72 Hours in Mumbai What You Should Not Miss

Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai is a fascinating destination. From the glamour and glitz of Bollywood to the historic Memba Devi Temple, this metropolitan city has much to offer – so much, in fact, that it may be difficult to decide what to see when your stay is limited to just a few days.

Historic Sites, Temples, and Museums

First settled in 1507, Mumbai offers a rich history. Pick one or two historic sites to visit – even if you spend just an hour or two exploring, you’ll get a feel for the city’s past and learn how it has been transformed into the metropolis today’s inhabitants and visitors enjoy so much. Some top Mumbai historic sites to consider:

Gateway to India – Built in 1911, the Gateway to India is a must-visit monument. It’s situated at the Port of Mumbai, where you’ll find ferries to other attractions.
Kanheri Caves – Situated on the city’s outskirts and surrounded by the beautifully forested Sanjay Gandhi National Park, this site features a stunning basalt outcropping punctuated with 109 caves and incredible rock-cut monuments that date back as far as the first century BCE.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus – Even from outside, this railway station offers an intriguing take on India colonial period. It’s one of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is one of the most impressive secular buildings found anywhere in Mumbai.
ISKCON Temple – A lovely Hare Krishna temple that’s stunning inside and out, the site welcomes visitors of all kinds, providing a peek into a unique lifestyle while offering fantastic vegetarian Indian food at an on-site restaurant.
Victoria & Albert Museum – The oldest of all Mumbai museums, Victoria & Albert was built in 1872. Go for the architecture as well as the displays!
Prince of Wales Museum – Also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, the Prince of Wales Museum houses a massive collection of fascinating artifacts. Built in the early 1900s and surrounded by lush gardens, it features three main sections: Art, Archaeology, and Natural History.

Take Time Out at Internet Cafes

Pause briefly at internet cafes while you explore Mumbai, particularly if you find yourself in the Bandra area. Refreshments tend to be fantastic here, and you’ll have the opportunity to take care of tasks like calling home with Viber Out, freeing up room on your phone or tablet by sending photos to the cloud for storage, and more.

See the Kala Ghoda Art Precinct

Home to art galleries, cultural spaces, and museums, the Kala Ghoda Art precinct is a colorful place that’s perfect for a walking tour. A massive fountain and numerous buildings provide a peek into the city’s architectural history, while the Kala Ghoda Pavement Gallery provides young artists with a venue for exhibiting and selling their work. Professional artists house their offerings at nearby galleries including the Jehangir Art Gallery and the Museum Gallery. Shopping and restaurants can be found at Rampart Row, and there are more eateries and bars located throughout Kala Ghoda. Take photographs, fuel up on international cuisine, and consider supporting an up-and-coming artist! If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, you’ll find plenty to choose from here.

Visit Bollywood

Ready for something truly unique? Why not take a tour of Bollywood? There are lots of options available at different price points. If you’re into tours and want to take in the entire city of Mumbai in a day while getting a feel for Bollywood too, consider combining your Bollywood tour with a Mumbai city tour that will take you all the way from the Gateway of India to Bombay University, Dobi Ghat, Colaba Market, Chowpatty Beach, and many other sites. An organized tour will treat you to a look at what happens behind the scenes during film making, and many come with entertaining shows to round out the experience.

Take a Trip onto the Water

Dinner cruises, sailboat tours, and simple ferry rides treat you to a unique view of Mumbai while treating you to a short escape from the city’s famous hustle and bustle. Spend an hour or two on the Arabian Sea, feel the touch of the breeze, and relax before jumping into the next activity.

Enjoy a Night Tour

Once the sun goes down and the day’s heat fades, Mumbai is transformed into a stunning city of lights. Your tour guide will take you to some of the same places you might have seen during daylight hours; the Rajabai clock towers, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, and Watson’s Hotel Ruins are some of the most popular destinations.