Last Updated on: 7th October 2025, 10:05 am
Mumbai may lack the old forts, palaces, and tombs of cities like Delhi or Jaipur. But the bustling port city is home to some of the country’s most unique buildings. Many of these landmarks were built during the colonial era and fuse Indo-Islamic and European styles. As we’ll cover below, you can see lots of them on foot during a self-guided Mumbai architecture tour.
This guide features two distinct walks that you should ideally save for separate days, though it would technically be possible to see everything in one.
For more information on where to stay in Mumbai, be sure to check the end of the article.
Walk 1: Colaba, Kala Ghoda & Fort
This walk begins in Colaba before taking you through the adjacent Kala Ghoda and Fort districts. It will take you past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks in addition to plenty of lesser-known architectural gems.
This is certainly not an exhaustive list, and you could surely discover plenty more interesting buildings by wandering freely around these districts.
Expect the route covered below to take you around 2-3 hours, including a stop for lunch in between.
The Gateway of India
Located on Mumbai’s eastern waterfront in the Colaba district, the Gateway of India is a large 26 m-high basalt arch. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V in 1911, but it wasn’t actually completed until 1924.
It was designed by architect George Wittet in the Indo-Saracenic style, a type of architecture we’ll be mentioning frequently throughout this guide.
The style blended Indo-Islamic architecture (as developed by the Mughals) with European revivalist styles such as Gothic. In this case, the Gateway was also inspired by traditional architecture from Gujarat, a neighboring state.
The Taj Hotel
The Gateway of India stands right beside one of the city’s other most recognizable structure: the Taj Mahal Hotel. The hotel predates the Gateway of India, having opened in 1903. It too was built in the in the Indo-Saracenic style.
It was commissioned by Jamsetji Tata, founder of the Tata Company.
For whatever reason, it was named after the finest Mughal monument located in Agra. But other than the name, the Taj Hotel as it’s often called for short, bears no resemblance to the real Taj Mahal. Nevertheless, it’s become a famous structure in its own right.
The hotel has nearly 600 rooms and remains as popular as ever. This is in spite of a tragic terrorist attack that occurred here in 2008 in which 167 people were killed.
The CSMVS Museum
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, or the CSMVS Museum for short, was built in the early 20th century to commemorate an earlier visit from George V who at the time was still the Prince of Wales.
And the Prince of Wales himself laid the foundation stone during his trip in 1905. As such, the museum was originally named the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India.
But it wasn’t until 1909 that architect George Wittet was commissioned to design the new building. Wittet is also known for designing the General Post Office and the Gateway of India.
The beautiful structure was largely built in the Indo-Saracenic style mentioned above. Here we can see a strong influence from Mughal architecture fused with traditional Western motifs.
Be sure to learn about all the incredible artifacts one can find within the museum in our dedicated guide.
Along Mahatma Gandhi Road
The next part of this Mumbai architecture tour has you walking north along Mahatma Gandhi Road, which is home to numerous notable structures. What follows is just a few.
Don’t miss Elphinstone College, one of Mumbai’s most prestigious colleges. The building was completed in 1888, blending Victorian Gothic and Indo-Saracenic styles.
You’ll also pass by the David Sassoon Library and Reading Room. Completed in 1870, it was commissioned by David Sassoon, a Baghdadi Jewish merchant.
Eventually, you’ll encounter the Esplanade Mansion. Completed in 1869, it’s one of the world’s oldest fully cast-iron-framed structures.
It was designed by British engineer Rowland Mason Ordish. But it’s long been in a state of decay, and a balcony even collapsed in 2018 which explains the protective scaffolding covering it today.
Around the corner, meanwhile, is the Rajabai Clock Tower. Completed in 1878, it stands at 85 meters high. Inspired by Big Ben, it was designed by British architect Sir George Gilbert Scott in a Venetian-Gothic style.
High Court of Bombay
One of the largest and most impressive structures in this part of town is the High Court of Bombay, which still functions as the high court of both Maharashtra and Goa.
The Gothic Revival structure, which was designed by British engineer Col. James A. Fuller, was completed in 1878.
The building is massive, but there doesn’t seem to be any way for curious tourists to step inside the gates and have a look. As such, you’ll have to walk around the block and peer through the gaps in the fence to catch glimpses of the court and its towering octagonal towers.
Flora Fountain
Heading back north along Mahatma Gandhi Road, you’ll find yourself in the business district of Fort. And you’ll soon encounter the Flora Fountain, built in 1864.
Surrounded by buildings from the British Victorian era, the fountain depicts the Roman goddess Flora.
Also nearby is the Hutatma Memorial, dedicated to protestors killed by police in 1955 as they demanded a unilingual Marathi-speaking state of Maharashtra.
J.N. Petit Library
Continuing north along Dadabhai Naoroji Rd, you’ll pass by the J.N. Petit Library when out walking.
It was founded in 1898 by a group of Parsi students and exemplifies Neo-Gothic architecture. But considering who its founders were, it’s said to contain a vast collection of Zoroastrian manuscripts.
The structure was recently restored in 2014-15.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
Arguably the most impressive set of structures in this Mumbai architecture guide is the complex that makes of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the city’s main railway station.
You’ll likely be coming here at some point if you’re arriving or departing from Mumbai by train. But it’s worth visiting on another day without your luggage to give yourself time to admire the complex.
It used to be called the Victoria Terminus, but the city went on a renaming spree in the 1990s, attempting to name all they could after former Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji.
This is one of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India, bit it also takes inspiration from Indian architecture as well. It was designed by British architect F. W. Stevens. It took over 10 years to build, being completed in 1888.
Just across the street, meanwhile, is the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters. It appears as part of the same complex but is actually a distinctive building. The structure was completed in 1893 and was designed by the same architect of CSMT, Frederick William Stevens.
It too utilizes Victorian Gothic and Indo-Saracenic architecture. Just in front of it is a viewing platform that lets visitors appreciate the stunning architecture of the entire area.
As a whole, the CSMT is chaotic and a bit confusing, but some sections are connected by underground pathways. Assuming you don’t have a train to catch, it can be fun to get a bit lost as you wander around.
From this point, most people should simply head east along Walchand Hirachand Marg to reach the General Post Office.
While the next two landmarks are interesting, they’re not worth the long detours. And as you approach Cawford Market, the streets gradually become dirtier and a lot more chaotic.
Crawford Market
The market was built in 1869 and designed by British architect William Emerson. Notably, it was the first building in India to be lit up by electricity, which occurred in 1882.
Its architecture is a mix of Victorian Gothic, Norman, and Flemish styles, and it features a large clock tower in its center.
Fort George
Fort George is a hugely significant monument in regard to the history of Mumbai, yet it’s easily the least impressive landmark on this list.
The fort was originally constructed in 1769, replacing an earlier fort at the same spot.
It was eventually demolished by the British themselves in 1862, and now only a small section remains.
The Fort district in which it’s located was named after it, though you won’t find any signs indicating what this wall actually is.
General Post Office
Yet another example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, the General Post Office was designed by British architect John Begg. Notably, its main inspiration was a 17th-century mausoleum called Gol Gumbaz located in Bijapur, Karnataka.
The structure was designed in 1902 and finally completed in 1913. The building is massive at 11,000 m², and given its crowded surroundings, it can be difficult to find somewhere from which to take in the view.
Ruttonsee Muljee Jetha Fountain
Next, it’s time to head back south. The next landmark in this Mumbai architecture is the Ruttonsee Muljee Jetha Fountain, an Indo-Saracenic drinking fountain built in 1894. It was commissioned by Ruttonsee Muljee in honor of his son who died from disease.
Though it once provided the local community with free drinking water, the fountain now seems inaccessible to the public. It was, at least, recently restored in 2017.
Parsi Fire Temple
This is one of several Parsi Fire Temples in Mumbai and is officially known as Maneckji Seth Agiary. Established in 1735, it’s the second-oldest in the city and combines the Persian and Greek Revival style.
The Parsis are descendants of Iranian Zoroastrians who fled the Arab conquests of Persia in the 7th-8th centuries AD.
One can often identify Parsi temples in India due to the human-headed winged lions known as lamassus out front. The guardian beings date back to Assyrian times. Only Zoroastrians are allowed to step inside.
Bomanjee Hormarjee Wadia Clock Tower
The Bomanjee Hormarjee Wadia Clock Tower was erected in 1882 to honor a Parsi philanthropist of the same name.
It was heavily inspired by traditional Persian architecture and also features lamassu statues.
Interestingly, above its door you can find cuneiform writing which was derived from Iran’s Behistun Inscription from the Achaemenid era.
Walk 2: Marine Drive + Temples
Marine Drive
A walk along Marine Drive is often touted as one of Mumbai’s top things to do. The 3.6 km-long seaside promenade stretches from Nariman Point to Malabar Hill, but in my case I finished at Chowpatty Beach.
Marine Drive could be considered one of the last major colonial-era constructions, as it was built from 1915 until 1940. Throughout the walk, you’ll be able to see the much newer skyscrapers of the Malabar off in the distance.
Many of the buildings lining Marine Drive are said to have been built in the Art Deco style. In fact, there are said to be over 80 Art Deco buildings in the area!
Admittedly, none of the nearby buildings really stood out to me, though this could’ve partly been due to the direction of the sun at the time of my walk, not to mention dealing serious jet lag.
One of the most prominent Art Deco buildings around here is an apartment complex known as Soona Mahal.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at Chowpatty Beach, from which you can spot the headquarters of many of India’s major corporations across the water.
The next destination in this guide is 3 km away from Chowpatty Beach and would take you around 45 minutes to get there on foot. As such, you might want to take an Uber or simply visit on a different day.
Mahalakshmi Temple
Compared with many other destinations throughout India, Mumbai isn’t exactly known for its Hindu temples. But one of its most famous is the Shri Mahalakshmi Devi Temple, constructed in 1831.
The main shrine features a trio of goddesses: Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Kali, the goddess of time and death, and Saraswati, the goddess of art and knowledge.
It was largely built in the Maratha Style of Architecture, but no photos are allowed inside (a common rule at temples in India).
As with all Hindu temples, you’ll need to remove your shoes before entering the sacred area. While technically free, expect the shoe guard to request a small tip.
Haji Ali Dargah
Just a bit north of the temple is the Haji Ali Dargah, a unique mosque situated on a small islet just off the coast. It’s accessible via a causeway from the mainland.
Largely built of marble from Rajasthan, the mosque is generally said to date back to 1431, making this one of the city’s oldest structures. Unfortunately, the area outside is rather filthy.
Haji Ali Dargah contains the tomb of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a 15th-century Sufi saint who hailed from Bukhara, Uzbekistan. According to legend, he died during pilgrimage to Mecca, and somehow his casket floated all the way to Mumbai!
Additional Info
Mumbai, India’s most populated city, is a massive, sprawling metropolis. But let’s keep it simple. You want to stay in the Colaba district, or in one of the districts just north of it, such as Kala Ghoda, Fort or Churchgate.
Staying in one of these areas will allow you to reach many of Mumbai’s main tourist attractions and notable buildings on foot. With that said, Uber works great in Mumbai compared with other Indian cities.
Colaba is one of Mumbai’s pricier districts, but I found a good deal at a budget hotel called Hotel Amber. It was located south of the more touristy part of Colaba, but there were a plethora of affordable restaurants to choose from in the area.
The staff were very kind and the wifi worked great. But unfortunately, cleanliness could’ve been a lot better. Sadly, this is an all-too-common problem at hotels in India.
Those on a bigger budget may want to consider a hotel like Bentleys Hotel or Abode Bombay. And those really looking to splurge might want to stay at the Taj Mahal Tower, India’s most iconic hotel.
The walks outlined above are completely free and easy enough to do on your own. With that said, some people prefer the company of a local expert. If that’s you, consider this South Mumbai Heritage Walk which features a lot of the landmarks featured above.