Three days, one flight, and a list of places to visit in Mumbai in 3 days that’s already too long — that’s how I landed in India’s busiest city.
Mumbai doesn’t ease you in. The moment you step out of the airport, you’re hit with traffic, noise, and an energy that’s impossible to ignore. I checked into my hotel in South Mumbai, dropped my bags, and got straight to it.
This is the itinerary I followed — Gateway of India to Bandra, Elephanta Caves, Marine Drive at sunset, temples, markets, and everything in between. If you’ve only got 3 days in Mumbai, here’s exactly how to spend them.
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Places to visit in Mumbai in 3 days
3 Days in Mumbai: Day 1
Kick off your Mumbai itinerary with a proper brunch — at your hotel or Airbnb, or better yet, at a local café. If you’re staying in South Mumbai, you’re spoilt for choice; Leopold’s Café is a great pick to start the day. Don’t overthink your list of places to visit in Mumbai in 3 days — the city has endless neighbourhoods worth exploring, and you’ll quickly realise that three days barely scratch the surface of a city that never sleeps.
Mount Mary Basilica, Bandra
Mumbai is filled with historical structures that also include beautiful colonial churches. The Mount Mary Basilica in Bandra is one such Roman Catholic Basilica with exquisite architecture. The Basilica has been located on a hilltop in Bandra for over a hundred years now. The serene interiors of the church would tempt you to sit and pray here quietly for a while. Many devotees remove their shoes outside the church, so to pay respects, it is recommended to remove your shoes even if you’re a tourist.
For architecture enthusiasts who would like to photograph the church, like me – they would soon realise the Basilica is so huge to fit in the camera frame, especially if you’re using a mobile phone. Try using the wide-angle lens in newer camera models to capture the beauty of the church.
Just opposite the Mount Mary Basilica is the Mount Mary Grotto – for those who’d like to pray to the Virgin Mary.
Tip: Take a picture of the Mount Mary Basilica from Mount Mary Grotto; it will fit perfectly in the frame.
Bandstand Promenade
Take a cab from Mount Mary Basilica towards the Bandstand Promenade. The seafront of the promenade is a place for foodies to enjoy local snacks while taking in the sea breeze. And if you are a Shahrukh Khan’s fan, you can see his home from outside, who knows, he might come out to say Hi to his fans 😉 Bandstand is one of the top places to visit in Mumbai if you’re in the city for 3 days. My recommendation is not to miss it.
Snacks Break
Take a breather here and enjoy local snacks — I tried a ‘Gola’ and sat on the promenade to soak in the views. One thing that did bother me, though, was the amount of trash scattered around. I’ve rarely seen a promenade this littered, and it left me frustrated, wondering why so little seems to have been done to fix it.
Juhu Beach
After spending the day at the bandstand, head to Juhu Beach to catch the sunset here and enjoy the delicious local Mumbai cuisine at Chowpatty. The beach is huge, but the area near Chowpatty is usually too crowded. I recommended walking to the rear ends for quiet areas where you’d find few people jogging or just enjoying chill time.
By this time, your day 1 in Mumbai is a success, and you would have covered West Mumbai by now. On day 2, I’ll take you through South Mumbai, which I focused most of my trip on.
Elephanta Caves
No Mumbai itinerary is complete without a trip to Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site sitting on an island about an hour’s ferry ride from the Gateway of India. The caves date back to the 5th century and house intricately carved rock-cut sculptures dedicated to Lord Shiva, including the famous three-headed Trimurti. Give yourself at least half a day here, factoring in the ferry ride, a short toy train to the entrance, and time to climb up to the caves themselves.
- Location: Elephanta Island, Mumbai Harbour
- Timings: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM (closed Mondays)
- Entry fee: ~₹40 for Indians, ~₹600 for foreign nationals (plus ferry ticket)
- How to reach: Ferries depart regularly from the Gateway of India; the ride takes about 60 minutes each way
- Try this Elephanta Caves half-day tour with ferry tour by GetYourGuide.
Haji Ali Dargah
Sitting on an islet just off Worli’s coastline, Haji Ali Dargah is one of Mumbai’s most striking landmarks — a white mosque and tomb accessible via a narrow causeway that floods at high tide. It’s a working shrine, not just a tourist stop, so dress modestly and expect crowds, especially on Thursdays and Fridays. The walk out along the causeway with the Arabian Sea on both sides is worth the visit alone.
- Location: Dargah Road, Haji Ali, Worli
- Timings: Daily, 5:30 AM–10:00 PM
- Entry fee: Free
- How to reach: Best combined with a Worli/Mahalakshmi stop; auto-rickshaw or cab from South Mumbai takes 20–30 minutes
3 Days in Mumbai: Day 2
On day 2 of this Mumbai Itinerary, it is all about South Bombay, which was the highlight of my trip.
Siddhivinayak Temple
One of Mumbai’s most visited religious sites, Siddhivinayak Temple, draws thousands of devotees daily to its gold-domed shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Built in 1801, it’s a working temple rather than a monument, so expect queues, especially on Tuesdays. Even a quick visit gives you a sense of how central faith is to daily life in the city.
- Location: Siddhivinayak Temple Road, Prabhadevi
- Timings: Daily, 5:30 AM–10:00 PM
- Entry fee: Free
- How to reach: 15–20 minutes by cab from Bandra or Dadar
Gateway of India
We all have seen the pictures of the gigantic Gateway of India, the arch monument – similar to India Gate – built to recognise King George V and Queen Mary when they visited India in 1911. The arch overlooks the Arabian Sea and was figuratively built as an entrance to India. Unlike India Gate – a war memorial, the Gateway of India is built in Indo-Saracenic style and represents a ceremonial entrance to India.
Taj Hotel
Taj Hotel is an iconic structure in Mumbai, known not only for its gorgeous architecture but also for the terrible 2008 terrorist attack. Although it is a 5-star hotel, I couldn’t afford to stay; I still enjoyed the architecture & tried not to remember the horrific 2008 terrorist attack.
Colaba Causeway
If Day 2 in South Bombay left you wanting more, Colaba Causeway is the street-shopping counterpart to the area’s monuments. Expect a dense stretch of stalls selling everything from silver jewellery and leather bags to knock-off sunglasses and quirky home décor, alongside cafés like Kayani Bakery and Leopold Cafe. It’s a good last stop before heading back for the evening.
- Location: Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba
- Timings: Most stalls open 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Entry fee: Free (bring cash and be ready to bargain)
- How to reach: Walking distance from the Gateway of India
Marine Drive
Marine Drive is the driveway along the Arabian Sea and is a perfect place to enjoy the Mumbai sea and skyline. For first-timers, it is not a beach, but more of a promenade to sit back, have a peaceful evening & watch the sunset.
Colaba Causeway
If Day 2 in South Bombay left you wanting more, Colaba Causeway is the street-shopping counterpart to the area’s monuments. Expect a dense stretch of stalls selling everything from silver jewellery and leather bags to knock-off sunglasses and quirky home décor, alongside cafés like Kayani Bakery and Leopold Cafe. It’s a good last stop before heading back for the evening.
- Location: Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba
- Timings: Most stalls open 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Entry fee: Free (bring cash and be ready to bargain)
- How to reach: Walking distance from Gateway of India
3 Days in Mumbai: Day 3
Art Deco Buildings
Mumbai is one of those few places in the world where Art Deco buildings still exist. Soona Mahal, Eros and Regal Cinemas are some of the finest examples of Art Deco buildings in Mumbai. In fact, Soona Mahal is a UNESCO heritage site and is a must-visit for architecture lovers. If you’re in Mumbai for 3 days or more, visit & appreciate these beautiful buildings.
CST
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is one of Mumbai’s most iconic buildings — a fully functioning train station that also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You don’t need to board a single train to appreciate it; just walk around the exterior and forecourt and take in the mix of Victorian Gothic spires, domes, and intricately carved stonework. Come early morning or after sunset for the best light and the fewest crowds, and spend a few minutes watching the constant flow of commuters — there’s no better way to feel the pulse of the city firsthand.
How to reach: A short walk from Crawford Market and Colaba; well connected by local train, metro, and taxi
Location: Fort area, near Crawford Market
Timings: Exterior accessible 24 hours; visit early morning or evening for photography and lighter crowds
Entry fee: Free to view the exterior and forecourt; a platform ticket (usually under ₹20) is needed if you want to briefly access the concourse or platforms City Buddy
Between the Gothic grandeur of CST and the colonial history of the Gateway of India, Mumbai holds its own against India’s other architectural icons — though if this trip has you hooked on the country’s landmarks, it’s worth planning to add a side trip to the Taj Mahal on a future visit.
Crawford Market
For a more chaotic, local shopping experience, head to Crawford Market (officially Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai) near CST. Built in 1869, the market is known for fresh produce, spices, and pets, alongside imported chocolates and household goods. It’s less about buying and more about soaking in one of Mumbai’s oldest trading hubs.
- Location: Lokmanya Tilak Marg, near CST
- Timings: Monday–Saturday, 11:00 AM–8:00 PM (closed Sundays)
- Entry fee: Free
- How to reach: 5-minute walk from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
University of Mumbai
Not your typical tourist stop, but the University of Mumbai’s Fort campus is worth a detour for its architecture alone. The star here is the Rajabai Clock Tower — a striking Gothic-Venetian structure modelled on London’s Big Ben, complete with intricate carvings and stained glass windows. The interior is off-limits to anyone who isn’t a student or staff member, so admire it from outside, ideally from Oval Maidan, where you get an uninterrupted view of the tower alongside the campus’s other colonial-era buildings. Honestly, this stretch of South Mumbai is made for wandering — I found myself simply following whichever building caught my eye next.
How to reach: A short walk from Churchgate Station
Location: Fort Campus, University of Mumbai, near Oval Maidan
Timings: Campus grounds generally accessible 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; best viewed in late afternoon light
Entry fee: Free to view the exterior; interior access is restricted to students and staff
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Originally named the Prince of Wales Museum of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sanghralaya is a history museum with artefacts from India’s prehistoric to modern times. The museum has three floors, each with captivating sculptures, paintings, textiles, etc. It took me more than 2 hours here, and yet I couldn’t see it all. I’d definitely visit it next time I’m in Mumbai. Easily one of the best places to visit in Mumbai in 3 days.
Tips to get the most out of your visit to Mumbai
To make the best of this Mumbai Itinerary, I’d recommend these tips for a memorable trip.Â
Avoid cabs/driving
Mumbai is known for its bad roads and terrible traffic. Don’t drive/cab unless you’re going absolutely nearby. Autos are great for moving around in South Mumbai. Or, best you can try riding the Mumbai Local for adventure if you can get the hang of it. Honestly, I didn’t because crowds scare the crap out of me.
Don’t be scared to experiment with cuisine
Mumbai has a wide variety of restaurants; you can find cheap as well as luxurious restaurants with international cuisines. Bear in mind, any good restaurant in Mumbai has huge waiting hours starting from 1+ hours to 2 hours or more. Try Vada Pao, street food, pao bhaji, and fried rice from Juhu Chowpatty for a taste of Mumbai.
Most Asked Questions
What are the must-visit places in a 3-day Mumbai itinerary? Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Marine Drive, Siddhivinayak Temple, Haji Ali Dargah, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya cover the essentials without over-packing your schedule.
Are 3 days enough to see Mumbai? Three days are enough to cover the main landmarks and get a real feel for the city, though Mumbai rewards longer stays if you want to explore individual neighbourhoods like Bandra or go on day trips.
What is the best time of year to visit Mumbai? November to February offers the most pleasant weather for sightseeing, with lower humidity than the monsoon or peak summer months.
How much does a 3-day Mumbai trip cost on a budget? A budget traveller can expect to spend roughly ₹4,000–₹6,000 per day, including stays, local transport, entry fees, and street food — more if you’re booking guided tours like Elephanta Caves or a Bollywood studio visit.
What food should I try during my Mumbai itinerary? Don’t miss vada pav, pav bhaji, bhel puri, and pani puri from street stalls, plus a Parsi breakfast of bun maska and keema pav if you’re near South Mumbai.
How do I get around Mumbai in 3 days? South Mumbai is very walkable. For longer distances, autos work well outside South Mumbai, and the Mumbai Local train is the fastest option if you’re comfortable with crowds.
If three days in Mumbai leave you wanting more of the coast, it pairs beautifully with a trip further south — you could easily combine it with a coastal Gokarna trip for a mix of city chaos and beach time on the same itinerary.
HAVE YOU TRAVELED TO MUMBAI? HOW MANY DAYS DID YOU SPEND AND WHAT PLACES YOU VISITED? DID YOU LIKE THIS MUMBAI ITINERARY? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
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