2024 BUCKET LIST MUST HAVES: TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN MUMBAI

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Mumbai, the bustling metropolis of India, is a city that never sleeps. With its blend of colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, cultural diversity, and vibrant street life, there are countless places to visit in Mumbai. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, here are the top places to visit in Mumbai in 2024. Also, make sure to read the full blog to gain more insights into the city and uncover the hidden gems of Mumbai!

Let this blog take you to the film city of India. Here are the top places to visit in Mumbai for your 2024 journey. Before we move forward, make sure you update your Explurger bucket list with all these! The travel social app will make your journey seamless, vibrant, and exciting with features like ‘Explore Your City’ and ‘Popular Places’ helping you transcend from a tourist to a traveler!

Discover Iconic Places to Visit in Mumbai | Tourist Attractions in 2024

1. Gateway of India

• Location: Apollo Bandar, Colaba
• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Entry Fee: Free

The Gateway of India, one of the most iconic places to visit in Mumbai, is the perfect starting point for any trip. Built in 1924, this grand archway overlooks the Arabian Sea and offers a glimpse into the city’s colonial past. The Gateway of India, a major landmark, was constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1924. It was also the departure point for the last British troops leaving India in 1948. The area is bustling with activity, from street vendors selling souvenirs to ferry services that take you to Elephanta Island. It’s also a great spot for a leisurely walk, especially in the early morning or late evening when the area is less crowded. When it comes to Mumbai places to go to, there is no way Gateway of India will miss the list!

2. Marine Drive

• Location: South Mumbai
• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Entry Fee: Free

Marine Drive, also known as the Queen’s Necklace, is a 3.6 km long boulevard that runs along the coastline of South Mumbai. This C-shaped road links Nariman Point to Babulnath and is one of the most scenic places to visit in Mumbai.

The best time to visit Marine Drive is during sunset when the entire promenade lights up, resembling a necklace. It’s an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the sea breeze. Locals and tourists alike flock here to take in the view, go for a jog, or simply sit and watch the waves. Marine Drive is also home to several art deco buildings, adding to its charm. For the most scenic location to visit in Mumbai, add Marine Drive to your itinerary. In fact, head to Explurger, the travel social app that is perfect for anyone who wishes to make their travel diaries seamless and easy.

3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

• Location: DN Road, Fort
• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Entry Fee: Free

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is a historic railway station that is a prime example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India. Designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens, it took ten years to complete and was inaugurated in 1888.

The station is not just a transportation hub but also a testament to Mumbai’s rich architectural heritage. Its intricate stone dome, turrets, pointed arches, and eccentric ground plan are truly awe-inspiring. It’s also one of the busiest railway stations in India, providing a unique insight into the city’s hustle and bustle. Our list of places to see in Mumbai would be incomplete if we were to not mention this UNESCO site.

4. Elephanta Caves

• Location: Elephanta Island
• Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM (except Mondays)
• Entry Fee: INR 40 for Indians, INR 600 for foreigners

Located on Elephanta Island, the Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves dedicated to Lord Shiva. These caves date back to the 5th to 8th centuries and are considered an important part of India’s cultural heritage. Not just stunning scenery but an atmosphere to immerse yourself in, so when you come to the city, keep this list ready in your pocket so it will show you the most majestic places to visit in Mumbai.

The caves offer a peek into India’s ancient art and culture. The main cave features a large statue of Sadasiva, representing three aspects of Shiva: the creator, the preserver, and the destroyer. The ferry ride to the island is also a delightful experience, offering stunning views of Mumbai’s skyline.

5. Juhu Beach

• Location: Juhu
• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Entry Fee: Free

Juhu Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Mumbai, popular for its street food and vibrant atmosphere. It’s a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike, especially during weekends. It’s an excellent spot for an evening walk, and you might even spot a Bollywood celebrity jogging on the beach. The beach is also famous for its wide variety of street food, from pav bhaji to bhel puri, making it a foodie’s paradise. For Mumbai’s visiting spots you will find that food will be one of the top priorities next to beaches and architecture. Don’t miss out on this culinary heaven on your trip!

6. Bandra-Worli Sea Link

• Location: Bandra to Worli
• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Entry Fee: Toll charges apply

The Bandra-Worli Sea Link is the newest addition (comparatively) when it comes to beautiful places to visit in Mumbai. It is a cable-stayed bridge that connects Bandra in the western suburbs to Worli in South Mumbai. This eight-lane bridge has become a modern symbol of Mumbai’s infrastructure development. This engineering marvel offers a panoramic view of the Mumbai skyline and is a fantastic place to visit in Mumbai, especially at night when it is beautifully illuminated. Driving across the bridge is a unique experience, providing breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. Go for a drive down and immerse yourself in the beauty of this Indian coast. If you want to capture the perfect photograph of the Mumbaian metropolitan lifestyle, this is where you go.

7. Worli Sea Face

• Location: Worli
• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Entry Fee: Free

Worli Sea Face is the city’s catwalk, showing off stunning views of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and the Arabian Sea. It’s the locals’ go-to runway for morning jogs and evening strolls, where the cool sea breeze gives everyone a fresh vibe. And during monsoon season? Get ready for a front-row seat to nature’s drama as waves crash theatrically against the rocks. A perfect blend of serenity and spectacle. The list for Mumbai trip places is enormous but you cannot miss out on this beauty.

8. Haji Ali Dargah

• Location: Dargah Road, Worli
• Timings: 6 AM to 10 PM
• Entry Fee: Free

Situated on an islet in the Arabian Sea, Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and tomb of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. This beautiful structure is accessible only during low tide via a narrow causeway. The Dargah is not only a place of worship but also an architectural wonder, drawing millions of visitors every year. Its stunning white dome and minarets provide a stark contrast against the blue sea. The spiritual ambiance and the stunning view of the sea make it one of the more unique places to visit in Mumbai.

9. Sanjay Gandhi National Park & Kanheri Caves

• Location: Borivali East
• Timings: 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
• Entry Fee: INR 58 for adults, INR 31 for children

This sprawling national park is a green oasis in the heart of the city, offering a variety of activities like trekking, safari, and boating. It covers an area of 104 square kilometers and is home to diverse flora and fauna. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get close to nature. Mumbai travel places include this wonderful place because of its connection to another hidden gem.

Ancient dreams situated in a modern land for sure!

Perhaps the popularity also comes from the fact that the park also houses the Kanheri Caves, a complex of rock-cut monuments that date back to the 1st century BC. These caves, which moonlighted as a Buddhist monastery, flaunt paintings, inscriptions, and ancient beds. With 109 entrances, visitors can spend hours wandering the labyrinth of winding corridors and stone-cut stairways. And if you’ve got the time, the park offers plenty of other adventurous activities to keep your explorer spirit buzzing! (The lion and tiger safaris are particularly popular among visitors) These two destinations in one place just to showcase the beauty of Mumbai, where every corner houses something marvelous. Add this to the Explurger bucket list so that once you enter the 50-mile radius, the AI will automatically remind you so you don’t have to keep fidgeting with an itinerary.

10. Colaba Causeway

• Location: Colaba
• Timings: 9 AM to 10 PM
• Entry Fee: Free

Colaba Causeway is a shopping street known for its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic mix of shops and eateries. It’s a great place to buy unique souvenirs, fashion items, and antiques. It’s the perfect place to shop for souvenirs, fashion, and antiques. Don’t miss trying the delicious street food here. The causeway is also home to several historic buildings and landmarks, including the Regal Cinema and the National Gallery of Modern Art. For a cultural experience, Colaba Causeway has to make it to our list of places to see in Mumbai because of the bustling atmosphere that manages to encapsulate the spirit of what makes Mumbaikars. 

There’s more to Mumbai than it seems. Let’s get into some other places to visit in Mumbai that might escape most people’s notice.

HIDDEN GEMS

Add spice to your itinerary, and make your Mumbai trip a journey to remember with these hidden gems of Mumbai.

11. Banganga Tank

• Location: Walkeshwar Temple Complex, Malabar Hill

Banganga Tank is an ancient water tank dating back to the 12th century, nestled in the heart of Malabar Hill. It’s a serene spot surrounded by temples and narrow lanes, offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. The tank is steeped in mythology and history, making it a fascinating place to explore.

12. Sassoon Docks

• Location: Colaba

Sassoon Docks, established in 1875, is one of Mumbai’s oldest docks. Unlike the glitzy Marina or luxury yachts, this working dock gives a glimpse into the city’s bustling fish trade. Early mornings are the best time to visit when the dock is alive with activity and you can watch fishermen unloading their catch. For gaining insights into the actual life of Mumbaikars, these unique places to visit in Mumbai are your guide.

13. Khotachiwadi

• Location: Girgaon

Khotachiwadi is a charming neighborhood characterized by its colorful Portuguese-style houses. This heritage area offers a glimpse into Mumbai’s colonial past with its narrow, winding streets and unique architecture. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk and some fascinating photography. Mumbai might be a huge bustling city, but there is a quaintness to it as well, which is why it makes the list of our hidden gems when it comes to places to visit in Mumbai.

14. Versova Beach

• Location: Versova

While Juhu Beach is famous, Versova Beach offers a quieter, more serene alternative. It’s known for its clean sands and picturesque sunsets. The beach also has a vibrant fishing village nearby, adding to its local charm. The coastline itself is quite charming but these hidden spots just add more spice to the mix! Head to Versova and immerse yourself in the quiet of these charming places to visit in Mumbai.

15. Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat

• Location: Mahalaxmi

Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat is a massive open-air laundry where thousands of clothes are washed daily. This traditional practice, known as “dhobi washing,” provides an incredible insight into Mumbai’s unique culture and labor practices. It’s a fascinating, if somewhat overlooked, slice of daily life in the city. Witness the lives of those who have to embrace the underbelly of this shiny metropolitan and don’t restrict your list of places to visit in Mumbai to just the glamourous and touristy spots.

INTERESTING FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW WHILE VISITING TOURIST PLACES IN MUMBAI

• The city was originally a cluster of seven islands—Colaba, Bombay Island, Mazgaon, Parel, Worli, Lower Parel, and Matunga. These islands were merged through land reclamation to form what became Bombay and is now the city of Mumbai. 
• Dharavi, one of the largest slums in Asia, is located in Mumbai. Covering an area of just over 2.1 square kilometers, this densely populated neighborhood is home to an estimated 700,000 to 1 million people, making it one of the most crowded places in the world. But Dharavi is much more than its reputation might suggest; it’s a vibrant, self-sustaining community with its own intricate economy and a spirit of resilience.
• Mumbai is often called the “City of Dreams” because it is home to Bollywood, the world’s largest film industry by volume. The city attracts aspiring actors, directors, and producers from across the country and beyond. A lot of film sets make it to people’s list of places to visit in Mumbai.
• The walls of Mumbai’s Byculla neighborhood are decorated with street art and murals, creating what is considered one of the largest open-air urban art galleries in the world. This is also one of the more vibrant places to visit in Mumbai.
• Mumbai’s local train network is one of the busiest in the world, transporting over 7.5 million passengers daily. The trains are crucial for daily commuting in the city, and the experience of traveling in them is often described as a quintessential Mumbai experience. It’s a must when it comes to places to see in Mumbai.
• Culinary Delights in Mumbai should never be missed by anyone. For your list of places to see in Mumbai add the legendary spots for foods like 
• Vada Pav (Anand Stall, Mithibai College, Vile Parle)
• Pav Bhaji (Aaram Vada Pav, Near CST Station)
• Bhel puri (Chowpatty Beach)
• Bombay Sandwich (Aaram Vada Pav, Near CST Station)
• Seekh kebab (Ayub’s, Near Byculla Station)
• Chaat (Elco Pani Puri, Bandra)
• Bombay Duck Fry (Mahesh Lunch Home, Juhu)

To top it off…

Mumbai is a city where every corner tells a story, from the grandeur of the Gateway of India to the tranquil views from Worli Sea Face, our blog on Top Places to Visit in Mumbai captures it all. Whether you’re marveling at colonial architecture, exploring ancient caves, or indulging in local street food, the city offers a rich palette of experiences. So, get ready to dive into the vibrant chaos, soak in the culture, and uncover the magic with these places to see in  Mumbai in 2024!

Don’t forget to update your Explurger bucket list!