Things to do & Places to Visit on Your First Visit to Mumbai
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Planning your first trip to Mumbai? Whether you’re booking a Delhi to Mumbai flight, searching for flight tickets to Mumbai, or simply daydreaming about the city by the sea, get ready— Mumbai has a way of surprising you at every turn.
Loud, lively, effervescent, and endlessly energetic, Mumbai is where history meets hustle and dreams run on caffeine and sea breeze. From iconic landmarks and buzzing neighbourhoods to midnight snacks and seaside walks, this megapolis has it all!
If it’s your first time here, this guide will help you experience Mumbai like a local—while still ticking off the must-see sights.
The Top Things to Do for Your First Time in Mumbai
Mumbai is best explored one neighbourhood at a time. Start slow, walk where you can, and let the city reveal itself between landmarks.
1. Exploring Colaba
If Mumbai had a ‘starter pack,’ Colaba would be first on the list. This vibrant area in South Mumbai blends colonial charm with everyday chaos in the most delightful way.
Wander through Colaba Causeway for street shopping, quirky finds, and souvenir hunting (it’s one of the best places to shop for junk jewellery and Kolhapuri slippers). Step into iconic cafés (like Leopold and Mondegar), browse independent bookstores, or simply sit with a coffee and watch the city go by. It’s lively without being overwhelming—perfect for first-time visitors.
Tip: Bargaining here is practically a sport. So, make sure to play along!
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2. Gateway of India and Front Bay
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Early morning or golden hour—either way, the Gateway of India is unmissable. Standing proudly by the Arabian Sea, it’s one of Mumbai’s most recognisable landmarks and a symbol of the city’s layered colonial history.
Right next to it is the Front Bay, where ferries bob gently and the sea breeze offers instant relief from the city buzz. Even if you’re not hopping on a boat, the view alone is worth lingering for.
3. CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus)
CST is where Mumbai’s romance with chaos becomes visible. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is both a historic marvel and a fully functioning railway station—because in Mumbai, life doesn’t pause for aesthetics. Admire the stunning Gothic architecture, then stay a moment longer to watch thousands of commuters move with purpose. It’s fast, fascinating, and completely unforgettable.
Tip: Its façade is lit up after dark and makes for a fantastic post on your Instagram grid!
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4. Prince of Wales Museum
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Officially called Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, this museum is your calm pause button. Set inside a beautiful Indo-Saracenic building, it houses art, artefacts, and exhibits that tell stories from across India. The museum is a wonderful stop if you’re travelling with kids. It’s ideal if you want a break from crowds without stepping away from culture. Bonus: the gardens outside are just as lovely as what’s inside.
5. Nightlife in Mumbai
Mumbai doesn’t believe in early nights. From buzzing bars and live music venues to late-night cafés and street food joints, the city stays awake— so you can too.
Bandra, Lower Parel, and Andheri are popular nightlife hubs, but if you want something quieter, head to Marine Drive. A late-night walk here, with the city lights reflecting off the sea, is pure Mumbai magic.
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6. How to Travel to Mumbai in India
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Getting to Mumbai is easy; staying longer than planned is the tricky part.
The city is extremely well-connected by air, with frequent options for Bengaluru to Mumbai flights, Ahmedabad to Mumbai flight routes, and other major cities routes. Many travellers prefer to fly to Mumbai thanks to the convenience and option to save time on the commute.
Before you travel, compare flight tickets to Mumbai to find the best fares. Once you book an airline ticket, don’t forget to check your flight status and complete your web check in ahead of time—it makes your airport experience smoother and quicker.
Mumbai’s airport is well-connected to the city via taxis and app-based cabs, so reaching your hotel can be seamless, even if it’s your first visit.
You can check affordable Akasa Air flights to Mumbai from Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and more.
Let Mumbai Work Its Magic
Mumbai doesn’t try to impress—it just shows up as itself. A little messy, incredibly warm, endlessly ambitious, and full of stories waiting to be discovered.
For first-time visitors, the city offers a perfect mix of iconic sights, cultural depth, and everyday moments that stay with you long after the trip ends. Come with a plan but leave room for detours—that’s where Mumbai truly shines.
So, whether you’re here for a short stay or a longer escape, get ready to explore, eat, walk, and wander. Mumbai will take care of the rest.
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