House, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba, Mumbai, +91 022 2202 0591

Leopold Cafe: Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Near Police Station, Colaba, Mumbai, +91 022 2282 8185

2. Banganga Tank

Built in 1127, the Banganga tank and its surrounding Walkeshwar Temple Complex serves as a reminder of Mumbai’s rich history. The complex was rebuilt to its current form in the 18th century after it had been destroyed by the Portuguese during the 16th century.

Walkeshwar Rd, Teen Batti, Malabar Hill

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Visit Banganga Tank, an ancient water tank which is part of the Walkeshwar Temple Complex in Malabar Hill area. The tank is spring fed and so the water remains sweet, despite being located only a few dozen meters away from the sea. Apart from being a cultural hub, the place over the years has provided inspiration to many artists, be it on film or on canvas. #things2doinmumbai by @nirvanaspolly #Mumbai #Bangangatank #Walkeshwar #mymumbai #everydaymumbai #indiapictures #_soi #_soimumbai #Bombay #Mumbaidiaries

A post shared by Things2doinMumbai (@things2doinmumbai) on Nov 20, 2016 at 6:42am PST

3. Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue

Synagogue

Established in 1884, the Knesset Eliyahoo Orthodox Jewish Synagogue is among the city’s oldest. Featuring a striking sky-blue façade and impressive Victorian stained glass, the synagogue was built under Jacob Elias Sassoon, the grandson of David Sassoon, who was a leader of the Jewish community in Bombay after emigrating from Baghdad while fleeing persecution.

4. Afghan Church

Church, Memorial

Featuring neo-Gothic architecture, stained-glass windows and a 60 metre high tower and spire, this stunning church was built by the British in memory of the soldiers who died at the First Anglo-Afghan War. This was a failed attempt by the British in 1842 to encroach into present-day Afghanistan.

5. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Train Station

Mumbai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus)

Undoubtedly among the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus features stunning High Victorian Gothic and Indian architectural styles, and is one of the country’s most famous railway stations. It’s a lively place and integral to Mumbai, so is a must-visit location for any visitor.

6. Kyani & Co

Bakery, Cafe, Restaurant, Indian

This iconic restaurant in Marine Lines is among Mumbai’s oldest and most celebrated Parsi cafes, and one of your best options if you’re looking to get a taste of the city’s rich Parsi cuisine and heritage. Founded in 1904, Kyani & Co oozes old-world charm, and is an essential stop among other historic South Mumbai landmarks in the city’s official heritage walk. Opt for the bun maska (bread rolls slathered with butter) and chai for a truly Mumbai experience.

Elephanta Caves

Dating from the 5th century CE, the Elephanta Caves are a group of five Hindu and two Buddhist caves, some of which served as places of worship until the 1500s. They are located about 10 kilometers, or an hour’s ferry ride, into the Mumbai Harbour from the Gateway of India.

7. Chor Bazaar

Bazaar, Market

This 150+ year-old market is home to a variety of peculiar items, from antiques to spare automobile parts. Chor Bazaar (which means thieves market) supposedly got its name after belongings of Queen Victoria’s that had gone missing in Mumbai were found on sale in this market. In its heyday, the market is said to have featured stolen goods from around the city.

8. Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Hiking Trail, Park

The Sanjay Gandhi National Park isn’t just largest park in the world located within city limits, but also one of Asia’s most visited. Dubbed the ‘lungs of the city’, this rich stretch of nature is home to diverse flora and fauna, including tiger and lion populations!

9. Kanheri Caves

Buddhist Temple, Park, Shinto Shrine

Located within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the Kanheri Caves are among Mumbai’s most important historic sites. Featuring 109 rock-cut cave temples dating to the 1st century BCE that are believed to have once been Buddhist shrines and places of meditation and study, the complex is well worth the trek into the park.

10. Haji Ali Dargah

Mosque

The Haji Ali Dargah was built in 1431 in the memory of Sayyed Peer Jaji Ali Shah Bukhari, a wealthy merchant from present-day Uzbekistan. After giving up all his worldly possessions to make a pilgrimage to Mecca, he travelled the world and eventually settled in Mumbai. The pristine white building is located on an isle off the coast of Worli, and is linked to the mainland by a narrow pathway that appears only during low-tide.

11. Mount Mary Church

Church

Among the most historic churches in the city, Mount Mary’s Basilica was first built around 1570 and later rebuilt several times. The current edifice dates to 1904, but houses a statue of Mother Mary that is said to have been brought to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century.

12. Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

Business Hotel, Spa Hotel, Luxury, Chain Hotel, Hotel

The Taj Mahal Palace is much more than just a hotel: it is among Mumbai’s most celebrated landmarks. Built in 1903, the iconic dome served as the first clear marker of the Bombay Harbour until the Gateway of India was built next to it, a couple of decades later. More than a century after its construction, the hotel continues to remain one of the finest in the country.

Marine Drive

Marine Drive, South Mumbai’s iconic sea-facing promenade, is among the first places outsiders think of when picturing Mumbai. Whether you are looking for an excellent location for your early morning or evening jog, a spot to unwind and gaze at the Arabian Sea or a drive by the sea, Marine Drive is the place.

13. Global Vipassana Pagoda

School, Yoga Studio

With the world’s largest stone dome built without any supporting pillars, the Global Vipassana Pagoda is among Mumbai’s most striking architectural works. Modeled after the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, this massive pagoda was built to express gratitude to Gautama Buddha, and to serve as a reminder of his teachings.

14. The Town Hall

Building, Library

Its stunning neoclassical architecture notwithstanding, this historic building houses the Asiatic Society of Mumbai whose library is home to one of the two known original copies of Dante’s Divine Comedy, as well as 13th century Sanskrit texts. Built in 1833, the Town Hall is among South Mumbai’s highlights.

15. Crawford Market

Market, Street Food

Mumbai is home to many bustling markets, and the Crawford Market in Fort is one of the most popular. From fresh produce to handicraft items, there’s almost nothing you cannot find at this vast bazaar. It also happens to be a fantastic place to people watch and soak in the city’s madness.

Bandra Bandstand

This walkway by the Arabian Sea offers stunning views of the iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link and of South Mumbai’s picturesque skyline. At its southern tip is the historic Bandra Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1640.

16. Prithvi Theatre

Theatre

Mumbai is the arts and entertainment capital of the country, which is why you should make sure to sample its rich artistic offerings. As one of the country’s most acclaimed theatres, Prithvi regularly features various performing arts shows featuring celebrated and emerging talent.

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