Experience Mumbai Like a Local
A Mumbai travel guide
Why Visit Mumbai
Pete and I lived in Mumbai for two years, and it’s one of those cities that stays with you forever. The energy is constant—chaotic yet magnetic. You’ll find colonial architecture next to futuristic skyscrapers, luxury hotels beside street food stalls, and a mix of cultures unlike anywhere else. From Bollywood’s glitz to tiny alleyway cafés, Mumbai will overwhelm you—in the best way possible.
👉 Pro tip: Grab an eSIM for India so you can stay connected the second you arrive. No airport SIM card lines, no passport scans. We recommend Holafly eSIMs because setup is instant, data is unlimited, and you’ll be online as soon as you touch down. Use code ‘STEPHANDPETE’ to save 5%
Where to Stay in Mumbai
Abode Bombay – A boutique gem in Colaba with heritage design and cozy vibes.
The Taj Mahal Palace – Mumbai’s most iconic hotel. Luxury, history, and unbeatable waterfront views.
The Oberoi Mumbai – Modern, sleek, and right on Marine Drive.
Soho House Mumbai – If you’re after a private-club vibe, this is your spot in Juhu.
Local tip: Stay in South Mumbai (Colaba, Fort, Marine Drive) for history and sightseeing. Choose Bandra or Juhu if you prefer cafes, nightlife, and a more local neighborhood feel.
Top Things to Do in Mumbai
Cycle at dawn – The streets are actually calm before sunrise. A guided cycling tour is the best way to see the city wake up.
Eat street food – Chowpatty Beach for pav bhaji, Mohammed Ali Road for kebabs. Or join a food tour if you want to play it safe.
Watch a Bollywood movie – Regal Cinema in Colaba often screens films with English subtitles.
Wander Bandra – A seaside suburb packed with brunch cafés, street art, and celebrity homes.
Shop at Chor Bazaar – A treasure trove for antiques, vintage posters, and quirky finds.
Visit Dharavi responsibly – Go with Reality Tours, the only operator reinvesting profits into the community. No cameras allowed, which makes it far more respectful.
Walk Marine Drive – The best sunset in the city, surrounded by joggers, street vendors, and families.
Sassoon Dock – See fishermen unload the catch of the day, or catch one of the art festivals that transform the docks into a cultural hub.
(You’ll need data for Uber pickups, translating menus, or finding your way through Bandra’s maze-like lanes—another reason an India eSIM is worth it.)
Where to Eat & Drink
Punjab Sweet House / Elco (Bandra) – Chaat institutions. Try pani puri and sev puri here.
Shree Thaker Bhojanalay – A legendary Gujarati thali restaurant. Endless refills, don’t go on a full stomach.
Britannia & Co. – Old-school Parsi cuisine, with the famous mutton berry pulav.
Yazdani Bakery – Irani chai and freshly baked brun maska in a nostalgic setting.
Mahesh Lunch Home – Seafood paradise.
Cafe Madras – South Indian breakfast institution. Get the dosa + filter coffee combo.
Bademiya – Late-night kebabs best eaten off the trunk of a car.
Bombay Canteen – Trendy, modern Indian plates with cocktails.
Toto’s Garage – Dive bar vibes with a loyal local following.
Janata Lunch Home – A no-frills Bandra favorite for beer and bar food.
Mumbai Travel Tips
Getting around: Uber and Ola are easiest. Auto rickshaws are cheap and fast but cash only.
Connectivity: A Holafly eSIM saves you from local SIM hassles. Essential for WhatsApp, Uber, and navigating the city.
Best time to visit: November–March (skip monsoon season).
Money: Carry cash. Street food, rickshaws, and markets don’t take cards.
Dress code: Modest clothing works best, especially at temples or outside nightlife zones.
Final Thoughts
Mumbai isn’t a city you simply “see.” It’s a city you feel. It’s loud, overwhelming, inspiring, and unforgettable. Go in ready to embrace the chaos, and you’ll leave with stories for life.
Before you go: don’t wait until arrival to sort your phone plan. Grab a Holafly eSIM before you fly so you’re connected the moment you land in Mumbai.
Planning a trip to India? I’m a travel advisor and can help you craft a personalized itinerary with insider tips, hotel perks, and stress-free planning. Reach out if you want expert help putting it all together.
Before your trip:
Visa requirements: Be sure to check if you need a visa or any entry documents.
Double-check the details: Take a look at all of your booking confirmations and check that the names, dates, and times are all correct.
Secure travel insurance: If you haven’t already sorted this, now’s a good time to think about coverage. I most often reccommend Faye— you can use this link to build a quote. Let me know if you have any questions.
Book tours or activities:
You can browse and book directly through my travel partner link here. It’s a great way to line up day trips, skip-the-line tickets, and unique experiences. In addition to Viator, I also regularly use Get Your Guide. Both of those links are attributed back to me (thanks!)Purchase an eSIM:
For international travel, an eSIM can make things easier (and cheaper) than relying on Wi-Fi or roaming. We’ve used Holafly all over the world; it’s slightly pricier than alternatives but has unlimited data that never slows, which we appreciate. This link will save you 5%.Arrange a transfer: For airport/hotel transfers, I use Welcome Pickups around the world. It’s similarly priced to Uber, but you can pre-schedule the pickups and they wait for you with a sign at the airport. There’s an app that keeps it all organized and the drivers, once assigned, communicate via WhatsApp. .