Mumbai is known as the “City of Dreams” since it is where Bollywood films are made. This is one of India’s most cosmopolitan cities, and there are numerous things to do here.

To be honest, this city is so huge that you could easily spend weeks touring it. If you’re short on time, like I was on my trip to Mumbai, one day will suffice to see the highlights.

So, from seeing the Gateway to India, one of the country’s most iconic sites, to exploring old caves and visiting markets, here are the top things to do in Mumbai in one day.
14 Best Things to Do in Mumbai in One Day.

This itinerary is really full, so I recommend leaving early in the morning.

It’s worth noting that the Elephanta Caves, the Prince of Wales Museum, and the slums are the most time-consuming attractions in Mumbai. It all depends on your personal speed and interests, but I would recommend seeing only one or two of these attractions so you don’t have to rush.

See the Gateway of India

The Gateway of India is one of India’s most recognizable landmarks. In 1924, this monument was constructed in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. It commemorates the landing of King George V and Queen Mary, the first British monarchs to visit India, in 1911.

Later, this arch-shaped monument served as a symbolic ceremonial entrance for the Viceroys and incoming Governors of Bombay. The Gateway of India overlooks the Arabian Sea, making it an appropriate location for a symbolic gateway to the country.

Not that this is Mumbai’s most popular tourist site, but it can be fairly crowded, and if you’re a foreigner, people will ask for a lot of selfies!

Although the Gateway of India is beautiful, my favorite aspect of the site was the view of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which leads me to my next point.

Check out the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

You can’t miss this magnificent structure when visiting the Gateway of India (number one on this list). This is the greatest place to view the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

This opulent hotel established in 1903 and, as you might expect, was named after the famed Taj Mahal. It has hosted a number of prominent guests over the years, including presidents and film stars.

The Taj’s structure is very stunning, and it’s nice to know that even if you don’t stay there, you can visit the hotel’s stores and restaurants. There is an entrance on the right side of the structure.

Head to the Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves, located on Elephanta Island just off the coast of Mumbai, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This little island is home to a number of cave temples devoted to the Hindu god Lord Shiva. They originate from the mid-5th to 6th centuries AD and are filled with stunning rock-cut stone sculptures.

To access the Elephanta Caves, take a ferry from the Gateway of India (number one on this list). Please keep in mind that the boat travel to the island takes one hour, and you will also have to make the journey back. So this is a time-consuming destination to visit.

Have lunch at Leopold Café

Leopold Cafe, located just a 10-minute walk from the Gateway of India, is one of Mumbai’s most prominent cafes. It opened in 1871 and was named after Belgium’s King Leopold, despite the fact that it was founded by Iranians.

This cafe became renowned after being featured in Gregory David Roberts’ classic novel Shantaram and its sequel, The Mountain Shadow, and it’s a terrific location to relax, have a drink, or eat. I had cheesecake here, which was amazing.

Unfortunately, Leopold Cafe was also targeted during the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, and ten people were killed there. The restaurant sustained significant damage during the attacks, however it has been repaired.

Pass by Regal Cinema

Regal Cinema is one of Mumbai’s oldest movie theaters, located just a 5-minute walk from Leopold Café (#4 on our list). It first opened in 1933 and is now one of the city’s few remaining old-style movie theaters.

If you’re searching for a fun evening activity, going to the movies in Mumbai is one of these Indian travel bucket list experiences, and Regal Cinema is an excellent choice. After all, Mumbai is where Bollywood films are produced.

Visit the Prince of Wales Museum (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangralaya)

If you enjoy museums and history, the Prince of Wales Museum, currently known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangralaya (although that’s a mouthful), is a must-see in Mumbai.

The British created this museum in the early twentieth century, and it shows India’s history from prehistoric to present times. There are thousands of artifacts here, divided into three categories: art, archaeology, and natural history.

Not only is this an intriguing museum to see, but the structure it is housed in is also pretty stunning. Scottish architect George Wittet created it in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style.

Take a stroll through Oval Maidan to visit the High Court and the University.

Oval Maidan is a 15-minute walk from the Prince of Wales Museum and a pleasant area for a quick stroll. This is a recreational area where folks enjoy hanging out and playing cricket.

The High Court of Bombay and the University of Mumbai are immediately close to Oval Maidan, and they are also outstanding examples of architecture. Both of these structures date back to the nineteenth century and are worth seeing while you’re there!

Pass by the Flora Fountain

The Flora Fountain is a 10-minute walk from Oval Maidan (#7) and on the way to Victoria Terminus (#9).

Although this is not one among Mumbai’s must-see attractions, it is a pleasant location to visit if you are in the area. If you are short on time, skip it.

The Flora Fountains, built in 1864, reflect the Roman goddess of flowers (Flora) and are flanked by exquisite ancient structures.

Admire the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus)

Even if you just have one day in Mumbai, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a must-see destination! This is my favorite piece of architecture in the city.

Formerly known as the Victoria Terminus, this train station was established by the British in 1887 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was created in Victorian Revival style, with traditional Indian elements incorporated.

Make sure to see the BMC building while you’re here. This 19th-century edifice is located just across from the Victoria Terminus and is pretty stunning. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, or BMC, is Mumbai’s governing civic authority.

Visit Crawford Market

One of the best things to do in Mumbai in one day is to visit one of its markets. Crawford Market, for example, is extremely close to the Victoria Terminus (number nine on this list) and is one of the city’s greatest shopping destinations.

You may find anything here, from fruits and spices to cosmetics and jewelry. This could be the best place to locate some great Indian souvenirs!

Make sure to negotiate the price before purchasing anything here (you may also want to conduct some research on how much anything costs), since vendors will quote excessively high prices if you are a foreigner.

Stop by Dhobi Ghat

Dhobi Ghat is one of Mumbai’s most unique attractions! This is believed to be the world’s largest outdoor laundry facility. There’s a comparable location in Kolkata, but I learned about it too late. I’ll make a point of seeing it the next time I’m in the area, though, because I enjoyed visiting Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai.

Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai was opened in 1890, and since then, washers have been cleaning garments and linen from local hotels and hospitals. If you visit in the early afternoon, you will notice how the clothing are hung outside to dry.

Dhobi Ghat is located immediately close to the Mahalaxmi train station, making it easily accessible. The station’s bridge offers a good view of the ghat.

See the slums

Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum, is accessible to visitors in Mumbai. This has grown increasingly popular after the film Slumdog Millionaire was released.

However, visiting slums is controversial, with both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, it can benefit the economy if done ethically, but it can also feel voyeuristic.

However, it is entirely up to you whether or not to visit Mumbai’s slums. In all honesty, if I hadn’t already seen so many slums, I would have visited Dharavi. It is estimated that more than half of Mumbai’s population resides here, so you’ll get a better sense of what life is like for many individuals in the city.

Although you can visit the slums on your own, if you take an ethical tour, the money will be utilized to help the people who live there. This is a fantastic way to give back to the community.

Watch the sunset at Marine Drive

Marine Drive borders the Arabian Sea and features a lengthy promenade that is a favorite spot to view the sunset. For the greatest view, go to the Queen’s Necklace, which overlooks Mumbai’s skyline.

If you only have one day in Mumbai, I would not plan to stroll the entire promenade like I do. This is a 3.6-kilometre stroll that I significantly underestimated while in Mumbai. Although it is a lovely location, I believe the area surrounding the Oval Maiden and Flora Fountain is a better choice for a stroll. It will also help you better comprehend what Mumbai is all about.

It’s worth noting that the Queen’s Necklace is Mumbai’s most popular sunset site, so you’re unlikely to be the only one there. Having said that, India is well-known for being the world’s most populous country, and Mumbai, as one of India’s largest cities, lacks tranquil sunset locations.

Relax at Chowpatty Beach

Chowpatty Beach is regarded as one of Mumbai’s nicest beaches, and it’s a great location to unwind after a long day of touring.

If you come here in the evening, the beach will be packed with food stalls and locals relaxing with their friends. This is a pleasant area to unwind after a long day in Mumbai.

Concluding

Although you could easily spend a week in Mumbai seeing new neighbourhoods every day, one day is enough time to visit the city’s highlights.