5 days Mumbai itinerary - the best you can find

Mumbai is a huge city… not in terms of size but in terms of things to do. Don’t believe us? Check out our blog on 101 things to do in Mumbai. Once you are done with things inside the city, there’s another list of 101 things to do out of Mumbai. Do check them out. Maybe then you’d get our dilemma and understand how planning a perfect 5 days Mumbai itinerary was like putting an elephant inside a match box. There’s too many things to do, places to visit and activities to take up. Forget yourself, we had a little FOMO episode while writing this blog. Nevertheless, we’ve tried our best to compile the best itinerary you can fit in 5 days for Mumbai.

Full disclaimer: we had to google ourselves. We even went to Quora.

Anyway, here it is - the best 5 days Mumbai itinerary one can plan. Note: We will keep it relaxed.

P.S: Pehli priority, book your stay at The Hosteller Mumbai, Andheri. You can book a private room if you are travelling with your family or you can try the dorms if you please, and if you are here all by yourself.

Gateway of India

Day 1 of 4 - the best of South Mumbai

1. Start early for Marine Drive

Start early. The goal is to catch one of the most scenic sunrises in Mumbai. You will have to board a train till Marine Lines. Once you reach, exit the station, walk or take a bus to Marine Drive. Sit there for a while and wait for the sunrise. We promise, it will be one of the most beautiful sunrises of your life.

Note: Reach before 7 AM. The exact time is 7:06 AM.

2. Click a selfie at Gateway of India & Taj Hotel

You can either take a kali-peeli taxi or go back to Marine Lines station. From there, you can go to Churchgate station and take a taxi till Gateway of India. Buses are also available regularly. Once you reach there, spend some time clicking pictures you can post on Instagram. While you are at it, click a picture of the iconic Taj Hotel. If you feel rich, you can have a cup of tea there.

3. Book a tour to Elephanta Caves

If you are a history buff or want to explore the famous spots of the city, a tour to Elephanta Caves is a must. The site is a collection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to lord Shiva. The main cave is famous for its carvings to the glory of Shiva.

Elephanta caves

4. Grab a heavy lunch at Bademiya 

Once you return from Elephanta Caves, walk to Bademiya. Started in 1974 as a makeshift seekh kabab counter, it is now a thriving restaurant. The food here is decent but the variety is something we love. Try their kebabs, rolls, baida roti, bheja fry and other non-veg cuisines.

Note: Carry cash. The restaurant doesn’t accept Gpay or Cards.

5. Stand outside CSMT railway station and appreciate the grandeur

While returning from Gateway of India, take a taxi to CSMT (Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus). Stand 100 metres away from the station while facing it. Let your thoughts take a back seat and just witness the grandness of the station. It is one of the oldest stations of Mumbai and the architecture is breathtaking, especially at night.

6. Return to your humble abode and rest

Since you’ve been up since morning (given you’ve followed the itinerary as suggested), return to your humble abode - The Hosteller Mumbai, Andheri. Take a hot water bath, gather yourself, order a cup of tea and read a book in the lounge area. Or you can mingle with your fellow travellers.

7. Cheap thrills at Bull Dog’s Cafe & Bar

If you are open to drinking and partying, Bull Dog’s cafe & bar is a great start. It’s affordable and has a full-grown desi adda vibe. You’ll have a great time without spending too much.

Bull Dog’s cafe | Credits: zomato.com 

Day 2 of 5 - Getting blessings from Bappa at Siddhi Vinayak

1. Start the day with blessings from Bappa

Mumbai aaye aur bappa se na mile toh kya Mumbai aaye!? Sahi bola na! If you agree, a visit to Siddhivinayak Temple is the best way to start your day. Reach early and catch the morning aarti. If you want something more, something better, try reaching sooner. Somewhere between 2-3 AM. If you manage to do that and be one of the first 14 people in line, you’ll get a chance to enjoy the aarti from inside the temple instead of the dwaar.

2. Get a chance to see Shah Rukh Khan & Salman Khan at Bandstand

Both actors live close to Bandstand. And if you plan your trip in November, you might get a chance to meet Shah Rukh Khan at his residence. He comes out to greet his fans on 2nd November, his birthday, every year. Can’t say much about Salman Khan but his Galaxy Apartment residence is just a few metres from Shah Rukh’s residence. Apart from that, Bandstand is quite peaceful and full of life.

 Bandra bandstand

1. Explore the local attractions of Bandra

The list includes Bandra fort, Mehboob studio, St. Andrew’s church, Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra and a couple of other churches. You can munch on the local street food and call it a day.

2. Relax and dine in Versova

After wrapping up the day, return to The Hosteller and freshen up. Once the sun sets, take an auto or use the metro to go to Versova. Walk a few minutes and you’ll reach the beach. Once you are there, take a deep breath and let the fresh smell of hustle sink in. Spend some time at the beach. Let the sound of waves calm your mind and soul. Take as long as you need. But once you are done, there are multiple eateries in Versova you should explore. There are a few well-known momo walas. Some beach-view restaurants and some pretty cafes.  

Day 3 of 5 - Get familiar with the Andheri way of life

1. Cycle to Juhu Beach for a beautiful sunrise

Two reasons you should do it: (1) it is refreshing (2) the sunrise is beauitiiiiiful.  

2. Click pictures of celebrity houses

On your way back, you can cycle to houses of different celebrities who live in Juhu. The list includes megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Akshay Kumar, Hema Malini, Ekta Kapoor, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Anupam Kher, Anil Kapoor, Shatrughan Sinha and so on. Even Rohit Shetty lives in Juhu. The best way to make this easy for you is to book an auto and ask the autowala bhaiya to take you on a tour. They’d do it happily as long as you bribe them with extra 50 bucks.

3. Have a nice breakfast at Udupi

After completing your Juhu darshan, take the same autowala to Udupi. Shouldn’t be too far. Check out their menu and order a wholesome breakfast. You can also have breakfast at Unbox at The Hosteller.  

Udupi’s home cooked food

4. Visit ISKON temple 

Return to your hostel, take a bath, have lunch or not and then take an auto to ISKON Juhu. Spend some time in the grace of divinity. Maybe even attend the shaam ka aarti if you want. 

5. Explore Madh Island

If you still have time, take an auto to Versova jetty and cross the river on the boat for Aksa beach. You’d love it there. Don’t stay there for too long. And even if you reach there at noon, don’t go to the beach before evening. Have a proper lunch at Mata Pita Dhaba. You’d love the price and the vibe there.

6. Try the local restaurants for dinner

There are some extremely good, definitely recommended and affordable restaurants in Andheri you should try. Use Swiggy or Zomato Dineout for good recommendations and discount coupons.

Note: If you can find the time, love and appetite, try Joey’s Pizza.

Day 4 of 5 - Love meets street food in Mumbai 

Try all iconic or famous vadapav of Mumbai. The list is not very long but you will have to travel a lot. Read the blog for more. After all the eating, return home and just rest. You don’t want to be exhausted during your last day in Mumbai. While you munch on the vadapavs’, you can also shop if you happen to be at any places famous for street shopping in Mumbai.

Mumbai’s Vadapav

Day 5 of 5 - A day for the filmy keeda in you

1. Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Unbox Cafe

Ab The Hosteller aaye ho toh hamaare haath ka swaad toh chakhna padega!

2. Catch a movie at PVR Andheri

Watch anything just for the experience. You might end up spotting any celebrity there.

3. Shop your souvenirs 

If you don’t want to watch a movie, go shopping in Mumbai’s popular lanes. Some names include Zaveri bazaar, Colaba causeway, Heera Panna market, Crawford market, Lalbaug market, Hindmata market, Linking road and Hill road.

4. Watch a play at Prithvi Cafe and wrap up the day with a hearty meal there

When you are done shopping, book yourself a seat to any ongoing play at the iconic Prithvi Theatre. Plan your dinner according to the play’s timing at Prithvi Cafe. Try their Punjabi menu.

That’s all. Planning to visit soon? Don’t forget to book your stays with us.
P.S: Yaha ki special NAGORI CHAI zaroor try karna.