Best tourist place in Mumbai?

 

1. Gateway of India, Mumbai

Gateway of India, the best place to visit in Mumbai, was built in 1924 by George Willet to honor the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. Visit this place in the early morning or late evening hours to enjoy the cool breeze of the sea with your family sans the crowd. Located next to the iconic Taj Mahal Palace and facing the vast Arabian Sea, the Gateway of India leaves you spellbound in every way possible. Take a ferry ride offered here to experience a stupendous view of this monument right from the sea and you can also visit other main attractions nearby.

And the best part? You don’t have to spend a penny to enjoy the beauty of this iconic monument which is often called the Taj Mahal of Mumbai. And the city has many such places that you can enjoy free of cost.

• Location: Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai
• Timings: 24×7; every day
• Entry Fee: Free entry

2. Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai

Sprawling over an area of 104 sq. km. of land, this is one of the most-visited national parks in Asia and because of this, I give it the 2nd spot among all the best places to visit in Mumbai. With all sorts of fun activities, this park can surely be a family entertainer. You can watch the big cats of the park close enough in a safari cage and have a fun day boating in the artificial lake in the park. Take the forest road or stairs and hike towards the Gandhi Tekdi, a memorial built in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi. The toy train, Van Rani, is another popular attraction here, especially among kids. You can also visit the 2000-years-old Kanheri Caves to capture the Buddha relics. The undisturbed natural trails and the Jain Temple in the forest are also sure to make your visit a memorable one.

• Location: Borivali East, Mumbai
• Timings: 07:30 am to 06:30 pm; closed on Mondays
• Entry Fee:
  Adults – ₹53 per person
  Children (Between 5 to 12 years of age) – ₹28 per person
  Children (Below 5 years) – free

3. Red Carpet Wax Museum, Mumbai

Ever imagined standing next to Barack Obama, striking a pose with Michael Jackson or taking a selfie with Harry Potter? Yes, you read it right. Come to the city of dreams and fulfil this dream at the Red Carpet Wax Museum. It exhibits lifelike wax figures of prominent icons from various fields including science, politics, sports and world cinema. So, take selfies with your favorite icon, post it on social media, and make your friends jealous. This is my 3rd best place to visit in Mumbai.

• Location: Amrut Nagar, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai
• Timings: 09:45 am to 09:30 pm; every day
• Entry Fee
  Weekdays – ₹250 per person
  Weekends – ₹350 per person

4. Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai

How about taking a trip with your family to one of the most popular religious shrines in Mumbai, built right in the middle of the Arabian Sea? Yes, we are talking about Haji Ali Dargah that houses the tomb of Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. This grand edifice is made of white marbles and exemplifies the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. A walk through the causeway that connects the Dargah to the Lala Rajput Rai Marg is the main attraction of this place. Feel the spirituality of this place with your dear ones while enjoying a panoramic view of the deep blue waters! I give the places Fab rank no.4 among all the best places to visit in Mumbai.

• Location: Dargah Road, Mumbai
• Timings: 05:30 am to 10:00 pm; every day
• Entry Fee: N/A

5. Elephanta Caves, Mumbai

Take a tour to this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mumbai and get wonderstruck by the massive rock-cut caves that date back to several centuries. It has five caves dedicated to Hindu god Shiva and two caves depicting Buddhist architectures. To reach this place, you need to take a one-hour ferry ride from the Gateway of India, during which you can also enjoy the scenic beauty of Mumbai. Those who lack the spirit of a trekker can hop on the toy train that will take you on a tour of the caves right from the entry point. The restaurant and canteen run by MTDC can take care of your hunger pangs. If you are planning a one-day tour to the Elephanta Caves, this blog will give you more details.

• Location: Gharapuri, Mumbai
• Timings: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm; closed on Mondays
• Entry Fee:
  Citizens of India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, & Thailand – ₹10 per person
  Other foreign citizens – ₹250 per person

7. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), Mumbai

Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus is another UNESCO World Heritage Site situated right in the heart of Mumbai. Built in the year 1888, during the British colonial period, this edifice exemplifies the Victorian-Gothic style of architecture. While you are here, don’t forget to take a photograph with your family and kids. And guess what, the magnificent CST is the most photographed building in India after Taj Mahal!

9. ISKCON Temple, Mumbai

Also known as Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari ji Temple, it is close to Juhu Beach and boasts 4 acres of land area. The gorgeously carved temple draws Hindu devotees in droves and hosts festivals like Ratha Yatra, Janmashtami, Radhasthami, Makarsankranti, and Gaura Purnima with great pomp and show. Crafted with marble, the temple comes with a 7-storey guesthouse, an auditorium, and a restaurant to help devotees attend spiritual programs with ease. The ISKCON Temple is also an educational hub and its library houses an impressive collection of spiritual books. 

• Location: Hare Krishna Land, Juhu, Mumbai
• Timings: 08:00 am to 01:00 pm and 04:15 pm to 09:00 pm, Monday to Sunday
• Entry Fee: Free

10. Girgaon Chowpatty, Mumbai

Looking for a breezy getaway that doesn’t cost a bomb? This public beach that lies along the Queen’s Necklace is the answer to your prayers. Counted among the best Mumbai tourist places, this beach is famous for grand Ganesh Visarjan celebrations, where countless people flock to witness Lord Ganesha’s immersion. This beach is known for its 10-day Ram Leela performance too, at the end of which, Ravan’s effigy is set afire. Also, if you want to admire the Nariman Point skyline in all its glory, Girgaon Chowpatty is where you should be. 

• Location: Queen’s Necklace, Marine Drive, Mumbai
• Timings: 24×7
• Entry Fee: Free

And once you are done with sightseeing, don’t forget to treat yourself and your dear ones to some lip-smacking food. Whether you are looking for budget restaurants, fine diners or buffet places, Mumbai has it all. Want some great ideas? Read our blog on the top restaurants in Mumbai.

• Location: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Mumbai
• Timings: Every day
• Entry Fee: N/A

11. Shri Mahalakshmi Temple, Mumbai

Built in 1831 by a Hindu merchant named Dhakji Dadaji, this beautiful temple attracts numerous devotees daily, and more so on Diwali and Navaratra. On these two occasions, Shri Mahalakshmi is believed to come alive and grant the wishes of her worshippers. The other two deities housed here are Shri Mahasaraswati and Shri Mahakali. The vernacular domestic architecture of the temple and its unique surroundings, dotted with sweet and flower shops, make Mahalakshmi Temple an integral part of Maharashtra tourism.

• Location: Bhulabhai Desai Marg, Mahalaxmi West, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai
• Timings: 06:00 am to 10:00 pm, Monday to Sunday
• Morning aarti – 07.00 am to 07.20 am
• Evening aarti – 06.30 pm to 06.40 pm
• Main aarti – 07.30 pm to 07.50 pm
• Night aarti – 10.00 pm (at the time of closing)
• Entry Fee: Free

12. Powai Lake, Mumbai

The beautiful and artificial Powai Lake is 12m deep and spread over 6.6 km. IIT Bombay is situated to the lake’s east and adds extra sparkle to it. Nature enthusiasts flock to this lake for its pretty pink-purple Balsam bushes and the wide variety of birds that you can see here, including sunbirds, kingfishers, kites, bulbuls, herons, ducks, parakeets, storks and doves. Even crocodiles have been spotted here.   

• Location: Powai Valley, Mumbai
• Timings: 24×7 (Powai Garden is open from 06:00 am to 10:00 am and 01:00 pm to 07:00 pm, all days)
• Entry Fee: Free

13. Nehru Center, Mumbai

Built in the memory of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, this center propagates his teachings and ideas through educational and cultural programs. It consists of a spectacular dome-shaped planetarium that creates curiosity about astronomy and science in young kids. You can stargaze with your little ones at the sky theater for a memorable time. Make your kids stand at the cubicle that calculates their weight in each of the nine planets of the solar system. Other attractions here, such as the miniature galaxy with Sun at the center, Moon’s surface, a view of Earth from Moon, art gallery, library, etc. will surely get your kids charged up with energy and intuitiveness.

• Location: Dr. Annie Besant Rd, Lotus Colony, Worli, Mumbai
• Timings: 11:00 am to 05:00 pm; closed on Mondays
• Entry Fee: ₹100 per person (4 years and above)

For details on shows and their timings, check the website.

14. Kidzania, Mumbai

Kidzania is an indoor amusement park made exclusively for kids with a unique concept of role-playing in a real city-like environment. Here, kids are required to perform a ‘job’ as a part of their role-playing. After successful completion of the job, they get paid in the form of kidzo money as an encouragement. You can see them brimming with joy as they make their own money for the first job in their life. Parents can relax at the lounge, from where they can monitor their kids on the TV screen. With such interactive edutainment activities, Kidzania should be your ideal destination for a fun-filled day with your tiny tots.

• Location: R City Mall, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai
• Timings:
  10:00 am to 08:00 pm; Tuesday to Friday
  10:00 am to 03:00 pm and 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm; Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays
  Closed on Mondays
• Entry Fee:
  Different packages for kids, adults, and senior citizens, ranging from ₹300 to ₹1500. Check the website for more details.

15. Taraporewala Aquarium, Mumbai

Touted as India’s oldest aquarium, this place houses a variety of marine and freshwater fishes including coral fishes from the Lakshadweep Islands. It also has an Oceanarium that gives you the feel of walking under the sea with exotic fishes floating above you. Well, there is more. Your kids can touch some of the aquatic fishes and animals without harming them at the Touch Pool. You can also enjoy a whale of a time at the fish spa along with your little ones. This aquarium is a perfect blend of education and entertainment, making it an ideal place to visit with kids.

• Location: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, Marine Drive, Mumbai
• Timings: 10:00 am to 08:00 pm; closed on Mondays
• Entry Fee:
  Adults – ₹60 per person
  Children (Below 12 years) – ₹30 per person
  Govt. Employees – ₹30 per person

Separate charges for photography and videography

16. Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Zoo, Mumbai

Kids love zoos, period! While you are in Mumbai, you can have a great day out with your little ones at Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Zoo that houses many wild animals like elephants, lion, tiger, monkeys, crocodiles, etc. The aviary includes some colorful birds and some rare ones like albino crows and flamingos. Sprawling over an area of 48 acres, one of the prominent attractions of the zoo is its penguin enclosure, which is kept in the perfect environment and temperature.

• Location: Byculla East, Mazgaon, Mumbai
• Timings: 09:30 am to 05:30 pm, closed on Wednesdays
• Entry Fee:
  Family of four – ₹100 and ₹25 for each extra child
  Couples – ₹100
  Students (Private schools) – ₹15 per person

17. Juhu Beach, Mumbai

Nothing can be more romantic than watching the crimson sun and the luminous orange sky on a breezy beach, with your loved one. Juhu Beach is one such spectacular place in Mumbai, often visited by couples who need a little romantic escape from the humdrum of city life. You can also plan a romantic date night at one of the amazing beachside restaurants available at Juhu. 

• Location: Juhu Tara Road, Mumbai
• Timings: 24 x 7; every day
• Entry Fee: NA

18. Marine Drive, Mumbai

Walk hand in hand with your lover along the walkway at Marine Drive witnessing the sunset hues reflecting on the vast Arabian Sea. It is an ideal place to relax and spend some romantic moments on a beautiful evening. This is also one of the popular places to visit in Mumbai at night. Don’t forget to satiate your hunger with some delicious street food available here. 

• Location: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, Chowpatty, Mumbai
• Timings: 24 x 7; every day
• Entry Fee: NA

19. Madh Island, Mumbai

Are you looking for places to roam in Mumbai that will give you a break from your busy city life? Connect with rustic farmlands and charming fishing villages at Madh Island. Dotted with serene beaches like Aksa, Silver, Erangel and Dana Pani, Madh Island has a modest Portuguese fort as well. It has Malad Creek on its east and the Arabian Sea on its west. You can avail the ferry service from Versova to reach this serene island easily and spend a relaxed weekend.   

• Location: 30 km from the north-western coast of Mumbai
• Timings: 24×7
• Entry Fee: Free entry (Ferry charge from Versova – INR 3 per person)

20. Global Vipassana Pagoda, Mumbai

Finding peace amidst Mumbai’s hustle and bustle is possible if you pay a visit to this picturesque pagoda. Designed to accommodate 8000 Vipassana meditators, the pagoda’s architectural style is Burmese. While the pagoda has 3 sub-domes, the largest and first dome holds Buddha’s bone relics. Different courses are offered to new and old students who wish to embrace Buddha’s teachings, practise gratitude and shed mortal bindings. 

• Location: Global Pagoda Road near EsselWorld Gorai, Borivali West, Mumbai
• Timings: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm (entry allowed till 06:30 pm), Monday to Sunday (ID proof required)
• Entry Fee: Free

21. Mumbai Film City, Mumbai

Sprawling over approximately 100,000 sq. ft. area, the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari also known as Mumbai Film City is a world of wonders where you can see theaters, gardens, lakes, recording rooms, and grounds that are leased out for Bollywood film shootings. Take a bus tour of the film city with your friends and see the familiar sets of popular sitcoms and movies. If you and your pals are die-hard fans of Bollywood, this film city is something you shouldn’t miss out on.

• Location: Aarey Colony, Goregaon East, Mumbai
• Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm; every day
• Entry Fee: Tours starting at ₹599

22. National Gallery Of Modern Art, Mumbai

This butterfly-shaped gallery with a dome in the centre attracts art lovers from different parts of India. It is the brainchild of Jawahar Lal Nehru, Humayun Kabir and Maulana Azad, and shows you how visual and plastic art forms have evolved over time. Art collections of important civilizations, artists and sculptors have found their rightful place in this contemporary gallery. You can explore the artworks by Pablo Picasso as well as many Egyptian artefacts here.   

• Location: Sir Cowasji Jahangir Public Hall, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai
• Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm, Tuesday to Sunday
• Entry Fee: Adults – INR 150 per person, Students – INR 1 per person, Children – INR 1 per person

23. Gorai Beach, Mumbai

Whether you like solitude or parties, this beach offers ample opportunities for you to enjoy the way you want. Watch palm trees sway while you relish street food at one of the colourful shacks here. Or, participate in water sports to get your adrenaline pumping. Sunsets are amazing here too.  

• Location: 58 km from the main city of Mumbai
• Timings: 24×7 (ferry timings are 06:00 am to 08:30 pm)
• Entry Fee: Free