Mumbai, India’s financial hub, is affectionately known as the “City of Dreams.” It is home to Bollywood, the world’s second-largest film industry, and some of India’s most iconic monuments.
This busy city has an extraordinarily diversified population and lifestyle, with those living in poverty coexisting with others who enjoy an affluent cosmopolitan culture. The city is home to India’s wealthiest billionaire, who lives in a $2 billion mansion, but it also has Asia’s biggest slum.
Experiencing this one-of-a-kind culture and city is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! You do not, however, need to plan a lengthy trip to explore all Mumbai has to offer. This three-day Mumbai itinerary will enable you to discover the city’s many faces, from its contemporary, vibrant nightlife to its historical sites and architecture.
DAY 1
South Mumbai Sightseeing
Your three days in Mumbai will begin in the city’s south. South Mumbai is the city’s most vibrant and stylish neighborhood. The people of this southern center are proud of their lifestyle, culture, and history.
On your first day, you’ll explore iconic Asian sights like as the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace, where you may stop for some afternoon tea. The Colaba Causeway and Leopold Cafe are both wonderful places to visit in the morning and early afternoon.
Later in the afternoon, you will travel down Marine Drive, stopping at the picturesque Khotachiwadi Village before concluding your day in Girgaum Chowpatty.
Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is the first stop for visitors entering Mumbai. As one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, it serves as the starting point for most visitors’ sightseeing tours.
During the British rule of India, the Gateway of India was erected to honor Queen Mary and King George V’s visit to Mumbai. It was created by British architect George Wittet and is situated in Apollo Bunder.
The attraction has a 26-meter-high archway connected by four turrets. The monument’s stones also include beautiful latticework. The construction of the arch alone cost 2.1 million rupees!
Notably, the Gateway of India overlooks the Arabian Sea on one side and the world-famous Taj Mahal Hotel on the other. It is a must-see landmark for anybody visiting Mumbai.
Colaba Causeway
It’s fun to spend some time visiting the street markets that line the Colaba Causeway. It’s a great spot to pick up some souvenirs, with products for sale including costume jewelry, handicrafts, books, garments, incense, and crystals.
You may go along the street, seeking for hidden jewels and exploring the various businesses. Whatever you purchase, remember to bargain for the best price! If you enjoy boutique shopping, the region also has a number of independent stores.
Leopold Cafe
On this Mumbai travel plan, Leopold Cafe is an exciting spot to stop for a bite to eat. It is without a doubt one of Mumbai’s most well-known eateries, located on the Colaba Causeway. Leopold Cafe serves Continental and Indian food. However, it is more known for its atmosphere and history than for its cuisine.
The restaurant has been in business since 1871 and has been featured in various novels and films. Unfortunately, it was also one of the targets of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist assault, and bullet holes can still be seen in the restaurant’s walls.
Taj Mahal Palace
This royal historic hotel, which dates back to 1903, embodies both history and elegance. The Taj Mahal Palace, located beside the Gateway of India, is the city’s most elegant and well-known 5-star hotel.
Even if you are not staying at the hotel, you may enjoy the splendor of the public spaces. The Sea Lounge is a nice spot for a drink with a beautiful view of the sea across Mumbai Harbor.
Splurge on an exquisite high tea at the Taj Mahal Palace’s Sea Lounge for an unforgettable experience (and assuming you didn’t overeat at Leopold Cafe). The high-end afternoon tea includes scones, sandwiches, cakes, and fruit treats. Serve your delights with tea or coffee, or a glass of sparkling wine.
Marine Drive
The next step is to take a taxi down Marine Drive to Girgaum Chowpatty. The journey down Marine journey is an adventure in and of itself.
This 3.6-kilometer promenade, often known as the Queen’s Necklace, is a well-known sight in the city. It is regarded as a symbol of Mumbai’s glitz and has appeared in several films.
It’s a popular site for viewing the sunset. It’s also a great area to go for a walk along the beach. The view from Marine Drive after sunset, when the shoreline lights up, is particularly stunning.
Marine Drive is also one of the most romantic areas in the city. A remarkable experience is admiring the beautiful Mumbai skyline while listening to the sounds of the waves with your lover.
Khotachiwadi Village
Take a small diversion to Khotachiwadi Village after your drive and before proceeding to Girgaum Chowpatty. It is ideal for strolling through colorful streets and seeing the village’s beautiful Portuguese architecture.
This location is quite popular among visitors since it is an excellent location for taking photos. The difference between Mumbai’s noisy and frenetic streets and the tranquil region of Khotachiwadi is striking, and it enables you to relax a bit!
Girgaum Chowpatty
Girgaum Chowpatty is one of the most memorable spots to visit in Mumbai in three days. Girgaum Chowpatty, located along Marine Drive, is a stylish beach popular with both residents and visitors.
It is particularly well-known as a late-night hotspot. Visitors go to the region to see the beautiful sunsets and visit the coastal bars. If you are traveling with children, they will like this location in the evening since it has a colorful fair with amusement rides and a Ferris wheel.
Furthermore, the Chowpatty is flanked with various street food booths serving traditional Mumbai street dishes. Vada pav, bhel puri, and pav bhaji are among the dishes to try.
Aside from the cuisine, this sandy beach is a terrific spot to relax, day or night, and a must-see for all first-time visitors to the city. If you wish to visit another beach, Juhu Beach is an excellent alternative!
DAY 2
Historical and Spiritual Mumbai
You’ll want to get up early on the second day of your three-day Mumbai schedule to make sure you see everything. You will spend today exploring the city’s most historical and traditional regions and attractions.
The first destination is Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat, the biggest open-air laundry in the world. After visiting this monument, you will go to the Shree Mahalakshmi Temple and the Haji Ali Dargah, two well-known Indian structures. In the afternoon, go along the Worli Sea Face and rest in the tranquil Kala Ghoda region.
Your day will conclude with visits to two more notable landmarks, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat
Dhobi Ghat, located in the centre of the city, is notable for having the world’s biggest outdoor laundry. The Ghat is well-known across the world for its rich history as well as the various films that have been filmed there.
If you come here early in the morning, you will witness a slew of washers, known locally as Dhobis, washing garments by hand in the massive sinks. This custom has existed for centuries and is still practiced today.
The Dhobis begin work at 4.30 a.m. and often labor until late at night. It is astonishing that Dhobis wash the clothing of over half of Mumbai’s population and guarantee that they are all returned to their proper owners!
A Dhobi Ghat guided tour is an excellent way to observe the laundry. You will visit Dharavi and the Dabbawala Tribute Statue after touring the laundry with your local guide.
Shree Mahalakshmi Temple
One of the most exciting things to do in Mumbai is to visit Shree Mahalakshmi Temple. The temple, dedicated to the goddess Mahatmyam Mahalakshmi, was built in 1831.
Though it is predominantly a Hindu temple, millions of people of various religions visit it. The temple has representations of the goddesses Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati, and Mahakali. You will enjoy an unrivaled heavenly experience when visiting the temple!
Furthermore, if you take the Mumbai local train to the temple, you will see people folding their hands and praying as soon as the train reaches Mahalakshmi Station. It’s a one-of-a-kind spectacle to witness.
A Mumbai temples tour is an excellent choice if you wish to see more stunning temples. Your tour will take you to four temples, including Mahalakshmi Temple.
Haji Ali Dargah
Haji Ali Dargah is a popular site of devotion in Mumbai for individuals of Islamic religion. It also serves as Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari’s tomb.
The edifice, which is located on a tiny island near Worli, has a white dome and four minarets, exemplifying beautiful Mughal architecture. It is 4,500 square meters in size and includes a mosque, the grave of the famed Sufi saint, and a three-story sanatorium.
Furthermore, a 700-yard-long boardwalk spans the ocean and links the Dargah to the Arabian Sea beach. Walking up to the Dargah is an exciting experience since the waves wash on the pathway, which has no barriers. Because this structure is so near to the ocean, it is often totally covered beneath water during high tides.
Worli Sea Face
Worli Sea Face, another renowned Mumbai promenade, is a popular local hangout. Beautiful coastal views may be seen as you go along the walkway. It is one of the most well-known sites in the city to see the Mumbai monsoons, with breathtaking vistas of the furious waves slapping against the asphalt.
At the end of the Sea Face, the famed Bandra-Worli Sea Link, popularly known as the Rajiv Gandhi Sagar Setu, starts. The region near Worli Sea Face is also a favourite abode for Mumbai’s celebrities, and movie sequences are often shot here.
If you have time, travel over the Sea Link to see the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount.
Kala Ghoda
If you’ve seen a few Bollywood films, you’ve probably seen this location. Kala Ghoda is considered Mumbai’s art area. The Horniman Circle, a huge park surrounded by business buildings, is the hub of Kala Ghoda, resembling Connaught Place in Delhi.
Notably, Kala Ghoda holds a variety of well-known events throughout the year. Ruhaniyat, a Sufi music festival, and the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival are two of these festivals.
It is also famous for its distinctive fountain. The fountain, which has a sculpture of the Roman Goddess Flora, was built in 1864. Kala Ghoda is a wonderful area for a quiet walk while taking in the lush and artistic surroundings.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Visiting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is another great item to do in our “What to do in Mumbai for 3 days” list.
It is the excellent destination to visit some amazing antiquities, artworks, and antiques as Mumbai’s primary museum. The museum’s structure is likewise a landmark owing to its magnificent architecture. It was created by Scottish architect George Wittet, who was inspired by the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur.
It was conceived in 1905, when a group of notable people decided to create a public museum to honor the arrival of the Prince of Wales. The Prince personally lay the foundation stone. The museum was opened to the public in 1922, and it was launched by the wife of Bombay’s Governor.
It now holds a large collection of Mughal artifacts and archaeological findings from the Indus Valley Civilization and the Marathas. Furthermore, various galleries are devoted to European art, Nepal-Tibet, Mugal Emperor Akbar’s armour and armaments, and much more.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mumbai is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, or CST. It is a well-known railway station that serves as Central Railways’ headquarters.
It was built in May 1888 and is now popular among visitors due to its spectacular Victorian Gothic Revival design. Furthermore, if you come at the correct time, you may be able to observe the famed Mumbai Dabbawalas in action as they carry lunchboxes to Mumbai employees.
Notably, the film Slumdog Millionaire’s song “Jai Ho” was filmed in Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and it was also featured in the film Ra. One.
DAY 3
A Bollywood Tour and a Trip to Elephanta Islands
The last day of your Mumbai itinerary is entertaining and memorable, allowing you to discover more about the city’s culture. The first item on your agenda for the day is a Bollywood tour. You may visit a Bollywood studio and see a live performance while learning more about the business.
Following that, you will view the magnificent Kanheri Caves and Elephanta Caves. These caverns are a natural treasure that should not be missed! To get to the caverns, you’ll need to take a picturesque boat journey over the water.
After an intense day, you may unwind with some Fashion Street shopping. Finally, your journey will conclude with a delicious supper at Ziya at the Oberoi Hotel, Nariman Point.
Bollywood Tour
A trip to the City of Dreams isn’t complete until you try some Bollywood. So, if you’re a lover of Hindi films and want to see how the Indian film business works up up and personal, now’s your opportunity.
Bollywood is the world’s second-largest film industry, generating hundreds of films each year. A Bollywood private tour is a wonderful opportunity to get behind the scenes of these films.
The five-hour trip includes visits to Bollywood studios, a Bollywood Museum, and a live Bollywood performance. If this trip is too lengthy for you, there are other shorter one-hour and two-hour excursions available.
Kanheri Caves
Kanheri Caves, located inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park, draw hundreds of people from all over the globe. A seasonal waterfall near the location also receives a lot of water during the monsoons.
The site’s entrance tunnel is ornamented with a stupa, which draws inquiring minds to further examine the caverns’ heritage. It is a spiritual as well as a creative discovery space dedicated to the Buddhist religion.
The caverns were utilized as monks’ quarters in ancient times, and each had a stone platform that served as a bed. There is also a large hallway that houses a “Dagoba” Buddhist picture.
Book a Kanheri Caves tour to make the most of your visit. There are other options, including private excursions and those coupled with visits to other locations.
Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves are a group of cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Elephanta Islands, located inside Mumbai Harbor, are home to five Hindu caves and several Buddhist stupas dating back to the 2nd century BC.
This site is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mumbai and is accessible through a short boat journey from the Gateway of India. It is also one of the city’s most popular hiking sites.
Taking a guided tour to Elephanta Caves, like with other notable locations, is suggested to ensure you understand all there is to know about the place.
Fashion Street
When you return to the mainland after your vacation to the Elephanta Islands, the first place you should go is Fashion Street, a shopping paradise. This is the ideal area in Mumbai to put your negotiating abilities to the test and pick up some great things for your wardrobe.
The general approach is to quote half the ticket price and then negotiate the final amount. As you peruse the different stores, you will come across countless trinkets and souvenirs. Fashion Street’s reasonably priced merchandise making it ideal for budget travelers throughout Asia.
After your shopping expedition, you may sample the numerous cafés and street food alternatives available. You may also receive a pleasant foot massage at one of the area’s spas!
Ziya
After a full day of touring, treat yourself to a luxurious lunch at Ziya, the main restaurant of the Oberoi Hotel. The restaurant, which is run by two-Michelin-starred Chef Vineet Bhatia, delivers classic Indian food with a modern touch.
While you dine, you may relax in the magnificent surroundings and drink on some delectable beverages. Make a reservation in advance if you are spending a long weekend in Mumbai, since the restaurant will be quite crowded!
In Conclusion
Mumbai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, particularly for those seeking culture, spirituality, delectable food, and action-packed days. It is also near to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, making it easy to go throughout the city.
