5-Day Mumbai Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip

Mumbai packs an incredible amount into a compact destination — bollywood dreams, colonial grandeur, and street food on every corner. Five days gives you enough time to hit the highlights, discover a few secret spots, and still leave room for spontaneous detours.

Here is a tried-and-tested 5-day itinerary that balances must-sees with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Colaba — Gateway of India, cafes, and street markets. Take it easy — grab a coffee, orient yourself, and shake off the jet lag.

Late Afternoon: Head to Gateway of India for your first taste of what makes Mumbai special. The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos and the crowds start to thin.

Evening: Dinner in the Colaba — Gateway of India, cafes, and street markets area. Try Vada Pav — spiced potato fritter in a bun, Mumbai's street burger — it is the quintessential local dish and the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Highlights

Morning: Start early at Marine Drive. Arriving before 9 AM means fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to Dhobi Ghat open-air laundry. Budget about 2–3 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

Evening: Explore the Bandra — Bollywood star homes, cafes, and Bandstand promenade neighborhood on foot. Street food stalls serve excellent Bhel Puri — puffed rice salad with tamarind chutney at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Day 3: Deep Dive into Culture

Morning: Visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus — one of Mumbai's most culturally significant sites. Hire a local guide for about $5 to get the stories behind the sights.

Afternoon: Wander through the Dharavi — vibrant community and industrial micro-economy tours district. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize, so the vibe is refreshingly authentic.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mid-range dinner featuring Keema Pav — spiced minced meat with soft bread rolls. Expect to spend around $13 per person.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Today is about discovery. Head to Khotachiwadi — Portuguese-style heritage village hidden in Girgaon — a spot most tourists overlook entirely.

Afternoon: Check out Banganga Tank — ancient freshwater tank surrounded by temples in Malabar Hill. The Juhu — beach strip with street food and celebrity spotting area is great for a leisurely walk and a late lunch.

Evening: Experience Mumbai's nightlife scene — Lower Parel — converted mill district with upscale bars and clubs.

Day 5: Final Gems & Departure

Morning: Use your last morning to visit Sassoon Docks — working fishing harbor with colorful street art project or revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Late Morning: Pick up souvenirs at Colaba Causeway — street stalls with clothes, jewelry, and antiques — support local artisans and avoid airport markup.

Afternoon: Head to the airport with memories (and a full camera roll) to last a lifetime.

Pro Tips

• Transport: Mumbai local trains are the lifeline of the city but extremely crowded at peak hours
• Budget: A comfortable mid-range daily budget is about $50 per day including meals, transport, and activities.
• Packing: Pack lightweight cotton clothes for extreme humidity You will average 12,000–15,000 steps per day on this itinerary.
• Etiquette: Remove shoes before entering temples and homes
• Safety: Avoid isolated areas after dark especially near train tracks

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Daily Total	$15	$50	$200
5-Day Total	$75	$250	$1000

Final Thoughts

Five days in Mumbai is enough to fall in love with the place — and to start planning your return trip. This itinerary is a starting point; feel free to swap days around based on weather, energy levels, and serendipitous discoveries.

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