Mumbai—once a constellation of Koli fishing villages and later the British Raj’s “Urbs Prima in Indis”—is today a megacity where Gothic spires crowd beside art-deco curves and monsoon-scrubbed banyans. Rechristened in 1995, the city remains a place of relentless enterprise and cinematic dreams, home to dabbawalas who sort 200,000 tiffins daily with near-mythic accuracy and the world’s most-watched film industry.

Travelers come for the Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), and the rock-cut mysteries of Elephanta Caves. Stay for the food: buttery pav bhaji on Girgaum Chowpatty, flaky kheema pav in Irani cafés, coastal curries fragrant with kokum, and late-night kebabs that perfume whole lanes. Neighborhoods like Colaba, Kala Ghoda, Bandra, and Juhu each reveal a different mood—from colonial promenades to creative cafés and beachy, sunset rituals.

Practical notes: November–March is the most comfortable season; June–September brings heavy monsoon downpours (pack a light raincoat and quick-dry shoes). Dress modestly for temples and dargahs, carry small change for taxis and snacks, and rely on ride-hailing or the expanding Metro when traffic snarls. Mumbai rewards early starts and an adventurous palate.

Mumbai

India’s financial and cultural powerhouse, Mumbai crackles with energy: fishermen unload dawn’s catch at Sassoon Docks, stock tickers hum in Fort, and runners trace Marine Drive’s curve at sunset. The city’s skyline frames a riveting story of commerce, craft, and community.

• Top sights: Gateway of India, CSMT (UNESCO), Marine Drive & Queen’s Necklace, Dhobi Ghat, Haji Ali Dargah, CSMVS Museum, Kala Ghoda art district, Bandra Bandstand, Mount Mary Basilica, Juhu Beach.
• Essential experiences: Ferry to Elephanta Caves, sample Parsi and Maharashtrian cuisine, join a guided city tour, watch the city glow after dark, and browse Crawford Market and Colaba Causeway.
• Neighborhood notes: Colaba/Fort for history and walkability; Kala Ghoda for galleries and cafés; Bandra for indie boutiques and bars; Juhu for beach sunsets and film-world buzz.

Getting in and around: Fly into Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM). Find competitive fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Domestic hops (Delhi/Bengaluru/Goa) are ~1–2.5 hours, often $40–$150 one-way; nonstop long-hauls arrive from the Middle East, SE Asia, the UK, and North America. Taxis/Uber to Colaba take 60–90 minutes in traffic (₹700–₹1,500). Long-distance trains arrive at CSMT, Dadar, or Mumbai Central—check options via Trip.com trains (e.g., Pune–Mumbai 3–4 hours, ₹250–₹700; Goa–Mumbai 8–11 hours, ₹500–₹1,600).

Where to stay: Search broad options on VRBO Mumbai or Hotels.com Mumbai.

• Iconic splurge (Colaba): The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai—historic harbor views, decadent Sea Lounge tea, and a pool to beat the humidity.
• Seafront elegance (Marine Drive): The Oberoi, Mumbai—sleek rooms and sweeping Queen’s Necklace panoramas.
• Beach vibe (Juhu): Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach—sunsets, sand, and easy access to suburban cafés.
• Business-leisure (Goregaon): The Westin Mumbai Garden City—spacious rooms, suburban base near Film City.
• Value near heritage (Fort): Hotel Residency Fort—walk to CSMT, Kala Ghoda, and museums.
• Budget by airport: Hotel Residency Andheri—a practical pre/post-flight stop.

Day 1: Colaba Icons and Marine Drive Sunset (Arrival in the afternoon)

Afternoon: Check in and stretch your legs with an easy loop around the Gateway of India—the basalt arch where colonial pageantry once landed—and the waterfront plaza. Duck into Kala Ghoda Café for a cool coffee tonic or a cortado, or try Subko Townside for single-origin brews and laminated pastries baked with obsessive care. If you prefer museums, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) offers a polished intro to Western India’s art and archaeology.

Evening: Watch the Arabian Sea fade to violet from Marine Drive, then choose dinner: Trishna (butter pepper garlic crab; Mangalorean seafood royalty), Khyber (Mughlai gravies amid carved-wood arches), or the lively Leopold Café for beer and prawn chili fry. Night owls can see the city glow on a guided after-dark outing:

Optional tour: Mumbai By Night: Lights & Luminance (3–4 hours), a drive-by of illuminated landmarks and breezy boulevards.

Day 2: Heritage Mumbai, Markets, and Sea-View Sundowners

Morning: Fuel up at Kyani & Co., an Irani institution known for brun maska (buttered crusty bread), akuri (Parsi-style scrambled eggs), and cutting chai. Then cover a city’s-worth of sights with a knowledgeable guide—a time-efficient way to understand history and everyday rhythms.

Main experience: Private Mumbai Sightseeing Tour (Traveller's Choice Award Winner)—a full-day itinerary typically includes Dhobi Ghat’s open-air laundry, Dabbawala spotting near Churchgate, CSMT’s Gothic fantasia, Crawford Market’s spice-and-pet warren, and breezy stops at Marine Drive and Hanging Gardens. Expect 7–8 hours with hotel pickup.

Afternoon: Pause for a thali or street-food classic: Pancham Puriwala (since 1848) near CSMT for crisp puris with sabzi and pickles, or Sardar Pav Bhaji in Tardeo for the city’s most indulgent, butter-smacked mash served with griddled buns. If your tour continues, save dessert for a kulfi or mango ice cream at a neighborhood stall.

Evening: Sunset cocktails at AER (Four Seasons, Worli) crown the city with 360-degree views; snag a table by the glass balustrade. For dinner, book Masque (seasonal Indian tasting menu, refined and inventive) or The Table (Colaba; global small plates, impeccable produce). Nightcap at Woodside Inn (Colaba) for craft beers and an easygoing, old-bungalow vibe.

Day 3: Elephanta Caves and a Street-Food Safari

Morning: Beat the heat and the queues by taking a speedboat across the harbor to Gharapuri (Elephanta Island). The basalt caves—5th–8th century—reveal exquisite Shaivite reliefs, including the towering three-faced Trimurti bust.

Main experience: Elephanta Caves Tour by Private Speed Boat trims the crossing to ~20 minutes and includes guiding on-site.

Afternoon: Back in town, stroll Kala Ghoda’s galleries and design stores; break for a cold brew and avocado toast at The Pantry or a seasonal salad at Sequel. For a Parsi lunch, Ideal Corner in Fort does comforting dhansak, patrani macchi (fish steamed in banana leaf), and lagan nu custard.

Evening: Let a local guide curate the city’s greatest hits of flavor—pani puri that shatters, spice-forward chaats, and kulfi to finish. It’s equal parts dinner and anthropology.

Street-food tour: Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings—an evening tasting trail with train hops and beachside bites.

Day 4: Bandra Vistas, Juhu Beach, and Departure (Afternoon flight)

Morning: Start in Bandra with specialty coffee and viennoiserie at Subko or a flat white at Blue Tokai (Pali Hill). Walk the seafront from Bandstand to Castella de Aguada (Bandra Fort) for breezes and views of the Sea Link, then climb to Mount Mary Basilica—a serene hilltop church that predates the city’s modern growth. If you prefer a sit-down brunch, Suzette does buckwheat galettes and fresh juices.

Late morning to early afternoon: Swing north to Juhu Beach for a sandy stroll and coconut water; detour to ISKCON Juhu for temple architecture and a wholesome thali at Govinda’s if time allows. For a memorable last lunch, choose Gajalee (Vile Parle East) for Malvani classics—bombil fry (Bombay duck), tisrya masala (clams), and solkadhi—or go Maharashtrian at Prakash Shakahari Upahaar Kendra (Dadar) for misal pav and sabudana vada.

Departure: Head to BOM (plan 1.5–2.5 hours door-to-gate). For flights, compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com.

Helpful add-ons and swaps

• Alternate day tour: If you want a quicker city overview, try the Private Half-Day Sightseeing Tour in Mumbai (about 5 hours).
• Another evening option: Prefer bazaar-grazing to a sit-down dinner? Swap in the Mumbai Street Food and Evening Bazaar Tour.
• Bollywood fix: Film lovers can carve half a day for the Best Bollywood Tour with Rahil Khan (studio visit and industry insights).

Good to know: Haji Ali’s causeway floods at high tide—time your visit. Many museums close on Mondays. For temples and dargahs, cover shoulders and knees, and remove footwear when required. During monsoon, expect sudden downpours and occasional ferry cancellations; the private speedboat option to Elephanta helps reduce exposure and transit time.

Summary: Four days in Mumbai give you the city’s essential contrasts—colonial arches and ancient cave temples, seaside sunsets and neon nights, and a culinary atlas from street chaat to fine-dining artistry. With smart guiding and well-placed stays, the Maximum City becomes legible, delicious, and unforgettable.