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WHERE TO STAY

Where to stay in Mumbai: the best areas, compared

4 areas worth considering in Mumbai, who each one suits, how you'd get around, and one honest downside each, with hotel links for every area.

By the Viorvo team · Checked

In short: Most first-time visitors to Mumbai stay in Colaba. Bandra West suits families. Muslim travellers often choose Fort and CSMT, close to mosques and halal food.

Short on time? Our picks for Mumbai

The full comparison is below. These are the areas we would choose.

Best for first-timersColabaThe tip of South Mumbai, home to the Gateway of India, the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, the Colaba Causeway street market, art galleries and museums.
Hotels in Colaba ↗
Best for familiesBandra WestA coastal suburb with the Bandstand Promenade and Linking Road's shops, the last suburb before the city proper.
Hotels in Bandra West ↗
Best for Muslim travellersFort and CSMTThe closest base to Mohammed Ali Road, Bhendi Bazaar and Minara Masjid, which start just north of CSMT.
Hotels in Fort and CSMT ↗
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Areas

Colaba

The tip of South Mumbai, home to the Gateway of India, the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, the Colaba Causeway street market, art galleries and museums.

Best for
First-timers, sightseeing
Getting around
The nearest main railway stations are Churchgate and CSMT; taxis and ride apps cover the rest.
Muslim-friendly
Mohammed Ali Road's halal food street and Minara Masjid are a short taxi ride north.
Keep in mind
A long drive from the airport, especially at rush hour.
Hotels in Colaba ↗

Fort and CSMT

The old British-era business district, between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Kala Ghoda, with many British-era buildings.

Best for
Muslim travellers, first-timers, rail access
Getting around
CSMT and Churchgate are the terminus stations for Mumbai's suburban trains.
Muslim-friendly
The closest base to Mohammed Ali Road, Bhendi Bazaar and Minara Masjid, which start just north of CSMT.
Keep in mind
Very busy around CSMT station at rush hour.
Hotels in Fort and CSMT ↗

Bandra West

A coastal suburb with the Bandstand Promenade and Linking Road's shops, the last suburb before the city proper.

Best for
Families, longer stays
Getting around
Bandra station is on the Western Railway and the Harbour Line, and the Bandra–Worli Sea Link speeds up road trips to South Mumbai.
Keep in mind
Far from the South Mumbai sights, and the roads in between are often jammed.
Hotels in Bandra West ↗

Andheri East and Sahar (by the airport)

Hotels around Terminal 2 at Sahar, which handles all international flights at Mumbai's main airport.

Best for
Late arrivals, early flights
Getting around
Metro Line 3 has stations at both airport terminals, open since October 2024.
Muslim-friendly
Terminal 2 has prayer rooms after security and immigration, including at international gates 47 and 65.
Keep in mind
Far from the sights; it's a long ride into South Mumbai.
Hotels in Andheri East and Sahar ↗

Price levels ($ to $$$) appear only where an official tourism source rates them. Hotel buttons open Klook or Booking.com. We may earn a commission from Klook bookings, at no extra cost to you.

Before you book in Mumbai

  • International flights at Mumbai's main airport use Terminal 2 at Sahar; Terminal 1 at Santacruz is domestic only. Mumbai also has a second airport in Navi Mumbai, so check which one your flight uses before you book a hotel.
  • Pickpocketing and purse snatching are common in crowded areas and tourist sites. Use official taxis or trusted ride apps and agree the fare or insist on the meter.
  • In Ramadan, Mohammed Ali Road turns into a huge iftar food market each evening, and hotels nearby fill up.
Still deciding? Search all of Mumbai and filter by area on the map.
Hotels in Mumbai ↗
Plan the rest

More for your trip to Mumbai

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Questions

Common questions

Where should I stay in Mumbai for the first time?

Colaba or Fort in South Mumbai, close to the Gateway of India and the city's old landmarks.

Which Mumbai airport terminal do international flights use?

Terminal 2 at Sahar. Terminal 1 at Santacruz handles domestic flights only.

Where should Muslim travellers stay in Mumbai?

Fort, near CSMT, the closest base to Mohammed Ali Road, Bhendi Bazaar and Minara Masjid.

Sources

Checked October 15, 2026. Prices, rules and fees change, so confirm before you travel.

Hotels in MumbaiCompare prices ↗