If you’ve ever read any of my previous posts, you’ll know that I love exploring India. But perhaps you didn’t know that I also like seeing cities with oceans, lakes, or yea, I guess any body of water in general. I grew up in Milwaukee, WI, which is right on the Great Lakes. Perhaps that plays a role in why I love coastal cities so much. Anywho, this is at least one reason why Mumbai is one of my favorite cities in India. This capital city has the same pace as Delhi but with more class. It’s cleaner and more enjoyable in my opinion. Even the rickshaws look nicer on this side of the country. In fact, it’s the 12th wealthiest city in the world. Obviously, there’s a concentration of money here and that can be seen in the infrastructure.
I love seeing the old heritage buildings found across Mumbai. The city is definitely modernized but has kept that Victorian charm. Take the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (which in fact is a UNESCO World Heritage site) as an example. Many buildings in the metropolis have a similar design and this all dates back to India under the British Raj. Some areas even have the look of Europe but the feel of India. I must put emphasis on the latter, as that what makes this city so special and unique of course.
In this guide you’ll find a list of spots not to miss, budgeting tips, and highlights of the city from personal experience.
Accommodation – 2,060 RS (=$28) for a mid-range double room. Try to look for accommodation in one of the following areas: Colaba, Kala Ghoda, Bandra West, Marine Drive.
Food – budget around 1,719 RS (=$24) for two meals. But if you’re interested in incorporating street food you can reduce this amount by half (be wary of unsanitary food stalls). Vada pav, misal pav, and pav bhaji are absolute must-trys!
Transportation – Uber is a very cost-effective and reliable way to get around town. Much easier than trying to navigate the public transportation system. Be sure to budget at least 519 RS (=$8) per day for transportation costs.
Suggested daily budget – 3,000 RS (roughly $48) (Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a standard hotel, eating out sparingly, etc. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)
We hope some of these tips could help ease the planning process! If you’re looking for more suggestions on what to do in Mumbai check out our guide on 10 places not to miss in Mumbai (with stunning photos)!
January 1, 2020