Looking for a Mumbai itinerary for one week? Don’t worry, I’ve got you.
This guide takes you through the city’s best, from grand colonial architecture and buzzing markets to Bollywood glamour, temples and beach sunsets.
Over the course of seven days, you’ll not only soak up Mumbai’s energy but also taste the food, explore vibrant neighbourhoods, and experience the local culture that gives each area its own unique character.
Mumbai is colourful, chaotic and completely addictive — the kind of place that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
Of course, it’s also known as the city that never sleeps. Something is always happening, whether it’s a 5 a.m. chai stall buzzing with life or a midnight seafood feast at a beachside joint.
I’ve been several times, and every trip makes me fall for it a little more. If it’s your first visit, my post on 11 things you should know as a first-timer in Mumbai will help you get prepped before you dive in.
To make things easier, I’ve split this itinerary into morning, lunch, afternoon and evening so it feels like you’re travelling alongside me.
Plus, you’ll find tips on the best time to visit, where to eat, how much to budget and where to stay – so everything you need is in one place.
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Before diving into your Mumbai itinerary, here are some practical details to help you plan.
1. Visa Requirements
UK citizens need a visa to visit India and can apply for an e-Visa for tourism online.
To do this, simply apply via the official government website, making sure your passport is machine-readable, has at least six months of validity, and includes two blank pages.
If you’re travelling from other countries, check the visa requirements for your nationality before booking.
For extra tips for international travels, airport transfers and what to expect at customs, check out my Mumbai Travel Guide.
2. Getting to Mumbai
Flying to Mumbai from the UK is straightforward. Typically, direct flights from London Heathrow take around 9–10 hours, and airlines like British Airways, Air India, and Virgin Atlantic offer regular connections.
Once you land at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, you’ll find it modern, well-signposted and only about 30–60 minutes from South Mumbai, depending on traffic.
If you’re planning a longer trip in India, Mumbai also serves as a hub for domestic flights. For instance, you can easily fly to Goa in just 1–1.5 hours, making it simple to combine destinations.
3. Getting Around Mumbai
Mumbai is chaotic, colourful, and addictive — but getting around is easier than it seems. Options include:
- Local Trains: The lifeline of Mumbai, connecting suburbs to the city centre. Can be crowded during peak hours.
- Metro: Modern, air-conditioned, and much easier to navigate than trains for short distances.
- Rickshaws: Best for short hops, especially in South Mumbai and Bandra. Always agree on a fare or ask for the meter.
- Taxis & Uber/Ola: Widely available, safe, and convenient for longer journeys or at night.
- Walking: South Mumbai is very walkable, especially for heritage sites and markets.
- Ferries: For Elephanta Island or coastal views — a fun way to see the city from the water.
Pro tip: Grab a rechargeable metro card or prepaid taxi app credit to save time and hassle. Street signs are mostly in English, so navigation is straightforward, even for first-timers.
4. How Much Does 7 Days in Mumbai Cost?
1. Accommodation: £20–£200 per night
- Budget guesthouses: £20–£40
- Boutique hotels: £60–£100
- Luxury stays: £150–£200+
2. Food: £5–£30 per day
- Street snacks: £1–£3
- Casual restaurants: £5–£10
- Fine dining: £20–£30
3. Transport: £20–£50
- Metro, local trains, rickshaws: £1–£5 per ride
- Taxis/Uber: £2–£10 per ride
- Airport transfers: £10–£20
4. Attractions: £20–£40 total
- Museums and galleries: £2–£5
- Guided tours: £15–£30
Book It Now: Full-day sightseeing tour of Mumbai |
5. Best Time to Visit / Weather
- Winter (Nov–Feb): Pleasant for sightseeing; mornings can be foggy in January.
- Summer (Mar–May): Hot and humid; not ideal for heavy walking but markets and beaches are lively.
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Heavy rains; streets can flood, but the city is lush and less crowded.
6. Mumbai Itinerary: Where to stay
South Mumbai
- Budget: Zostel Mumbai — central, clean dorms, social vibe, ideal for backpackers
- Boutique: Abode Bombay — stylish, boutique rooms, great service, perfect for couples and families
- Luxury: The Taj Mahal Palace — iconic, historic, great for those who want a landmark experience
Bandra / Western Suburbs
- Budget: Forrest Hostels — vibrant, clean, ideal for solo travellers
- Boutique: Le Sutra Hotel — art-themed, cultural vibe, perfect for design lovers. Read my review of this hotel here.
- Luxury: Taj Lands End — sea views, modern, spacious, great for couples and families
Andheri / Juhu
- Budget: Locomo Hostel OG — vibrant, clean, social vibe, ideal for solo travellers and backpackers
- Boutique: Trident Bandra Kurla — mid-range comfort, great for couples, families and business
- Luxury: JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu — beachfront, for anyone who loves comfort and stunning views
7. Top Highlights for your Mumbai Itinerary
- Gateway of India — iconic, seaside landmark
- Marine Drive — the Queen’s Necklace at night
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus — UNESCO World Heritage architecture
- Colaba Causeway — markets, shops, street life
- Bollywood tours — behind-the-scenes of Indian cinema
- Siddhivinayak Temple — spiritual, vibrant, busy
- Chowpatty Beach — evening snacks, local vibe
- Haji Ali Dargah — mosque on a sea-linked causeway
- Street food — vada pav, pav bhaji, bhel puri
| Best Tours in Mumbai South Mumbai Heritage Walking Tour Bollywood studio tours for film lovers Street Food and Night Markets Tour Morning Market Tour: Flowers, Fish & more Day trips to Elephanta Caves |
8. Food Stops on Your Mumbai Itinerary
Mumbai’s food scene is as colourful as its streets. You can snack on the go, sit in casual cafés, or indulge in fine dining. Highlights include:
- Vada Pav: Mumbai’s iconic street food; fried potato patty in a bun, served with chutneys.
- Pav Bhaji: Spicy mashed vegetable curry with buttered bread — street stalls and restaurants alike.
- Bhel Puri & Sev Puri: Tangy, crunchy snacks sold on beaches and market stalls.
- Seafood: Try fish curry, crab masala, or Bombay duck at local seafood joints.
- South Indian Dishes: Dosas, idlis, uttapams, and filter coffee, especially in Matunga.
- Parsi Cuisine: Berry pulao, salli boti and dhansak at classic cafés like Britannia & Co.
- Chai & Snacks: Masala chai with pakoras, samosas, or bhajjis from street vendors.
- Fine Dining: Restaurants like Estella or Olive Bar & Kitchen offer modern Indian cuisine and seafood with ambience.
Pro tip: try street snacks in the afternoon or evening — they’re fresh, cheap and part of the city’s rhythm.
| Eat like a Bollywood Star Olive Bar & Kitchen — Mediterranean, chic ambiance, celebrity favourite Bastian — Seafood hotspot in Bandra, Bollywood stars frequent here Torii by Gauri Khan — Upscale Asian fusion, stylish and trendy Gigi — Modern-meets-vintage décor, popular with celebrities Hakkasan — Fine-dining Cantonese, elegant and star-studded |
Your 7-Day Mumbai Itinerary
Day 1: South Mumbai
Morning
Start your Mumbai itinerary in South Mumbai at the iconic Gateway of India.
From there, take a short walk to the nearby Dhobi Ghat, the world’s largest open-air laundry. Watch hundreds of men in white uniforms methodically scrub, rinse and hang clothes along the concrete wash pens — it’s fascinating, chaotic and a true slice of local life.
Remember to be respectful, don’t touch the clothes and photography is fine as long as you’re discreet.
From here, walk to the nearby Taj Mahal Palace hotel – even if you’re not staying there, it’s worth peeking inside the lobby for its stunning interiors.
Next, head to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the intricate Victorian-Gothic architecture, the stained glass, and the bustling train station that locals swear is the heartbeat of Mumbai.
Lunch
Grab lunch at Olympia Coffee House, a South Mumbai institution. Order the classic vada pav and pair it with a strong masala chai. The bustling café vibe gives you a taste of everyday Mumbai life.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon wandering Colaba Causeway, where street vendors sell everything from leather bags to Bollywood posters.
Stop by the Leopold Café for a quick snack, coffee or even just to soak in the colonial-era charm.
For a bit of culture, check out the Jehangir Art Gallery nearby — it’s small but full of contemporary Indian art.
Evening
As the sun sets, head to Marine Drive. Watch the ‘Queen’s Necklace’ lights flicker on and enjoy the salty breeze.
Grab a snack from a beachside vendor — bhel puri or roasted corn.
For dinner, Bademiya on Tulsi Pipe Road serves legendary kebabs — a bustling street eatery that’s open late and perfect for first-night immersion.
Day 2: Bandra / Western Suburbs
Morning
Start your day with a stroll through Bandra’s streets. Admire the street art and murals, pop into quirky boutiques, and take photos at Bandstand Promenade with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link in the background.
If you like quiet mornings, visit Mount Mary Church – the peaceful grounds contrast beautifully with the city’s chaos.
Lunch
Pali Village Café is perfect for lunch — fresh, modern dishes with a hint of Mediterranean flair. Try their avocado toast or eggs benedict, and enjoy the relaxed, airy interior.
Don’t forget to snap some photos; the café is as Instagram-worthy as it is tasty.
Afternoon
Walk off lunch by exploring Linking Road and Hill Road for shopping. You’ll find everything from high-street brands to local stalls selling fashion at bargain prices.
Stop at a tea shop for masala chai and fried snacks, and take in the lively neighbourhood vibe.
Evening
Catch the sunset at Bandra Fort, which offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and city skyline.
Dinner at Olive Bar & Kitchen combines Mediterranean flavours with a stylish ambiance – perfect for a more leisurely evening after a busy day of walking (if you happen to be there on a Thursday night, you may even spot a Bollywood star or two!)
Day 3: Bollywood & Cultural Immersion
Morning
Let’s continue this Mumbai itinerary by taking a Bollywood tour to get behind the scenes of India’s iconic film industry. Walk through bustling sets, see how films are shot, and maybe even spot a celebrity.
Guides will often share hilarious anecdotes and insider secrets, giving you a real sense of Bollywood life beyond the glitz.
Lunch
Head to Café Madras in Matunga for authentic South Indian dishes. Their dosas, idlis, and filter coffee are legendary.
The café has a bustling, neighbourhood feel – watch locals chatting, families enjoying meals, and staff moving with practiced speed.
Afternoon
Explore Matunga and Dadar for their traditional markets and temples. Pick up local snacks, watch artisans at work, and enjoy the vibrant energy of these historic areas.
Stop at small chai stalls along the way for a quick pick-me-up.
Evening
End the day with culture or nightlife. The NCPA often has performances – music, theatre, or dance – and is a fantastic way to experience the city’s arts scene.
Alternatively, explore Lower Parel for bars and lounges if you’re looking for evening drinks.
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Day 4: Juhu & Northern Mumbai
Morning
Visit Siddhivinayak Temple early to beat the crowds. Experience the energy of devotees and marvel at the ornate interiors.
Take a moment to soak in the spiritual vibe — it’s a very different side of Mumbai from the chaotic streets.
Lunch
Head to Juhu Beach for street food. Bhel puri, pav bhaji and ice golas are local favourites. Watch families and friends enjoying the evening, and take a slow walk along the sand.
Afternoon
Relax on Juhu Beach or visit the ISKCON Temple nearby. If you prefer a quieter experience, a short drive to Versova Beach offers less crowded sands and a peek into local fishing communities.
Evening
Dine at Estella, a fine dining restaurant with excellent seafood and modern Indian dishes. Wrap up the night with a casual walk along the beach promenade, enjoying the cool sea breeze.
Day 5: Elephanta Caves & Heritage
Morning
Take a ferry from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island.
Explore the rock-cut caves, see the enormous stone carvings, and learn about the mythology behind them. The ferry ride itself offers views of Mumbai’s skyline and the Arabian Sea.
Lunch
Back in Mumbai, enjoy seafood at a Colaba restaurant or grab a quick snack near the Gateway. Try local specialties like fish curry or crab masala if you’re feeling adventurous.
Afternoon
Visit Mani Bhavan, Gandhi’s historic residence, and wander nearby galleries. See old photographs, books, and exhibits on India’s independence movement. Stop by a café nearby for a late afternoon chai or coffee.
Evening
Take a sunset cocktail at Dome, InterContinental, overlooking Marine Drive. The view of the city lights and Arabian Sea is spectacular and a great way to cap off a heritage-focused day.
Day 6: Markets & Hidden Gems
Morning
Start at Crawford Market for fresh produce, spices and colourful sights. Wander into nearby streets for antique shops, jewellery, and quirky finds.
Lunch
Try Britannia & Co. for Parsi cuisine – the berry pulao and salli boti are must-tries. The café’s retro interior adds charm to your meal.
Afternoon
Explore Chor Bazaar for vintage treasures and oddities. Alternatively, take a street art tour in Byculla or Fort to see murals and murals telling the city’s history.
Evening
Catch the sunset at Worli Sea Face, then enjoy seafood dinner at Trishna or Mahesh Lunch Home. The evening vibe along the coast is peaceful yet alive with local energy.
Day 7: Wrap-Up & Departure
Morning
Let’s end this Mumbai itinerary by relaxing at your hotel or revisit a favourite neighbourhood for last photos.
Lunch & Afternoon
Walk through Kala Ghoda for boutiques, galleries, and souvenirs.
Evening
Collect your bags, squeeze in one last chai or street snack, and head to the airport.
9. Mumbai Itinerary FAQs
Is one week enough?
Yes – one week lets you see Mumbai’s highlights, from South Mumbai heritage to Juhu beaches. Ideally, 10–14 days allows trips to Lonavala, Alibaug, or nearby Goa.
Do people speak English?
Yes – most locals, especially younger ones, speak English. Signs in tourist areas are bilingual. Google Translate helps in markets.
Is Mumbai safe?
Generally safe, but pickpocketing happens in crowded areas. Stick to busy streets at night and keep your belongings secure.
Good for families or solo travellers?
Both! Public transport, taxis, and tours make the city easy to navigate alone or with kids.
Cash or card?
Bring some cash for street food and rickshaws. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops.
10. Health & Safety Tips
- Drink bottled water; avoid tap water.
- Sunscreen, hats and comfy shoes are essential.
- Carry hand sanitiser and mosquito spray.
- Travel insurance is recommended, especially for day trips or beach excursions.
Seven days in Mumbai is enough to get a real taste of this colourful and addictive city. You’ll explore South Mumbai’s heritage, Bandra’s lively streets, and Juhu’s beaches – each neighbourhood with its own vibe and energy.
Would I go back for longer? Absolutely. Two weeks lets you explore nearby escapes, such as Lonavala, Alibaug or even fly down to Goa for sun, sand and some much-needed beach downtime.
But if you’re short on time, this Mumbai itinerary hits all the highlights, covers practical tips, and lets you experience the city like a local — without leaving you feeling rushed.
