14 Best Things to Do in Mumbai in 1 Day
1. See the Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is one of India’s most famous landmarks. This monument was built in Indo-Saracenic style in 1924. It commemorates the landing of King George V and Queen Mary, who were the first British monarchs to visit India in 1911.
Later, this arch-formed monument was used as a symbolic ceremonial entrance for the Viceroys and the new Governors of Bombay. The Gateway of India overlooks the Arabian Sea, making it a good place for a symbolic entrance to the country.
2. Check out the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
You cannot miss this majestic building when you’re at the Gateway of India (#1 on this list). This is from where you will have the best view of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.
3. Head to the Elephanta Caves
Located on Elephanta Island, the Elephanta Caves is a UNESCO World Heritage site right off the coast of Mumbai.
4. Have lunch at Leopold Café
Located just a 10-minute walk from the Gateway of India, Leopold Cafe is one of Mumbai’s most iconic cafes. It opened its doors in 1871 and was named after King Leopold of Belgium, although Iranis opened it.
This cafe gained popularity after it was mentioned in the famous novel Shantaram and its sequel, The Mountain Shadow by Gregory David Roberts, and it’s a great place to take a break, have a drink or eat something. I had cheesecake here and it was delicious.
Sadly, Leopold Cafe was also a target during the Mumbai terrorist attacks of 2008, and 10 people lost their lives here. The restaurant was severely damaged during the attacks but it has been restored.
6. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangralaya)
If you’re a museum lover or a history buff, the Prince of Wales Museum, now called Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangralaya (but that’s a mouthful), is one of the best places to visit in Mumbai.
This museum was founded by the British in the early 20th century and showcases the history of India from prehistoric to modern times. You will find thousands of artefacts here, which are categorized into three sections: art, archaeology and natural history.
Not only is this an interesting museum to visit, but the building it’s set in is quite spectacular too. It was designed in an Indo-Saracenic style of architecture by Scottish architect George Wittet.
7. Take a stroll in Oval Maidan and see the High Court and University
Oval Maidan is a 15-minute walk from the Prince of Wales Museum and this is a nice place for a short stroll. This is a recreational ground where locals love to hang out and play cricket
The High Court of Bombay and the University of Mumbai are located right next to Oval Maidan and these are some pretty impressive pieces of architecture. Both of these buildings date back to the 19th century and they’re worth checking out while you’re there!
8. Pass by the Flora Fountain
The Flora Fountain is just a 10-minute walk from Oval Maidan (#7 on this list) and it’s on the way to the Victoria Terminus (#9 on this list).
Although this is not one of these places in Mumbai that you absolutely have to see, it is a nice place to stop by if you’re in the neighbourhood. If you’re short on time, however, skip it.
Built in 1864, the Flora Fountains depicts the Roman goddess of flowers (Flora) and it’s surrounded by some beautiful heritage buildings.
9. Admire the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus)
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is one of these places that you cannot miss, even if you’re in Mumbai for just 1 day! This is my favourite piece of architecture in the city.
Formerly called the Victoria Terminus, this train terminus was built by the British in 1887 and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was built in Victorian Revival architecture with some traditional Indian elements blended into it.
Make sure not to miss the BMC building while you’re here (though it would be hard to). This 19th-century building is located right across the Victoria Terminus and it’s quite impressive too. BMC stands for Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and this is the governing civic body of Mumbai.
10. Visit Crawford Market
One of the best things to do in 1 day in Mumbai is to visit one of the city’s markets. Crawford Market, for example, is very close to the Victoria Terminus (#9 on this list) and this is one of the city’s best places to shop.
