Mumbai · India

Where to Stay in Mumbai 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map

Mumbai is India's financial capital and Bollywood's home - a city of extreme contrasts where colonial grandeur meets modern skyscrapers and dharavi meets Marine Drive. South Mumbai (Colaba, Fort) has the tourist sights and colonial heritage. Bandra and the suburbs offer local cool. Traffic is Mumbai's defining challenge - distances are deceiving. The monsoon (June-September) transforms the city.

On This Page

Editor's Pick for First-Timers

Colaba

First-time visitors should stay in South Mumbai where the colonial heritage, Gateway of India, and major sights are concentrated. Colaba offers budget to luxury options and walkable attractions. Accept that you'll need a full day to visit suburbs like Bandra.

First-Timers & History

Colaba

Business & Architecture

Fort / Churchgate

Romance & Views

Marine Drive

Nightlife & Cool

Bandra

Beach & Airport

Juhu

Modern & Business

Lower Parel

Quick Guide: Best Areas

Colaba: Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Palace, colonial architecture, tourist center

Fort / Churchgate: CST station, business district, Art Deco buildings, Marine Drive access

Marine Drive / Nariman Point: Queen's Necklace promenade, Art Deco, sunset walks, upscale hotels

Bandra: Hip suburb, Bollywood celebrities, restaurants, nightlife, local vibe

Juhu: Beach, airport proximity, Bollywood homes, local beach life

Lower Parel / Worli: Mill district revival, modern Mumbai, business, sea link views

Things to Know

• Traffic is Mumbai's biggest challenge - avoid staying in suburbs if your focus is South Mumbai sights
• Budget hotels near CST can be very basic - read recent reviews carefully
• Monsoon season (June-September) brings flooding - streets can be impassable
• Local trains are extremely crowded during rush hour - not for the faint-hearted

Understanding Mumbai Geography

Mumbai stretches north along a peninsula. South Mumbai (Colaba, Fort, Marine Drive) has colonial sights. The suburbs extend north - Bandra, Juhu, Andheri. The airport is in the northern suburbs. Traffic between areas is brutal, especially north-south. The local trains are packed but efficient for the brave.

Main Districts South Mumbai: Colaba (tourist), Fort (business/colonial), Marine Drive (Art Deco). Central: Lower Parel (modern), Dadar. Western Suburbs: Bandra (hip), Juhu (beach), Andheri (airport).

Neighborhood Overview

Explore different areas by price range. Click a neighborhood to learn more.

Loading map...

Accommodation Map

Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.

Best Neighborhoods in Mumbai

Colaba

Best for: Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Palace, colonial architecture, tourist center

$30+ $95+ $416+

Mid-range

First-timers History Sightseeing Central

"Tourist heart of Mumbai with colonial grandeur and backpacker bazaars"

Central - near major stations

Nearest Stations

Churchgate (nearby) CST (nearby)

Attractions

Gateway of India Taj Mahal Palace Hotel Colaba Causeway Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

7.5

Transit

High noise

Safe tourist area. Watch belongings in crowded markets.

Pros

Major sights walkable
Historic atmosphere
Budget to luxury options

Cons

Very touristy
Touts
Crowded causeway
Traffic

Fort / Churchgate

Best for: CST station, business district, Art Deco buildings, Marine Drive access

$48+ $143+ $475+

Luxury

Business Architecture Central History

"Colonial business district with stunning Gothic and Art Deco architecture"

Central train hub

Nearest Stations

Churchgate CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus)

Attractions

CST station Horniman Circle Flora Fountain Oval Maidan

9.5

Transit

Moderate noise

Safe business district. CST area crowded - watch belongings.

Pros

Architectural treasures
Transport hub
Historic character
Marine Drive access

Cons

Business-focused
Quiet evenings
Traffic during day

Marine Drive / Nariman Point

Best for: Queen's Necklace promenade, Art Deco, sunset walks, upscale hotels

$59+ $178+ $594+

Luxury

Romance Views Walks Luxury

"Curved seafront promenade with Art Deco facades and Arabian Sea views"

Walk to Fort/Colaba

Nearest Stations

Churchgate Marine Lines

Attractions

Marine Drive Chowpatty Beach Art Deco buildings Nariman Point

Transit

Moderate noise

Safe upscale area. Evening promenade is popular.

Pros

Iconic waterfront
Evening walks
Art Deco heritage
Sea breezes

Cons

Expensive
Limited dining
Traffic along drive

Bandra

Best for: Hip suburb, Bollywood celebrities, restaurants, nightlife, local vibe

$53+ $154+ $451+

Luxury

Nightlife Foodies Local life Celebrities

"Mumbai's coolest suburb where Bollywood meets hipster culture"

45-90 min to South Mumbai (traffic dependent)

Nearest Stations

Bandra (Western Line)

Attractions

Bandstand Promenade Mount Mary Church Linking Road shopping Carter Road

Transit

Moderate noise

Safe upscale suburb.

Pros

Best nightlife
Celebrity spotting
Great restaurants
Local cool

Cons

Far from tourist sights
Traffic nightmare
Need local knowledge

Juhu

Best for: Beach, airport proximity, Bollywood homes, local beach life

$48+ $131+ $416+

Mid-range

Beach Airport Families Local life

"Popular beach suburb with Bollywood connections and beach food stalls"

60-90 min to South Mumbai

Nearest Stations

Vile Parle (nearby) Andheri

Attractions

Juhu Beach ISKCON Temple Bollywood celebrity homes

6.5

Transit

Moderate noise

Safe. Beach crowded but friendly.

Pros

Beach access
Near airport
Local atmosphere
Street food

Cons

Beach not swimmable
Far from South Mumbai
Traffic

Lower Parel / Worli

Best for: Mill district revival, modern Mumbai, business, sea link views

$59+ $166+ $499+

Luxury

Business Modern Nightlife Corporate

"Former textile mills transformed into Mumbai's modern entertainment hub"

30 min to South Mumbai

Nearest Stations

Lower Parel

Attractions

Phoenix Mills Palladium Mall Worli Sea Face Mahalaxmi Racecourse

7.5

Transit

Moderate noise

Safe business/commercial area.

Pros

Modern facilities
Great dining
Business hotels
Sea link views

Cons

Soulless
Not historic Mumbai
Traffic

Accommodation Budget in Mumbai

Budget

$42 /night

Typical Range: $36 – $48

Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities

Mid-Range

$95 /night

Typical Range: $83 – $107

3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations

Luxury

$416 /night

Typical Range: $356 – $475

5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities

💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.

Our Top Hotel Picks

$$ Best Mid-Range Hotels

📷 Tripadvisor

Hotel Harbour View

Colaba

★ 8.2

Simple hotel with harbour views from some rooms and Gateway of India proximity.

CouplesHistory buffsBoutique loversDigital nomads

Check Availability

📷 Tripadvisor

The Gordon House Hotel

Colaba

Bandra

★ 9.1

Sea-facing luxury in Bandra with Arabian Sea views and proximity to suburban nightlife.

Bandra accessSea viewsSuburban luxury

Check Availability

✦ Unique & Boutique Stays

📷 Tripadvisor

Abode Bombay

Colaba

★ 8.7

Boutique guesthouse in colonial building with charm and excellent Colaba location.

Art loversHistory buffsCouplesDigital nomads

Check Availability

Smart Booking Tips for Mumbai

1 Book ahead for winter season (November-February) and major festivals
2 Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, and New Year see premium prices
3 Monsoon (June-September) is cheapest but challenging - streets flood
4 Many hotels quote in USD - compare carefully
5 Airport transfers recommended for first-time visitors
6 Consider staying in South Mumbai even if visiting Bollywood - day trips easier than commuting

Why you can trust this guide

Jan Křenek

35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data

Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.

Methodology:

All neighborhoods verified by walking them
Curated locations based on walkability & safety
Real-time availability via live partner maps
Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages

Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Mumbai.

Updated: February 12, 2026

Ready to Visit Mumbai?

Book your flights, accommodation, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Mumbai?

Colaba. First-time visitors should stay in South Mumbai where the colonial heritage, Gateway of India, and major sights are concentrated. Colaba offers budget to luxury options and walkable attractions. Accept that you'll need a full day to visit suburbs like Bandra.

How much does a hotel cost in Mumbai?

Hotels in Mumbai range from $42 / ₹3,811 per night for budget accommodation to $95 / ₹8,621 for mid-range and $416 / ₹37,752 for luxury hotels. Prices vary by season and neighborhood.

What are the main neighborhoods to stay in Mumbai?

Colaba (Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Palace, colonial architecture, tourist center); Fort / Churchgate (CST station, business district, Art Deco buildings, Marine Drive access); Marine Drive / Nariman Point (Queen's Necklace promenade, Art Deco, sunset walks, upscale hotels); Bandra (Hip suburb, Bollywood celebrities, restaurants, nightlife, local vibe)

Are there areas to avoid in Mumbai?

Traffic is Mumbai's biggest challenge - avoid staying in suburbs if your focus is South Mumbai sights Budget hotels near CST can be very basic - read recent reviews carefully

When should I book a hotel in Mumbai?

Book ahead for winter season (November-February) and major festivals

More Mumbai Guides

Weather

Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit

View Forecast →

Best Time to Visit

Coming soon

Things to Do

Coming soon

Cost & Budget

Daily costs, money-saving tips, and budget breakdown

Read Guide →

Itineraries

Coming soon

Overview

Complete travel guide for Mumbai: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.

Read Full Guide →