Few cities move like Mumbai. Once a constellation of seven fishing islands, it grew into India’s financial and film capital—home to grand Raj-era monuments, vibrant markets, storied Irani cafés, and a coastline stitched with promenades and sunsets. You’ll taste centuries of history and contemporary ambition in every neighborhood.

Across three days, this itinerary blends headline sights with local favorites: the Gateway of India, ferries to UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves, Marine Drive’s golden hour, and the irresistible rhythm of Mumbai’s street food. We’ve mapped coffee haunts, breakfast institutions, seafood legends, and evening hangs so you can move confidently and eat brilliantly.

Practical notes: Monsoon (June–September) brings dramatic showers—pack a light rain layer and plan buffers. Dress modestly for temples, carry small cash for stalls (though UPI/digital payments are widely used), and use ride-hailing or the metro/local trains for longer hops. Start early to beat heat and traffic.

Mumbai

Mumbai is a city of contrasts—gilded art deco facades beside cutting-edge galleries, centuries-old bazaars neighboring sleek cafés, and a sea breeze that resets the pace at sunset. The historic south (Colaba, Fort, Kala Ghoda) is walkable and museum-rich, while Bandra, Juhu, and BKC buzz with modern dining and nightlife.

Top sights include the Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (Victoria Terminus), the Prince of Wales Museum (CSMVS), Dhobi Ghat, Haji Ali, and the Art Deco sweep of Marine Drive. Don’t miss a market stroll—Crawford Market for produce and pets, Mangaldas for textiles, and Colaba Causeway for souvenirs.

Where to stay (handpicked): For heritage and sea views near the Gateway: The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. For bay-facing elegance on Marine Drive: The Oberoi, Mumbai. For a beach vibe and easy airport access: Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach. For business-leisure in the north: The Westin Mumbai Garden City. Excellent-value bases: Hotel Residency Fort (Fort) and Hotel Residency Andheri (Andheri).

• Browse more stays: Hotels.com – Mumbai | Entire homes: VRBO – Mumbai

Getting there: Fly into Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM). Compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical domestic flights (Delhi–Mumbai ~2h, Bengaluru–Mumbai ~1h45m) can run ~$40–120 one-way when booked ahead.

Arriving by train: Long-distance trains arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Dadar, or Mumbai Central. Check schedules and book on Trip.com Trains. Pune–Mumbai is ~3–3.5 hours; Goa–Mumbai overnight ~10–12 hours.

Day 1: Colaba, Fort, and a Marine Drive Sunset

Morning: Travel day. If you arrive early, drop bags and ease in with coffee at Kala Ghoda Café (calm, all-day breakfast; great croissants) or Subko (Bandra or Colaba; single-origin pours and artisanal bakes). If hungry, try an Irani café classic at Kyani & Co.: maska bun and cutting chai.

Afternoon: Start at the Gateway of India and people-watch as ferries come and go. Step inside the lobby of the Taj Mahal Palace to admire its vaulted ceilings, then walk up Colaba Causeway for handicrafts and kitschy souvenirs. Continue to Kala Ghoda for galleries and street art; pop into the CSMVS (Prince of Wales Museum) for a quick dose of Indian art and antiquities.

Lunch ideas: Trishna (pepper crab, tandoori prawns) for coastal seafood; Mahesh Lunch Home (butter garlic crab, neer dosa) for Malvani staples; or Swati Snacks (panki, bhel, pani puri) for vegetarian street-food classics in a hygienic setting.

Evening: Stroll the art deco arc of Marine Drive at sunset and watch the city’s necklace of lights come alive. Dine at Khyber (Fort; North Indian grills under Mughal-inspired arches) or Gaylord (Churchgate; old-world continental and tandoors, plus a lovely bakery).

Want a guided night perspective? Consider this compact city-lights experience:

Mumbai By Night: Lights & Luminance (3–4 hours; evening pick-up; great for first-timers).

Nightcap: Grab kulfi or fresh-fruit ice cream at Bachelorr’s along Marine Drive, or a late coffee at Blue Tokai (multiple outlets).

Day 2: Elephanta Caves + Seaside North (Bandra or Juhu)

Morning: Early breakfast at Café Madras (Matunga; idlis, dosas, filter coffee) before the ferry. Head to the Gateway jetty for the boat to Elephanta Island (about 1 hour each way; ferries run from late morning; standard tickets roughly ₹300–400 round-trip). The cave-temples date to the 5th–8th centuries; foreigner entry is about ₹600. A guided visit brings the sculptures to life.

Bookable option with hotel pick-up and expert narration:

Elephanta Caves & Island Guided Private Tour.

Afternoon: Return to the mainland and refuel. For a lavish vegetarian thali, try Shree Thaker Bhojanalay (Kalbadevi; reserve if possible). Prefer light bites? Hit Aram Vada Pav by CSMT for Mumbai’s iconic potato patty bun, or Leopold Café for a breezy, old-school lunch in Colaba.

Transfer north to Bandra for street art around Chapel Road and indie boutiques on Veronica Road. Coffee options abound: Subko (micro-lot roasts) or Blue Tokai (consistent espresso). Walk the Bandstand Promenade for sea views, or head to Juhu Beach near sunset.

Evening: Dinner picks: O Pedro (BKC; Goan comfort with flair—poee bread, pork sorpotel), Bastian (Worli; seafood-forward, lively scene), or Gajalee (Vile Parle; bombil fry, crab masala). If you’re staying in Juhu, Prithvi Café offers relaxed garden seating and strong vegetarian plates.

Day 3: City Highlights, Markets, and a Foodie Finish (Departure Day)

Morning: Start with a heritage circuit: CSMT (Victoria Terminus) for its High Victorian Gothic glory, Flora Fountain and Horniman Circle, then the open-air Dhobi Ghat laundry. A guided overview ties it all together and beats traffic with smart routing.

Top-rated city overview (private or small group):

Highlights of Mumbai Sightseeing Tour: TRAVELLERS CHOICE AWARDED.

Breakfast ideas today: Café Mondegar (Colaba; eggs and toast with cartooned walls) or Sandwizza (Bombay-style vegetable grillers) if you’re on the move.

Afternoon: Cap your trip with a guided tasting adventure that keeps things hygienic while hitting the city’s must-try flavors—think pani puri, kebabs, and kulfi. Great for first-timers and repeat visitors alike.

Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings.

If you prefer DIY, graze at Girgaum Chowpatty (stick to hot, busy stalls), stop by Bombay Sweet Shop for inventive mithai, and grab a last espresso at Kala Ghoda Café before your airport transfer. Aim to be airborne by late afternoon.

Evening: Departure window. If you have extra time, a quick walk on Marine Drive or a spin through Colaba Causeway for last-minute souvenirs is easy. For a sit-down finale, Gaylord near Churchgate is reliable and close to South Mumbai transport hubs.

Optional Swap: Caves + City in One (For Busy Travelers)

If you want Elephanta and city highlights packed into one day (with hotel pick-up), consider this combo tour:

Private Elephanta Caves & Mumbai Sightseeing Tour with AC Car.

Getting around: Use ride-hailing for cross-town hops (30–90 minutes depending on traffic). The suburban rail and expanding metro are fast for longer stretches (typical fares ₹10–60). South Mumbai is best on foot in cool hours; carry water, sunblock, and use crosswalks where available.

In three days, you’ll trace Mumbai’s arc from ancient cave temples to art deco skylines, from bazaar alleys to seafront promenades. This plan threads iconic landmarks with local flavor so you leave with a full camera roll—and even fuller food memories.