Yulia Saf 
Bustling markets, great beaches, and streets teeming with history – this is what awaits in Mumbai, India! If this city is on your bucket list, you’ve landed in the right place. In this post, I’m going to talk about where to stay in Mumbai and help you pick the best area and hotel for your upcoming stay.
A few years back, I visited Mumbai and had a great time there! So, based on my experience (very memorable!) and some extra research, I compiled a list of the 6 best areas to stay in Mumbai.
Colaba is the very best place to stay in Mumbai, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. This is where you’ll find some of the city’s top attractions, hotels, and restaurants; plus, you’ll be well-connected to the rest of the city.
In addition to highlighting what each of the 6 areas offers, I also handpicked the best hotels in each neighborhood and sorted them by price.
If you’re planning a trip to Mumbai, hurry up and book your hotel in advance. Good hotels sell out quickly, especially in peak season (December and January), and you don’t want to miss out on a good deal!
Let’s explore the City of Seven Islands!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you want to book now, here are the best hotels in Mumbai, all located in the Colaba neighborhood:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Colaba – where to stay in Mumbai for the first time
- 2. South Mumbai – best area in Mumbai to stay for art & culture
- 3. Bandra & BKC – best places to stay in Mumbai for nightlife
- 4. Marine Drive – best area to stay in Mumbai for luxury
- 5. Juhu – where to stay in Mumbai with family
- 6. Andheri East – where to stay in Mumbai near the airport
- FAQs about where to stay in Mumbai
- Final words on where to stay in Mumbai
Here’s a map of the 6 Mumbai neighborhoods featured in this post to help you visualize them better:
- Colaba: for first-timers
- South Mumbai: for art & culture
- Bandra & BKC: for nightlife
- Marine Drive: for luxury
- Juhu: for family
- Andheri East: near the airport
1. Colaba – where to stay in Mumbai for the first time
If you’re visiting Mumbai for the first time, the ultimate place to stay in Colaba! Located in South Mumbai, this lively neighborhood is home to many attractions, street markets, and restaurants, making it the most popular tourist district.
During my stay in Mumbai, I explored Colaba and other top attractions in the city on a private sightseeing tour – much like this one. I highly recommend you do the same unless you know the city well and have no trouble navigating the crazy traffic and crowds.
One of the perks of taking a private tour is the fact that it’s customizable, so you can have your guide take you to a specific location you want to visit – more on this later!
The first thing we visited on the Mumbai tour was the Gateway Of India (map). This triumphal arch was built in the 20th century to commemorate King George V’s visit to India in 1911 and is the city’s top landmark. Be prepared to face the crowds and wait in line to snap a picture – but it’ll be worth the wait.
FUN FACT: The city of Mumbai was formerly called Bombay – up until 1995. Bombay was the English name of the city, so India’s government wanted to shed this reminder of the country’s colonial past. The current name of the city, Mumbai, comes from the name of the goddess Mumbadevi, the patron saint of the city.
Other must-visits in Colaba are the street markets – the Colaba Market (map) and the Colaba Causeway Market (map). Roam the stalls and get some unique souvenirs from your trip – but don’t get any street food! The food is often prepared in unsanitary conditions, and you don’t want to risk food poisoning on vacation. Also, drink ONLY bottled water (and be cautious with ice)!
But still, you need to eat! I’d recommend the US Club Fine Dine Cafe Lounge (map), a very popular restaurant offering stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Another great place to grab a light meal is Leopold Cafe (map), which dates back to 1871!
FUN FACT: Mumbai is one of the most populated cities in the world – the 7th most populated, to be exact, with approximately 27 million people residing in the wider urban area.
Colaba is one of the few places in Mumbai that can be explored on foot. But you’ll still need a way to get around the city, and I don’t recommend driving – the traffic is crazy. Use Uber or one of the many auto-rickshaws you’ll see on the streets of Mumbai. However, you need to negotiate the price before you hop on for a ride.
Mumbai also has public buses and trains, but they’re always super crowded and can be difficult to navigate. So it’s definitely better to get an Uber and pay a bit more than getting lost or wasting hours trying to navigate the public transit system.
NOTE: When booking your stay in Colaba, do it through reputable websites like Booking.com, and always keep a confirmation of your booking! When I visited, the hotel couldn’t find my reservation, and after some haggling, I had to spend the night in a tiny room. No worries – I’m not recommending that hotel in this article!
This iconic hotel is often deemed the best hotel in Mumbai; dating back to 1903, the Taj Mahal Palace offers 5-star service and is situated directly opposite the Gateway of India. Guests will enjoy a variety of upscale facilities, including 9 restaurants, a landscaped pool, and a spa and wellness center offering many traditional treatments.
Other accommodation options in Colaba
A 3-star hotel with spacious guest rooms, offering many amenities like car rentals, laundry services, and currency exchange facilities
Situated in a historic building, this Mumbai accommodation has private rooms and dormitories, plus a shared kitchen and a cafe
A private room in a heritage building featuring a private bathroom and access to shared spaces, including a kitchen
As you’ll see in the section above, I recommend The Taj Mahal Palace as the best luxury option for staying in Colaba. However, even if you don’t stay there, you should still stop by the hotel, as it’s considered a Mumbai landmark. The architecture is impressive, and many Bollywood (and Hollywood!) movies were filmed there.
Things to do in Colaba
- Go on a private guided tour of Mumbai
- Visit the Gateway Of India and snap some photos
- Enjoy a relaxing stroll in the Sagar Upvan Garden (map) – check if it’s open first
- Explore the stalls at Colaba Market and Colaba Causeway Market
- Get some dinner at the US Club Fine Dine Cafe Lounge or Leopold Cafe
2. South Mumbai – best area in Mumbai to stay for art & culture
South Mumbai is a large area that consists of several smaller neighborhoods, including Colaba, Marine Drive (more on this later), Fort, Kala Ghoda, Churchgate, Worli, and more! This part of the city is vast, bustling with life, and has plenty to offer, especially for art and culture lovers.
The first thing you’ll notice about South Mumbai is the architecture. This part of the city has well-preserved colonial architecture, so take some time to walk around and admire the buildings.
Since there’s so much to see and do in this part of town, you’re probably wondering where to start. I suggest starting with a visit to the Hanging Gardens (map) to admire the hedges sculpted into animal shapes. From here, you can move on to Girgaon Chowpatty (map), i.e., Chowpatty Beach, and watch the sun as it sets over the sea.
Then, you can move on to explore the Fort neighborhood and the smaller Kala Ghoda area within. The top things to visit here are the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, a history museum, the Jehangir Art Gallery, and the Flora Fountain (map) – a fountain with a sculpture of the Roman goddess Flora.
Another important Fort landmark is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (map), a historic train station built in a unique architectural style. Because of its impressive architecture, the train station is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it is definitely worth a stop.
TIP: If you’re visiting Mumbai at the end of January/beginning of February, check out the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. This festival takes place on the streets of the Kala Ghoda neighborhood and features many art installations and performances spread around the neighborhood – it’s a very cool thing to do!
The next thing I’d suggest is going for a walk at the Horniman Circle Garden (map), a circular park surrounded by heritage buildings, including The Asiatic Society, a library that houses many old and important manuscripts.
FUN FACT: The original 14th-century manuscript of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy is kept at The Asiatic Society, but unfortunately, the book is rarely on display at the library.
Other spots to visit in South Mumbai include the Shree Mumbadevi Temple (map) and the Haji Ali Dargah shrine (map). If you’re traveling with kids, head to the Worli neighborhood and spend a few hours at the Nehru Planetarium – it’s a really fun experience!
Last but definitely not least, I want to talk about my favorite thing I did in Mumbai – my visit to Dhobi Ghat (map). This is the largest open-air laundry in the world, and it’s unlike anything I’ve seen before.
All the major hospitals and hotels in Mumbai send the laundry to be washed in the baths at Dhobi Ghat – and nothing ever gets lost! Even though it seems chaotic at first glance, apparently, they have a very good labeling system. This wasn’t a part of the tour of Mumbai, but I requested it, and the guide was happy to customize the tour – you can do this, too!
Being the first St. Regis hotel in India, this property is the definition of luxury. Each of the rooms and suites at this hotel is elegantly decorated and features all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay. You can dine at one of the 8 restaurants or order room service and also benefit from a butler service.
Other accommodation options in South Mumbai
Conveniently located in the heart of Mumbai, this hotel features air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, and a concierge desk
Each room at this 2-star hotel provides city views and Wi-Fi access, plus a private bathroom stocked with free toiletries
A 1-bedroom apartment in a shared home with an attached bathroom, 2 double beds, and Wi-Fi access
Things to do in South Mumbai
- Walk around the Hanging Gardens and watch the sunset from Chowpatty Beach
- Explore the collection at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
- Visit the Jehangir Art Gallery and the Flora Fountain
- Stop by the Horniman Circle Garden and The Asiatic Society
- Join a guided tour of the Elephanta Caves
- Admire the Shri Mumbadevi Temple and the Haji Ali Dargah shrine
- Take the kids to the Nehru Planetarium
- Tour the open-air laundry of Dhobi Ghat
- Admire the architecture of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
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3. Bandra & BKC – best places to stay in Mumbai for nightlife
Looking for a trendy and hip neighborhood where you can enjoy a lively nightlife? If so, Bandra and the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) are the top places to stay in Mumbai. Situated a little over an hour’s drive away from Colaba, these neighborhoods offer many opportunities for sightseeing, dining, and shopping!
The Bandra neighborhood is essentially split into 2 parts – Bandra West and Bandra East – while the BKC is part of Bandra East and serves as the city’s business district.
If you’re coming to Bandra from the city center, i.e., South Mumbai (or going in the opposite direction), you’ll probably take Bandra Worli Sealink. I did this on my tour, and it was a really nice experience.
The Bandra Worli Sealink is a suspension bridge that connects the World neighborhood with Bandra and Bandra Beach (map), a nice beach that wasn’t too crowded when I visited. Oh, and on your way across the bridge, ask your guide/driver to stop at the Bandra Worli Sealink View Point (map) so you can enjoy the view!
The majority of the attractions are concentrated in Bandra West, such as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount (map) and the Bandra Fort (map), which is also known as Castella de Aguada, a historic Portuguese fort that offers stunning views of the sea.
If you like a good view, then you have to go for a walk along the Band Stand (map). This is a very lively seafront promenade and a popular meeting spot for the locals, so expect to face the crowds. But the view is definitely worth the effort!
But if you’re looking for a cool spot to spend a fun night out, you can grab drinks with a view at Roofberries Bandra (map) or enjoy a meal at Candies (map), a Portuguese-style cafe and restaurant.
Of course, you also have to explore the Bandra Kurla Complex! If you’re here on business, this is where you’ll find the Jio World Convention Centre (map), but if you’re here for pleasure, then do some shopping at Jio World Drive (map)!
Finally, I want to point out that these are the best neighborhoods in Mumbai for solo travelers, male and female. These areas are quite safe, have a great selection of hotels, and are well-connected to the rest of the city – what more do you need?
TIP: When exploring the BKC, be careful not to wander into the Dharavi neighborhood. It’s located just South of the BKC and is one of the world’s largest slums – it’s extremely crowded, dirty, and not very safe for tourists.
Overlooking the Arabian Sea, this 5-star hotel awaits with an outdoor pool, traditional Indian spa treatments, and as many as 5 on-site dining options. The spacious rooms at the Taj Lands End feature classic wood furnishings and modern amenities, plus marble bathrooms with free toiletries.
Other accommodation options in Bandra & BKC
This 3-star boutique hotel has air-conditioned rooms and a restaurant and offers room service, plus a complimentary buffet breakfast
Offering accommodation in dormitory rooms, this hostel also has a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen, and free Wi-Fi
A fully equipped apartment with 1 spacious bedroom, a comfy living area, a full kitchen, and a rooftop terrace
Things to do in Bandra & BKC
- Take the Bandra Worli Sealink and stop to admire the view from the viewpoint
- Spend a couple of hours relaxing on Bandra Beach
- Go for a walk at Jogger’s Park (map)
- Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, a famous Catholic church
- Explore the Bandra Fort and admire the view
- Get some cool clothing and jewelry from the popular Linking Road Market (map)
- Take a walk along the Band Stand and admire the view
- Grab a drink at Roofberries Bandra or some dinner at Candies
4. Marine Drive – best area to stay in Mumbai for luxury
Craving some luxury on your vacation? For that, you need to book a stay in South Mumbai, specifically the Marine Drive area. Situated a 20-min drive North of Colaba, Marine Drive is home to high-end hotels and provides stunning views over the bay. So, if you want to have a pleasant stay in a more relaxed atmosphere, this is the place for you!
FUN FACT: Marine Drive is also called the ‘Queen’s Necklace’ because when you look at it from above and at night, the street lights look like a string of pearls in a necklace.
By far, the biggest attraction in this neighborhood is Marine Drive Beach (map). The beach is a great place to visit both during the day and at night. The views are absolutely stunning, and even though it’s always full of people, the atmosphere is laid-back – perfect for relaxing.
There’s also a promenade along the beach, so you can go for a stroll and enjoy the view or stop for dinner at Pizza By The Bay (map), a great Italian restaurant overlooking the sea. Another great spot for admiring the view is Nariman Point (map), situated at the end of Marine Drive, and THE spot to snap some photos.
If you’re traveling with family, then you should spend an afternoon at the Taraporevala Aquarium (map). This is India’s oldest aquarium and home to diverse wildlife. However, keep in mind that if you want to take photos or videos, you’ll need to pay an additional charge. My advice would be to enjoy yourself and skip the photos.
Speaking of luxury, you might be interested in learning that the 2nd most expensive house in the world is located in Mumbai. Trailing just behind Buckingham Palace in London, the Antilia was built in 2006/07 and is worth approximately 2 billion USD. The building is in South Mumbai (see location), near Marine Drive, so you can stop by to see it.
NOTE: Even though we’re talking about luxury in this section, you should know that Mumbai, and India in general, is home to many people living in poverty. This is quite obvious as you explore the city streets, so be prepared for this before you go.
In an ideal location by the waterfront, this upscale hotel provides plenty of facilities to keep you occupied – a heated outdoor pool, a 24-hour spa, and a fitness center. Other benefits of staying here include a free airport shuttle, concierge services, and a travel desk.
Other accommodation options in Marine Drive
A hotel providing free parking, a restaurant, and an on-site beauty shop, plus a complimentary breakfast
This budget-friendly hotel offers simply furnished rooms with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, laundry services, and free breakfast
This cottage is perfect for 2 people, with a bedroom, a full bathroom, and access to a patio
Things to do in Marine Drive
- Spend a relaxing day on Marine Drive Beach
- Go for a walk along the promenade and stop for dinner at Pizza By The Bay
- Snap some photos from Nariman Point
- See a cricket match at Wankhede Stadium (map)
- Visit the Taraporevala Aquarium
- Stop by to see Antilia, the 2nd most expensive house in the world
5. Juhu – where to stay in Mumbai with family
If you’re planning a family holiday in Mumbai, the top area for your stay would be Juhu. This lively beachfront neighborhood is located a 1h 30min drive Northeast of Colaba and offers plenty of ways to spend your time. From lazy beach days to cool night entertainment, Juhu has it all!
Juhu Beach (map) is the main reason people visit this neighborhood. According to the locals, this is the best beach in Mumbai – and I don’t think it’ll disappoint you, either. There are many vendors lining the beach, so you can get a refreshing drink and sit back to watch one of the casual cricket matches.
A really cool place to spend an afternoon in Juhu is the ISKCON Temple – Juhu (map). This is a large compound that features an impressive Hindu temple and a really good vegetarian restaurant. And if you happen to visit the temple during Arti (a traditional worship ceremony), stay and watch – it’s a unique experience!
If you’d like to immerse yourself in Hindu culture, I highly recommend seeing a performance at the Prithvi Theatre. This theater puts on many theater shows and hosts music performances, but it also has a nice cafeteria and a bookshop – the perfect spot to spend an evening.
The Juhu neighborhood also has plenty of great dining spots, and I suggest trying the seafood at the Mahesh Lunch Home (map), then taking the kids for ice cream at Naturals Now (map) – they’ll love it!
Lastly, I wanted to mention the Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival dedicated to the Lord Ganesh on Juhu Beach. This Hindu holiday is celebrated each year between 22 August and 20 September, and millions of people take part in the celebrations. During this time, the beach gets super crowded, and it’s best to avoid it for safety reasons.
Want to unwind at an award-winning spa? Well, book your stay in the JW Marriott, where you can get a treatment at the amazing Quan Spa, or you can spend your time sampling the food at one of the 6 restaurants or join a free fitness class. There’s also a tour desk that can help you organize your Mumbai holiday.
Other accommodation options in Juhu
Overlooking the sea, this 3-star hotel has a 24/7 front desk, an on-site Starbucks, and a restaurant
A short walk from the beach, this affordable hotel is a bit lower-rated but a great option for budget travelers
A comfortable apartment in a gated neighborhood with 1 bedroom, a living area, and a sundeck balcony
Things to do in Juhu
- Relax and see a cricket match on Juhu Beach
- Visit to ISKCON Temple – Juhu to admire the architecture and enjoy some food
- Catch a performance at the Prithvi Theatre
- Try the seafood at the Mahesh Lunch Home
- See a movie at the PVR Dynamix Mall (map)
- Get some ice cream at Naturals Now
6. Andheri East – where to stay in Mumbai near the airport
When you’re visiting Mumbai for a short amount of time and want to be close to the airport, your best choice is to stay in Andheri East. This is a newer and more modern area with plenty of restaurants, bars, lounges, and some amazing hotels. It’s about an hour’s drive North of Colaba, so you can still explore the city center.
On the neighborhood’s Southern end, you’ll find Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (map). Besides being the main aerial hub for getting to/from the city, this airport also features an art gallery – the perfect way to spend your time while waiting to board.
Seeing as this is a new neighborhood that mainly comprises residential properties and office buildings, there aren’t too many attractions you can visit. But one thing you shouldn’t miss is the Mahakali Caves (map). Situated on the Northern edge of the neighborhood, these caves are monasteries carved into the rock and a very unique place to visit.
As I mentioned, there are many restaurants in Andheri East, and I recommend you try traditional Indian food at Tunga Restaurant (map). Or, if you’re not a fan of Indian cuisine, you can always turn to the trusted Italian dishes at Romano’s (map).
In case you’re still looking for things to do, head to the nearby Andheri West and do some shopping. The Infiniti Mall (map) is a large retail complex with plenty of stores, a food court, and even a movie theater, so you can easily spend an entire day here.
Staying in Andheri East is very convenient, as most hotels are just a short ride (5-15 mins) from the airport. If you’re staying anywhere else in the city, the ride to the airport will take about an hour or maybe more – not great if you’re anxious about missing your flight. So, if you want to be on time for your departure, definitely book a hotel in Andheri East!
A short distance away from the airport, this luxury hotel boasts 3 restaurants, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Airport transfers are provided by the hotel – either at an additional charge or included in the price, depending on the type of room you book, and the front desk is open 24/7.
Other accommodation options in Andheri East
A 3-star hotel offering room service, free Wi-Fi and parking, and comfortable, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms
This hostel is right by the airport and offers shared dorms, a tour desk, and access to a kitchen
This small and simple house can accommodate 2 guests and is just a 10-min drive from the airport
Things to do in Andheri East
- Check out the art gallery at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
- Catch a movie at PVR Cinemas (map)
- Visit the Mahakali Caves
- Try Indian food at Tunga Restaurant or Italian at Romano’s
- Do some shopping at the Infiniti Mall in Andheri West
- Take a day trip to Sanjay Gandhi National Park (map)
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$250 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$120 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$60 |
| 📍 Best area: | Colaba |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | The Taj Mahal Palace |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Ascot Hotel |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Backpacker Cowies |
FAQs about where to stay in Mumbai
📍 Which part of Mumbai is best to stay in?
The best place to stay in Mumbai is Colaba, a popular neighborhood in South Mumbai. The area is home to the city’s top landmark, the Gateway of India, and many great hotels like The Taj Mahal Palace and the Ascot Hotel.
📅 How many days should I spend in Mumbai?
To fully experience Mumbai, I recommend spending at least 3 days in the city. During this time, you can visit the main attractions, explore some street markets, and spend some time relaxing on the beach.
🙅 Is Mumbai a walkable city?
No, Mumbai is a very big city with a large population, so walking from one place to another is extremely tiring and takes a really long time. To get around the city, I recommend Uber or, alternatively, the auto-rickshaws you’ll need to bargain for.
🟢 Which is the safest area in Mumbai?
Colaba and all the other areas recommended in this article are safe for tourists visiting Mumbai. However, you still need to exercise caution – don’t walk alone, especially at night, and keep your valuables hidden.
🤔 Is Mumbai cheap or expensive?
Mumbai is the most expensive city in India, but still relatively affordable by Western standards. A 1-week trip to Mumbai will cost you, on average, US$500 per person, without the flight to and from Mumbai.
🌞 Which month is best to visit Mumbai?
The best time to visit Mumbai is between October and February when the weather is pleasant – not too hot or cold. Avoid monsoon season (June to September), and if you want to go during peak season (December and January), book in advance.
Final words on where to stay in Mumbai
We’ve reached the end of my extensive guide on where to stay in Mumbai. I hope my insights were helpful and you have a better idea of the best areas in Mumbai and the top hotels.
But if you still have trouble choosing, here are my 2 favorite hotels in Mumbai, India, both situated in Colaba:
- The Taj Mahal Palace – an iconic 5-star hotel with an amazing spa and 9 restaurants on-site
- Ascot Hotel – a very comfortable hotel featuring a restaurant and offering car rentals, plus free parking
Wherever you decide to stay, you need to book your hotel in advance! Mumbai is one of the best places to stay in India, so the good hotels sell out super quickly!
If you have any other questions about Mumbai and the best places to stay, leave me a comment below, and I’ll get back to you!
P.S. Don’t forget to get all the necessary vaccinations!
Enjoy your Mumbai adventure,
Yulia
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