How To Spend 48 Hours In Mumbai

by Kritika Kukreja
How To Spend 48 Hours In Mumbai

Mumbai, better known as Sapno Ka Shehar is going to leave you spell-bound. Whether you call it Mumbai or Bombay, there’s always a certain energy in the city that is undeniable. From the gorgeous Elephanta Caves, to the iconic Juhu Beach, from kebabs at Bademiya to Elco Pani Puri, you can’t beat Mumbai’s spirit. If you’re planning to spend a weekend in Mumbai? Here’s how you can get the best of 48 hours in the dream city!

Day 1

9 AM – Start your first day with the tour of The Gateway Of India. The monument was built to honor the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder on their visit to India in 1911. In today’s time, it’s an iconic monument in SoBo with great views and exciting eateries around.

Gateway of India
Gateway of India

10 AM – Take a ferry from The Gateway Of India to Elephanta Caves. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a collection of cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Caves

1.30 PM – Grab lunch at Cafe Leopold. It’s a popular restaurant & bar at Colaba. This is the cafe that survived the 26/11 terrorist attack back in 2008. Although the cafe has come a long way since but you can still see some bullet holes in the walls.

3 PM – You haven’t visited Mumbai if you’ve not been to Colaba Causeway. Known as a shopper’s paradise, you have to check out the varieties of clothes, jewelry, accessories and antiques. All this for as low as ₹100!

4 PM – Head to the streets of Kala Ghoda to soak into the art, culture and literature of Mumbai. If you want, you can grab a cup of coffee at one of the quaint cafes in the area as well.

5.30 PM – The best place to watch the sunset in Mumbai has to be Marine Drive. This 3.6 km boulevard is perfect is where Mumbai comes to unwind, take a jog or just enjoy the wind in your hair while the sun sets.

Sunset at Marine Drive
Sunset at Marine Drive

6.30 PM – Right at the end of Marine Drive, Girgaum Chowpatty is a beachy area. But the great part about it is the small eateries around it. Enjoy some kulfi, gola or ice cream with the view of the Arabian sea!

7.30 PM – Head to Haji Ali Dargah in Worli to watch the floating miracle in the middle of the sea. Built in 1431, it was dedicated to Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, this dargah is visited by 8000 people daily!

Haji Ali Dargah
Haji Ali Dargah

8.30 PM – Head to Siddhivinayak temple in Prabhadevi where Lord Ganesha’s idol is carved with a single black stone. It was built in 1801, and the inner roof is plated with pure gold. And who knows? You might end up seeing a popular Bollywood celeb too!

10 PM – Watch Mumbai from high above at AER at 4 Seasons. Get an aerial view of mumbai city, as you enjoy an evening of wine and dine.

Day 2

10 AM – The Mount Mary Church in Bandra is called The Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Mount. It was built in 1940 and devotees from all faiths come to this church for their ‘mannat‘ to be fulfilled.

11 AM – Castella de Aguada, popularly known as Bandra Fort was built in 1640, with a fabulous view.

12 PM – Take a walk at Bandra Bandstand, a 1.2 km long stretch while you take in the gorgeous view. Curly Tales tip – it becomes the perfect location to take some excellent pictures for your Instagram profile ;)

12.30 PM – Right opposite the Bandstand, you can see Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan’s homes. Tourists love to come here and take photos near their houses.

1 PM – Craving some chaat? You can’t miss Elco Chaat. Started 55 years ago, this chaat stall is a must try when you come to Mumbai. A plate of pani puri might cost higher than usual (₹60), but that’s only because they prepare it with Bisleri water.

2 PM – Let’s indulge in some shopping now? Hill road and Linking road shopping is the budgeted shopping we all ask for. Purchase clothes, accessories, makeup products, sun glasses, footwear and plenty of other items at dirt cheap rates here.

4.15 PM – From Bandra, take a cab & head straight Juhu to ‘Jalsa‘ Amitabh Bachchan’s home. If you’re lucky, the superstar may even do his weekly ‘darshan‘.

5 PM – A trip to Mumbai is incomplete without visiting Juhu beach. Build a sand castle, soak in the wind and even enjoy some watersports by the beach.

7 PM – Head to Prithvi Cafe. This 40 year old cafe is an iconic spots for artists and students in the area. Started in 1978, Prithvi Cafe gained popularity because of Prithvi Theatre performances. If you’re here, you can’t miss out on the chai and snacks!

10 PM – Enjoy Mumbai’s nightlife by heading to Arth. Dance till you drop into the wee hours at Arth in Bandra.