Flights to Mumbai

Don't be deterred by its mind-boggling – and rapidly rising – population: holidays in Mumbai, India's largest city, are unquestionably worth the effort. Book flights to Mumbai from the UK with Airinme.com. 

From the colonial buildings of south Mumbai to the peaceful Sanjay Gandhi National Park, this city is a melting pot of cultures and attractions. Ancient temples, mosques and synagogues testify to its historically diverse make-up and today, you'll find people from every corner of India and the world here. Start your adventure in India's greatest city – book flights to Mumbai with Airinme.com today. 

Things to do in Mumbai 

1. Take a walk through Colaba and Churchgate in south Mumbai and marvel at the city's historic buildings. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus) is one of the city's most iconic buildings and the symbol of India's much-loved railway network.
2. Nearby, you'll find the Gateway of India. Completed in 1924, this is one of India's most iconic buildings. Flora Fountain, Crawford Market and the Taj Mahal Hotel are also great examples of Mumbai's colonial architecture.
3. Take a trip to Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbour to see the stunning Hindu and Buddhist cave temples that were carved out of rock between the fifth and eighth centuries. Tours are available in English and depart from Mumbai regularly.
4. Haji Ali Daragh is another symbol of historic India, and one of its most important Muslim sites. Constructed in the 19th century, this mosque is connected to Mumbai by a long, thin causeway that's thronged with visitors and worshippers every day. Everyone is welcome to drop in.
5. Learn more about India's vast and varied history at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. Once known, and still often referred to, as the Prince of Wales Museum, there are over 60,000 objects in its collection. The National Gallery of Modern Art in Colaba is also worth a visit.
6. Over 20 million people jostle against each other on the streets of Mumbai – if it all gets a bit too much, take a break in the serene surroundings of nearby Sanjay Gandhi National Park. As well as a diversity of wildlife and plant life, the Kaheri Caves – ancient Buddhist rock caves – are a major attraction.
7. It won't appeal to everyone but "slum tours" are an increasingly popular activity amongst Mumbai's tourists. You'll be escorted on a walking tour to Dharavi, India's famous slum, to see how life works in this community. Avoid going without a guide.
8. Unwind the way the locals do: take a walk down iconic Marine Drive and take in blissful views of the Arabian Sea, before heading down to Chowpatty Beach. But be warned, this is a beach for family fun and frolics and not one for sunbathing.
9. All along Chowpatty Beach, you'll find vendors selling iconic Mumbai street food, like pav bhaji, vada pav and panipuri. Throw caution to the wind and indulge – you can deal with the consequences later.
10. And don't leave town without experiencing one of India's biggest exports: Bollywood. While away an afternoon in a popular local cinema, or take a tour of Film City to see where the magic happens. 

Shopping in Mumbai

From bustling street markets to modern malls, shopping in Mumbai is an experience you'll never forget. 

What to buy in Mumbai

Traditional handicrafts and khadi (homespun cotton) clothing are the ideal souvenirs of your time in India. Trawl the city's sari emporiums to take home one of these dazzling ladies garments, or check out wares by top designers like Tarun Tahiliani and Ritu Kumar. And if you've got a sweet tooth, don't leave town without buying a box of Indian sweets. 

Markets and shopping malls

Start your Mumbai shopping trip at the always-busy Colaba Causeway, or head to the stalls of the historic Chor Bazaar and Crawford Market. Alternatively, head indoors to High Street Phoenix, one of the city's best malls, or explore Inorbit Mall, one of the biggest shopping centres in South Asia.  

Eating in Mumbai

India's food heritage is writ large in Mumbai, with everything from South Indian thali restaurants to Irani cafes (a legacy of 19th century Persian migrants) easy to find. But it's on the street that Mumbai's cuisine really shines. 

Street food

Vada Pav – a mashed potato patty mixed with chillies, garlic and fried in a chickpea batter – is every Mumbaikar's favourite snack. For something a little heartier, try pav bhaji, a plate of vegetable masala served with bread and a hefty slice of butter. Bhel puri and panipuri are great all-day snacks, and look for the vendors selling delicious kebabs and meat-filled rolls too. 

Restaurants in Mumbai

Ziya is one of Mumbai's best restaurants for contemporary Indian food, while Peshawri serves first-rate North Indian frontier cuisine. And if you're craving European food, Indigo in south Mumbai is one of the best dining spots in the city. 

Insider's Tips 

For emergency assistance in Mumbai, dial 100 for the police, 101 for an ambulance or 102 for the fire brigade. 

Before travelling to India, you need to apply for a visa at one of the UK's Indian Visa Application Centres. Find out more online. 

Mumbai enjoys warm weather throughout the year, with temperatures usually between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. To avoid the wet monsoon months, the best time to visit is between October and April. 

Get around Mumbai by taking rickshaws, buses and suburban trains. Avoid travelling during rush hour as public transport can be dangerously crowded. 

Getting there from Mumbai Airport 

Airport taxis

Prepaid taxis are available at Mumbai Airport's International Terminal. Metered taxis are available throughout the city. 

Public Transport

To get from Mumbai Airport to the city via public transport, you can take bus route 321 to Vile Parle East railway station or bus route 308 to Andheri East railway station. From here, you can catch a suburban train to Mumbai.