Mumbai India Maharashtra Places to visit

Explore Mumbai – Top 15 Places to Visit in Mumbai Not to Miss

written by Umang Trivedi December 31, 2024

As many of us know, Mumbai is often referred to as the city of dreams. You are a new entrant to this city. You will be looking for places to visit in Mumbai with your family and friends. The city is popular not only for its diverse culture and dynamic lifestyle. Yes, the city is known for its attractions as well. You might be a beach lover. Otherwise, you might be a history buff. Even, you can be a person interested in exploring vibrant cityscapes. In all these cases, Mumbai offers something for everyone. I am here to share information about the top 15 places to visit in Mumbai.

Top 15 Places to Visit in Mumbai

In this blog post on the best places to visit in Mumbai, let us consider Mumbai Central Railway Station as the centre point. From this station, you can learn how long these places are located.

1. Gateway of India

Mumbai is often seen as synonymous with the Gateway of Mumbai. Many people visit the city mainly to see this attraction. So, it is indeed, one of the best places to visit in Mumbai. Located within a 6.9 km drive via the Manish Road, this attraction stands as a monument to commemorate the visit of a British Monarch.

Gateway of India proudly faces the Arabian Sea
From this attraction, you can take a boat ride to Elephanta Caves
You can choose to visit this attraction during mornings or evenings when the sun is not harsh
During early mornings and late evenings, you can take some stunning pictures here
This is the best place to enjoy some cool breeze
You can complete your dinner at a local eatery in this region

2. Marine Drive

Do you wish that one of the places to visit in Mumbai you choose should be the best promenade? If so, you can confidently opt for a visit to the Marine Drive. Marine Drive is a road that is 3 km long. The attractive thing about this drive is that it faces the sea. The curvy road looks like a necklace around the Arabian Sea Coast. This is why Marine Drive is referred to as Queen’s Necklace. After dusk, the streetlights on this road look like a necklace with gems. Seeing Marine Drive after dusk is an experience you should not miss out on.

You can take a long walk or simply sit on the promenade watching the sea
Make sure to visit this place just before the sunset
It will be exciting to watch the curve of street lights lighting up after sunset
It is the best spot to take night photographs in Mumbai.
In the evening, the sea breeze touching your face will be a great experience

If you love to visit water parks in Mumbai, my post on 14 Stunning Waterfalls Near Mumbai can help you.

3. Hanging Gardens

Again, if you are looking for one of the places to visit in Mumbai located close to the Central Railway Station, you can choose Hanging Gardens. You can reach this place within a 4.3 km drive from the Mumbai Central Railway Station. It is perched atop the Malabar Hills, it is a huge terraced urban park. The park was constructed to add to the green cover of the city. It has well-maintained green hedges cut in different shapes. Also, the park has a well-maintained walking track that attracts locals in large numbers.

The attraction is open from 5 am to 9 pm every day
From the top of this garden, you can see the beauty of Marine Drive
For refreshments, the park has snack and tea vendors
The garden has a huge shoe-shaped house that your kids will love to play

4. Mani Bhavan

Do you like the preachings of Mahatma Gandhi? Would you like to go to one of the places to visit in Mumbai related to the Father of the Nation? If so, you can go to Mani Bhavan. We can call this place a peaceful adobe for the Mahatma in Mumbai. It is located within a 2 km reach from the Mumbai Central Railway Station.

Mani Bhavan is a historical museum
The museum is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi
It shows the contributions, work and life of the Mahatma dedicated to India’s freedom struggle
You can spend around one to two hours in this museum.

5. Mumbai Zoo

Mumbai Zoo, otherwise called Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo is one of the important places to visit in Mumbai with kids. Established in 1861, it is one of the oldest zoos in India spread over 50 acres of land. The zoo is home to a wide range of reptiles, birds and animals from around the world. You can see animals like snakes, crocodiles, monkeys, deer, rhinoceroses, elephants, leopards, lions and tigers. In addition to animal exhibits, the zoo has botanical gardens with a wide range of trees and plants.

Before you visit the zoo, do not forget to check the zoo’s schedule for feeding sessions and educational talks.
Also, you can look for schedules for animal shows to improve the experience
Make sure to plan your visit early in the morning so that you can see animals when they are active
You can spend around 2-3 hours with your kids in this zoo.
The zoo is located within a 3 km distance from Mumbai Central Railway Station

6. Kamala Nehru Park

If you would like to choose a park as one of the best places to visit in Mumbai, you can choose Kamala Nehru Park. At this park, you can expect a serene escape from the busy city life. You can reach this park within a 5 km reach from the Mumbai Central Railway Station.

The park is popular for its stunning views of the city and well-maintained gardens
One of the key attractions in the park is the giant shoe-shaped structure
You can climb to the top of this structure to get a panoramic view of the important attractions in the city
You can see Chowpatty Beach and Marine Drive from the top of the shoe
The park has a dedicated play area for kids

7. Shree Siddhivinayak Temple

In case you are thinking about spiritual places to visit in Mumbai, you can think about a visit to Shree Siddhivinayak Temple. It is a prominent Hindu temple located around 7 km away from the Mumbai Central Railway Station. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and it is one of the most visited and revered temples in the city. Many celebrities visit this temple as it is popular for its attractive architecture and religious importance.

Try to visit this temple during weekdays to avoid heavy crowds
You can expect a serene and spiritual environment at this temple
The temple complex is maintained well
The main shrine is made of black stone and beautified with gold jewellery

8. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)

You might wonder whether a terminus is one of the best places to visit in Mumbai. In reality, this railway station in the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historical masterpiece was built by combining Indian and Gothic architecture.

At CSMT, you can admire stained glass windows, intricate carvings and the grandeur of the entire building
Also, you can explore the nearby bustling markets
You can visit this place in the evenings as the station is illuminated well
The illuminated CSMT looks even more beautiful

9. Elephanta Caves

One of the best places to visit in Mumbai as approved both by locals and tourists is Elepahta Caves. This is again a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can see rock-cut caves that date back to the 5^th century at this place.

You can see the attractive structure of Hindu Deities in these caves
Do not forget to see the most popular sculpture of Lord Shiva with three faces
You will have to take a ferry ride from Gateway of India to reach these caves
You can cover both Elephanta Caves and Gateway of India visit on the same day
Try visiting this place between November and February for pleasant weather

10. Haji Ali Durgah

Located within a 1.8 km drive from Mumbai Central Railway Station, this is one of the religious places to visit in Mumbai. This dargah is located on an islet off the coast of Worli. It is an attractive tomb and mosque constructed in memory of Haji Ali. He was a wealthy merchant, who became a saint. This attraction stands as an example of Indo-Islamic architecture.

The unique location of the dargah with the sea surrounding it adds to its aesthetic appeal
You can try visiting this spot on low-tide days. Only then, you can walk along the causeway that leads you to the dargah.
You can visit this dargah at any time other than during monsoon season. The reason is that during monsoon the path to this dargah remains submerged

11. Colaba Causeway

If you are looking for places to visit in Mumbai mainly for shopping, you can choose Colaba Causeway. This bustling shopping street is popular for a combination of cafes, boutiques and street vendors. In addition to shopping, the romantic ambience and its proximity to many other attractions make Colaba Causeway the best place to visit.

You can find a lot of cafes and restaurants in Colaba Causeway
Also, when you are here, you can visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum if you are a cultural and history enthusiast
When you are here, you can visit the Cathedral of Holy Name
You can take a perfect stroll in this shopping region
It is a paradise for shoppers with a wide range of stalls, galleries and boutiques.

12. Chowpatty Beach

Chowpatty Beach is one of the best beaches near Mumbai. It is one of the best places to visit in Mumbai as well. From the Mumbai Central Railway Station, you can reach this beach within a 5.7 km drive. This beach is highly popular among the locals as it is where the Ganesha Idol immersion happens after Ganesh Chaturthi. It is popular for its delicious street food and its carnival-like environment.

The best time to visit this beach is during evening hours
You will find a lot of street food vendors on this beach
You can indulge in a relaxing evening walk along the beach
Spending time playing in the sand with your kids will be an enjoyable experience

13. Worli Sea Face

If you are looking for the best places to visit in Mumbai, where you can take a comfortable evening stroll, Worli Sea Face is the best place to choose. It is one of the famous promenades in Mumbai. It is popular for its excellent views of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. You can take a comfortable evening stroll in the serene atmosphere.

You can take some photos on the sea link
You can enjoy the sea breeze
This place is reachable within a 5.5 km drive from the Mumbai Central Railway Station
During high tides, you can see the waves crash against the shore
You can get dramatic views in the evenings, particularly during monsoon

14. Mahalakshmi Racecourse

Do you wish to watch horse racing in Mumbai? If so, Mahalakshmi Racecourse is one of the best places to visit in Mumbai. At this place, you can get a glimpse into the colonial past of Mumbai. Not only horse race enthusiasts but also fitness enthusiasts and joggers, this is one of the best places in Mumbai for a comfortable visit.

You can go for a morning walk around the outer periphery of the Race Course
The best time to visit the Race Course is during the racing season
The racing season is between November and April
You can reach the Mahalakshmi Race Course within a 3.4 km drive from Mumbai Central Railway Station.

15. Flora Fountain

As you are searching for the best places to visit in Mumbai, you can consider visiting Flora Fountain. You can understand the colonial past of Mumbai from this fountain. It is located in the Southern End of the historic business district of Mumbai.