Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make in Mumbai, From a Local

When I first moved to Mumbai at 15 years old, I instantly fell in love with it.

The city is filled with iconic landmarks and charm, plus it’s home to the massive Bollywood film industry. It’s no surprise that it’s among some of the most popular places to visit in India, bringing in millions of tourists annually.

While living in various parts of Mumbai over the years, I’ve seen many of these visitors make the same mistakes, especially on their first trip to the city.

Here are a few things I wish tourists would avoid while they’re here.

Not dressing for the weather

Many tourists struggle to dress for the local weather. Sometimes, I can even tell someone’s a first-time visitor based on their outfits.

As a tropical city, Mumbai doesn’t experience dramatic changes in temperature all year. Rather, it stays quite hot and humid and faces dry seasons, then months of intense monsoons.

Packing for this climate can be tricky, but remember: Cotton and linen are breathable in humid weather, and quick-dry fabric blends, like nylon and polyester, work best for rain.

Also, I highly recommend bringing comfortable, waterproof shoes —walking around Mumbai’s rain-slicked streets in heels feels like an Olympic-level challenge.

Underestimating the traffic

Mumbai consistently ranks among India’s most traffic-congested cities. Yet, first-time visitors often make the rookie mistake of not giving themselves lots of extra time to get to their destinations.

On some days, going just a few kilometers in a busy area can take up to an hour (if not more), especially during monsoon season.

So, while in Mumbai, avoid traveling during peak rush hours when possible and schedule extra time for traffic.

Thinking that South Mumbai is the only place to be

It is a common misapprehension that South Mumbai (nicknamed “SoBo”) is the only part of the city worth exploring.

Although the area is known for its luxury living spaces, financial hubs, and landmarks like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the Gateway of India, SoBo isn’t the only place to find charm in Mumbai.

While visiting the city, branch out of that area to see other great cafés, markets, galleries, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and shops across the city.

For example, head north for a wildlife safari in Sanjay Gandhi National Park or to catch a performance at Prithvi Theatre. Or, go hunting for deals and special fashion finds at Fashion Street or Lokhandwala Market.

Avoiding the local trains

Trains connect so much of Mumbai and tend to be the speediest, most economical mode of transportation across the city.

However, I’ve seen many first-time visitors feel too intimidated to even give them a try.

Yes, they can sometimes feel overwhelmingly crowded — particularly during rush hours — but avoiding them altogether is a mistake. If you only rely on cars to get around, you’ll likely spend more money and waste a lot more time in traffic.

If you want to make your train experience better, travel during off-peak hours and opt for first-class carriages.

Not participating in local culture

Mumbai is a fairly welcoming city, but locals still appreciate it when visitors embrace our traditions and adapt to our culture — whether it’s celebrating festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi with cultural sensitivity or dressing modestly at religious sites.

Although English is widely understood, it’s also helpful to learn a few phrases in the commonly spoken local languages, Hindi and Marathi.

When in doubt, a heartfelt “namaste” or smile can go a long way — kindness, after all, is universal.

Only eating at restaurants instead of trying street food

Mumbai serves up incredible cuisine that’s hard to forget.

However, you’re missing out if you only stop at restaurants. Be sure to try street food — doing so is one of the best ways to really soak in the city.

Sample local favorites at popular stalls near places like Juhu Beach, Churchgate Station, and Carter Road.

Be sure to try bhel puri (a snack made with puffed rice), pav bhaji (a thick vegetable curry usually served with a roll), and pani puri (a crispy hollowed bread often filled with chickpeas and potatoes).

Visitors also shouldn’t miss a chance to try Mumbai’s beloved vada pao, a “burger” that’s actually a potato fritter between buns. When in doubt, stick to hot, freshly made dishes from busy stalls or take a guided food tour.

Traveling without local currency

The Indian rupee is the sole official currency for all financial transactions throughout the city.

A lot of shops and restaurants in Mumbai support cashless transactions, but it’s always a good idea to have rupees handy — especially if you’re buying from smaller vendors at local markets.

Fortunately, you can find numerous currency exchange centers citywide, often at airports and travel agencies.

Not booking guided tours with local experts

To truly experience Mumbai, include a local guided tour in your itinerary. It’s a great way to make the most of your trip to the city, especially if you’re short on time.

Many tours can also be customized depending on what you want to see, whether it’s Bollywood studios or Elephanta Caves. Plus, a reputable guide can take you beyond the usual tourist spots while sharing deeper local insights and historic context.