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Historical Places to Visit in Mumbai

49 Places
By type

Mumbai's history spans centuries, from ancient cave temples to colonial-era structures. The city's historical places offer a fascinating journey through time, showcasing Maratha, Portuguese, and British influences. Whether you're a history buff or casual explorer, these sites provide deep insights into Mumbai's transformation from a group of seven islands to India's financial capital.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)
#1 of Top 49

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)

UNESCO World Heritage railway station showcasing Victorian Gothic architecture. Designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens and completed in 1888, CST is a masterwork of Indo-Saracenic design featuring Italia...

Opening Hours

Open 24 hours

Entry Fee

Free (platform ticket ₹10)

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

Year-round

How to Reach

Direct access via local trains or metro to CST station

Nearby Metro Station

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Line 30 m

Nearby Local Train Station

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Central Line, Harbour Line31 m

Architecture viewing
Photography
Railway travel
Heritage tours
Elephanta Caves
#2 of Top 49

Elephanta Caves

Ancient rock-cut caves with stunning 6th-century sculptures dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on Gharapuri Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site reached by a one-hour ferry ride from the Gateway of India, the complex compr...

Opening Hours

9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Closed Mondays)

Entry Fee

₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

November to February

How to Reach

Ferry from Gateway of India, then walk or toy train to caves

Cave exploration
Photography
Historical study
Ferry ride
Kanheri Caves
#3 of Top 49

Kanheri Caves

Ancient Buddhist caves with intricate rock carvings and meditation halls. Hidden within the forests of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, these 109 rock-cut caves date from the 1st century BCE to the 10th century CE, making th...

Opening Hours

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed Mondays)

Entry Fee

₹46 (includes park entry)

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

November to February

How to Reach

Enter via Sanjay Gandhi National Park from Borivali

Nearby Metro Station

Magathane

Line 74.7 km

Cave exploration
Historical study
Photography
Meditation
Worli Fort
#4 of Top 49

Worli Fort

A 17th-century fort built during the British era on the rocky Worli coast. Offers views of the sea and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link while providing a glimpse into Mumbai's colonial past.

Opening Hours

6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Entry Fee

Free

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

October to March

How to Reach

Auto-rickshaw from Lower Parel metro station

Nearby Metro Station

Worli

Line 31.1 km

Nearby Local Train Station

Prabhadevi

Western Line1.4 km

Historical exploration
Photography
Coastal walks
Birdwatching
Asiatic Society of Mumbai Library
#5 of Top 49

Asiatic Society of Mumbai Library

One of India's oldest libraries housing over 1 million books, including rare manuscripts and maps dating back centuries. The stunning neo-classical building on Horniman Circle is a Mumbai landmark.

Opening Hours

10:30 AM - 7:00 PM (Closed Sundays & public holidays)

Entry Fee

₹10 for visitors

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

Year-round

How to Reach

Walk from CST or Churchgate station, located at Horniman Circle

Nearby Metro Station

Hutatma Chowk

Line 30.4 km

Nearby Local Train Station

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Central Line, Harbour Line0.9 km

Library visit
Architecture viewing
Heritage tours
Reading
Bombay High Court
#6 of Top 49

Bombay High Court

A magnificent Victorian Gothic structure overlooking Oval Maidan, completed in 1878. One of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in India and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Victorian Gothic ensemble.

Opening Hours

External viewing anytime; courts in session 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Entry Fee

Free (external viewing)

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

Year-round

How to Reach

Walk from Churchgate Station, located near Oval Maidan

Nearby Metro Station

Hutatma Chowk

Line 30.3 km

Nearby Local Train Station

Churchgate

Western Line0.7 km

Architecture viewing
Photography
Heritage walks
University of Mumbai (Fort Campus)
#7 of Top 49

University of Mumbai (Fort Campus)

The historic Fort campus of Mumbai University featuring stunning Victorian Gothic architecture, including the famous Rajabai Clock Tower and the University Library. A UNESCO World Heritage site.

Opening Hours

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Weekdays)

Entry Fee

Free (external viewing)

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

Year-round

How to Reach

Walk from Churchgate Station, located near Oval Maidan

Nearby Metro Station

Hutatma Chowk

Line 30.2 km

Nearby Local Train Station

Churchgate

Western Line0.6 km

Architecture viewing
Photography
Campus walks
Heritage tours
Afghan Church (Church of St. John the Evangelist)
#8 of Top 49

Afghan Church (Church of St. John the Evangelist)

A stunning Gothic-style church built to commemorate soldiers who died in the First Anglo-Afghan War (1838-1842). One of the oldest churches in Mumbai with beautiful stained glass windows.

Opening Hours

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Entry Fee

Free

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

October to March

How to Reach

Walk from Colaba Bus Depot or take taxi from Churchgate Station

Nearby Metro Station

Vidhan Bhavan

Line 32.0 km

Nearby Local Train Station

Churchgate

Western Line3.2 km

Architecture viewing
Photography
Historical study
Quiet reflection
Ballard Estate
#9 of Top 49

Ballard Estate

A beautifully planned early 20th-century commercial district with European-style architecture. Often compared to London's financial districts, it features grand stone buildings with neo-classical facades.

Opening Hours

Open 24 hours (external viewing)

Entry Fee

Free

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

October to March

How to Reach

Walk from CST or take local train to Dockyard Road station

Nearby Metro Station

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Line 31.0 km

Nearby Local Train Station

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Central Line, Harbour Line1.0 km

Heritage walk
Architecture photography
Cafe hopping
Historical exploration
David Sassoon Library & Reading Room
#10 of Top 49

David Sassoon Library & Reading Room

A stunning heritage library in the Kala Ghoda area built in neo-Gothic style. One of Mumbai's most iconic landmarks, it houses a vast collection of books and periodicals.

Opening Hours

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Closed Sundays)

Entry Fee

Free (for viewing exterior)

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

Year-round

How to Reach

Walk from Kala Ghoda or Churchgate Station

Nearby Metro Station

Hutatma Chowk

Line 30.4 km

Nearby Local Train Station

Churchgate

Western Line0.7 km

Reading
Architecture viewing
Photography
Historical exploration
Sion Hillock Fort
#11 of Top 49

Sion Hillock Fort

A lesser-known fort atop a hillock in Sion offering panoramic views of the Mumbai skyline. One of the hidden gems of the city with remnants of Portuguese fortification.

Opening Hours

Open 24 hours

Entry Fee

Free

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

October to March

How to Reach

Walk from Sion railway station, about 10 minutes uphill

Nearby Metro Station

Dharavi

Line 30.6 km

Nearby Local Train Station

Sion

Central Line0.5 km

Trekking
Photography
Historical exploration
Panoramic views
Raj Bhavan Bunker Museum
#12 of Top 49

Raj Bhavan Bunker Museum

A World War II-era underground bunker beneath the Governor's residence (Raj Bhavan) that has been restored and opened as a museum. Offers a rare glimpse into Mumbai's role during WWII.

Opening Hours

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (By appointment only)

Entry Fee

Free (advance booking required)

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

October to March

How to Reach

Located inside Raj Bhavan complex, Malabar Hill. Apply for visit online

Nearby Metro Station

Vidhan Bhavan

Line 33.1 km

Nearby Local Train Station

Churchgate

Western Line3.4 km

Bunker exploration
Historical learning
Photography
Guided tours
Mahakali Caves (Kondivite Caves)
#13 of Top 49

Mahakali Caves (Kondivite Caves)

A group of 19 rock-cut Buddhist caves dating back to the 1st century BC to 6th century AD. These ancient caves feature viharas (monasteries) and chaityas (prayer halls) with intricate carvings.

Opening Hours

9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Entry Fee

₹25 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

October to March

How to Reach

Auto-rickshaw from Andheri station, located near SEEPZ in Andheri East

Nearby Metro Station

SEEPZ

Line 31.5 km

Nearby Local Train Station

Vidyavihar

Central Line3.8 km

Cave exploration
Historical study
Photography
Trekking
Mandapeshwar Caves
#14 of Top 49

Mandapeshwar Caves

Ancient rock-cut caves featuring both Hindu and Catholic religious elements. A unique example of cultural syncretism where a Hindu cave temple was later converted into a Catholic chapel.

Opening Hours

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Entry Fee

Free

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

October to March

How to Reach

Auto-rickshaw from Borivali station, located near Mt. Poinsur Church

Nearby Metro Station

Dahanukarwadi

Line 2A1.5 km

Nearby Local Train Station

Kandivali

Western Line0.5 km

Cave exploration
Photography
Historical study
Spiritual experience
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
#15 of Top 49

Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

India's most iconic luxury hotel, a masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic architecture overlooking the Gateway of India. A symbol of Mumbai's grandeur with world-class dining and heritage.

Opening Hours

Open 24 hours (external viewing)

Entry Fee

Free (external viewing)

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

Year-round

How to Reach

Walk from Colaba or take taxi from Churchgate station

Nearby Metro Station

Cuffe Parade

Line 30.2 km

Nearby Local Train Station

Churchgate

Western Line1.4 km

Architecture viewing
Luxury dining
Photography
Heritage walk
Coastal Battery (Worli)
#16 of Top 49

Coastal Battery (Worli)

Ruins of a British-era coastal defense battery at Worli offering stunning views of the Arabian Sea and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. A hidden historical gem overlooking the coast.

Opening Hours

Open 24 hours

Entry Fee

Free

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

October to March

How to Reach

Walk from Worli Sea Face, near the Bandra-Worli Sea Link base

Nearby Metro Station

Acharya Atre Chowk

Line 31.8 km

Nearby Local Train Station

Prabhadevi

Western Line2.0 km

Historical exploration
Photography
Sea views
Heritage study
Sewri Fort
#17 of Top 49

Sewri Fort

A 17th-century fort built by the British East India Company overlooking the Mumbai harbor. Though in ruins, the fort offers commanding views of the Thane Creek, Nhava Sheva port, and the Eastern Freeway.

Opening Hours

Open 24 hours

Entry Fee

Free

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

October to March

How to Reach

Walk from Sewri station on Harbour Line, about 15 minutes east

Nearby Metro Station

Dadar

Line 31.7 km

Nearby Local Train Station

Wadala Road

Harbour Line1.0 km

Historical exploration
Photography
Panoramic views
Bird watching
Castella de Aguada (Bandra Fort Lookout)
#18 of Top 49

Castella de Aguada (Bandra Fort Lookout)

A Portuguese watchtower perched on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. One of Mumbai's most romantic sunset spots with dramatic sea views.

Opening Hours

Open 24 hours

Entry Fee

Free

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

October to March

How to Reach

Walk from Bandra Bandstand, about 5 minutes along the promenade

Nearby Metro Station

Worli

Line 32.8 km

Nearby Local Train Station

Mahim Junction

Western Line, Harbour Line2.1 km

Sunset viewing
Photography
Historical exploration
Sea views
Bassein Fort (Vasai Fort)
#19 of Top 49

Bassein Fort (Vasai Fort)

One of the most impressive and well-preserved Portuguese forts near Mumbai. Spread over 110 acres with massive walls, churches, chapels, and bastions still standing. A photographer's paradise.

Opening Hours

6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Entry Fee

₹25 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

July to March

How to Reach

Take Western Line to Vasai Road station, then auto-rickshaw to the fort (8 km)

Nearby Local Train Station

Nallasopara

Western Line0.7 km

Fort exploration
Photography
Historical study
Nature walks
Arnala Fort
#20 of Top 49

Arnala Fort

A sea fort on an island off Arnala Beach near Virar. The fort features massive stone walls, bastions, and gateways surrounded by the Arabian Sea. Accessible by a short boat ride.

Opening Hours

Open 24 hours

Entry Fee

Free (boat fare: ₹20-50)

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

October to May

How to Reach

Take Western Line to Virar, then auto to Arnala Beach, boat ride to fort island

Fort exploration
Beach walk
Photography
Boat ride

Showing 20 of 49 places

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