What to see in Mumbai if you only have 48 hours? From the best hotels to stay at to museums, shopping and the top tourist attractions the city has to offer, our guide has you covered.
Once a key port of the British Empire and now the vibrant home of Bollywood stars and billionaire industrialists, Mumbai is a melting pot of architectural grandeur, contemporary art, and modernity. Grand colonial landmarks, Art Deco masterpieces lining the Arabian Sea, vibrant bazaars and concept stores where artisans craft exquisite textiles and jewellery – Mumbai is a dynamic canvas of heritage and innovation. Stay in a legendary palace hotel, shop in heritage buildings reimagined as concept stores, dine in restaurants in restored mills, and explore contemporary art galleries with AD’s Mumbai city guide for design lovers.
What to see in Mumbai
Mumbai's Best Architectural Landmarks
The Best Restaurants in Mumbai
Museums and Art Galleries To See in Mumbai
Where to Shop in Mumbai
The Best Hotels in Mumbai
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The Best Things To See in Mumbai
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is an architectural marvel designed in 1887 that seamlessly blends Victorian Gothic and Indian design elements together. With the intricate stone carvings, domed turrets, gargoyles and stained-glass windows, this historic railway station is not only a striking testament to India’s colonial past but also the city’s transport lifeline.
The fixture on every Mumbai city guide, the Gateway of India, is a must-see. Built in 1924 to commemorate the visit of British royalty – George V, Emperor of India and Mary of Teck, Empress consort; its Indo-Saracenic arches and intricate lattice work reflect a blend of European and Indian architectural influence. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the monument has been a gathering point for locals and visitors alike, offering a breathtaking backdrop to the city’s rich history and coastal charm.
A short ferry ride from Mumbai, the Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing some of India’s finest rock-cut temple art. Dating back to the 5th-7th century, these caves house intricately carved sculptures of Hindu deities in Basalt rock, with the monumental Trimurti – a three-faced depiction of Lord Shiva being the most fascinating. The caves offer a glimpse into India’s ancient mythology and sculptural traditions set against the serene backdrop of the Elephanta Island.
Best Restaurants in Mumbai
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Housed in one of Mumbai’s old textile mills, Masque is a gourmet destination. With its industrial-chic interiors by the leading Indian interior designer, Ashiesh Shah, and a menu that changes as the season, the restaurant sets the stage for an immersive tasting menu that is redefining regional Indian cuisines. The design, much like its food, is a fusion of tradition and modern aesthetics, making it a must-visit for both food enthusiasts and aesthetes. @masquerestaurant
Nested in the creative district of Kala Ghoda, Americano is a stylish yet laid-back dining spot where contemporary design meets bold flavours. The space is inviting with sleek wooden furniture, soft lighting and the open kitchen where the magic unfolds. The menu is a celebration of global comfort food with a modern twist, whether it is a perfectly charred pizza, inventive small plates or decadent desserts, all crafted with precision and seasonal ingredients. @americanobombay
Set in the old industrial mills of Mumbai, The Bombay Canteen is a famous Mumbai restaurant and bar where old-world charm meets modern Indian cuisine. Its interiors, adorned with vintage tiles, stained glass, wooden furniture and nostalgic artwork, pay homage to Mumbai’s heritage while exuding lively energy. The menu reinvents classic Indian flavours with a playful twist (with a focus on elevating street food), while the bar has a unique selection of reimagined classic cocktails with unexpectedly Indian ingredients. In short, The Bombay Canteen is a celebration of everything Mumbai – its food, its culture and the people. @thebombaycanteen
Museums and Art Galleries To See in Mumbai
Located in the art district of the city, a masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic Architecture, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as Prince of Wales Museum, is Mumbai’s premier cultural institution. With its grand domed structure, intricate stonework, arches and lush gardens, the museum is as much an architectural landmark as it is a treasure trove of art and history. Inside, its diverse collection spans centuries, featuring everything from ancient Indian sculptures to rare textiles and decorative arts, offering a deep dive into India’s rich heritage.
Mumbai’s oldest museum, the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, is a stunning blend of history and design. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th century building, its Victorian-era interiors – complete with ornate pillars, massive windows, intricate tilework and grand chandeliers – transport visitors to a time gone by. The museum’s collection offers a glimpse into Mumbai’s past, with rare maps, vintage photographs and exquisitely detailed clay models depicting the city’s evolution.
Set within a stately colonial-era building, the National Gallery of Modern Art Mumbai is a cornerstone of India's modern and contemporary art scene. Its expansive galleries house an immersive collection featuring works of Art masters like Raja Ravi Verma, Amrita Sher-Gil, and M.F. Hussain, alongside cutting-edge contemporary pieces. The gallery’s carefully curated spaces create a dynamic setting for one to sift through India's creative landscape.
Located within the iconic Taj Mahal Palace hotel, DAG is a one-stop destination for art enthusiasts and collectors seeking India’s finest pre-modern and modern masterpieces. The gallery’s thoughtfully curated exhibitions celebrate key movements, from the Bengal School to the Progressive Artists Group, showcasing the works that have shaped contemporary India’s artistic identity.
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Best Place to Shop in Mumbai
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A visit to Sabyasachi’s Mumbai flagship is like stepping into a maximalist dreamscape. The three-storey boutique, adorned with vintage chandeliers, Persian rugs, and hand-painted murals, reflects the designer's signature opulence . From exquisitely handcrafted bridal couture to heritage jewellery and home décor, every piece here feels like something from a grand Bollywood set.
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Blending traditional Indian textiles with sustainability and modernity, Raw Mango is a textile lover's haven. The Mumbai store, housed in a heritage building, offers a serene and minimalist atmosphere where handwoven sarees, intricate ensembles and artisanal accessories take centre stage. Rooted in Indian craftsmanship yet refreshingly modern, Raw Mango is a place to explore slow fashion and timeless design.
For a more eclectic shopping experience, Colaba Causeway is Mumbai’s ultimate street shopping destination. Lined with vibrant stalls selling everything from handcrafted jewellery and embroidered textiles to vintage Bollywood posters and antique collectibles, this bustling market is a treasure trove for unique finds. Whether you are looking for a statement piece or a quirky souvenir, Colaba Causeway captures the city's infectious energy just right.
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Best Hotels To Stay in Mumbai
A landmark of Indo-Saracenic grandeur, the Taj Mahal Palace has been listed among India’s most iconic hotels since 1903. Overlooking the Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea, this legendary property blends intricate Mughal-inspired domes, grand archways and historic tapestries with impeccable luxury. The interior pays homage to its rich history while offering a contemporary elegance that makes it the perfect address for local and international holidaymakers. Case in point: Kim Kardashian, who stayed here when in town for the Ambani wedding. Plus a host of royals, movie stars, supermodels and politicians from around the world.
With sleek lines, a minimalist aesthetic and panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and Mumbai’s beloved Marine Drive, The Oberoi Mumbai is an Modernist icon of India. Whilst the exterior boasts a sleek compositions of lines, its interior exudes warm sophistication, featuring marble accents, high ceilings and soft lighting that enhances its tranquil atmosphere. The brand's famous attention to detail extends from bespoke furnishings to thoughtfully curated artworks, creating an experience that is both timeless and refined.
Blending colonial-era charm with contemporary luxury, ITC Grand Central is a tribute to Mumbai’s rich architectural heritage. Inspired by the Victorian-Gothic style and Mumbai’s culture, the hotel’s facade, tinted glass windows, soaring atriums, and elegant interiors exude cross-cultural sophistication. Warm wooden accents, earthy tones, intricate detailing and locally inspired artworks create an ambience that feels both opulent and inviting.
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