Make the most out of 2 days Mumbai trip
“Mumbai is perhaps one of the few cities in the world that symbolizes a mix of everything, either for its history, its architecture, its people, its food or its culture”
2 Days Mumbai Trip - Mumbai is perhaps one of the few cities in the world that symbolizes a mix of everything, either for its history, its architecture, its people, its food or its culture. Here’s a detailed itinerary of what you can do to make the most of your 2-day Mumbai trip:
# Day 01 - 11.00 am – 2.00 pm: Discover the colonial imprints in South Mumbai
start Mumbai darshan than soaking in the colonial charm of the British-era buildings dotted across South Bombay, lovingly called SoBo. Once the peak-hour traffic has subsided, go for a stroll or take a drive along the tree-lined streets of SoBo to capture its many visual historical treats – the regal buildings, the ceilings, the domes, the Victorian motifs, the statues and whatnot.
What to see?
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)
- Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)
- The Asiatic Society of Mumbai
- High Court of Bombay
- Flora Fountain
- Rajabai Clock Tower
While being transported back in time, don’t forget to revisit the present en route for lunch at any of the quaint cafes, swanky restaurants or iconic eateries in Kala Ghoda and other parts of Fort area.
Where to eat?
- Asian Town
- Khyber
- Oye Kake
- 1441 Pizzeria
- Burma Burma
- Pratap Lunch Home
- Britannia & Company
- Kala Ghoda Café
- Trishna
- Copper Chimney
Once you’re all full, continue your trip through the city’s rich heritage to finally arrive at the Gateway of India. Click as many photos with the majestic monument in the backdrop, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Don’t forget to capture the grand Taj Mahal Palace hotel facing the gateway in your camera.
Now, proceed to enjoy some street shopping at Colaba Causeway, located just a short walk away.
# 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm: Enjoy the everyday carnival that is Colaba Causeway
If you’re a souvenir hoarder, then get ready to have a gala time at one of the most popular in Mumbai – Colaba Causeway. The shops along this buzzing market sell anything and everything – from junk jewellery to clothes to shoes to handicrafts and more, all at throwaway prices. Just don’t forget to bargain! There are also some fashionable boutiques here, if that’s more your style!
All that shopping must have left you hungry, right? Well, lucky for you, the market is well-known for its food. So rest assured that you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating in Colaba.
Where to eat?
- Bademiya
- Delhi Darbar
- Leopold Café & Bar
- Café Mondegar
- Theobroma
Satisfied much? Now, head to Marine Drive and Nariman Point for an experience like no other.
By road: Approx. 15 minutes’ drive
# 4.45 pm – 6.15 pm: Admire stunning views of the sun & sea at Marine Drive
Let’s be honest, no trip to Mumbai can ever be complete without paying a visit to Marine Drive. Start walking along the beautiful promenade to soak in stunning views of the city skyline and the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks placed all along the sea shore. Also, find a vacant spot, preferably at Nariman Point (quite a challenge though!), in time to enjoy a glorious sunset against the backdrop of the endless sea while relaxing with your feet dangling over the ledge, the breeze hitting your face.
After the most soul-soothing views that you can witness in Mumbai, head to Girgaum Chowpatty.
By road: Approx. 10 minutes’ drive
# 6.30 pm onward: Delve into the fun and frenzy at Girgaum Chowpatty
What could be better than ending your day of quintessential Mumbai experiences with a visit to the oh-so-popular Chowpatty beach. After a long and tiring day, this beach makes a perfect place to just kick back and enjoy amidst a colourful fiesta that comes alive at Girgaum Chowpatty post sunset.
What to do?
- Take long walks down the beach
- Enjoy horse, camel and cable rides
- Amuse yourself with snake charmers and dancing monkeys
- Ride on merry-go-rounds and ferris wheels
- Learn what your future holds from fortune tellers
- Relax with open-air beach massages
- You’ll love the beach if you’re a foodie as you can enjoy some classic Mumbai street snacks here
What to eat?
- Bhel puri
- Pav bhaji
- Pulav
- Pani puri
- Chana masala
- Baraf gola
- Spicy raw mangoes
- Roasted peanuts
If you wish to relax, you can find a quiet corner at the beach to sit down – simply enjoying the breeze and the views, having some one-on-one time with friends or family or just introspecting alone before retiring to your hotel in Mumbai. But, if you still have the vigour to find more about what the city has on offer, head to one of the plush nightlife places in SoBo, just a short drive away from the beach.
Where to go?
- Husttle Bar & Bistro, Girgaon
- Baroke, Grant Road
- Doolally Taproom, Kemps Corner
- 36 Downtown Restobar, Kemps Corner
- The Bombay Cartel, Breach Candy
Call it a day when you wish and then, rest up at night to wake up fully energised the next morning.
# Day 02: 7.00 am – 9.00 am: Seek blessings of the Almighty at Haji Ali Dargah
Wake up early in the morning and get all set to explore the city’s gems on the second day of your trip, starting with the revered Haji Ali Dargah. Sitting on a small islet around 500 m off the southern coast of Mumbai, this age-old edifice set against the Arabian Sea is only accessible during the low tide.
- Entry Fee: None
- Open till: 10.00 pm (Monday-Sunday)
For a true feel of how a Mumbaikar travels, you can take a local train from the nearest station to your hotel and get down at Mahalaxmi (Western Line) or Byculla (Central Line) to reach Haji Ali. Travelling during off-peak hours will save you from tackling the crowds that can otherwise be quite daunting!
Before you go to the mosque, don’t forget to try the refreshing juices and milkshakes at the iconic Haji Ali Juice Centre. It will also keep you full until you reach a breakfast/brunch place in Lower Parel.
By road: Approx. 15 minutes’ drive
# 9.15 am – 10:30 am: Relish a delicious breakfast/brunch in Lower Parel
While the city is fighting with the traffic, you can just relax at any of the popular restaurants in Lower Parel to enjoy a sumptuous breakfast or all-you-can-eat brunch, across a range of cuisine types.
Where to eat?
- Poetry by Love and Cheesecake
- Seven Kitchens – The St. Regis Mumbai
- Smoke House Deli
- SodaBottleOpenerWala
- Tea Villa Café
- Indigo Delicatessen
- Todi Mill Social
- Bombay Dosa Co.
Once you have had a fulfilling meal, it’s time to now move on from the south to Mumbai suburbs.
# 10:30 am – 2:30 pm: Explore the best of the best in the Queen of Suburbs
As you leave from Lower Parel, take the Worli Sea Face route to finally get on what is one of the most picturesque drives in the city of Mumbai. Yes, it’s time to gear up for the thrilling experience of driving down the Bandra Worli Sea Link (BWSL), a man-made wonder stretching in the middle of the sea.
It will take not more than 10 minutes for you to reach the other end of BWSL, i.e. Bandra Reclamation. From thereon, you can continue your journey to Bandra West to explore what all it has on offer.
What to do?
- Pay a visit to the ancient Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount
- Admire the sea views and click pictures at Bandra Fort
- Spot houses of superstars like SRK along Bandstand
- Let the street shopper in you lose at Hill Road
- Take a leisurely stroll along Carter Road
- Shop, eat and party at Linking Road
Besides numerous shopping and sightseeing options, Bandra West has a lot to offer when it comes to food as well. Depending on your preference, you can enjoy a steaming cuppa coffee, a delicious lunch, a quick bite or even a glass of chilled beer at any of the restaurants, cafes or pubs around the area.
Where to go?
- JLWA, Linking Road
- The Fatty Bao, Linking Road
- Carter Road Social, Carter Road
- Ice Cream Factory, Carter Road
- Coffee Culture, Hill Road
- Jamjar Diner, Hill Road
- 145 Bandra, Pali Hill
- Pali Village Café, Pali Hill
- Candies, Reclamation & Pali Hill
- Taj Mahal Tea House, Reclamation
- Salt Water Café, Bandstand
- The Nutcracker, Bandstand|
From Bandra, proceed to another one of the most prominent neighbourhoods in the ‘burbs – Juhu.
By road: Approx. 15-20 minutes’ drive
# 3:00 pm till late evening: Take a tour of Juhu, the ‘Beverly Hills of Bollywood’
You would be disappointed if you leave Mumbai without paying a visit to its ‘celebrity beach’, the Juhu Beach. Among the most famous beaches in the country, this is the best place for you to unwind after the long day you’ve had. Enjoy the serene atmosphere, the scenic beauty, the strolls, the street food, and if you’re lucky, the sight of famous celebrities, who live in the area, jogging along its shores.
Stay at the beach for an hour or two and then, head to the much-famed Prithvi Café to watch a theatre performance or simply grab a quick bite. Do try their paranthas, Irish coffee and the special chai.
Exhausted? Well, after nearly 12 hours of strolling around the city, you might want to call it a day. So, just grab an early dinner at one of the popular restaurants in Juhu and head back to your hotel.
Where to eat?
- TAP
- Quench – All Day Pub
- Fable
- Tanatan
- Bayroute
- Chin Chu
- Estella
- Grandmama’s Café
- Dakshinayan
- Govinda’s Restaurant
# Late at night: Get your spirits high at Mumbai’s nightclubs (Optional)
If you wish to end your trip on a high note, you shouldn’t miss out on experiencing the vibrant nightlife of Mumbai. So after you’ve rested, dress up and head to a famous pub nearby to let your hair down.
Where to go?
- Doolally Taproom (Veera Desai Area, Khar & Kemps Corner)
- Tryst (Lower Parel)
- Copa (Juhu)
- The Bar Stock Exchange (Multiple locations)
- Matahaari (Worli)
- Escobar – Tapas Bar (Bandra West)
- Tamasha (Lower Parel)
- Agent Jack’s Bar (Malad West)
- Hitchki (Powai)
- Colaba Social (Colaba)
- Sin City (Andheri West)
- Butterfly High (Bandra Kurla Complex)
- Bombay Cocktail Bar (Andheri West)
- JLWA (Bandra West)
- Yeda Republic (Juhu)
While the night slowly sets in, you can party like there’s no tomorrow in the City that Never Sleeps.