Mumbai, once known as the financial capital of India, is now widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most livable cities. From its award-winning beaches to its award-winning nightlife, Mumbai has something for everyone. Thanks to a dynamic and growing economy, Mumbai has also become home to a growing number of expats.
As a result, trips to Mumbai are on the up. Mumbai is home to several top-notch international schools. The city also has a thriving expat community, many of whom have ties to the city’s thriving financial services industry. If you’re looking to explore India’s most visited city from a different perspective, consider visiting from an expat perspective. Here’s how to visit Mumbai, India from an expat’s perspective.
Table of Contents
Save Money
Traveling to a foreign country can be expensive, and visiting one with a high cost of living can be even more expensive. If you have a significant income, you may be able to reduce your expenses by choosing to stay in a hostel or “backpack” hotel. If not, you’ll need to budget accordingly.
For example, if you’re traveling as a couple, consider spending a few extra days in Mumbai in order to save on accommodations. You may also want to bring your own food, which will save you money.
When you first arrive in Mumbai, the city can be hectic and crowded. It’s best to plan on arriving during off-peak hours and exploring the city at your own pace.
If you’re staying with friends or family members, be sure to ask them about their daily routines and how they manage their time. Maybe they work all day and sleep all night? Or maybe they work at night and sleep all day? Be sure to get an idea of how each member of your group will be spending their time in Mumbai before deciding on where to stay.
The best way to save money is by avoiding unnecessary expenses like taxis or private tours, which can often cost more than public transportation options like buses or trains. If possible, try taking
Be Flexible
Any trip to India requires flexibility. You may want to visit Mumbai after the monsoon or before the summer season. You may want to visit during the day or at night. And if you’re interested in nightlife or multiple activities, you may want to visit during the week or the weekend. Flexibility is key when you’re traveling to a new country. You want to be able to plan your trip around your preferences.
You may also want to visit during the monsoon season, which can be rainy and humid. Or you may prefer to visit in the winter, which is often cool and dry. If you’re flexible, you can make sure that you plan your trip around what works best for your preferences.
If you’re traveling as a couple, consider visiting during the winter or early spring when it’s cooler and more comfortable. Or if both of you want to visit at different times of year, consider planning different trips to Mumbai so each of you can experience the city at a time that works best for them. Be sure to communicate with each other about where and when to go so both of you can have a great time in Mumbai.
Stay Safe
However, it’s important to be aware of some common safety precautions when traveling abroad: Always carry your passport with you
Go to the Beach
While most travelers head straight for the beaches after visiting Mumbai, there are several other beachside activities to check out, including the city’s boardwalk and casinos. If you’re looking for activities that are unique to the city, head to the Gateway of Asia (formerly Gateway of India) or Marine Drive beaches, both of which are packed with bars, clubs, and restaurants.
If you’re looking for nightlife, head to Colaba or Worli. These neighborhoods are packed with clubs and bars that stay open late into the night. If you want to find the best restaurants, head to Bandra or Juhu, which are both full of high-quality Indian, Chinese, and Italian restaurants.
Beachside Activities in Mumbai
Mumbai has a variety of beaches that vary from quiet to wild. The Gateway of India Beach is the most popular beach in Mumbai and is located on the western coast of the city. The beach is mostly frequented by locals and is relatively quiet during the day and at night. However, it does have a fair amount of tourists during peak season (April–May) because it’s near one of Mumbai’s famous sights: Marine Drive Beach. The Gateway of India Beach also has some wonderful hotels such as Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel and Le Royal Meridien with
Find your way around Mumbai, India’s city
Once you’ve chosen a destination, explored it, and made your way around a couple of times, it’s time to look at the bigger picture. Mumbai is a huge city, but you can tackle it in days rather than weeks. Start your search for accommodation by visiting hotel websites or exploring social media. Keep your eyes peeled for deals and book as soon as possible if you’re interested in staying in a good location. Once you’ve found a place you like, book your hotel rooms as soon as possible too.
Finding a great hotel in Mumbai is easy since there are so many options available. The most popular hotels in Mumbai are the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel, Le Royal Meridien, and the Oberoi Trident. All of these hotels provide great service and luxurious accommodations at affordable prices. If you’re looking for something more secluded, check out the Oberoi Trident or Le Royal Meridien. Both of these hotels have beautiful pools and offer personalized service to their guests.
Spend a little time exploring Mumbai, India
When you’re ready to explore more, head to central Mumbai, where you’ll find most of the city’s attractions, including the Gateway of India, the Gateway of Exchange, the Gateway of Dreams, and the Mumbai Museum of the Handlery. If you’re looking for culture, head to the Gateway of India and Mumbai’s Central Business District (CBD) where you can explore such sights as the Gateway of India, the Gateway of Exchange, and the Gateway of Dreams.
If you’re looking for a great place to dine, check out Pravasi Bhavan or Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel. Both of these restaurants are located in central Mumbai and provide great service at affordable prices.
When you’re ready to end your day in Mumbai, head to Nariman Point or Churchgate stations where you can catch a cab or local train. Once you arrive at your hotel, relax with some good company and enjoy a couple of drinks before getting ready for bed. The next morning, start planning what you want to see and do when you get back home! If you’re interested in nightlife or multiple activities, head to the Gateway of India and Marine Drive during the week or the weekends. There are plenty of options here too.
Mumbai is a very expensive city and you can easily spend $100 USD per day here. If you want to save money, try eating at street vendors, which are much cheaper than restaurants and provide great food. There are also many places to shop, including numerous retail stores in the area around Gateway of India. There’s also a flea market called Nehru Market that sells antiques and jewelry. Most tourists also visit the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel and Le Royal Meridien for their luxurious accommodations and excellent service.
Expose Mumbai’s Dark Side
If you’re interested in exploring the city’s darker side, head to the Gateway of India, where you’ll find the Gateway of Mysteries and the Gateway of Wonders.
Mumbai is a great city, and you’re sure to see something new and exciting every time you visit. Make sure to get out of the city center and check out the Gateway of India and Marine Drive for some culture, shopping, or dining. If you want to explore the city’s darker side, head to the Gateway of India, where you’ll find everything from a museum dedicated to India’s mysterious past to a hypnotist show at the Gateway of Wonders. If you like to take risks, head over to Marine Drive where you’ll find India’s best nightlife and plenty of action in the day but offers a secluded feel at night perfect for those who like it that way.
If you’re looking for fun or different activities, head to the Gateway of India and enjoy a night of world-class entertainment.
Try The Best Dishes From The Idlis and delectable Dosa
If you’re looking for a non-vegetarian option, try the delectable idlis and sambar. If you’re not a fan of sambar, try the idli, a steamed rice cake. There are lots of other mouth-watering options too, so don’t be shy and order one after the other. If you’re looking for a break from the normal, try the desserts, which include the laddoos, kheer, chunnis, and many more.
Definitely Try The Fish Fry (Bhelpuri) Here
If you love seafood and are in Mumbai during fish season between April and October (roughly), definitely try out Bhelpuri at Gateway of India. Bhelpuri is a famous street food that originated in Mumbai. You have to eat it with your hands! This dish is made of batter cooked on hot tawa (griddle).
As you explore, keep your eyes open for unique street food such as dosa and idli derivatives, called dosais and idli-youts.
Don’t Forget About The Nightlife
If you’re interested in nightlife, you’ve come to the right place. Mumbai has it in spades. Yes, the beaches are beautiful at night, but they are even more mesmerizing during the day. At night, the lights up the skies, making the beaches and the city look even more like a fairytale. The best place to start your nightlife search is Central Mumbai’s Gateway of India. If you’re looking for action, head to Marine Drive, where you can enjoy the best characters and livelier moods. If you’re looking for fun or different activities, head to the Gateway of India and Marine Drive beaches.
Final Words: Is visiting Mumbai, India for expats worth the trip?
Traveling to a foreign country can be expensive, and visiting one with a high cost of living can be even more expensive. If you have a significant income, you may be able to reduce your expenses by choosing to stay in a hostel or “backpack” hotel. If not, you’ll need to budget accordingly.
If you’ve already visited Mumbai or are planning to visit, we hope this guide helped you in some way. We have tried our best to provide useful information and recommendations for those who are planning on visiting this beautiful city.