Mumbai gives you a whirlwind of stories, flavours, and unforgettable moments. This is a city where ancient rock-cut caves hide behind corporate towers, where the scent of the sea drifts through art galleries, and where every neighbourhood feels like a new chapter waiting to be explored.
Famed as India's bustling commercial powerhouse, Mumbai is Maharashtra’s cultural melting pot. Discover the best Places to visit in Mumbai in 3 days and experience India’s most eclectic metropolis the way locals do. Whether you’re chasing history, food, cinema, architecture, or simply the energy of a city that never pauses, a well-planned 3-day Mumbai itinerary will help you enjoy the city’s pulse.
Mumbai 3 Days Trip Snapshot
- Who is it for: Mumbai's three-day adventure appeals to culture enthusiasts, families, and shoppers seeking immersive experiences.
- Must-see spots: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Kanheri Caves, Siddhivinayak Temple, Colaba Causeway.
Build your custom three-day Mumbai itinerary with us now to make the most of your time in the city.
Why Visit Mumbai in Three Days?
Three days in Mumbai give you enough time to wander beyond the usual tourist spots, dip your toes in the lavish beaches, explore heritage sites, soak in spirituality, or groove to the vibrance of the city’s most affluent DJ clubs. Mumbai’s heritage local train network, modern metros, buses, cabs, and autos make it easy to travel across the city. Hiring a private rental car will allow you to cover more than you expect without feeling rushed.
A well-planned itinerary for the Places to Visit in Mumbai in 3 Days lets you dive into its legendary street food, browse everything from old bazaars to designer studios, uncover stories tucked away in historic buildings, and hang out at pubs at night.
Here is the list of places to visit in Mumbai in 3 Days:
Mumbai Places to Visit in 3 days
Day 1 Mumbai Places to Visit
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)
- Gateway of India
- Elephanta Caves
- Crawford Market
Day 2 Mumbai Places to Visit
- Shri Siddhivinayak Temple
- Mount Mary Church
- The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre
- Colaba Causeway
- National Gallery of Modern Art
Day 3 Mumbai Places to Visit
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park
- Kanheri Caves
- Mahakali Caves
Top Places to Visit in Mumbai on Day One
1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring stunning stone domes, turrets, and intricate stained-glass windows throughout its limestone structure. The Victorian Gothic architecture is combined with traditional Indian design. It was completed in 1887 according to the design of British architect Frederick William Stevens. Each day, over three million commuters pass through this active railway hub, linking Mumbai to destinations across the country.
- Timings: 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Why visit: Experience India's grandest railway station, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Victorian Gothic architecture.
2. Gateway of India
The Gateway of India, completed in 1924, serves as Mumbai's iconic entrance and most photographed landmark. This 26-meter-high basalt structure features an Indo-Saracenic design that combines Hindu, Muslim, and European elements. It has four turrets and a 48-foot central dome. The monument was built to honor King George V and Queen Mary's 1911 visit. It also marked the departure of the last British regiment in 1948. It is the starting point for ferry trips to the Elephanta Caves.
- Timings: 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Why visit: Experience India's iconic monument marking the end of the colonial era while enjoying the waterfront views.
3. Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Elephanta Island, include impressive rock-cut temples from the 5th and 6th centuries dedicated to Lord Shiva. You can get to the island by taking a ferry from the Gateway of India. The trip takes about an hour. The main cave features the well-known Trimurti sculpture depicting Shiva's three aspects. The detailed carvings, pillared halls, and large statues in the caves depict Hindu mythology and highlight the skill of ancient artists.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: ₹40 (Indians & South Asian), ₹600 (Other Foreigners)
- Why visit: Take a thrilling ferry ride to UNESCO-listed ancient Hindu caves featuring the awe-inspiring mythological carvings.
4. Crawford Market
Officially, the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai, Crawford Market, has been Mumbai's largest wholesale market since 1869. It is a Victorian Gothic building designed by William Emerson featuring beautiful stone carvings, fountains, and spacious halls. Vendors sell fresh produce, exotic fruits, spices, dried fruits, flowers, pets, and household goods, creating sensory overload experiences. The bustling market provides authentic glimpses into Mumbai's commercial heartbeat.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Why visit: Discover Mumbai's historic wholesale market, blending Victorian architecture with vibrant shopping and rich British-era history.
Top Places to Visit in Mumbai on Day Two
1. Shri Siddhivinayak Temple
Established in 1801, Shri Siddhivinayak Temple is one of India's most revered Ganesh shrines. It houses a black stone deity with a unique right-facing trunk. The renovated building features a gold-plated dome and attracts millions of visitors each year. Devotees seek blessings for prosperity and success. Tuesdays draw large crowds as it's a special day for worshipping Ganesha.
- Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:50 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Why visit: Receive blessings at Mumbai's most powerful Ganesh temple.
2. Mount Mary Church
Perched gracefully atop a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea, Mount Mary Church is officially known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount. It is one of Mumbai’s most cherished landmarks with splendid architecture and undulating panoramic views. Portuguese Jesuits likely built the original chapel in the 16th century. However, the current Gothic-style structure dates back to 1904, after it was rebuilt following earlier destruction. Inside, the beautifully carved statue of the Virgin Mary is said to have miraculous healing powers.
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Why visit: Admire the Basilica and capture the stunning sea views.
3. The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre
Opened in 2023, the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre is a state-of-the-art cultural complex in Bandra Kurla Complex. The center hosts theatre productions, classical dance and music performances, exhibitions, and educational programs promoting cultural appreciation. The world-class performance venue celebrates Indian and global arts. Designed by multiple international firms, it features a 2,000-seat theatre, an experimental studio, art galleries showcasing contemporary works, and rooftop spaces.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Entry Fee: Starts at ₹199
- Why visit: Attend top-notch performances at Mumbai's latest cultural spot.
4. Colaba Causeway
Colaba Causeway is Mumbai's famous shopping street. It runs from Regal Cinema to Cuffe Parade in South Mumbai. This busy area is filled with street vendors, boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, and historical buildings. These elements create a lively environment for pedestrians. Shoppers can find antiques, fashion accessories, handicrafts, books, jewelry, and unique items. They can also enjoy the authentic Mumbai street culture and the backdrop of colonial architecture.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Why visit: Immerse in Mumbai's legendary shopping experience and taste authentic local dishes.
5. National Gallery of Modern Art
Established in 1996 within the historic Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall, the National Gallery of Modern Art showcases 19th and 20th-century Indian modern and contemporary art. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, graphics, and photographs by prominent artists like Raja Ravi Varma, Rabindranath Tagore, and contemporary masters. Temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events promote an appreciation for art and its preservation.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Entry Fee: ₹20 (Indians), ₹500 (Foreigners)
- Why visit: Discover India's modern art evolution through extensive collections, masterpiece paintings, and contemporary works within elegant colonial-era architecture.
Top Places to Visit in Mumbai on Day Three
1. Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Spanning 103 square kilometers, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one of the largest urban national parks in Asia. This protected area is home to 254 bird species, 40 mammal species, including leopards, 150 butterfly species, and 1,300 plant species. It plays a crucial role as Mumbai's green lung. The park offers nature trails, toy train rides, safari experiences, and beautiful viewpoints overlooking the city.
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- Why visit: Escape the urban chaos to try wildlife safaris, forest trekking, and wildlife spotting.
2. Kanheri Caves
The Kanheri Caves include 109 rock-cut Buddhist monuments carved from Basalt between the 1st century BCE and the 10th century CE in Sanjay Gandhi National Park. These ancient structures served as Viharas for meditation and Chaityas for group worship. They feature detailed Buddha sculptures, stupas, and inscriptions. The caves became an important Buddhist learning center, attracting scholars from across Asia during their peak.
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Entry Fee: ₹25 (Indians), ₹200 (Foreigners)
- Why visit: Learn about Mumbai’s Buddhist heritage and spiritual learning centers nestled amid forested hillsides.
3. Mahakali Caves
The Mahakali Caves have 19 rock-cut Buddhist monuments carved between the 1st century BCE and the 6th century CE in Andheri East. These lesser-known caves include Viharas, Chaityas, Stupas, and Buddha sculptures that show early Buddhist architectural traditions. Located near residential areas, these caves offer a calm atmosphere for visitors to explore Mumbai's ancient Buddhist roots away from the crowds.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: ₹20 (Indians), ₹300 (Foreigners)
- Why visit: Walk through ancient rock-cut caves, serene meditation spaces, and Buddhist historical sculptures to experience peace.
FAQs
Mumbai is a phenomenal destination that offers plenty of places to visit and thrilling activities to try in three days. Beyond its diverse attractions, the city offers warm hospitality and friendly locals. Mumbai provides a wealth of experiences that satisfy every traveler's curiosity. Plan your Mumbai vacation with our detailed list of places to visit in Mumbai in 3 days. Connect with experts at Mumbai Tourism for a personalized 3-day Mumbai itinerary.
