Welcome to Mumbai—India’s financial capital and its beating cultural heart. Once a Portuguese outpost and later the British “Urbs Prima,” the city grew from seven islands into a peninsula thrumming with energy, cinema, commerce, and food. Today Mumbai is a mosaic: Gothic and Art Deco facades, fishing villages and glass towers, ancient caves and neon-lit boulevards.

Across a week, you’ll trace history from the Gateway of India to UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves, sip artisan coffee in Kala Ghoda, and watch the sun melt into the Arabian Sea along Marine Drive. You’ll meet makers in Dharavi, taste Mumbai’s legendary snacks, and step inside Bollywood’s studios for an unforgettable look at India’s dream factory. Expect early mornings, golden-hour views, and plates you’ll remember years from now.

Practical notes: summers are humid; monsoon (roughly June–September) brings dramatic rains—carry a light raincoat and waterproof shoes. Dress modestly for temples and dargahs; carry small cash for markets, though cards/UPI are widely used. Taxis and ride-hailing are plentiful; the metro and suburban trains speed past traffic at rush hour.

Mumbai

India’s most cinematic city rewards curiosity. Start in South Mumbai: colonial-era landmarks around Fort and Kala Ghoda, museums, galleries, and legendary cafés. To the north, Bandra’s seaside promenades, street art, and indie eateries set an easygoing tone, while Juhu and Andheri brush up against studios where Bollywood scripts spring to life.

Top highlights include the Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), Dhobi Ghat, the Haji Ali Dargah, and the island temples at Elephanta. Beyond the grid: Kanheri Caves in the forested Sanjay Gandhi National Park, seaside sunsets at Bandstand, and spirited markets from Crawford to Chor Bazaar.

Where to stay (Hotels.com + VRBO): Browse citywide stays on Hotels.com or apartment-style options on VRBO. For South Mumbai icons, consider The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai (grand history, harbor views) or The Oberoi, Mumbai (sleek luxury, Marine Drive). Beachfront fans love Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach; value seekers: Hotel Residency Fort (walk to CST), Hotel Residency Andheri, and suburban-comfort at The Westin Mumbai Garden City.

How to arrive: Fly into Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM). Compare fares on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. Typical domestic fares to Mumbai run ~$30–$120 one-way; long-haul returns often $600–$1,200. Coming overland from within India? Check Trip.com (trains)—for example, Pune–Mumbai in ~3–4 hours ($3–$10), Ahmedabad–Mumbai in ~6–8 hours ($5–$15). Airport-to-Colaba by taxi/ride-hail takes ~60–90 minutes depending on traffic.

Day 1: Colaba, Kala Ghoda, and a Marine Drive Sunset

Afternoon: Arrive, check in, and stretch your legs on a gentle Colaba walk. Start at the Gateway of India for your first view of the harbor and the Taj dome, then browse Colaba Causeway’s souvenirs, cotton kurtas, and trinkets. Coffee break at Kala Ghoda Café (arty vibe, excellent cold brew) or Subko (Bandra-born roastery with serious single-origin pours).

Evening: Dinner at The Table (seasonal small plates; reserve) or Trishna (butter-garlic crab and coastal seafood classics). Cap the day with the queen’s necklace—Marine Drive’s curve of lights—by strolling from Chowpatty toward Nariman Point. If you fancy a late-night bite, Bademiya’s skewers and roomali rolls sizzle till late behind the Taj.

Day 2: Fort Heritage, Museums, and Night Markets

Morning: Fuel up at Kyani & Co. (Irani café; bun maska and keema pav) before a self-guided heritage loop: CST’s Victorian-Gothic grandeur, the Rajabai Clock Tower, the Oval Maidan’s cricket matches, and the Art-Deco curve along Marine Drive. Pop into the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum) for South Asian art and antiquities.

Afternoon: Lunch at Shree Thaker Bhojanalay (legendary Gujarati thali; come hungry). Afterward, watch laundry choreography at Dhobi Ghat, then visit the Haji Ali Dargah, a 15th-century island shrine reached by a causeway at low tide. Time your visit around tides and modest attire.

Evening: Join an expert-led tasting on Mumbai Street Food & Night Markets (approx. 3–4 hours, typically $30–$60). Expect pani puri and pav bhaji at Girgaon Chowpatty, bhel puri, seasonal fruit creams, and a breezy local-train hop—with stories about how snacks became the city’s unofficial cuisine.

Day 3: Elephanta Caves and City Icons (Full-Day Tour)

Devote a day to a classic pairing: the island caves and South Mumbai’s marquee sights. Book Mumbai City Sightseeing with Elephanta Caves Full Day Tour (typically ~$50–$90), which includes hotel pickup, a ferry from the Gateway, and a guided walk through basalt-carved sanctuaries dedicated to Shiva, including the monumental Trimurti. Back in town, your guide covers hits like the Gateway, CST, and Marine Drive with context that makes the city’s eras click into place.

Note: Elephanta Caves are closed on Mondays; swap Day 2 and Day 3 if your trip overlaps Monday. Ferries take ~1 hour each way; carry water, a hat, and small cash.

Day 4: Dharavi’s Industry and Bandra by the Sea

Morning: Experience a thoughtful, community-led walk on the Dharavi slum tour in Mumbai by Female tour guides of the slum (approx. 2–3 hours, ~$15–$35). You’ll see small-scale recycling, leather workshops, bakeries, and residences—an eye-opening look at entrepreneurship and resilience. Photography rules are strict; follow your guide’s lead and shop local where possible.

Afternoon: Head to Bandra for lunch and a breezy walk. Try Veronica’s (hearty sandwiches and excellent coffee) or Pali Village Café (European plates in a rustic space). Wander street art along Chapel Road and Waroda Road, then visit Mount Mary Basilica for hilltop views over the sea.

Evening: Sunset at Bandra Bandstand or Carter Road promenade, followed by dinner at O Pedro (Goa-inspired plates; don’t miss the poee breads and choriz). For drinks, Toto’s Garage (a beloved, no-frills classic) or PCO (cocktail-forward). Ride-hailing apps make late-night returns easy.

Day 5: Inside Bollywood

Morning: Brunch in Juhu—Prithvi Café (under banyans; parathas and cold coffee) or jammy dosas at Dakshinayan. If you’re curious about old-school snacks, try Gajalee (Vile Parle) for bombil fry and sol kadhi.

Afternoon: Go behind the scenes on the Best Bollywood Tour with Rahil Khan (Transport Included) (about 5–6 hours, ~$60–$120). You’ll visit a working studio, peek into sets, watch a live shoot if schedules align, and learn how songs, scripts, and choreography come together for the big screen.

Evening: Wind down on Juhu Beach with roasted corn and ice gola, then dine at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach’s coastal restaurant for surfside views—handy if you’re staying at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach.

Day 6: Forest Caves, Pagodas, and Temple Bells

Morning: Escape to Sanjay Gandhi National Park (closed Mondays). Hire a park shuttle or taxi to Kanheri Caves—Buddhist monastic cells, prayer halls, and water systems carved into a hillside. Go early to beat heat; carry water and good walking shoes.

Afternoon: Head west for a coastal-spiritual loop. Options include the Global Vipassana Pagoda near Gorai (spectacular dome; meditation orientation) or ISKCON Juhu (temple complex with a vegetarian café). Late lunch near Juhu—try Prithvi Café if missed earlier, or Mahesh Lunch Home (Mangalorean seafood).

Evening: Back in Lower Parel, toast the skyline at Asilo (St. Regis rooftop) before dinner at Americano (Kala Ghoda; playful pastas, stellar desserts). If you prefer veg-forward fine dining, Masque’s tasting menus push Indian terroir in surprising ways—book ahead.

Day 7: Markets, Thalis, and Farewell

Morning: Pack and set out for last-minute shopping at Crawford Market (Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market)—spices, teas, brassware, and sweets—then peek at vintage oddities in Chor Bazaar. For a final meal, choose between Shree Thaker Bhojanalay’s comforting thali or Badshah (near Crawford) for falooda and fruit creams.

Afternoon: Airport transfer (budget 2–3 hours door-to-gate with Mumbai traffic). If you stayed in South Mumbai, consider a final coffee at Kala Ghoda Café or a quick stroll under the Royal Opera House’s facade before you go.

Local Logistics and Tips

• Getting around: Ride-hailing (Uber/Ola) is simple; black-and-yellow taxis are metered. The metro (Lines 1, 2A, 7 and growing) and suburban trains beat traffic at rush hour—ride non-peak if you’re new to them.
• Safety: Mumbai is lively late into the night; stick to lit areas, use registered transport, and keep valuables zipped in markets.
• Seasonality: Monsoon (Jun–Sep) can flood streets; build buffer time and carry quick-dry layers. Winter (Nov–Feb) is ideal for walking tours and sea breezes.
• Dining etiquette: Many spots open late by Western standards; reservations recommended for popular restaurants (Fri–Sun).

Optional Add-Ons (if you have extra time)

If you want more depth, consider a dedicated city overview early on with a guide: Elephanta + City covers a lot in one day. Prefer a speedboat upgrade to Elephanta? Premium options exist in season, or swap in a standalone Elephanta guided visit on another day.

Handpicked Stays (quick list):

• The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai — landmark luxury beside the Gateway; historic heritage wing + modern tower.
• The Oberoi, Mumbai — contemporary elegance on Marine Drive, top-tier service, and sea views.
• Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach — beachfront sunsets, easy access to Juhu restaurants and studios.
• Hotel Residency Fort — practical, walkable base near CST and the Fort heritage quarter.
• Hotel Residency Andheri — convenient for metro/airport and suburban explorations.
• The Westin Mumbai Garden City — roomy suburban comfort with easy access to SGNP/film districts.
• Or search broadly on Hotels.com and VRBO.

Booked Experiences (easy picks)

• Mumbai City Sightseeing with Elephanta Caves Full Day Tour
• Dharavi walking tour (female guides)
• Best Bollywood Tour with Rahil Khan
• Mumbai Street Food & Night Markets

In a week you’ll have skimmed Mumbai’s layers—from basalt caves to film sets, shrine bells to sizzling tava grills. Keep your camera ready, appetite open, and schedule flexible; Mumbai rewards spontaneity like few cities on earth.