What to Do in Mumbai in 3 Days: Markets, Beaches & Bollywood Vibes
Mumbai—India’s “City of Dreams”—is a dazzling blend of contrasts. Here, colonial architecture meets urban chaos, glitzy Bollywood coexists with ancient temples, and street food steals the show from fine dining. If you’ve only got 3 days in Mumbai, don’t worry—you can still experience the best of this vibrant metropolis.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to soak up more of its charm, this Mumbai travel guide outlines exactly what to do in Mumbai in 3 days, featuring top markets, beaches, and Bollywood vibes.
Day 1: Classic Mumbai – Heritage, Culture & Gateway Glamour
Morning: Marvel at the Gateway of India & Taj Mahal Palace
Start your day early at the Gateway of India, Mumbai’s most iconic monument built during the British Raj. Facing the Arabian Sea, it’s the perfect photo spot. Just opposite is the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, a legendary five-star heritage hotel worth admiring even from the outside.
Optional: Take a quick boat ride to Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient rock-cut temples.
Late Morning: Stroll Through Colaba Causeway Market
Head to Colaba Causeway for your first taste of Mumbai’s famous shopping scene. This bustling street is perfect for picking up souvenirs, quirky jewelry, bags, and street fashion.
Travel Tip: Bargain respectfully—it's part of the culture!
Lunch: Café Mondegar or Leopold Café
Both are iconic cafes with colonial charm and strong Goan, continental, and Indian dishes. Try butter garlic prawns or a refreshing Kingfisher beer to beat the heat.
Afternoon: Explore Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus & Fort Area
A short cab ride takes you to CST (Victoria Terminus)—a stunning UNESCO-listed train station and a functioning transportation hub. Wander through the nearby Fort area, filled with colonial buildings, art galleries, and vintage bookstores.
Evening: Sunset at Marine Drive & Chowpatty Beach
There’s no better way to end your day in Mumbai than with a sunset stroll along the iconic Marine Drive, famously known as the Queen’s Necklace for the way its streetlights curve along the bay, sparkling like jewels after dark. This 3.6-kilometer-long promenade offers sweeping views of the Arabian Sea and is ideal for a peaceful evening walk accompanied by the sound of crashing waves.
Make your way toward Girgaum Chowpatty Beach, a bustling hotspot at the northern end of Marine Drive. Here, you can sample iconic Mumbai street food—bhel puri, pav bhaji, and kulfi falooda—all served fresh by local vendors right on the sand. The beach comes alive in the evening with families, street performers, and food stalls creating a festive, welcoming atmosphere.
If you're staying nearby, several beach lodgings and coastal accommodations provide easy access to this vibrant stretch, allowing you to enjoy the view and flavors of Chowpatty any time. Whether you're watching the sunset, enjoying local delicacies, or unwinding by the sea, this evening ritual captures the true spirit of Mumbai.
Day 2: Markets, Art & Bollywood Charm
Morning: Shop at Crawford Market & Explore Kalbadevi
Start Day 2 at Crawford Market, a chaotic but charming marketplace selling everything from fruits and spices to pets and perfumes. Nearby Zaveri Bazaar and Mangaldas Market are hidden gems for gold, textiles, and local flair.
Late Morning: Dhobi Ghat – The World’s Largest Outdoor Laundry
Take a quick ride to Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat, a fascinating, Instagram-worthy stop where hundreds of workers wash clothes in open-air concrete wash pens. It’s raw, real Mumbai.
Lunch: Soam (Chowpatty) or Swati Snacks
If you love vegetarian Indian food, these two spots serve incredible regional cuisine. Don’t miss panki, sev puri, or Gujarati thalis.
Afternoon: Bollywood Tour in Juhu or Film City
No Mumbai trip is complete without a taste of Bollywood glamour. You can:
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Book a Film City tour in Goregaon (with sets and live filming glimpses)
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Spot celebrities around Juhu and Bandra
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Visit Bollywood museums or theaters like Gaiety Galaxy
Insider Tip: Juhu’s JW Marriott often has star-studded sightings in its lounge or restaurant.
Evening: Juhu Beach or Bandstand Promenade
For a relaxed evening, head to Juhu Beach for coconut water and chaat, or choose the Bandra Bandstand, which gives stunning sea views and even a glimpse of Shah Rukh Khan’s home, Mannat.
Day 3: South Meets North – Culture, Cafes & Sea Views
Morning: Siddhivinayak Temple or Haji Ali Dargah
Begin your day with a spiritual touch. Choose between:
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Siddhivinayak Temple – one of Mumbai’s most revered Hindu temples
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Haji Ali Dargah – a beautiful mosque and tomb set on an island, connected by a causeway
Note: Plan Haji Ali with the tides—it gets submerged during high tide.
Late Morning: Visit the Mani Bhavan or Nehru Science Centre
History buffs will enjoy Mani Bhavan, where Mahatma Gandhi once lived. For a more interactive experience, head to the Nehru Science Centre, a family-friendly space full of fun exhibits.
Lunch: Kala Ghoda Café or The Nutcracker
These hip cafés in Kala Ghoda serve great fusion meals, healthy options, and strong coffee. Kala Ghoda is also an artsy district with murals, museums, and boutiques to explore post-lunch.
Afternoon: Hanging Gardens & Kamala Nehru Park
For a break from the city buzz, head to Hanging Gardens in Malabar Hill, a lush garden with views of Marine Drive and a giant shoe-shaped structure kids love.
Evening: Dinner Cruise or Rooftop Bars
Wrap up your final evening with a special touch:
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Dinner Cruise: Set sail from the Gateway for an evening of dining with a view
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Rooftop Bars: Try Dome at InterContinental or AER at Four Seasons for luxe cocktails and panoramic views
Travel Tips for Your Mumbai Trip
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Best Time to Visit: November to February (pleasant weather)
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Getting Around: Use Mumbai locals (for the adventurous), Uber/Ola, or auto-rickshaws
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Where to Stay: South Mumbai (Colaba/Fort) for heritage vibes, or Bandra/Juhu for modern flair
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Safety Note: Mumbai is relatively safe but avoid isolated areas at night and keep valuables secure
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Foodie Musts: Vada pav, Bombay sandwich, keema pav, seafood curry, and masala chai from street stalls
In just three days, Mumbai can take you on a whirlwind tour of spices, skyline, sand, and stars. From age-old markets to film sets, holy shrines to high-end rooftops, the city dances to its own rhythm—and welcomes everyone to join.
Whether you’re craving street food, seaside sunsets, or the allure of Bollywood, Mumbai delivers an unforgettable travel experience, one that’s rich in culture, flavor, and heart.
So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to fall in love with Mumbai—one gully, one gappa (chat), and one glorious skyline at a time.
Chloe M. Winters
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