Mumbai India is one of Asia’s most intense, energetic and rewarding cities – and for many Singapore-based travelers and investors, it is often the gateway to understanding India’s scale, culture and economic potential. This complete guide to things to do in Mumbai is written for Homejourney users who want more than a surface-level list: you’ll get deeply researched travel advice, insider local tips, and practical insights that connect Mumbai travel with wider Asian lifestyle and property decisions – including Singapore.
As someone who splits time between Singapore and India and has revisited Mumbai’s key districts (South Mumbai, Bandra, Juhu and Powai) many times, I’ll walk you through what first-time visitors miss, what Singaporeans usually find surprising (like how long it really takes to cross town), and how to experience the city safely and confidently.
Table of Contents
- Mumbai India Overview: Why Visit & Key Facts
- Best Time to Visit Mumbai India
- Getting to Mumbai from Singapore
- Currency, Costs & Exchange Tips
- Top Things to Do in Mumbai & Must-See Attractions
- Cultural Experiences & Local Neighbourhoods
- Food & Dining: What and Where to Eat in Mumbai
- Practical Travel Tips: Visa, Transport, Safety
- Where to Stay in Mumbai: Area & Hotel Guide
- Suggested Itineraries: 3-Day & 5-Day Plans
- Best Day Trips from Mumbai
- From Mumbai to Singapore: Travel, Lifestyle & Property Links
- FAQ: Things to Do in Mumbai India for Singapore & International Travelers
1. Mumbai India Overview: Why Visit & How It Compares for Singapore Travelers
Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is India’s financial capital, home to Bollywood, the Reserve Bank of India, and the Bombay Stock Exchange. It combines British colonial architecture, ultra-modern finance districts, slums, sea-facing promenades, and some of India’s most expensive residential addresses like Malabar Hill and parts of Bandra.[1][4]
For Singapore-based travelers and investors, Mumbai is especially interesting because:
- Economic weight: It is one of India’s richest cities by GDP, anchoring finance, media and tech – similar to how Singapore anchors Southeast Asia.
- Property contrast: Prime property in South Mumbai and Bandra can reach prices comparable to core central Singapore, yet with very different regulatory and infrastructure contexts.
- Cultural depth: From colonial-era Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and the Gateway of India to neighbourhoods like Colaba and Bandra, Mumbai is dense with history.[1][4]
- Gateway to India: Many first-time visitors to India start with Mumbai because of its air connectivity and English-friendly environment.
On a personal level, the first thing Singaporeans usually comment on when we arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is the contrast in density and traffic compared with Changi’s smooth flow. Yet, within an hour’s drive (traffic depending), you can be walking by the sea at Marine Drive or sipping coffee in Colaba’s heritage cafés overlooking the Arabian Sea.[1][2]
2. Best Time to Visit Mumbai India
2.1 Weather & Seasons
Mumbai has a tropical coastal climate with three main seasons:
- November to February (Cool & Dry – Best Time): Temperatures generally range between about 18–30°C, with lower humidity and minimal rain. This is the most comfortable period for sightseeing, similar to a less humid Singapore December–January.
- March to May (Hot & Humid): Daytime can exceed 34°C with heavy humidity. Outdoor sightseeing, especially at midday, can be exhausting.
- June to September (Monsoon): Heavy rain, occasional flooding, and transport disruptions are common; some coastal attractions and boat trips to Elephanta Island may be suspended.[4][8]
Homejourney tip: If you’re used to Singapore’s climate, November–February in Mumbai will still feel warm but noticeably less sticky. For investors combining property due-diligence visits with leisure, target weekday travel in this window to avoid weekend crowds at major attractions.
2.2 Festivals & Peak Periods
- Ganesh Chaturthi (Aug–Sep): Huge street processions, decorated pandals (temporary shrines), and intense crowds. Visually spectacular but traffic and hotel prices spike.
- Diwali (Oct–Nov): The festival of lights; expect fireworks, shopping crowds and busy popular markets.
- New Year & Christmas: Colaba, Bandra and Juhu’s hotels and sea-facing restaurants can be fully booked.
If you prefer a calmer experience, avoid these peaks or stay slightly inland (like Lower Parel or Powai) and commute.
3. Getting to Mumbai from Singapore
3.1 Flight Options & Durations
Non-stop flights from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) typically take around 5 hours. Multiple full-service and low-cost carriers operate this route; schedules and pricing vary seasonally.
From personal experience, an evening departure from Singapore getting you into Mumbai around late night often means lighter traffic into South Mumbai (about 60–90 minutes by car, depending on where you stay). Morning arrivals can coincide with peak rush-hour traffic.
3.2 Airport to City Transfers
- Prepaid taxis & ride-hailing: Official airport taxis and ride-hailing apps are the safest and most convenient options. For South Mumbai (Colaba/Fort), budget 60–90 minutes travel time in normal traffic.
- Cost guide (approximate): Airport to Colaba by standard taxi or ride-hailing is often comparable to a mid-distance Grab ride in Singapore, but prices fluctuate with traffic and surge.
- Local trains & metro: These exist but are not practical for first-time visitors with luggage, given crowding and transfers.
Homejourney safety tip: If you are arriving late at night, pre-book airport pick-up through your hotel or a reputable app and share your live location with a trusted contact – a habit many Singaporeans already follow when traveling regionally.
4. Currency, Costs & Exchange Tips for Mumbai India
Mumbai uses the Indian Rupee (INR). Compared to Singapore, most daily expenses – food, intra-city transport, and many attractions – are significantly cheaper on an absolute basis, though premium hotels and high-end dining can approach Singapore pricing.
4.1 Quick Price Benchmarks (Approximate)
Note: These are indicative ranges; always check current exchange rates and pricing before your trip.
4.2 Exchange & Payment Tips
- Carry some cash (for street food, small taxis, markets) but use cards or digital payments in malls, hotels and modern restaurants where possible.
- Singapore-based travelers may find it easiest to withdraw INR from ATMs in reputable malls or bank branches upon arrival.
- For property investors using Homejourney, we support multi-currency awareness when comparing SGD with currencies like INR for budgeting, including estimated mortgage payments via Bank Rates .
5. Top Things to Do in Mumbai & Must-See Attractions
Mumbai’s key attractions stretch mainly across South Mumbai and the western coastal belt. For a first visit, focus on the classic highlights before venturing into more niche neighbourhoods.
5.1 Gateway of India & Colaba
- Gateway of India: Mumbai’s most iconic waterfront monument, built in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V.[1][2] It overlooks the Arabian Sea and is the departure point for boat trips to Elephanta Island.
- Taj Mahal Palace Hotel: Historic luxury hotel across from the Gateway, famous for its Indo-Saracenic architecture.[1][4] Even if you’re not staying here, step into the lobby or have tea to appreciate the interiors.
- Colaba Causeway: A bustling street market for clothes, trinkets and souvenirs, plus cafés popular with both locals and visitors.[3][5]
Insider tip: Visit Gateway of India early (around 7–8am) to avoid crowds and strong sun, then walk up Colaba Causeway before the midday heat. Evening sunset views from nearby sea-facing spots are also stunning, but security and crowd control can be tighter.
5.2 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) & Fort Area
- CSMT: UNESCO-listed railway station known for its elaborate Victorian Gothic Revival architecture.[1][4] It’s one of the city’s most photographed buildings.
- Flora Fountain & Fort: Historic business district with heritage buildings, bookstores and cafés; great for a walking tour.
- Crawford Market (Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai): Covered market selling fruits, vegetables, spices, and household items.[1] The colonial-era architecture is as fascinating as the commerce.
Walking distance note: From CSMT, you can reach Flora Fountain in roughly 10 minutes on foot at a relaxed pace, assuming you’re comfortable with urban traffic crossings.
5.3 Marine Drive & Chowpatty Beach
- Marine Drive: A curving seafront boulevard nicknamed the “Queen’s Necklace” for its night-time lights.[1][2] Popular for sunset strolls and people-watching.
- Girgaum Chowpatty Beach: At the north end of Marine Drive, famous for evening street food stalls and festival events.
Insider tip: Marine Drive at 6–7am feels like a different city – joggers, families and minimal traffic. By 8–9pm, it becomes a social hub, with groups sitting along the sea wall similar to how Singaporeans gather at East Coast Park, but much more crowded and lively.
5.4 Elephanta Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Location: Elephanta Island, accessible by boat from Gateway of India (roughly 1 hour each way).[1][2]
- What to see: Rock-cut cave temples with impressive sculptures, especially the massive three-headed Shiva (Trimurti).[1][4]
Practical tips:
- Boats usually run during daylight hours in the dry season; schedules can be affected by sea conditions.
- Wear comfortable shoes; there are steps uphill from the jetty to the main caves.
- Carry water and a hat – shade can be limited.
5.5 Sanjay Gandhi National Park & Kanheri Caves
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park: A large green space on Mumbai’s northern edge offering a rare nature escape inside the city.[1][2]
- Kanheri Caves: Over 100 ancient Buddhist cave structures carved into a hillside inside the park.[4]
If you’re based in central or northern suburbs (Andheri, Powai, Borivali), this makes an excellent half-day trip. For Singaporeans used to tightly managed parks, the scale and semi-wild feel here can be surprising.
5.6 Religious & Cultural Landmarks
- Siddhivinayak Temple: One of Mumbai’s most famous Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Ganesha.[1]
- Haji Ali Dargah: A striking mosque and tomb on an islet off Worli, accessible by a causeway at low tide.[1][4]
- Mani Bhavan: Gandhi’s former residence in Mumbai, now a museum about his life and India’s independence movement.[1][3]
Cultural etiquette: Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) when visiting religious sites, and follow any photography restrictions.
