Mumbai is a frenetic, glitzy metropolis of chaotic streets, captivating temples and an enchanting array of South Asian cuisines rarely found outside the subcontinent. India’s capital city also juxtaposes Bollywood alongside a massive slum, just another example of how Mumbai mixes its divergent cultures into an intoxicating experience for travelers. High-end hotels are scattered along south and western Mumbai, with views of the water and close access to shopping. Taxes and lack of space make budget lodging difficult to find; some can be found in tourist hub Colaba, but be sure to book at least weeks in advance.
Tours To Get Your Feet Wet
- Reality Tours and Travel offers travelers an in-depth look into the daily life of a vast part of Mumbai, which houses Dharavi, one of the world’s largest slums. More than just walking by beggars on the street, the tour introduces the resourcefulness and entrepreneurship of its residents.
- Fans of Bollywood movies are sure to enjoy Bollywood Tours, with half- or full-day packages to take visitors to well-known sets around Film City. Tourists get a lesson on industry history as well as a peek behind-the-scenes into stars’ makeup rooms and VFX studios.
Best Restaurants In Town
- Get a taste of just-caught seafood at Trishna, a top-notch restaurant where you’ll want to reserve a table in advance. A signature entree is king crab drizzled in butter, pepper and garlic, sure to satisfy the cravings of any crustacean-lover.
- Shree Thaker Bhojanalay is an almost legendary place to get vegetarian thali, a round metal plate laden with little bowls of curry and chutneys to pair with flatbread and rice. Service is friendly and refills are generous, and patrons always leave happily stuffed with the Indian comfort food.