17 Most Popular Places to Visit in Mumbai

Lovingly called the ‘City of Dreams’, Mumbai is known for its pulsating vibe and amazing charm that spreads like magic.

Though the city serves as the commercial capital of India it is also home to a number of tourist attractions. It attracts business as well as leisure travelers from all around the world in huge numbers, every year.

This city, formerly known as Bombay, knows how to capture the fast-paced mode of life. From beaches to caves and temples, it has everything. The blog enlists some of the most famous places to visit in Mumbai that should not be given a miss. Read On…

Check here the top 17 places to visit in Mumbai:

Gateway of India
Elephanta Caves
Kanheri Caves
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Jehangir Art Gallery
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Siddhivinayak Temple
Mahalaxmi Temple
Haji Ali Dargah
Cathedral of The Holy Name
Chowpatty Beach
Essel World
Adlabs Imagica Theme Park
Nehru Planetarium
Nehru Science Museum
Hanging Garden
Chhota Kashmir Park

1. Gateway of India

Constructed during the British Raj in 1924, the colossal Gateway of India in Mumbai today is one of the best places to visit in the city.

Placed along the Arabian Sea, it overlooks Mumbai’s harbor. Designed in the Ind-Saracenic architectural style, it was mainly constructed to memorialize the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay.

The complete construction took 4 years. A prime attraction in Mumbai, Gateway of India is a hit destination among domestic as well as foreigners.

The area around it is surrounded by vendors selling street snacks and other items, photographers, and balloon sellers. This attraction attracts crowds all day long.

Placed in the Colaba area of South Mumbai, it is very close to Elephanta caves which is another popular sightseeing option.

2. Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 by UNESCO.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elephanta caves is located around 11 km north-eastwards from the Gateway of India. These caves are placed on an island, called Gharapuri.

Also called the ‘City of Caves’, this place is a prized possession of the rock art culture of India. The ancient archaeological relics are proof of the rich cultural past.

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These caves were etched out between the mid-5^th and 6^th centuries AD. Though there are 7 cave excavation caves here the most important is Cave number 1, which belongs to Lord Shiva with a ‘Trimurti Sadashiva’ statue on its entrance.

3. Kanheri Caves

Lying inside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Kanheri caves are also a famous place to visit in Mumbai.

Located on the western outskirts of the city, these caves are a collection of rock-cut architecture remains, dedicated to Buddhist religion, culture, and art. Kanheri caves have been etched out from a huge basaltic rock formation and are around 7 km from the main gate of the national park.

A total of 109 caves, were carved between the 1^st century BCE and 10th century CE and contain carvings of Buddhist scriptures as well as sculptures on the pillars and walls.

While most of them were used as Buddhist Viharas for studying, living, and meditation, the larger ones were Chaityas or caves for group worship.

4. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is also known as the Prince of Wales Museum. It is a famous place to visit near the Gateway of India.

Probably the best and the biggest museum of the Mumbai city, it showcases artifacts from all over the country. Built in 1923 and designed by George Wittet, it has an interesting architecture that is a mix of Hindu, Islamic, and British styles.

It houses over 50,000 memorabilia of ancient Indian History and those from other countries, placed under 3 sections- Art, Archaeology, and Natural History.

The museum also displays artifacts of the Indus Valley Civilization and remnants of ancient dynasties of India like Mauryas, Guptas, and Chalukyas.

After a recent renovation, a new gallery of contemporary art and a new miniature painting gallery have been added.

5. Jehangir Art Gallery

Inaugurated on 21^st January 1952, Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai is placed right behind the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. Located in the Kala Ghoda area of Mumbai, the gallery is known as an important venue for Indian artists to showcase their works.

There are a total of 4 exhibition halls in the Jehangir art gallery. The popularity and the prestige of the gallery can be guessed from the fact that the popular artists have to wait for a couple of months to showcase their work here. If you are an art lover, this gallery is a must-visit. It is open all days between 11:00 am to 07:00 pm and the entry is free.

6. Sanjay Gandhi National Park

If you are fond of wildlife, Sanjay Gandhi National Park should be on your Itinerary! Formerly known as Borivali National Park, it surely comes in the list of best places to visit in Mumbai.

The rich flora and fauna of the park attract a huge number of visitors each year and make it one of the most-visited national parks in Asia. 2400-year-old Kanheri Caves, lying within the park is another attraction here.

Spread over 104 sq km of an area, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park is home to 40 mammal species, 38 reptile species, 50,000 insect species, 251 avifauna species, 150 butterfly species, and around 1000 species of plants. Do not miss spotting the big cats here during your wildlife safari.

7. Siddhivinayak Temple

Famous Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shri Ganesh.

A famous Hindu temple in Mumbai, Siddhivinayak Temple is located in the Prabhadevi area, near Dadar railway station. This temple was constructed way back in the year 1881. The temple receives thousands of devotees on a daily basis.

The small hall or mandap has the idol of Lord Vinayaka or Lord Ganesha who fulfills the wishes of all his devotees. While the huge wooden doors gave carvings of the 8 manifestations of Lord Ganesha, Ashtavinayak, the inner roof is gold plated.

The beautiful idol of the Lord in black stone stands in the middle. On both sides of this idol, there are idols of the better halves of the Lord, Riddhi, and Siddhi.

8. Mahalaxmi Temple

Built by a Hindu merchant Dhakji Dadji in 1831, Mahalaxmi temple is one of the religious sites in Mumbai.

The temple is dedicated to Mahalakshmi, the main deity of Devi Mahatmyam. Located on Bhulabhai Desai Road in the Mahalaxmi area, it attracts the followers of this Goddess of wealth in huge numbers.

The temple has well-adorned idols of Goddess Mahalaxmi, Goddess Mahakali, and Goddess Mahasaraswati, beautified with necklaces, bangles, nose rings, and more.

The temple bustles with heavy pilgrim rush during the Navaratri festival. The complex of the temple also has small stalls selling garlands and other things that are used by the devotees during worship.

9. Haji Ali Dargah

Haji Ali ki Dargah — Most famous Islamic site to visit in South Mumbai.

Visited by people of all religious faiths, Haji Ali Dargah is a popular landmark, placed on an islet around 500 yards from the seashore in the Arabian Sea.

A superb display of Indo-Islamic architectural styles, this dargah or mosque, also consists of the tomb of Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a merchant who denounced all worldly matters and later became a saint.

A narrow cemented path leads to the mosque and it is accessible only during low tides. Visit the mosque and soak in the spirituality.

You can see the courtyard full of people. The cool breeze coming from the seaside enlivens the atmosphere.

The marble courtyard behind the entrance consists of the main shrine- a tomb covered with red and green brocaded chaddar, within a silver frame having support of marble pillars.

10. Cathedral of The Holy Name

Located in Colaba, South Mumbai, the Cathedral of the Holy Name is a Roman Catholic cathedral that is also the seat of the Archbishop of Bombay as well as the headquarters of the Archdiocese of Bombay. This magnificent cathedral was constructed as a replacement for an older church in Bhuleshwar.

Opened in 1905, this cathedral has walls and ceilings adorned with some beautiful artworks, pipe organs, and beautiful frescoes. There is a huge hanging bell outside the church that is a gift from Pope Paul VI who came here in the year 1964.

11. Chowpatty Beach

One of the best place to see Sunset view in Mumbai. — Chowpatty Beach – One of the best beaches for outings in Mumbai

Chowpatty Beach is counted as a famous beach in the city. It is popular among tourists and famous for being the best place for an outing in Mumbai with loved ones. Located northwards of Marine Drive, the Chowpatty beach bustles with activity as a picnic spot on all the days of the week. One can not only indulge in fun activities but also gorge on the sumptuous street food of Mumbai, such as sev puri, bhel puri, batata puri, pao bhaji, and so on. Quench your thirst with fresh coconut water. During the evening, children and their families can enjoy rides such as ferry wheels, take a leisure stroll, ride a pony, and enjoy the cool sea breeze.

12. Essel World

India’s largest amusement park, Essel World, is one of Mumbai’s most fantastic places to go with children. Opened in 1986, this amusement park can be visited on all days of the week between 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (weekdays), and 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (weekends). Placed on Gorai Island, this park has activities and fun rides for children and adults. It is also an adjoining water park offering interesting water-based games and rides. There is a huge food court also inside the park. Monsters in the Mist, Crazy Cups, Super Telecombat, Slippery Sultan, Rio Grande Train, Mini Telecombat, and Happy Sky are some of the most entertaining rides here. This amusement park offers a wide variety of fun and thrill for every age group. Hence, it is one of the best places to visit in Mumbai with kids to create memories that last forever.

13. Adlabs Imagica Theme Park

Open on all days of the week, Adlabs Imagica Theme Park Mumbai is gradually becoming a popular picnic spot for the city’s locals. That is not all. Even tourists visiting Mumbai can add this theme park to their bucket list if they love rides. Opened in 2013, this fantastic theme park offers several star rides that have become its prime attraction. Some popular rides include Happy Wheels, Humpty’s Fall, Wagon-O-O-Wheel, The Detective Bow Wow Show, Salimgarh, and Rajasaurus River Adventure. Adlabs Imagica Theme Park Mumbai also boasts 5 theme-based restaurants serving a lip-smacking variety of food. If you are interested in water-based rides, a water park has also recently opened adjoining it, offering some terrific rides.

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14. Nehru Planetarium

Nehru Planetarium was founded in 1977 and is one of the best places to see in Mumbai. This dome-shaped building is placed in Worli and is quite popular among space enthusiasts, astronomers, and children. The Planetarium is also the site of logical study for amateur space science and astronomy scientists. This building has an astronomical center, a gas concert, and a movie auditorium. Adjoining the main building are a library, an art gallery with 14 galleries, a cultural center, and a restaurant. One of the prime attractions here is the nine cubicles where one can calculate the weight of all the 9 planets of the solar system.

15. Nehru Science Museum

Nehru Science Centre — India’s largest interactive science center is located in Worli, Mumbai.

Named after and dedicated to Pandit Jawaharlal Lal Nehru’s ideals of enlightened inquisitiveness and scientific temper, the Nehru Science Museum is a place of interest for those with a scientific mindset. This place has over 500 science displays and exhibits on different topics like sound, transport, energy, kinematics, mechanics, and so on, in the various galleries and the science park. This museum also becomes the venue of numerous science expositions of different themes. It is India’s largest interactive science center and is placed in Worli. It was inaugurated in the year 1985.

16. Hanging Garden

Hanging Garden Mumbai — Hanging garden is known for its splendid green vegetation and animal-shaped hedges

Also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, the Hanging Garden is a layered or terraced garden on the top western side of the Malabar Hills, right in front of Kamla Nehru Park. The garden offers some fantastic sunset views over the Arabian Sea. Established over a reservoir by Ulhas Ghapokar in 1881, it also houses several enclosures carved into the shape of several animals. This well-maintained garden is a real treat to the eyes due to its lush vegetation and greenery. Enjoy the cool breeze and a leisurely walk around the park. Do not miss clicking photographs. The garden is also famous among locals for walks and yoga sessions. It is one of the best places to see in Mumbai.

17. Chhota Kashmir Park

Chota Kashmir is a paradise for nature lovers.

A relatively lesser-known park, Chhota Kashmir Park is an ideal place to enjoy along with your loved ones during the weekends. A former popular location of a number of Bollywood songs, this park also has a lake where visitors can enjoy boat riding. In addition, visitors can treat their eyes to the lush greenery and colorful flowers and plan some great picnics here. This picturesque park is located in Aarey Milk Colony, Goregaon East. During boating, one can spot colorful birds, such as sunbirds, cuckoos, parrots, etc.

Conclusion

Mumbai is a charming city with different types of attractions for everyone. Everything can be enjoyed on your Mumbai vacation, from exciting activities to peaceful beaches for relaxing. The above list of the best tourist places in Mumbai gives you unlimited chances to make your vacation remarkable. Moreover, you can book a Mumbai tour package with us and include your choices of places in your tour.