Building a one day in Mumbai itinerary is tough, with so much to see and do. So we’ve narrowed down all the best parts, into how to do Mumbai in a day.
How To Get Around Mumbai
Getting around Mumbai couldn’t be easier. There are generally 3 options:
Train
The train system in Mumbai is the most common form of local transport.
However, you must be aware that the trains running through the city are hugely over-crowded, particularly during rush hour.
The fare for train journeys in Mumbai starts from just 5 Rupees, to a maximum of 200 Rupees, depending on the distance between your stations.
Tickets can be bought at each station by paying with coins at the ticket from the counters.
A quick tip if you’re looking to avoid the queues is to cough up for first class. It may be the difference of 50 Rupees but could save you a lot of time standing around.
Just be aware that the carriages on the Mumbai trains are divided between ‘Ladies’ and ‘General’, so don’t get mixed up in the wrong compartment.
Taxi/Tuk Tuk
Mumbai taxis start from 22 Rupees, and are easy to hail anywhere in the city. Often referred to as Kaali-Peeli Cabs, just keep your eye out for the little black and yellow Fiat’s.
They are fairly inexpensive, and the drivers tend to use the meter for the most part so you should get a fair price.
The traffic situation is never good in Mumbai, therefore most people stick to using the trains.
The other option is to jump in a Tuk Tuk (or Rickshaw as known in India).
These are supposed to start even lower at 18 Rupees, however you’ll rarely find a rickshaw driver using the metre.
Haggling is always a starting point of conversation with rickshaws, so have your wits about you and be sure to agree a price before you get in the vehicle.
Uber is also available in some parts of the city for a fixed price option.
Tour
Some of the best days out we’ve had in Mumbai have been on private tours.
There’s even a Mumbai: Experience Local Transport, Sightseeing & Lunch tour available. For those that wish to experience the hustle and bustle of the train system without the stress of it all.
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
From food tours, to river rides and walking tours, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the bustling city!
Best Time To Visit Mumbai
The best time to visit Mumbai is probably during the winter months from December to March. This is when the weather is dry and sunny but not overbearingly hot.
The temperatures can get very hot from April onwards, with monsoon season generally during the months of June, July and August. This is when there are torrential downpours and high humidity.
Remember, this is just a guide, so you may want to mix it up and add/subtract different attractions.
What To Pack
1 Day In Mumbai Itinerary
Dharavi Slums
The first destination we recommend on your one day in Mumbai itinerary are the infamous Dharavi Slums.
Dharavi is a locality in Mumbai, considered to be one of the largest slums in the world.
With a total area of just 2.1 square kilometres, and home to a population of around 700,000 people, you can imagine how compact and hectic the living quarters are.
To reach Dharavi the best options are to hire a rickshaw if you’re close, or jump on the train and get off at Mahim Junction.
From Mahim Junction you’ll be able to see the slums, and simply cross the railway to enter.
We opted to visit alone, and the people in the neighbourhood couldn’t have been more welcoming.
We received a few funny looks passing over the wrong side of the train tracks, but once we reached the heart of the community we were greeted by smiling faces!
If you do wish to have a guide, there are many tours available. However, just be sure to find out exactly where the money is going.
One of the top recommendations is the Ethical Dharavi Walking Tour, which promises that profits are re-invested in community initiatives such as education, skills development and healthcare projects.
”Learn the challenges of migrants as they settled into this community, their entrepreneurial stories and how to debunk the negative stereotypes of slums.”
Children ran towards us open armed, families invited us into their homes and even offered to cook food for us. Supposedly the most dangerous part of the city, turned out to be our favourite.
A great start to Mumbai in a day!
Gateway Of India & The City
From Dharavi the best way to reach the city is via the Suburban Train from Mahim Junction to Marine Lines.
Trains run every 4 minutes, and the journey takes roughly 30 minutes in total.
It will drop you within walking distance of Marine Drive. A 3.6-kilometre-long promenade that links Malabar Hill to Churchgate.
For the majority of your one day in Mumbai itinerary you’re going to want to explore around these areas.
If you’re looking for a guided tour of the city, with some local knowledge thrown in, we highly recommend the Mumbai: Private Full-Day Sightseeing Tour of the City.
This 10-hour trip takes you around the essential sights, while learning all about Mumbai’s history and culture.
One of the most popular destinations when visiting Mumbai in a day is the Gateway Of India. Built in December 1911 to welcome the King and Queen of England.
King George Pacham and Queen Mary were the first British monarch’s to visit Mumbai, and the monument has stood proudly ever since.
The monument has also been referred to as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai, and is the city’s top tourist attraction.
Other popular destinations in the city include Victoria Terminus, Elephanta Caves, Marine Drive, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Crawford Market, Malabar Hill, and Bollywood’s Film City.
If you’re looking to visit Elephanta Caves you can purchase ferry tickets from the Gateway of India. The ferry takes roughly 1 hour to reach the island.
For those that prefer everything to be organised for them, the Elephanta Caves: Private Half-Day Tour from Mumbai includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a tour guide, your entrance tickets, ferry tickets and train tickets.
Try Indian Street Food
At some point on your one day in Mumbai itinerary you’re going to want to try the cuisine!
So we recommend exploring the streets of Mumbai in a day, and getting stuck into the local snacks.
But what is Mumbai Chaat? – Chaat is a savory snack originated in India, typically served at the road-side from stalls or food carts. With its origins in Uttar Pradesh, chaat has become immensely popular in the rest of the Indian subcontinent.
From the traditional samosas, to the Asian inspired momos, go out and grab some cheap street food!
One of the top ways to do so is on a Mumbai: Hidden Street Eats Tour by Train. You’ll experience the culture of India through the vibrant street food scene of Mumbai, with this tasting tour of local on-the-go snacks.
Plus you get to travel from location to location by train and experience the city like a local.
There’s even a 4-Hour Evening Street Food Tour, for the real foodies visiting Mumbai.
We couldn’t get enough of the Indian spices, and we’re sure you’ll love them too on your Mumbai in a day tour!
Where To Stay In Mumbai
Luxury
The 5-star Trident Bandra Kurla provides an outdoor and full spa services.
and room service are available 24 hours. On-site parking is free. Complimentary WiFi is available in all rooms.
Stylish with accents of red, the air-conditioned rooms come with a flat-screen TV, DVD Player and iPod connections.
A minibar and personal safe are also in all rooms. En suite bathrooms come with either a shower or a bathtub.
Trident Bandra Kurla is located in North Mumbai, a 15-minute drive from the domestic airport.
It is a 20-minute drive from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and a 40-minute drive from Western Railway Terminus.
Mid-Budget
Located in the of , Hotel is 100 yards from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
It features rooms with a flat-screen TV and 24-hour room service. It also offers a restaurant and a concierge desk with ticketing service.
Residency Hotel Fort is approximately 14.9 miles from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Transfers are available at an extra charge.
The air-conditioned rooms at Hotel Residency come with private bathrooms and ironing facilities. Each room comes with a safety deposit box, a mini fridge and tea/coffee making facilities.
Budget
Set in Mumbai, 2.1 miles from Phoenix Market City Mall, Sakinaka Dormitory AC Deluxe offers accommodation with free bikes, free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and room service.
This bed and breakfast features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
A buffet breakfast is available every morning at the bed and breakfast.
For more places to stay in Mumbai, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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