So you’ve found yourself in Mumbai with 24 hours to spare. Whether you are visiting for the first time or the hundredth, Mumbai will surely make you fall in love with its charms. Something is always happening in this vibrant coastal city and there is something for history buffs, foodies, and art enthusiasts alike.
Popular Attractions
The Gateway of India: where the King and Queen of England were famously welcomed to India.
The Bombay High Court, Rajabai Clocktower, and the Oval Maidan are all part of a UNESCO Heritage Site. They mark the start of art deco buildings in Mumbai. The Oval Maidan has sports lovers leave politics and religion at the door- no rallies or functions are allowed here.
Spend some time cruising down Marine Drive. It’s part of what is known as The Queen’s Necklace and is a great spot to watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea.
The Sea Link. As crazy as it is to say that a bridge with eight lanes of traffic is an attraction, it’s true. It offers great views of the city and the sea. It’s a popular spot because it’s proof of Mumbai’s progress and development.
If museums are more your speed, the Chhatrapati Shivaji museum, formerly named the Prince of Wales museum, is known for hosting high-quality exhibits. Mani Bhavan, which was Gandhi’s Mumbai residence, is a great starting point for learning about Gandhi’s impact on India.
Religious Sites
The Haji Ali Dargah is a well-respected Islamic holy site. Though it is a mosque and a dargah, people from all faiths come to receive blessings and see the sight. As of March 2023, it is still undergoing renovations.
The Jewish synagogue in Kala Ghoda is commonly known as the Blue Synagogue. It is the city’s second-oldest Sephardic Jewish temple.
Mount Mary Church, also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount. This church is located on the north side of the city, in Bandra. The Bandra Fair is celebrated here every year on September 8th.
Though there are plenty of Hindu temples, the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple is truly a sight to see. It is dedicated to Ganesh, and it is one of the richest temples in India.
Off the Beaten Track Mumbai
Want to see the Haji Ali without the crowds? Yes, please! The Maa Hajiani Dargah is where people say the Haji Ali’s sister is buried. This dargah has all of the religious significance without the commercialization of the Haji Ali. This is a great place to visit especially while the Haji Ali is under renovation. Visit at sunset for a spectacular view of the sea.
The 47-A: Design Gallery is a newer, contemporary design gallery with continually changing exhibitions. It’s hidden away in Khotachiwadi. The Portuguese influence made its way there, and it’s like there is a little piece of Goa in Mumbai. When you finish with the gallery, take some time to explore the lane filled with Portuguese architecture. Visit during the afternoon to escape the midday heat.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Mumbai is during the winter months from November to February. March through May sees high heat and humidity as the summer picks up. June to October are Mumbai’s monsoons but if you visit during these months, you will see the city never sleeps.
As you immerse yourself in Indian culture, consider bringing an India-inspired tote bag with you for all your travel essentials. Browse Maatir’s collection of baseball caps to keep you cool during the heat of the day. Let us know what your favorite places are in the comments!
