Mumbai: The Ultimate Blend of Old & New

Day 1: Gateway to Mumbai

Start your journey at the Gateway of India, a majestic colonial arch standing tall against the Arabian Sea. This iconic structure was built in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. For breakfast, head to Kyani & Co., a charming Parsi café loved for its Irani chai and bun maska—a true taste of old Bombay. Midday, admire the Gothic beauty of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and vibrant railway bustle. Enjoy lunch at Mahesh Lunch Home, a local legend for Mangalorean seafood, especially its prawn gassi. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in history at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum. Come evening, walk along Marine Drive, affectionately called the "Queen’s Necklace" for its crescent of twinkling lights. For dinner, indulge in butter garlic crab at the iconic Trishna, and end your first night with cocktails and sweeping skyline views at Aer Bar, perched atop the Four Seasons Hotel.

 

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Begin your day with a ferry ride to the Elephanta Caves, located on an island in Mumbai Harbour. These ancient rock-cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva date back to the 5th century and offer a mystical escape. After the ferry ride, grab breakfast at Café Mondegar, a Colaba classic with retro jukebox vibes and a filling breakfast menu. For lunch, feast on a traditional Maharashtrian thali at Aaswad, a no-frills local favorite with bold, authentic flavors. Spend your afternoon wandering Crawford Market, a colonial-era bazaar buzzing with colors, spices, and local life. In the evening, dive into Mumbai’s legendary food scene with a guided street food tour—sampling pav bhaji, pani puri, and bhel puri. Follow it up with a hearty dinner at BadeMiya, an iconic kebab joint that comes alive after dark. Wind down at The Bombay Canteen, a favorite among locals for its creative cocktails and stylish setting.

 

Day 3: Nature and Spirituality

Escape the urban chaos with a morning at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, a lush green escape within city limits, home to leopards, deer, and the ancient Kanheri Caves. After your nature walk, enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast at Ram Ashraya in Matunga, known for soft idlis and aromatic filter coffee. Lunch is at Britannia & Co., a legendary Irani café serving signature dishes like berry pulao and salli boti. In the afternoon, visit the Global Vipassana Pagoda, a massive golden dome symbolizing peace and meditation. As evening sets in, take part in a hands-on cooking class with a local host, where you'll learn to prepare classic Indian curries and rotis. Dinner is the delicious result of your own culinary skills. Cap off the night at Gadda Da Vida, a beach-facing lounge where you can sip a cocktail while listening to the waves.

 

Day 4: Art and History

Delve into Mumbai’s creative side at the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, the city’s oldest museum, celebrating local craftsmanship and heritage. For breakfast, enjoy the spicy kick of misal pav at Aaswad, a dish loved by Mumbaikars. At lunchtime, head to The Table, one of Mumbai’s finest restaurants serving global cuisine with locally-sourced ingredients. Spend your afternoon exploring the Kala Ghoda Art Precinct, filled with galleries, chic boutiques, and vibrant street art. In the evening, catch a show at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), showcasing everything from classical music to contemporary theatre. For dinner, enjoy seafood with a sea breeze at Bistro on the Beach, then wrap up your night with a craft beer at Gateway Taproom, a local favorite for small-batch brews.

 

Day 5: Mumbai’s Hidden Gems

Step back in time with a morning visit to Banganga Tank, a serene ancient water tank nestled in Walkeshwar Temple Complex—one of Mumbai’s oldest sacred sites. For breakfast, grab a spicy vada pav from the legendary Ashok Vadapav stall. Lunch is a traditional Gujarati feast at Shree Thaker Bhojanalay, known for its generous vegetarian thalis. Spend your afternoon at Chor Bazaar, or "Thieves Market," a chaotic but charming hub for antiques, Bollywood memorabilia, and quirky finds. In the evening, head to Juhu Beach to mingle with locals and snack on roasted corn or gola (flavored ice). Dinner awaits at Olive Bar & Kitchen, an upscale Mediterranean restaurant tucked in a leafy Bandra lane. Finish your night at The Sassy Spoon, where the cocktails are as inventive as the décor.

 

Day 6: A Day in Colaba

Start your day wandering Colaba Causeway, a shopping paradise lined with local stalls and indie boutiques. Fun Fact: It’s also home to Leopold Café, where you can stop for breakfast and soak in the lively atmosphere. For lunch, head to Sarvi Restaurant, where the melt-in-your-mouth kebabs and spicy mutton dishes have earned a cult following. In the afternoon, visit the Nehru Science Centre, an interactive museum perfect for curious minds of all ages. Spend your evening browsing Colaba Market, a great spot for souvenirs, handicrafts, and people-watching. For dinner, head back to The Sassy Spoon in Colaba for a stylish fusion meal. End the night with cocktails at The Bombay Electric, a trendy bar with a cool crowd and killer drinks.

 

Day 7: Adventure & Modern Mumbai

Wrap up your trip with some indoor thrills at Ski India, an indoor snow park offering skiing, snowboarding, and winter fun right in the city. For breakfast, head to The Nutcracker, a chic spot loved for its fluffy pancakes and egg dishes. Lunch is a relaxed affair at Bistro 1 in Powai, with lake views and continental fare. Spend a quiet afternoon at Lodhi Garden, a scenic space (a short trip out of town) where Mughal-era tombs meet serene walkways—ideal for reflecting on your trip. For your final evening, treat yourself at the opulent Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Dinner is a fine-dining experience at Wasabi by Morimoto, offering world-class Japanese cuisine. Celebrate your last night with a drink at The Zodiac Grill, an elegant bar offering stellar cocktails in a classy setting.

 

Essential Tips for Mumbai Travel

Visa: Most visitors require an Indian e-Visa, which can be applied for online.
 

Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes for walking; some religious sites may require shoe removal.
 

Health Precautions: Carry hand sanitizer and avoid tap water.
 

Water Safety: Always drink bottled or filtered water.
 

Mobile Apps: Use Google Maps, Uber, Ola, and Zomato for navigation and food.
 

Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly, especially at religious sites.
 

Language: Marathi and Hindi are official languages; English is widely spoken.
 

Public Behavior: Avoid public displays of affection; be respectful in crowded spaces.
 

Transportation: Use Uber/Ola or auto-rickshaws; local trains can be overwhelming but are a cultural experience.
 

Health and Safety: Stay hydrated, avoid spicy street food if sensitive, and carry basic meds.
 

Emergency Numbers: Police – 100, Ambulance – 102, Fire – 101
 

Money: Carry cash for street markets, though cards and digital payments are widely accepted.
 

Cultural Considerations: Greet with “Namaste” and respect local customs.
 

Best Time to Visit: November to February for pleasant weather.
 

Time Zone: IST (Indian Standard Time), UTC +5:30.