Juhu Beach is the place to catch the sea air and watch the sun go down over the Arabian Sea. It’s a wide, long beach with a lot of activity. One note: be mindful when taking photos of people — not everyone wants to be in a frame. If you’re lucky with timing, Bollywood stars live in the Juhu area and do occasionally show up.

A major shopping street in Bandra West, one of Mumbai’s most active neighborhoods. Clothes, jewelry, accessories — the variety is significant and the prices are reasonable. Good for a few hours of browsing.

I knew who Gandhi was before visiting. I didn’t understand the scale of what he actually did until I walked through this house. The way he approached conflict — through nonviolence, through patience, through refusing to meet force with force — is something that hits differently when you’re standing in the rooms where he lived and worked. One thing to prepare for: no air conditioning.

One of the largest and oldest flea markets in India. Antiques, furniture, clothing, random objects that defy category — if something exists, there’s a version of it here. The deals are real and the browsing is half the experience.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site on an island in Mumbai Harbour. The caves are cut directly into volcanic rock and filled with large-scale sculptures depicting stories from Hindu mythology — particularly related to Shiva. The carvings are extraordinary in their detail and age. Getting there requires a boat ride across the harbour, which can get choppy depending on weather.

This is where the British officially departed India in 1948, marking the end of colonial rule. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the city and for good reason — the scale of the arch against the harbour is genuinely impressive. At night, the history of Mumbai is projected directly onto the monument, which is worth seeing if you’re in the area after dark.

A comprehensive museum covering Indian history from ancient indigenous civilizations through the modern era. Artifacts, carvings, textiles, weapons — it’s dense with content. Like Gandhi House, prepare for no air conditioning in an older building.

A functioning train station that is also one of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic architecture in the world, fused with Indian decorative elements. We saw it at night when the whole building is lit up — that’s when it looks most extraordinary. Even if you’re not catching a train, it’s worth going specifically for the architecture.

This one isn’t something you can plan — you have to get lucky with timing. If there’s a Hindu festival or celebration while you’re in the city, you will likely see community dancing in the streets or open spaces. When we were there we came across an outdoor celebration on the way back to our Airbnb — young and old, traditional and modern clothing, everyone together. It was the clearest moment I had of understanding how much community matters here.

If you want one elevated experience in Mumbai, this is the one to consider. The Sea Lounge offers afternoon tea that’s more accessible in price than a full dinner, with a traditional buffet of Indian dishes. If you get a window table, you’re looking directly at the Gateway of India across the water. Reserve ahead.