Things to do in  Mumbai

One of Mumbai's most recognizable attractions, the triple-arched Gateway of India was built during the early 20th century in honor of the 1911 visit of King George V. Built of basalt and concrete, this monument was designed in the Indo-Saracenic style, which blends traditional Indian, Victorian, and Mughal architectural elements.

Also known as the Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, Mumbai's Hanging Gardens is a beautifully manicured park known for its extensive topiary, primarily carved into animal shapes. Due to the park’s location atop Malabar Hill, it's long been a popular spot to take in views of the Arabian Sea, particularly at sunset.

The Elephanta Caves are among the most beautiful, historically significant attractions in Mumbai. Situated on an island off the coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features multiple rock-hewn cave temples and statues dating back to around the 7th century AD, including a celebrated statue of Shiva in his three-faced form.

Formerly known as Victoria Terminus (and still called "VT" by many), this train statio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is best known for its over-the-top Indo-Saracenic architecture, which blends neo-Gothic elements with Mughal and Indian features. It's Asia's busiest train station—one you may have seen in the film Slumdog Millionaire.

At the world’s largest outdoor laundry, every day for over 120 years the dirt has been washed from thousands of kilos of clothes by the dhobis (washermen and women of Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat. Formed back in 1890, the famous laundromat is celebrated by photographers who come to images of row upon row of washing troughs.

Situated on a quiet, leafy street, the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya occupies an old home where Gandhi would stay during his frequent trips to Mumbai from 1917 to 1934. Today it's one of many Gandhi museums spread across India that serve to educate the public about the mahatma and his mission.

Stretching along the Arabian Sea in the southern part of Mumbai, Marine Drive is a two-mile-long promenade and road with lovely sea views. The buildings flanking this stretch are also worth checking out; the only place on earth with more beach-facing art deco buildings than Marine Drive is Miami.

Also known as Mahatma Jyobita Phule Market, Crawford Market, the largest market in Mumbai, is an incredible place to shop for food and household goods, take photos, or simply wander around people watching. It's also not a bad place to try local snacks, as there are myriad street-food stalls serving up all sorts of treats.

Made famous by the movieSlumdog Millionaire, the Mumbai slum of Dharavi is one of the largest informal settlements in the world. The 500-acre (200-hectare) district, established in the center of the city in the 1880s during the British colonial era, is home to about a million people, many of whom produce textiles, leather crafts, and handmade pottery for a thriving informal economy.

One of the top spots to watch the sunset in Mumbai, Chowpatty Beach is a busy expanse of sand and sea that's fun to visit, day or night. People watching is one of the main draws here, because this beach attracts Mumbai residents from all walks of life, from multigenerational families to canoodling couples.

Churchgate is a pedestrian-friendly, seaside neighborhood in South Mumbai. It occupies a narrow patch of land that stretches from just north of Nariman Point to just south of the Marine Lines commuter railway station. It's best-known for its art deco and neo-Gothic architecture, and visitors enjoy its ample dining opportunities.

South Mumbai is full of beautiful Gothic-revival architecture, and the Bombay High Court is one of the city's best examples. Dating to the 1870s, the courthouse features two octagonal towers. Visitors are allowed inside and may even sit in on court cases, but most just come to view the architecture from the outside.

Named after Kamala Nehru, the wife of India's first prime minister, this park offers fantastic city views. It's an excellent place for an evening stroll and draws in families for its giant play structure shaped like a shoe (a nod to the nursery rhyme "There was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe").

Mumbai's fanciest neighborhood, Malabar Hill has some of the most expensive real estate on earth. It's a fun place to wander around and take in views of the city around you, and while the area's architecture and various attractions are the main reasons to visit, you also might spot a local celebrity or two.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) is one of the most prestigious and extensive art and history museums in India. While the exhibits are the main attraction here, its exteriors alone make it worth a visit, as it's housed in a domed Grade I Heritage–listed building in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style.