Mumbai – the city of dreams and shock, good and bad. People from all across the country come to Mumbai with stars in their eyes and expectations in their hearts.
But with a city so big and so much to do, how do you know what’s worthwhile and what isn’t? Here are 10 best attractions of Mumbai you should definitely check out.
Hers The best Tourist Attractions in Mumbai in 2018:
1. Gateway of India, Colaba 
If you want to see Mumbai like you’ve seen in the movies, visit the most beloved places like Gateway of India. The monument is the perfect marriage between the modern atmosphere and colonial architecture and stands guarding the ‘entrance’ of the city.
The architecture of the structure is based on the Indo-Saracenic architectural style added to Muslim features, a style which was brought by the British and influences most architecture in South Bombay. An array of boats adorning the coast gives you the perfect view.
A mass of people flocks around the monument, clicking pictures and enjoying the sight of the sea every evening. The place is the perfect start for a heritage walk of the city. Just by taking in the architecture of the structures around the monument reflects of colonial Bombay and reminisces the mark of the British left on the city. Afternoon tea at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel or even a cutting chai will make you feel like you’re in the heart of Mumbai.
Entry is free and the visiting timings are 12:00 am to 12:00 am on all days.
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2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort 
Another reminder of the British rule is one of the most attractive railway stations in the country and the most iconic in Mumbai, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. The train station was formerly known as Victoria Terminus before being official renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. The structure is a perfect symbol of Bombay.
A splendor to look at, the grandeur of the structure will take you back with awe. The Victorian-Gothic style of architecture is patent British Raj pre-independence.
The terminus symbolizes the bustle of the city perfectly, a juxtaposition of the city’s architecture and the city’s essence. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is so majestic outside but inside is a different story altogether.
If you want to live like a Mumbaikar for a day, grab a ticket and take a train ride from this station on the Central Line. Go anywhere. It’s the train journey that’s the essence of Mumbai, not the destination.
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3. Haji Ali Dargah, Dargah Road 
One of the most recognizable landmarks of the city, the Haji Ali Dargah is known for its religious faith and phenomenal location. The dargah houses the tomb of the Muslim Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari along with a mosque.
The structure is a perfect representation of Mughal architecture with its pristine white domes and delicate minarets. Located on an islet off the coast of Worli, the mosque is surrounded by a vast sea which covers the narrow promenade leading up to the mosque that only appears during low tide.
The structure appears as if situated in the middle of the sea adding to its serenity. Everyone is allowed to visit the Dargah. And an even better attraction is having a bowl of fruit custard at the Haji Ali Juice Centre right outside or indulging in the local cuisine of Kebabs, Chaat, Biryani, Hyderabadi Kebabs, Ice-cream.
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4. Juhu Beach, Juhu 
The most popular attraction of Mumbai is the beach, namely Juhu Beach. Famous countrywide for being the best beach in Mumbai, Juhu beach offers a variety of services whether it is street food, photography or simple amusement. Many visit the beach to relax and enjoy the sunset while frolicking in the water.
The beach is situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea in the Juhu Suburb which houses several celebrities as well. With water sports now a new attraction at Juhu Beach, people flock the beach to enjoy activities such as horse riding, mehndi making, jet skiing, along with enjoying famous delicacies such as butter pav bhaji, gola, pani puri, aloo tikki.
A few attractions in and around Juhu are Iskon Temple, Prithvi Theatre, St. Joseph’s Church, Holy Cross Church.
5. Mount Mary Church, Bandra 
The heartbeat of Bandra, Mount Mary’s Basilica is one of the most famous churches in Mumbai. Known for its semi-Gothic architecture with its beautiful edifice of stone and annual feasts and festivals in September, Mount Mary is a definite place to visit when in Mumbai. The perfect place to seek tranquillity, peace and reassurance, Mount Mary is one place you cannot skip on your visit to Mumbai.
The church is also the same church from Amar, Akbar, Anthony, if you want to add a Bollywood twist to it. Located on a hill amidst the flutter of Bandra, the structure is said to be over a hundred years old and is among the most historic churches in Mumbai.
Other attractions in and around Bandra are Bandstand, Hill Road, Carter Road and Bandra Fort from where you get a phenomenal view of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
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6. Elephanta Island, Gharapuri 
A short boat rides away from the Gateway of India is the Elephanta Caves located off the coast of Mumbai. The rock cut cave temples are amidst the lushly forested area and this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a collection of temples devoted to the Hindu God Shiva and represent three aspects of Shiva: the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer.
The small island is speckled with sculptural remains and architectural heritage, giving an insight to its rich cultural history. The Cave 1 resembles Dumar Lena cave at Ellora, Aurangabad. The Elephanta Caves contribute to one of the most magnificent achievements in the history of rock-architecture in India.
You can see everything from the scrutiny of battle to performing arts and yoga in the panels of the caves. The site provides perception into remarkable sculptures, architecture, art and tradition of India.
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7. Marine Lines, South Bombay 
The 3.5 km long boulevard famously known as the Queen’s Necklace is one of the most overused attractions of Bombay shown in movies. The curved C shaped road resembles a necklace when lit up with streetlights at night. Even in the day, Marine Lines is a popular attraction for its serene atmosphere and the fact that anyone can enjoy the ocean just sitting by the promenade.
The name Marine Lines originated from the Marine Battalion Lines, a military establishment built by the British in the 19th century. Another place to visit if you’re at Marine Lines is the Taraporewala Aquarium which houses an array of fishes and aquatic animals.
8. Colaba Causeway, Colaba
Source Image: Wikipedia
A fashion paradise, Colaba Causeway will provide you anything and everything. From clothes, accessories, shoes, books, and food to high-end boutiques, you can get everything at Colaba Causeway at a steal. Exercise your bargaining skills before you hit the streets, the vendors are hard to compete but not unbeatable.
A street lined with stalls selling variety as well as quality products is the patent identity of Colaba Causeway. The walkway begins at Regal Cinema, another attraction to catch a movie at. One of the last old theatres left in Mumbai, Regal provides the perfect golden touch to a new movie with its aged charm.
If you decide to treat yourself by shopping at Causeway, have a wonderful Irani brunch or lunch at one of the Irani cafes, another unique experience in Mumbai. Visit Leopold Café and bar, Café Mondegar or Café Basilico Bistro and Deli for the full experience.
You’ll need to make it a day to visit Colaba as a few meagre hours are not sufficient to explore the entire area.
There is so much to discover, you’ll be left stunned. Don’t miss this shopping haven in Mumbai.
9. Crawford Market, Fort 
One of the most famous markets in Mumbai, Crawford market is located in South Mumbai and is the hub of shopping in the city. The 147-year-old market was named after Arthur Crawford, the first Municipal Commissioner of Mumbai but is now officially renamed Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market.
There are more than 580 vendors in the market that sell about anything from fruits and vegetables, to birds and pets and everything else in between. You get the cream of the crop at the market, the best quality foods, fruits, spices, international products, soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, everything.
Not many know this but an author and journalist Rudyard Kipling’s father John Lockwood Kipling designed the friezes on the Crawford Market building which show sections of Indian rural life and farmers, a perfect symbol for the market. Don’t forget to visit the ‘Kipling’s Fountain’ in the bird section.
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10. Experience the Nightlife
The glitz and glamour of Mumbai don’t end with just monuments. As popularly known, the city never sleeps and the wild nightlife of Mumbai is one of the reasons why so many people want to migrate to Mumbai. With clubs and pubs aplenty you’ll never have a hard time finding a party in Mumbai. A number of pubs ranging from high-end class to affordable fun are scattered all over the city. The top-rated clubs of the city are Big Bang Bar and Café, The Blue Frog, Alibii, Dome, and LIV.
These clubs offer psychedelic experiences with EDM music, cocktails and delicious delicacies to choose from. Some clubs provide the perfect club experience while if you opt for pubs you’re choosing charm and ambience over dark glowing lights and trance music. Some wonderful pubs to visit are Bonobo, Olive Bar, and Kitchen, Raasta, Razzberry Rhinoceros.
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Mumbai doesn’t end in these ten places. There is so much more to explore and so much more to enjoy.
But these ten places will give you the essence of Mumbai, an enriching experience that you’ll never forget in your life.