Experience Mumbai Like a Local
Experience Mumbai Like a Local
I lived in Mumbai for two years and still think about it nearly every day. This guide is not a list of every monument. It is the stuff that actually makes Mumbai feel like Mumbai.
Short on time? Start here
- Base yourself in Colaba, Fort or Bandra.
- Book Reality Tours & Travel for ethical small group tours.
- Use a Holafly eSIM with code STEPHANDPETE.
- Work with me if you want a full itinerary planned.
Where to stay in Mumbai
Mumbai is huge and choosing the right base matters. A few tried and true areas:
- Colaba and Fort — historic, walkable, classic South Mumbai.
- Marine Drive — seafront views and perfect sunsets.
- Bandra — leafy, creative, cafés and street art.
- Juhu — beachy, relaxed, close to the airport.
I can also help with hotel perks and matching you to the right neighborhood. Just ask.
Reality Tours & Travel
Reality Tours & Travel is my top recommendation. Their tours are ethical, small group, and support community programs. These two are the ones I book most often:
My two must-do tours
Mumbai Bicycle Tour
Ride through Mumbai as it wakes up. Calm, local, and the best intro to the city.
Book Mumbai Bike Tour
Mumbai Street Food Tour (I helped develop this)
Still my favorite. The safest way to try pani puri, pav bhaji, kebabs and real Mumbai chaat.
Book Street Food Tour
These Viator links support Reality’s nonprofit work and help me keep guides like this free.
Local experiences that feel like real Mumbai
Slow sightseeing
- Marine Drive at sunset.
- Gateway of India + quiet lanes in Colaba.
- Sassoon Dock early in the morning.
Markets & neighborhoods
- Bandra’s cafés and street art.
- Chor Bazaar with a guide.
- Bombay Panjrapole for a calm reset.
Where to eat and drink
A few favorites:
- Street chaat in Bandra.
- Inventive snacks at Gupta Chaat.
- Gujarati thalis at Swati Snacks.
- Berry pulao at Britannia & Co.
- Seafood at Mahesh Lunch Home.
- Late-night kebabs at Bademiya.
Holafly eSIM for India
We use Holafly eSIMs so we have data the moment we land. It helps with taxis, maps, messaging guides and restaurant directions.
Use code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off.
What about Klook in India?
For Mumbai, I still recommend Reality Tours via Viator. But for transfers and attraction tickets elsewhere in India, Klook can work well.
You can read my full Klook review for how to use the code STEPHANDPETE.
Planning a bigger India itinerary
If you are pairing Mumbai with Rajasthan, Goa, Agra or Delhi, I can help you plan the right flow, hotels, guides and timing.
Plan your India trip with Steph
Or email me at steph.hays@fora.travel
Mumbai FAQs
How many days do you need?
Two to four days is ideal for neighborhoods, food and tours.
Is Mumbai safe?
Busy, intense, but generally safe with normal awareness.
When is the best time to visit?
November to February for clear skies and bearable heat.
Do you need to book tours early?
Yes, especially Reality Tours and popular restaurants.
Affiliate disclosure: I may earn commission if you book using my links, at no extra cost to you.