Mumbai – City of Dreams – is a thrilling blend of iconic structures, lively bazaars, historic buildings, and beachside charm. Soak in the skyline while sitting along Marine Drive or explore the colonial streets of Fort. Mumbai has an experience to remember for every traveller. For a first-time traveller, it's a good idea to have a list of the famous places in Mumbai to see and plan your stay intelligently.
Here are the top 15 best things to see in Mumbai and advice on the best places to stay in Mumbai, all with the ease of Qwiksta, your go-to website for simple Mumbai hotel reservations with choices from Mumbai luxury hotels to affordable hotels.
1. Gateway of India
A symbol of Mumbai, the Gateway of India is a must-visit. It is in Colaba, near the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and busy bazaars. This spot is one of the best places to stay in Mumbai for travellers too.
2. Marine Drive
This 3.6-km-long walkway bends along the Arabian Sea and is ideal for watching sunsets. The "Queen's Necklace" is an excellent place for leisurely evening strolls. Overstay at hotels in Mumbai, India, on Marine Drive and wake up to sea views from your window.
3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, CST is a masterpiece Gothic structure and among the world's most busiest railway stations. Fort and VT precincts have numerous budget hotels and are ideally located for sightseeing.
4. Elephanta Caves
A ferry ride away from the Gateway of India, these ancient rock-cut temples are abounding in sculptures in devotion to Lord Shiva. It forms a fascinating day trip. Remain in Colaba for convenient access to a ferry.
5. Juhu Beach
One of the most famous places in Mumbai, Juhu Beach, is perfect for experiencing Mumbai’s street food and local vibe. Juhu is also home to many luxury hotels in Mumbai and is close to the airport.
6. Bandra Bandstand & Carter Road
Bandra has a blend of seaviews, street art, and Bollywood star homes. It's also among the best places to stay in Mumbai, providing both affordable hotels and luxury stays.
7. Haji Ali Dargah
This sacred place that was constructed in the middle of the sea is famous for its beautiful architecture and peaceful environment. It's near Mahalaxmi and Worli, which both have some of the top hotels in Mumbai.
8. Siddhivinayak Temple
A sacred site and one of India's wealthiest temples, Siddhivinayak attracts celebrities and locals as often as any other temple in Mumbai. Stay close by in Dadar or Prabhadevi.
9. Colaba Causeway
Colaba is a shopper's heaven and features quaint cafes, art galleries, and old buildings. It's perfect for couple-friendly hotels in Mumbai, given its romantic ambiance and colonial setting.
10. Sanjay Gandhi National Park
A nature escape in the heart of the city, the park has the Kanheri Caves and plenty of walking trails. Nature enthusiasts would love it. Borivali has closeby budget hotels as well as good connectivity.
11. Hanging Gardens & Kamala Nehru Park
Situated on Malabar Hill, these gardens offer views of Marine Drive and the Arabian Sea. The locality has serene and high-end hotels in Mumbai.
12. Rani Baug (Byculla Zoo)
Also known as Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo, Rani Baug is a historic botanical garden and zoo located in Byculla. It's home to a variety of animals, lush greenery, and even a heritage museum. A great spot for families and nature lovers alike, it offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the city. Nearby, you'll find several budget hotels and places to stay in Mumbai, all easily bookable on Qwiksta.
13. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)
Located just a short walk from CST, this premier museum is one of the finest in India. It houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, sculptures, decorative arts, and textiles from across the country. The Indo-Saracenic architecture and beautifully maintained gardens also make it a visual delight. It's a must-visit for history buffs and families alike. Staying in Colaba or Fort gives you easy access to this cultural gem, along with plenty of budget-friendly hotels and charming cafes.
14. Kanheri Caves
Found inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park, these Buddhist caves are a marvel of history. Pair this visit with a picnic or trek. A perfect destination for those seeking weekend getaways near Mumbai.
15. Nehru Planetarium
Located in Worli, the Nehru Planetarium is a perfect stop for space enthusiasts and families alike. With immersive shows on astronomy, science exhibits, and a tranquil surrounding area, it offers a refreshing experience away from the city’s chaos. It's near the sea-facing promenade and Nehru Science Centre, making it ideal for a half-day visit. Worli also offers some of the best places to stay in Mumbai, ranging from budget-friendly hotels to luxury hotels in Mumbai, all easily bookable via Qwiksta.
Where to Stay: Hotels for Every Traveller with Qwiksta
While discovering all these best places in Mumbai, your experience as a traveller rests heavily on where you are staying. Fortunately, Qwiksta makes Mumbai hotel booking easy, providing individualized suggestions for each kind of traveller: couples, solo travellers, and families.
Best Places to Stay in Mumbai
- Colaba & Fort: Great for first-timers; close to most famous places in Mumbai like the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, and art galleries. Offers a mix of budget hotels and boutique stays.
- Stay at: Hotel Girgaon Palace in Colaba — a comfortable and convenient choice for exploring South Mumbai’s iconic spots.
- Bandra & Khar: Hip, young, and proximity to cafes, shopping roads, and nightlife. Great for those who want a trendy, relaxed Mumbai experience with connectivity to the western suburbs as well as South Mumbai.
- Stay at: Glass House With Double Bathtub in Bandra, great for couples and those who want a chic, one-of-a-kind experience.
- Juhu & Andheri: Near beaches, the airport, and some of Mumbai's luxury hotels. Juhu provides beach-like relaxation while Andheri gets you there quickly to any other area in the city.
- Stay at: Hotel Juhu Inn in Juhu, a minute's drive from the beach, with comfortable rooms and food joints nearby.
- Powai & BKC: These are called business clusters, with these areas boasting stylish hotels, good cafes, and easy access to North Mumbai's secret gems such as Powai Lake and IIT-Bombay.
- Stay at: Hotel VRO Boutique in Powai, a contemporary and highly-rated choice perfect for business and holiday tourists.
- Dadar & Prabhadevi: Well-connected with proximity to temples such as Siddhivinayak, local bazaars, and sea walks. An excellent option for experiencing true Mumbai.
- Stay at: Hotel Dadar Rooms in Dadar, a safe bet for convenient connectivity and local cultural experience.
Best Hotels in Mumbai for Couples
If you’re looking for the best area to stay in Mumbai or hotels in Mumbai for couples, Qwiksta offers verified listings that ensure comfort, safety, and privacy. Areas like Bandra, Colaba, and Juhu are especially popular for romantic getaways.
Qwiksta helps you find the best Mumbai places to stay with real-time availability, reviews, and the ability to book by the hour, perfect for overnight stays or layovers.
Weekend Getaways Around Mumbai
If you're planning to extend your holiday or wish to venture out of city boundaries, there are several weekend getaways around Mumbai that you can organise:
- Lonavala & Khandala: For monsoon wonder and beauty
- Alibaug: For the beach and relaxed coastal atmosphere
- Matheran: A small hill station with no vehicles permitted
- Nashik: For wine enthusiasts and vineyard excursions
Qwiksta also assists you in arranging stays at these locations, ensuring your city escape is hassle-free.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back for more, Mumbai is an experience like no other. From the historic and best places to visit in Mumbai to the local flavours of its markets and beaches, every corner has a story to tell. But to truly enjoy your trip, choosing the right place to stay is just as important.
With Qwiksta, you need not worry about last-minute hotel trouble. Enjoy access to the best hotels in Mumbai, the convenience of booking at any time, and an extensive choice of affordable hotels and bidding hotels in Mumbai in one destination.
So pack your bags, charge your camera, and begin checking off this list of best places in Mumbai with Qwiksta by your side.
Explore. Stay. Repeat. With Qwiksta.
