Cabs
Mumbai sightseeing by cab

Places to visit in Mumbai in 2 days, in order

Day one is south Mumbai: the Gateway of India, the CSMVS museum, CSMT station, Crawford Market, Mani Bhavan, the Hanging Gardens and Banganga Tank, about 28 km and back by about 17:05 for the sunset on Marine Drive. Day two goes up the coast: Dhobi Ghat, Mahalaxmi, Haji Ali, Siddhivinayak, Mount Mary, Bandra Fort, Juhu Beach and ISKCON, about 63 km.

15 places91 km by cabtimed against opening hours
How long do you have?
Day 1

Gateway, the Fort and Malabar Hill

The Gateway of India at about 09:20, then the CSMVS museum from its 10:15 opening, and CSMT station at about 11:50. Lunch in the Fort area, then Crawford Market at about 13:25, Mani Bhavan at about 14:30, the Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park at about 15:20 and Banganga Tank at about 16:05. About 28 km by cab, back on Marine Drive by about 17:05, in time for the sunset. Not on a Sunday, when most of Crawford Market is shut.

09:15 to 17:047 places28 km by cab
  1. 1Gateway of India
  2. 2CSMVS Museum (Prince of Wales Museum)
  3. 3CSMT Station (Victoria Terminus)
  4. Lunch
  5. 4Crawford Market
  6. 5Mani Bhavan
  7. 6Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park
  8. 7Banganga Tank
  9. Back
  1. Leave Marine Drive
  2. 1

    Gateway of India

    40 min here
    Gateway of India
    Photo: A.Savin, FAL

    A yellow basalt arch on the harbour front, built for the visit of King George V and finished in 1924. The last British troops left India through it in 1948. The old Taj Mahal Palace hotel stands across the road, and the Elephanta ferries leave from the jetties beside it.

    LandmarksOpen all day; the fenced plaza has a security check. Free. Police can close it at short notice for events?

    Tip: The square is busy with photographers and boat touts by mid-morning, so come early. Look at the Taj Mahal Palace from the sea wall, then walk a few minutes into Colaba if you want tea.

  3. 2

    CSMVS Museum (Prince of Wales Museum)

    1 h 30 min here
    CSMVS Museum (Prince of Wales Museum)
    Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0

    The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai's main museum, opened in 1922 as the Prince of Wales Museum, in a domed building in the Indo-Saracenic style. It has sculpture from Elephanta and the Gupta period, Indian miniature paintings, Chinese and Japanese art, arms and armour, and a natural history gallery.

    MuseumsOpen 10:15 to 18:00 every day (tickets to 17:45); shut on 26 January, 1 May and 15 August. Indians ₹200, foreigners ₹700

    Tip: The Jehangir Art Gallery is next door, free, with changing shows by Indian artists. Kala Ghoda's cafes and the David Sassoon Library are a few minutes away on foot.

  4. 3

    CSMT Station (Victoria Terminus)

    30 min here
    CSMT Station (Victoria Terminus)
    Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki, CC BY-SA 4.0

    The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, opened in 1888 as Victoria Terminus: a railway station in Victorian Gothic with Indian touches, a big central dome, stone gargoyles, carved animals and stained glass. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and still one of the busiest stations in India.

    LandmarksThe station is open all day; you see it from outside. The Heritage Gallery inside runs on weekdays, about 15:00 to 16:00 for sure (listings give 11:00 to 17:00), ₹200?

    Tip: See the front from the Mahapalika Marg side, across the road. The Municipal Corporation building opposite is in the same style. The Flora Fountain and the Fort's old office streets are a short drive south.

  5. Lunch, about 1 h. Your driver will know a place nearby. The times after this include it.
  6. 4

    Crawford Market

    45 min here
    Closed on Sundays
    Crawford Market
    Photo: , Public domain

    Mumbai's old covered market, opened in 1869 and now named Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai. Fruit, dry fruit, spices and household goods under a Norman Gothic clock tower, with stone friezes over the gate by John Lockwood Kipling, Rudyard Kipling's father.

    MarketsShops about 11:00 to 20:00; mostly shut on Sundays?

    Tip: Look up at the friezes at the main gate. In mango season (April to June) the Alphonso stalls are the reason to come. The lanes behind run into the wholesale bazaars round Mumba Devi.

  7. 5

    Mani Bhavan

    45 min here
    Mani Bhavan
    Photo: Jorge Láscar, CC BY-SA 2.0

    The house on Laburnum Road where Gandhi stayed on his Mumbai visits from 1917 to 1934, now a small museum. You see his room with his spinning wheel and mattress, letters, photographs and a set of small dioramas of his life.

    MuseumsOpen 09:30 to 17:30 or 18:00 every day. ₹20, students ₹10

    Tip: The house is small and the stairs narrow, so it gets slow with groups. The library downstairs has books by and about Gandhi.

  8. 6

    Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park

    40 min here
    Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park
    Photo: A.Savin, FAL

    Two parks on top of Malabar Hill. The Hanging Gardens (Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens) sit on a reservoir and have hedges cut into animal shapes. Kamala Nehru Park across the road has the Old Woman's Shoe and a view down over Marine Drive and Chowpatty.

    GardensHanging Gardens about 06:00 to 20:00, Kamala Nehru Park 05:00 to 21:00. Free

    Tip: The view of Marine Drive, the Queen's Necklace, is best from Kamala Nehru Park, and best of all after dark. The reservoir under the Hanging Gardens is due for repairs, so parts of the garden may be fenced off.

  9. 7

    Banganga Tank

    40 min here
    Banganga Tank
    Photo: Viraj, CC BY-SA 3.0

    An old stone water tank with steps on all sides, at the tip of Malabar Hill, ringed by small temples and old houses. The Walkeshwar temple beside it was rebuilt in 1715. Legend says Rama shot an arrow into the ground here to bring up fresh water.

    Temples, dargah & churchesThe tank is open in daylight. The Walkeshwar temple is open about 09:00 to 20:00, likely shut about 13:00 to 17:00?

    Tip: The lanes round the tank are narrow, so the cab stops on Walkeshwar Road and you walk the last few minutes. Ducks and geese live on the water; keep to the steps.

  10. Back at Marine Drive
Day 2

Haji Ali, Siddhivinayak, Bandra and Juhu

Leave at 08:30 for Dhobi Ghat while the washing is under way, then Mahalaxmi Temple at about 09:15 and Haji Ali Dargah at about 09:55. Siddhivinayak Temple at about 11:10 and Mount Mary Basilica at about 12:15, then lunch in Bandra. Bandra Fort at about 13:50, Juhu Beach at about 14:55 and ISKCON Juhu at about 16:00, as it opens again after the afternoon break. About 63 km by cab, back by about 17:25 on the map, later in evening traffic. Works on any day, but avoid a Tuesday if you can: the Siddhivinayak queues run for hours.

08:30 to 17:258 places63 km by cab
  1. 1Dhobi Ghat
  2. 2Mahalaxmi Temple
  3. 3Haji Ali Dargah
  4. 4Siddhivinayak Temple
  5. 5Mount Mary Basilica
  6. Lunch
  7. 6Bandra Fort and Bandstand
  8. 7Juhu Beach
  9. 8ISKCON Juhu
  10. Back
  1. Leave Marine Drive
  2. 1

    Dhobi Ghat

    20 min here
    Dhobi Ghat
    Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0

    An open-air laundry by Mahalaxmi station, in use since 1890. Hundreds of washers beat clothes on rows of concrete pens, and the city's hotel and hospital sheets hang in long lines to dry.

    LandmarksSeen from the road bridge by Mahalaxmi station in daylight, free. Busiest about 07:00 to 10:00?

    Tip: The usual view is from the Mahalaxmi station road bridge, free. People will offer a walk inside for a tip; agree the price first and ask before you take photos of people.

  3. 2

    Mahalaxmi Temple

    40 min here
    Mahalaxmi Temple
    Photo: Suraj Digrase, CC0

    Mumbai's best-known temple to Mahalaxmi, goddess of wealth, on the sea by Bhulabhai Desai Road. It dates from about 1785. Inside are images of Mahalaxmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati in gold and pearl jewellery.

    Temples, dargah & churchesOpen 06:00 to 22:00, with short pauses for the aartis. Cover shoulders and knees

    Tip: Haji Ali is a few minutes away. Lines are long on Fridays and in the Navratri festival (September or October). Flower and sweet stalls line the lane up to the gate.

  4. 3

    Haji Ali Dargah

    1 h here
    Haji Ali Dargah
    Photo: A.Savin, FAL

    The tomb of the saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, built in 1431 on an islet in the sea off Worli. A white mosque and dome reached by a causeway about 500 m long, which goes under water at high tide.

    Temples, dargah & churchesOpen 05:30 to 22:00 every day. The causeway floods at very high tides, and the dargah posts tide closures

    Tip: Check the tide before you go: at high tide the waves wash over the causeway. Cover your head and shoulders. Shops at the start sell flowers and chadars.

  5. 4

    Siddhivinayak Temple

    45 min here
    Siddhivinayak Temple
    Photo: Darwininan, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Mumbai's most visited Ganesh temple, in Prabhadevi, first built in 1801 and rebuilt in 1990s marble with a gilded dome. The small black stone Ganesh has his trunk turned to the right.

    Temples, dargah & churchesOpen 05:30 to 21:50, with a pause from about 12:05 to 12:30 and short ones for the aartis. Tuesdays 03:15 to 23:30, with queues of 2 to 4 hours

    Tip: Bags and phones may need to be left at the counters, and there is a security check. Tuesday is Ganesh's day and the lines run for hours.

  6. 5

    Mount Mary Basilica

    30 min here
    Mount Mary Basilica
    Photo: Marshmir, CC BY-SA 3.0

    The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, on a hill above the sea in Bandra. The church of 1904 holds a 16th-century statue of Mary brought from Portugal. People of every faith come to pray here, and the Bandra Fair in September draws huge crowds.

    Temples, dargah & churchesAbout 08:00 to 20:30, shut 13:00 to 14:00 on Monday to Saturday; on Sundays it opens for visitors after the morning masses?

    Tip: Keep quiet inside if mass is on. Candles shaped like what people pray for (a house, a hand, a baby) are sold on the steps.

  7. Lunch, about 1 h. Your driver will know a place nearby. The times after this include it.
  8. 6

    Bandra Fort and Bandstand

    45 min here
    Bandra Fort and Bandstand
    Photo: Pratikmoon2, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A small Portuguese watchtower fort of 1640, Castella de Aguada, on the rocks at Land's End in Bandra. From its garden you see the Bandra–Worli Sea Link across the bay. Bandstand promenade runs north from here past the film stars' sea-facing houses.

    Sea views & fortsAbout 06:00 to 18:30 (one listing says 19:30). Free

    Tip: Walk along Bandstand to Mount Mary if you have time.

  9. 7

    Juhu Beach

    1 h here
    Juhu Beach
    Photo: Suraj Digrase, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Mumbai's long city beach, about 6 km of sand facing west. In the evening families come for the sunset, pav bhaji, bhel puri and kulfi at the stalls by Juhu Tara Road.

    BeachesOpen all day, free. On monsoon alert days the city has limited entry to the morning?

    Tip: The sea here is not for swimming: currents are strong and there is no swim zone. Go easy on the stall food if you are new to it; the busy stalls with high turnover are the safer bet.

  10. 8

    ISKCON Juhu

    45 min here
    ISKCON Juhu
    Photo: Rohini, CC BY-SA 3.0

    The Hare Krishna temple of Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari in Juhu, opened in 1978, in white marble with carved halls. The evening aarti has music and chanting, and Govinda's restaurant serves vegetarian food.

    Temples, dargah & churchesOpen 04:30 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 21:00. Aartis at 04:30, 07:15, 12:30, 16:15, 19:00 and 20:30

    Tip: It closes in the afternoon, so come in the morning or the evening. Shoes go in the shoe room by the gate.

  11. Back at Marine Drive

Drive times come from road routing without traffic. Mumbai traffic is heavy most of the day, worst from about 09:00 to 11:00 and 17:30 to 21:00 on weekdays, so allow extra time, mostly on the evening drive back. The Bandra–Worli Sea Link has a toll of about ₹100 one way for a car; the Coastal Road is free. Cabs cannot stop in the Gateway square or on the bridge over Dhobi Ghat, so the driver drops you nearby. From June to September heavy rain can flood roads and close beaches for the day. Opening hours marked ? are not yet confirmed, so check them before you go.

Book a cab for these 2 days

Call or message a local Mumbai operator with this plan. Tell them your hotel and dates, and they send a price for the car and driver.

2 × full day, 8 h / 80 kmSedan, SUV or InnovaPrice from the operator

Opening times for this plan

The hours we planned around. Check before you go on a public holiday.

PlaceOpenBest timeVisit
Gateway of IndiaOpen all day; the fenced plaza has a security check. Free. Police can close it at short notice for events?Early morning, before the crowds and the heat.40 min
CSMVS Museum (Prince of Wales Museum)10:15 to 18:00 every day (tickets to 17:45); shut on 26 January, 1 May and 15 August. Indians ₹200, foreigners ₹700At opening, before the school groups.1 h 30 min
CSMT Station (Victoria Terminus)The station is open all day; you see it from outside. The Heritage Gallery inside runs on weekdays, about 15:00 to 16:00 for sure (listings give 11:00 to 17:00), ₹200?Any time. It is lit up after dark.30 min
Crawford MarketShops about 11:00 to 20:00; mostly shut on Sundays?Late morning, when the fruit stalls are full.45 min
Mani Bhavan09:30 to 17:30 or 18:00 every day. ₹20, students ₹10Late morning or after lunch.45 min
Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru ParkHanging Gardens about 06:00 to 20:00, Kamala Nehru Park 05:00 to 21:00. FreeLate afternoon, when it is cooler.40 min
Banganga TankThe tank is open in daylight. The Walkeshwar temple is open about 09:00 to 20:00, likely shut about 13:00 to 17:00?Morning or late afternoon.40 min
Dhobi GhatSeen from the road bridge by Mahalaxmi station in daylight, free. Busiest about 07:00 to 10:00?Morning, when the washing is under way.20 min
Mahalaxmi Temple06:00 to 22:00, with short pauses for the aartis. Cover shoulders and kneesMorning, on a weekday.40 min
Haji Ali Dargah05:30 to 22:00 every day. The causeway floods at very high tides, and the dargah posts tide closuresAt low tide, when the causeway is dry.1 h
Siddhivinayak Temple05:30 to 21:50, with a pause from about 12:05 to 12:30 and short ones for the aartis. Tuesdays 03:15 to 23:30, with queues of 2 to 4 hoursA weekday morning or afternoon. Tuesdays are very busy.45 min
Mount Mary BasilicaAbout 08:00 to 20:30, shut 13:00 to 14:00 on Monday to Saturday; on Sundays it opens for visitors after the morning masses?Any time it is open.30 min
Bandra Fort and BandstandAbout 06:00 to 18:30 (one listing says 19:30). FreeLate afternoon to sunset.45 min
Juhu BeachOpen all day, free. On monsoon alert days the city has limited entry to the morning?Evening, for the sunset and the food stalls.1 h
ISKCON Juhu04:30 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 21:00. Aartis at 04:30, 07:15, 12:30, 16:15, 19:00 and 20:30Evening, for the aarti.45 min

More or less time in Mumbai?

Questions people ask

Is 2 days enough for Mumbai?

Yes, for the city. Add a third day for the Elephanta Caves, an hour by ferry from the Gateway of India.

Does it matter which day I do first?

Only for two weekdays. Day one should not be a Sunday, when most of Crawford Market is shut. Day two is best not on a Tuesday, when the Siddhivinayak queues run for hours. Swap the days if they clash.

Why does day two start with Dhobi Ghat?

The washing is busiest in the morning, from about 07:00 to 10:00. You see it from the road bridge by Mahalaxmi station; cabs cannot stop on the bridge, so the driver drops you nearby.

Can I stay at Juhu Beach for the sunset?

Yes. The sun sets at about 18:00 to 18:20 from November to January and about 19:10 in June. Stay on after ISKCON and go back to the beach, but the drive back to south Mumbai in the evening traffic can take well over an hour, so tell the cab when you book.