Mumbai
India · Country profile
Mumbai is India’s maximum city — its financial capital, film capital and most iconic of all its teeming, resilient metropolises. The Gateway of India and the regal Victorian Gothic of the old city stand across from the harbour, while Marine Drive curves like a necklace along the Arabian Sea. Its street food, from vada pav to roadside chai, is legendary, and the heritage trains and markets put you in the middle of everyday Indian life. Intense, generous and endlessly energetic, Mumbai rewards travellers who embrace its chaos and discover the warmth beneath it.
About Mumbai
Mumbai is a city in India. The city's documented population is around 13,014,390 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR) and Hindi and English are spoken; the dialling code is +91. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
A Peninsula of Crowds, Chai and Coastal Sunsets
Mumbai is India’s financial and film capital — an intense, teeming metropolis squeezed onto a narrow peninsula between harbour and sea. The Gateway of India and the ornate Victorian architecture of the old city stand beside a relentless modern rush, and everyday life plays out in packed trains, markets and street stalls. It is a city of extraordinary energy, warmth and resilience, but also one of overwhelming crowds and weather. Visitors who embrace its chaos and move by metro, local train and thrift find a city of vivid character beneath the surface, with the sea always near.
Monsoon Season, Early Mornings and Bottled Water
The climate is the great planner — the monsoon months are heavy and wet, and the heat can be intense; the dry cooler months are the easiest for sightseeing. The metro and the new coastal roads are improving movement, but traffic can be brutal, so build in generous time. The Gateway of India and the major museums are best visited early to beat the crowds and the heat. Currency is rupees, and cards work in most formal venues while cash is essential for markets and street food. Bottled water is a must — don’t drink tap water. Dress modestly and comfortably.
Local Trains, Legendary Street Food and Marine Drive at Dusk
The local trains are the iconic way seesawing Mumbai moves, but they are packed at rush hour — the metro and ride apps are gentler alternatives. The city is built on reclaimed land and spread over a long peninsula, so it feels much larger than it looks on a map. The food is legendary, from roadside vada pav and chai to high-end dining; eat where the queues are long and turnover is brisk. Tipping is modest but appreciated. The Gateway of India and the naval dockyard are the historic anchors, while Marine Drive offers the classic sunset. Expect sensory overload and go with it.
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- Country
- India
- Population
- 13,014,390
- Coordinates
- 19.0896, 72.8656
- Capital
- New Delhi
- Region
- Asia
- Currency
- Indian Rupee (INR)
- Languages
- Hindi, English
- Calling code
- +91
- Country code
- IN
Entry requirements for India
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting India for tourism.
Getting to Mumbai
Airports we list for Mumbai:
Other airports in the area:
Cities in India
Other cities we cover in India:
Frequently asked questions
Is Mumbai the capital of India?
No — the capital of India is New Delhi.
What currency do I need in Mumbai?
The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). Languages spoken in India include Hindi and English.
What is the dialling code for India?
The international dialling code for India is +91.
Which airport should I fly into for Mumbai?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) is the airport we list for Mumbai.
How far is Mumbai from the nearest airport?
Mumbai is about 623 km from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.
Do I need a visa to visit India?
It depends on your passport. For the origins we track, the current tourism visa status is Morocco (e-visa), United Kingdom (e-visa) and United States (e-visa). Check the entry requirements tool for your own nationality.
Flying out of Mumbai? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.