Welcome to a tale of two cities: Mumbai, India’s coastal powerhouse where bazaars hum beside art deco facades, and Dubai, the UAE’s sky-high metropolis where tradition meets tomorrow. Over eight days, you’ll trace history from ancient rock-cut temples to gleaming megastructures—and taste everything from Parsi classics to Emirati comfort food.

Mumbai began as a cluster of fishing islands and grew into the “City of Dreams,” home to Bollywood, bustling markets, and heaving train stations like UNESCO-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Dubai’s story arcs from pearl-diving creekside settlements to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and dune-backed adventures that end with stars overhead and oud in the air.

Practical notes: Summers are hot in both cities; plan outdoor touring early or late in the day. Dress modestly in religious sites (covered shoulders/knees), carry cash for small vendors, and pre-book top attractions. Many nationalities can obtain e-visas for India and visa-on-arrival/e-visa for the UAE—always confirm current requirements before departure.

Mumbai

Mumbai is kinetic and cinematic: Gothic revival architecture in Fort, fishing villages in Worli, street art in Bandra, and sunsets that turn Marine Drive into a necklace of lights. Food is a love language here—think butter-lashed pav bhaji, smoky kebabs, coastal seafood, and stellar vegetarian thalis.

• Top sights: Gateway of India, Colaba Causeway, CST (UNESCO), Crawford Market, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, Bandra promenade, and the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves.
• Essential tastes: Vada pav at Ashok Vada Pav, thali at Shree Thaker Bhojanalay (Kalbadevi), seafood at Trishna (Fort) or Gajalee (Vile Parle), late-night kebabs at Bademiya (Colaba).
• Coffee breaks: Subko (Bandra), Kala Ghoda Cafe, Blue Tokai (multiple locations).

Where to stay (Mumbai): For world-famous heritage and harbor views, consider The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. Luxe waterfront modernism: The Oberoi, Mumbai. Beachside vibe near Bollywood: Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach. Great-value city bases: Hotel Residency Fort (near CST) or Hotel Residency Andheri. In the northwest business corridor: The Westin Mumbai Garden City. Browse more stays on VRBO Mumbai or Hotels.com Mumbai.

Getting there: Fly into BOM (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International). Compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. A taxi/ride-hail to Colaba takes ~60–90 minutes depending on traffic (roughly INR 700–1200).

Day 1: Arrive and Colaba’s Icons

Afternoon: Land in Mumbai and settle into your hotel. Shake off jet lag with a gentle stroll around Colaba: peek at the grand Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea, then browse Colaba Causeway’s stalls for cotton kurtas, leather notebooks, and costume jewelry. Coffee and a croissant at Kala Ghoda Cafe set a leisurely tempo.

Evening: See the city sparkle on a guided night tour: Mumbai By Night: Lights & Luminance.

Glide past CST, Marine Drive, and art deco theaters—all glowing after dark. Finish with dinner at Bademiya (order seekh kebabs and roomali roti) or Trishna for butter pepper garlic crab.

Day 2: Heritage Mumbai and Market Life

Morning: Fuel up at Kyani & Co. (an Irani bakery; try brun maska and chai). Then dive into colonial-era landmarks, bustling bazaars, and local life on the Highlights of Mumbai Sightseeing Tour.

Expect photo stops at CST, Crawford Market, Dhobi Ghat, and viewpoints over the Arabian Sea.

Afternoon: Lunch at Swati Snacks (paper-thin panki, pani puri, and thali). Pop into the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya for a curated sweep of Indian art and artifacts. Coffee at Subko (single-origin pours and inventive pastries) in Bandra if time allows.

Evening: Sunset on Marine Drive—watch the Queen’s Necklace glow. Dinner at The Bombay Canteen (now in BKC): seasonal regional Indian plates like Goan choriz pav and banana flower cutlets, paired with craft cocktails.

Day 3: UNESCO Elephanta Caves and Seaside Strolls

Morning–Afternoon (Day Tour): Sail to a 5th–8th century temple complex carved into basalt rock on Elephanta Island with the All inclusive Elephanta Caves Guided Tour.

Admire the monumental three-faced Shiva relief and learn how these sanctuaries survive monsoon after monsoon. Bring water; monkeys are crafty snack thieves.

Evening: Back at the harbor, detour along the Oval Maidan for cricket on the greens. Dinner at Gajalee (Malvani-style seafood; order tandoori crab, bombil fry, solkadhi). If you crave a late sweet, Haji Ali Juice Centre does fresh fruit creams till late.

Day 4: Human Stories and Neighborhood Hopping

Morning: Meet resilient entrepreneurs on a respectful, eye-opening walk with Dharavi slum tour in Mumbai by Female tour guides of the slum.

Learn about recycling workshops, leather crafts, and community initiatives; photography rules are explained to protect residents’ privacy.

Afternoon: Lunch at Sardar Pav Bhaji (the city’s buttery icon). Then head to Bandra’s Chapel Road and Waroda Road for street art, indie boutiques, and a pick-me-up at Subko or Blue Tokai. Sunset toes-in-sand at Juhu Beach with a cone of roasted corn.

Evening: Dinner in the leafy courtyard at Prithvi Cafe (vegetarian hits, kheema pav-style jackfruit specials pop up). Nightcap at a rooftop lounge in Lower Parel or Worli—watch the Sea Link glow like a silver ribbon.

Dubai

Dubai is a city of superlatives and contrasts: abra boats glide along the Creek while the Burj Khalifa needles the sky. Spend mornings exploring Old Dubai’s wind towers and afternoons chasing horizon-wide views from beaches, marinas, and observation decks.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall fountains, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Dubai Creek, Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and desert reserves.
• Essential tastes: Emirati machbous and luqaimat at Al Fanar, shawarma at Al Mallah, Pakistani grills at Ravi Restaurant, fresh-catch fry at Bu Qtair, modern bites at 3 Fils or Orfali Bros.
• Cafés: Arabian Tea House (garden courtyard), Nightjar (Alserkal Avenue), Espresso Lab (Design District).

Where to stay (Dubai): For an icon-within-an-icon experience: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Family resort thrills with Atlantis Aquaventure: Atlantis, The Palm. Smart-value and central for first-timers: Rove Downtown Dubai / Rove Downtown. Browse more stays on VRBO Dubai or Hotels.com Dubai.

Getting there from Mumbai: Nonstop flights BOM→DXB are ~3h 10m, from about $120–$260 one-way in economy (seasonal). Compare carriers and times on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. From DXB to Downtown by taxi is ~15–25 minutes; the Metro Red Line also serves key areas.

Day 5: Fly to Dubai, Downtown and Burj Khalifa

Morning: Depart Mumbai for Dubai on a morning flight booked via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Check in and refresh at your hotel.

Afternoon: Explore Dubai Mall’s aquarium views and the Souk Al Bahar bridge. Reserve timed entry for Burj Khalifa At The Top (aim for late afternoon into sunset).

Watch the city blush gold to indigo.

Evening: Catch the Dubai Fountain shows on the promenade. Dinner nearby: Al Hallab (Levantine grills and mezze), or hop to Orfali Bros Bistro (creative small plates—try the OB cheeseburger and umami éclairs) in Jumeirah.

Day 6: Old Dubai, Creek Crossings, and a Dhow Dinner

Morning: Step into the wind-tower lanes of Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, then sip mint lemonade in the garden of Arabian Tea House. Join the Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings

to browse spice and gold souks, ride an abra, and sample local bites.

Afternoon: Continue to Al Seef’s waterfront for heritage-inspired architecture and cafés. Cool down with pistachio gelato before a short rest.

Evening: Board a traditional boat on the glittering canal for the Dubai Dhow Cruise Marina Dinner and Live Entertainment.

Feast on grilled meats and sweets while skyscrapers shimmer around the curve of the Marina.

Day 7: Beach Time and Premium Desert Safari

Morning: Easy hours at Kite Beach with views of Burj Al Arab; rent bikes on the coastal track. Early lunch at Bu Qtair (simple, superb fried fish and prawns) or 3 Fils (modern Asian plates—wagyu sando, octopus carpaccio).

Afternoon–Night (Tour): Head into the red dunes on the Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp.

Dune-bash by 4x4, try sandboarding, ride a camel, and dine under the stars with traditional performances. Dress comfortably for a temperature drop after sunset.

Day 8: Yacht Morning and Last-Minute Wonders

Morning: Sail past Dubai’s landmarks on a relaxed Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour with Optional Breakfast or BBQ.

Snap views of Atlantis and Ain Dubai while enjoying breakfast on deck.

Afternoon (Departure): Brunch-style bites at Al Fanar (machbous, regag) or Al Ustad Special Kebab (since 1978; melt-in-mouth kebabs). Pick up dates and saffron at the nearest market, then head to the airport for your afternoon flight.

Optional Add-Ons (If You Swap a Day):

• Dubai Museum of the Future for immersive tech-forward exhibits: Tickets.

  

• Abu Dhabi day trip for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan: Guided tour.

  

Local dining cheat sheet: Mumbai—street snacks at Swati Snacks; Gujarati thali at Shree Thaker Bhojanalay; seafood at Trishna or Gajalee; late-night Bademiya kebabs; craft coffee at Subko. Dubai—breakfast at Arabian Tea House; shawarma at Al Mallah; grills at Ravi Restaurant; fresh catch at Bu Qtair; modern plates at 3 Fils and Orfali Bros; Emirati sweets (luqaimat) at Al Fanar.

This two-city journey layers ancient temples, colonial-era grandeur, record-breaking architecture, and desert silence into one memorable arc. You’ll leave with spice-market scents in your suitcase, sunset photos from two seas, and a palate that’s traveled as far as you have.