Best 20 Places to Visit in and Around Mumbai

Posted On May 21, 2020

Mumbai, the Mayanagri (city of dreams) is a land with a spirit of gold and has captured the imagination of every soul that has had a taste of it. This financial capital of India will not only make you fall in love with the city but also your own self. Everyone has a story to tell when talking about aamchi Mumbai, some come here to fulfil their Bollywood dreams, while others try to make a fortune by working here and some may just travel past this beautiful place to experience a strange concoction of adventure, pace, and peace altogether. Being a travel entrepreneur and blogger myself, I can surely say if you are in Mumbai below given are some quintessential places in Mumbai and near you must visit because this city has something for everyone! So, without making any delay lets drive to the top 20 places to visit in and around Mumbai. 

Top 20 Places to Visit in and Around Mumbai

1. Gateway of India

As a historic slice of Mumbai and a strong significance with the heydays of the British Empire, it’s no surprise that the Gateway of India features top on the itinerary of many tourists. Initially built in 1911 to commemorate the arrival of British King George V and Queen Mary in India, it later served as an entry gate for Viceroys and the New Governors of Bombay. This beautiful man-made monument of Mumbai located at the waterfront at Apollo Bunder continues to harness its hold over art, politics, and pop culture. Gateway of India is one of the best places to visit in Mumbai at night if you want to enjoy its pristine glory against the milieu of the sea. If you plan to visit this place, check the nearest metro stations to India Gate for your convenience.

2. Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP)

Established in 1969, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is the largest national park in the world located within city limits. It is spread across 104 kilometres, covering everything from lakes, caves, Jain temple, toy train, exotic flowers, and the natural forest area. It is also home to more than 250 species of birds, 150 species of butterflies, 78 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 40 species of mammals. The park is full of diversity and mesmerizing beauty that is attracting more than 2 million tourists every year. Spend a day exploring SGNP and you will only come back refreshed being close to nature.

3. Marine Drive

You should not get out of Mumbai without visiting Marine Drive at night. Also known as the Queen’s Necklace, Marine Drive is a 3.6km long arc-shaped boulevard along the coastline located in South Mumbai. It is known as a quintessential destination for travellers. Experience some calm in the city of Mumbai by just sitting and staring at the skylines while the waves splash around you. During and after sunset is the best time to visit Marine Drive. There are various restaurants, local food stalls, pubs, and clubs to make your night a happening one in Mumbai. This Miami of Mumbai has everything you need to refresh your soul.

4. Colaba Causeway

Colaba Causeway is a great place to shop in owing to the variety it has to offer. Being one of the best shopping destinations in Mumbai, Colaba Causeway is a true paradise for every Shopaholic. This lane is surrounded by old British Raj buildings including Gateway of India, Taj Hotel, and Cafe Mondegar that attracts lots of tourists every year. You can find amazing varieties of clothes, shoes, purses, sunglasses, trendy jewellery, and more. This is an ideal place if you want to have a cheap shopping experience in Mumbai. Just do not forget to try your bargaining skills before purchasing any item from Colaba Causeway.

5. Juhu Beach

Juhu Beach also known as Juhu Chowpatty Beach is the liveliest and busiest beach in Mumbai. Enveloped in a beautiful landscape, you won’t have a single boring moment when walking along this beach. Juhu is certainly one of the most visited beaches in India and is a preferred film shooting spot for cinemas. Here you can do horse riding, get mehndi designs, shop from local vendors, and try some popular aloo tikki, pani puri, ice gola, pav bhaji, butta, and other local culinary treats. One of the main reasons why it attracts many tourists and travellers is because Juhu is well maintained and considered the cleanest beaches in Mumbai.

6. Prithvi Theatre

This was built in the memory of Prithviraj Kapoor. It was built by his son Shashi Kapoor along with his wife Jennifer. It belongs to the Kapoor family. One of the most influential families in the theatre and cinema world. Prithvi Theatre is in Juhu and runs shows every day of the year except Mondays. It offers workshops and plays with a focus on children during the summers. They are also the hosts of a Theatre Festival in November for the public. During that festival, they promote international cinemas, documentaries and more. Prithvi Theatre is one of the most famous places in Mumbai that encourages the arts and people that have great talent.

7. Siddhivinayak Temple

The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir is in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesh. It is believed to have been built in 1801, by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil. The Siddhivinayak temple is one of the best places to visit in Mumbai if you are a believer or just want to see the architecture of the time. It is considered one of the richest temples in India. Thousands of devotees flock to this temple during the day, including the rich and poor. Famous people also can be seen coming into this temple to take blessings.

8. Film City

Built-in 1977 by the government, Film City is located near Sanjay Gandhi National park at Goregaon East in Mumbai. It was built to provide facilities to the film industry, one of the biggest industries in Mumbai, and give them concessions. It was renamed to Dadasaheb Phalke Nagar in 2001, who is considered the father of Indian film industry by many. He is also known as India’s first producer-director-screenwriter. It has a host of film-related locations including temples, courts, prison, mountains, man-made waterfalls, and more. Some of the best travel blogs in India also believe Film City is one of the best tourist places in Mumbai. If you travel to this place in Mumbai you will even maybe recognize many of the spots in the different movies you have seen.

9. Haji Ali Dargah

If you are in Mumbai, this is one place you must not miss. Located in the southern part of Mumbai, Haji Ali is an islet off the coast of Worli. It is a mosque or dargah dedicated to Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a merchant from Uzbekistan, who was also a Sufi Saint. Built keeping in mind Islamic architecture, this Dargah is certainly a beauty to explore. It is believed to have been built in 1431. Thousands of devotees and interested people come here to marvel in its beauty every day.

10. Essel World

Essel World is considered one of the largest amusement parks in Mumbai. They have multiple attractions and have packages based on what you want. Essel World is located on the Coastal Gorai Village in Northwest Mumbai. It offers amusement parks, hotels, restaurants and more. You can also book hotel rooms if you want to spend a little more time there. Perfect for school outings, an outing with friends or just for the adventurous person in you. If you travel to Mumbai do try and visit this place.

11. Lonavala

If you are looking for places to visit in Mumbai, Lonavala could be one of the many places to go to. It is a hill station surrounded by a green valley, which is just 2 hours from Mumbai. Many people consider this as a honeymoon spot as well. Bushi Dam, Tiger Point, Wax Museum and Kune Falls are some of the attractions of Lonavala. If you are looking for good vegetarian restaurants to eat in Lonavala, you must try out Chandralok hotel in Rao Colony. It is a hill station and is considered a great outing during the monsoons. A visit to Lonavala, and nearby Khandala, could also be an event you can manage in a day. Travel on the express road is an additional treat.

12. Matheran

Another hill station, Matheran is in the Raigad District. Located in the Western Ghats and is about 90 km from Mumbai. It is one of those weekend getaways that can be fun with friends and family. Matheran is an eco-sensitive region and automobile-free hill station. However, their main attractions are horse rides and their toy train. There are multiple points you can go to in Matheran that give you breathtaking views of the surrounding township. Go there and get absolved of the beautiful architecture that the British have left behind.

13. Rajmachi Fort

If you love your history, Rajmachi Fort is a must-visit place when you are in Mumbai. It is located in the Western Ghats, on the hills of Sahyadri. It has two fortresses Shriwardhan Ballekilla and Manaranjan Balekilla. A sight to see that has a wide plateau. It can be easily said that the images do not do justice for the picturesque view. A protected monument today, it was believed to have been considered a strategic place during the First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782).

14. Alibag

Located in Raigad District, Maharashtra, Alibag is about 96 km from Mumbai. It is a coastal town that you must visit if you are travelling to Mumbai. The place has a very rich history and also is the host to the Synagogue in the “Israel Ali” or Israel lane. Alibag has a magnetic observatory. It was believed to have been set up in 1904. It is one of the most important observatories in India that is being run by the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism. The ocean is breathtaking and a sight to see.

15. Tapola

Often referred to as the Mini Kashmir, Tapola is close to the Shiv Sagar lake which is the main attraction here. This is a hill station that is a place of beauty. The sights, the view, the location are all mesmerising and a place that will encourage you to continue to revisit it. Tapola is a quiet getaway, do not expect the hustle-bustle of the city. You can just go and chill there. Be it having a vacation with friends or family or experience with the better half, this place is a must-see in places to visit in Mumbai.

16. Della Adventures

Widely known as one of the largest extreme parks in India, go to Della for a day trip or an overnight one. You can book the number of passes online and have the adventures of a lifetime. They also have suites and villas and rooms for different budgets and needs. They have restaurants, adventure sports, nightlife, bistro and more on offer. Apart from going there, you can also consider looking at other sights that are available in the locality. It is about 90 km from Mumbai, but the treats of a visit to this place are priceless.

17. Mahabaleshwar

A place of pilgrimage for Hindus, this beautiful hill station is where the Krishna river has its origins. Developed by the British, Mahabaleshwar is a beautiful hill station that has held its own as a place to visit. There are many places to see here including Old Mahabaleshwar, monkey point, Arthur point, Wilson point, pratapgad, mapro garden, venna lake, Kate’s point, and more. It is about a 5-hour ride from Mumbai. So ensure you make a plan for over a day. Maybe think of it as a weekend trip.

18. Malhar Machi

In the lap of the Sahyadri Mountains, this beautiful place gives you the best views of the world that surrounds us. If you are just looking to relax and get to a retreat, this resort lets you realize your need for calm. Malhar Machi is certainly a place for you. Go there to calm down and build self-realization. Go there for their hospitality. No adventure, just nature. Hotel Bhairavee is a vegetarian restaurant that serves up food and is accommodative of your needs.

19. Kamshet

Situated in the Maval Taluka of Maharashtra, this is certainly a must-go village in India if you are travelling to Mumbai. A beautiful place you can choose to go paragliding here if you want. If you want to do something that does not involve heights, you can go camping. This beautiful picturesque place offers something for everyone. Watch the sunset, walk down to the local stores and see what they are selling, all of this is an experience in itself.

20. Ajanta and Ellora Caves

This is a longish drive but will be a worthy one. Do take the time to travel here if you are in the area. This place of beauty dates back to the 2nd century BCE. It is a unique location where people come from different places and faiths to absorb the marvels of our forefathers. Each cave tells a story, and the only way to know and experience it while you do is to go there and live it. So, yes a little longer from Mumbai, but will be worth the while.

FAQ – Places to Visit in Mumbai

What is the best time to visit Mumbai?
Ideally, the best time to visit Mumbai is between December to March, when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season, when the rains could play spoilsport as you check out the places to visit in Mumbai.

What are the best places in Mumbai for street shopping?
The best places to visit in Mumbai for street shopping are the Chor Bazaar and the Fashion Street near Churchgate.

Which is the best place in Mumbai for food lovers?
Mumbai is a haven of street food. Among the best places to visit in Mumbai for food include the area around the Vile Parle Station and Girgaum Chowpatty for bhel puri!

What are the most popular things to do in Mumbai?
As a cosmopolitan metropolis, there are many places to visit in Mumbai, ranging from walking down Marine Drive to visiting the Ajanta Caves!

Which festivals in Mumbai are worth attending?
Some of the best places to visit in Mumbai for festivals are the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival and the Mumbai Wine Festival. Be in town when they happen!