Welcome to Mumbai, India’s electric capital of commerce, cinema, and coastal sunsets. What began as seven islands became a global port, a Victorian-Gothic showpiece, and today’s high-energy mosaic where ferries still depart below domed hotels and trains pour into grand stations. You’ll taste Parsi bakeries, Konkani seafood, Gujarati thalis, and cutting-edge cuisine—all in one neighborhood.

Expect contrasts: fish auctions at dawn, glossy art deco along Marine Drive, and calm cave shrines a ferry ride away. Explore colonial-era Fort, bohemian Kala Ghoda, and seaside Bandra; watch dhobis sling linen at the world’s largest open-air laundry; and catch the Arabian Sea turning gold at sunset. This one-week itinerary balances headline sights with local favorites, food, and neighborhood wanderings.

Practical notes: June–September brings the monsoon—carry a light rain jacket and plan extra travel time. Elephanta Caves close on Mondays and ferries may pause in rough weather. Dress modestly for temples and dargahs, use metered taxis or ride-hailing apps, and carry small cash for markets. When you can, eat where the crowds are—Mumbai’s best quality check.

Mumbai

Mumbai rewards curiosity. Start downtown in Colaba and the Fort precinct, where Indo-Saracenic domes and Art Deco curves frame cafes, galleries, and bookstores. The Gateway of India stands sentinel over the harbor, and at its shoulder rises the storied Taj. A short ferry ride leads to basalt caves, while northward spread hip neighborhoods, sea-facing promenades, and film-world buzz.

Top highlights include Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (UNESCO-listed), the Prince of Wales Museum (CSMVS), Marine Drive, Haji Ali Dargah, Dhobi Ghat, the markets of Crawford and Chor Bazaar, and leafy Bandra with its street art. Food is a headline act: butter-garlic crab at Trishna, kebabs at Bademiya, thalis at Shree Thaker Bhojanalay, and new-wave plates at The Table, Masque, and The Bombay Canteen.

• Where to stay: For sea views and historic grandeur, consider The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai or The Oberoi, Mumbai on Marine Drive; for beach vibes, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach; for upscale suburban comfort, The Westin Mumbai Garden City; for value in the heritage core, Hotel Residency Fort; for airport access, Hotel Residency Andheri.
• Browse more stays: Hotels across budgets via Hotels.com – Mumbai or apartments via VRBO – Mumbai.
• Getting in: Fly into BOM (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International). Compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. From Delhi or Goa, flights are ~2 hours; one-way deals often run $40–$120.
• Trains in India: Overnight and day trains connect Mumbai with major cities; search schedules on Trip.com trains. Pune–Mumbai is ~3–4 hours by Intercity Express.
• Local transport: Uber/OLA and kaali-peeli taxis are plentiful; airport to Colaba is 45–90 minutes (₹600–₹1,000 by app cab depending on time). The suburban railway and expanding Metro speed cross-city hops; always avoid peak rush hours if possible.

Day 1: Colaba Arrival, Gateway Glow, and Marine Drive

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Ease into Mumbai with a slow walk along Colaba Causeway—peek into boutiques, bookshops, and camera stores. Coffee break at Kala Ghoda Café (Belgian hot chocolate, flaky croissants) or Subko Colaba for single-origin pours and sourdough sandwiches.

Evening: Stroll to the Gateway of India for golden hour and harbor views. For dinner, choose seafood royalty at Trishna (butter-garlic crab, hyderabadi pomfret), North-West Frontier classics at Khyber (paneer tikka, raan), or global plates at The Table (seasonal small plates, excellent wine list). Cap the night with a walk along Marine Drive, the “Queen’s Necklace,” lit in a sweeping arc.

Day 2: The Icons—Markets, Laundry, Termini, Temples

Morning: Kick off with a guided introduction so you can cover a lot with context. The Highlights of Mumbai Sightseeing Tour: TRAVELLERS CHOICE AWARDED is a polished overview that typically includes the Gateway, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, a Jain temple, and key markets with insightful narration and flexible starts.

Afternoon: Lunch like a local at Shree Thaker Bhojanalay (legendary Gujarati thali—rotating vegetables, kadhi, farsan, fresh rotis). Walk Fort/Kala Ghoda’s heritage stretch: Asiatic Library steps, street art, and design-forward stores. If open (often closed Mondays), dip into CSMVS museum for miniature paintings and sculpture.

Evening: Snack at Girgaum Chowpatty—try bhel puri, pav bhaji, and fresh kulfi. For a view with cocktails, head to Dome (InterContinental) overlooking the sea, or keep it casual with craft beer and pizzas at Woodside Inn (Colaba).

Day 3: Elephanta Caves—Basalt Shrines in the Bay

Morning: Take the ferry from the Gateway (about 1 hour each way; standard round-trip ~₹250–₹300). Note: Elephanta Caves are closed on Mondays and ferries may stop in rough monsoon seas. To go deeper, book the Elephanta Caves & Island Guided Private Tour for history-rich storytelling around the famed Trimurti relief and Shaivite iconography.

Afternoon: Return to the mainland and break at Leopold Café (classic Irani café meets traveler hangout; try the chilli chicken and beer) or Café Mondegar (jukebox nostalgia). Browse the galleries around Kala Ghoda and drop by Filter or Bombay Shirt Company for indie design finds.

Evening: Late-night kebab pilgrimage to Bademiya (seekh rolls, baida roti) or dinner at O Pedro (Goan plates—pão de queijo, choriz pav, bebinca). Walk back via the Taj for a nightcap at Harbour Bar if you’re staying nearby.

Day 4: Mumbai by Dawn, Then Heritage & Bandra

Early Morning (Single Long Activity): See the city wake up on the acclaimed The Original Mumbai by Dawn tour—flower market perfumed chaos, fish auctions at Sassoon Docks, newspapers sorted at warp speed. It’s intimate, efficient, and unforgettable.

Morning (post-tour): Reward yourself with a hearty Irani breakfast at Kyani & Co. (akuri on toast, brun maska, Irani chai) or Sassanian (mava cakes, kheema pav). Stroll to CST to admire its Victorian Gothic facade and stone carvings.

Afternoon: Museum time at Dr. Bhau Daji Lad (Byculla)—gorgeous interiors and Mumbai’s urban history. Alternatively, if it’s a Monday, skip museums and take a self-guided Fort heritage loop connecting Horniman Circle, Town Hall, and the High Court.

Evening: Shift to Bandra: wander Chapel Road murals, Bandstand promenade, and sunset at Bandra Fort. Dinner in Bandra at Izumi (sushi and ramen, hard to beat), Pali Village Café (Euro-Italian in a rustic bungalow), or Veronica’s by day for deli-style sandwiches and coffee. Nightcap at Aer (Four Seasons)—panoramic city lights.

Day 5: Green Escape—Sanjay Gandhi National Park & Kanheri Caves + Street Food Safari

Morning: Head early to Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Borivali). Hike or take a park bus to the Kanheri Caves—Buddhist monastic cells and prayer halls with rock-cut water systems. Watch for macaques; keep snacks stowed. If you prefer a guided nature-and-caves combo, consider the local SGNP tours available on arrival.

Afternoon: Simple lunch near the park (grab dosa or thali at neighborhood eateries) and ride the Metro/Western Line back south. Rest at your hotel pool or spa.

Evening: Dive into flavors on the Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings, a curated street-eats adventure often riding the local train between neighborhoods. Expect pani puri, kebabs, dosas, sweets—and a local’s lens on etiquette and hygiene.

Day 6: Juhu & Coastal Leisure, Temples, and Shopping

Morning: Start at Juhu Beach when it’s quiet and breezy. Breakfast at Prithvi Café (parathas, cutting chai, falafel wrap) inside the beloved theatre compound, or at Blue Tokai (Juhu) for specialty coffee. Visit the serene ISKCON Temple nearby—free to enter; dress modestly.

Afternoon: Retail therapy: Linking Road for bargain street shopping, Phoenix Palladium (Lower Parel) for premium brands, or Colaba Causeway for curios. Culture add-on: Haji Ali Dargah (check tide timings for the causeway) and Mahalaxmi Temple on the same stretch.

Evening: Seafood supper at Gajalee (try the bombil fry, Malvani curries) or coastal South Indian at Mahesh Lunch Home (ghee roast, neer dosa). For dessert, seek out seasonal flavors at Naturals Ice Cream (sitaphal, tender coconut) or artisanal scoops at Sucres Des Terres.

Day 7: Slow Morning, Souvenirs, and Departure

Morning: Brunch at Swati Snacks (panki chutney, sev puri, handvo) or Bombay Canteen (inventive Indian regional plates; brunch is lively). Pick up coffee beans at Subko or handmade stationery at Chimanlals.

Afternoon: Last seaside stroll along Marine Drive or Nariman Point, then transfer to the airport. From South Mumbai, allow 60–90 minutes by app cab; from Bandra/BKC, 20–45 minutes outside rush hour.

Optional Add-Ons (If You Have Extra Time or Want to Swap)

• Bollywood behind the scenes: Studio visits can be fascinating if you’re a cinema fan; consider a half-day with a reputable outfit on a non-shoot day for smoother access.
• Night photography spin: If you love city lights, book a guided night circuit to capture illuminated landmarks and Art Deco silhouettes along the bay.
• Sustainable community visits: Dharavi hosts incubators, recycling units, and artisan workshops; go only with operators who emphasize dignity, privacy, and community benefit.

Where to Sleep (Curated Picks)

• Iconic Heritage: The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai (Colaba) — historic grandeur, Arabian Sea views, and classic service steps from the Gateway.
• Seafront Sophistication: The Oberoi, Mumbai — bay-facing rooms and a serene pool overlooking Marine Drive’s lights.
• Beach Stay: Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach — sunsets, sand walks, and easy access to Juhu/Andheri cafes.
• Uptown Comfort: The Westin Mumbai Garden City — spacious rooms, quick Metro/Western Line access north.
• Value in the Heritage Core: Hotel Residency Fort — simple, clean base near CST and Kala Ghoda.
• Airport Access: Hotel Residency Andheri — convenient for late arrivals and early flights.
• Search all stays: Hotels.com – Mumbai | VRBO – Mumbai

Need-To-Know Tips

• Ferries & closures: Elephanta Caves closed Mondays; check monsoon advisories. Museums commonly close on Mondays.
• Money & safety: ATMs are widespread; keep small notes for taxis and street eats. Use bottled water; busy stalls with high turnover are usually safest.
• Dress & customs: Shoulders/knees covered for temples and dargahs; remove footwear where required.
• Airport transfers: Pre-book via hotel or ride-hailing; confirm the terminal (T1 vs T2) and leave early in rush hour.

Bookable Highlights Referenced

• Highlights of Mumbai Sightseeing Tour
• Elephanta Caves & Island Guided Private Tour
• The Original Mumbai by Dawn
• Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

This 7-day Mumbai itinerary blends history, sea air, and the city’s endlessly inventive kitchens. From dawn markets to dusk promenades, you’ll see why Mumbai is equal parts grit and grace—and why visitors keep coming back for one more walk along Marine Drive.