Where to stay

Stay in hotels in Fort to experience Mumbai's Central Business District, home to some splendid Gothic and Victorian architecture. It's also close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a train station that dates back to British colonial rule. For an artistic atmosphere, book a room in Kala Ghoda, one of Mumbai's coolest neighborhoods - even in the heat. Notice how street artists compete with the Jehangir Art Gallery and National Museum of Art to capture the attention of onlookers. Bandra West is a great place to stay and one of the city's hippest neighborhoods. Here, street art contrasts with historic basilicas, such as Our Lady of the Mount.

Book a room in Juhu to enjoy a cocktail at the hip Soho House Mumbai, close to upscale beach accommodations and sprawling Juhu Beach. Alternatively, sample international cuisine a short walk from hotels in Bandra West to the south. Settled by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it is now home to expats and Bollywood stars. This area has a lovely café culture, street food scene and excellent places for dinner. For rooms with coastal views, cute cafés and seafood restaurants, hotels in Versova offer a quieter beach experience.

Hotels in Fort are a 5-minute walk to the Gateway of India. Here, boats travel to Elephanta Island, where you can explore the ancient cave temples. Book accommodations in Malabar Hill for an urban escape and sunset views of the Arabian Sea at the Hanging Gardens. To be closer to the Bollywood studios, consider staying in Goregaon, a 30-minute train ride from Mumbai Central. Further north, hotels in Borivali are best for the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and tours of the nearby Film City studio complex in Goregaon East.