9 Budget-Friendly Places to visit in Mumbai for free or below Rs.200

 By Pramila Sharma • Maharashtra •  3rd July, 2025

• Mumbai •

 Travelling is said to be food for the soul, but it can sometimes leave your wallet feeling a little light, especially while exploring the big cities like Mumbai. 

Mumbai一 the city that runs on dreams drama and delicious street food. where rickshaw meters run faster than your morning motivation, vada pav cost less than coffee, and the Arabian sea offers million-dollar views absolutely free.

What if I told you that you can experience the magic and masala of Mumbai without needing a luxury budget or a financial intervention.  As a travel junkie, I can assure you, Mumbai is a dream come true for those of us who want champagne experiences on a cutting chai budget. 

So let's dive in to explore this chaotic and yet  colorful city without overspending.

Iconic Gateway of India

Apollo Bunder, Colaba

Gateway of India is an historic symbol of Mumbai, built during the British era, perfect for architecture lovers and first-time visitors. During peak hours the vibe around this place is very lively with street artists, photographers and food stalls. Plus, you can combine the trip with a ferry ride or a walk along the harbour, admiring the beautiful view of the TajMahal Palace Hotel.

• Cost: Free

• Best Time to visit: Anytime of the day, but during peak hours  (mornings and evenings) be prepared for crowds.

How to reach Gateway of India: 

Reach Churchgate or CST station (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) by train, then take a taxi or walk (about 20 minutes from CST)

💡 Just next to Gateway of India is the ferries departure point for Elephanta Caves (another iconic place to visit while in  Mumbai) 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya 

Kala Ghoda, Fort

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, previously named as the Prince of Wales Museum is a cultural gem of Mumbai. Founded during British rule of India in the early 20th century, later in 1998 the museum was renamed after king of Maratha Empire Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. 

This Indo-Saracenic style museum exhibits over 70,000 different types of artifact's which are primarily categorised into three section⎯  Art, Archaeology and Natural History of ancient India from various historical periods. 

• Cost: Student, defense personnel and visitors below 15 yrs - ₹40/-  |  Adults: ₹200 without audio guide and ₹250 with audio guide  

•  Visiting Hours: 10:15 am to 06:00 

• Best time to Visit: Weekdays, preferably at noon.

How to reach Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

Get down at Churchgate or CST station (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) and take a cab or walk towards Kala Ghoda area where the museum is located.

 Visit the official Website for online tickets booking.

💡 Visit Kala Ghoda Art Festival during winters

Marine Drive

South Mumbai Coastline

Known as the “Queen’s Necklace,” is an iconic spot in Mumbai curving along the Arabian sea. It looks like a necklace from an aerial view, especially when lit at night. This place is famous among locals and travelers for epic sunsets and breathtaking views of Arabian sea at a zero cost. It is the perfect place for long walks, sitting and watching the waves crashing the shores, or having fun with friends, and clicking moody Instagram pictures.    

• Cost: Free

• Best Time to visit: Early morning or evening for sunset. 

How to reach Marine Drive: 

Take a train to Churchgate station, then hire a cab or use a bus towards Nariman Point. Marine drive is a short distance from the station.

💡 Marine drive gets pretty crowded during sunset, reach early to grab a seat.

Colaba Causeway Market

Colaba South Mumbai

Tucked just a couple of distance away from Gateway of India, this iconic shopping stretch is a colorful chaos of stalls, vintage shops, vendors, and endless curiosities. This place is a street shopper's paradise一  Boho jewelry, branded bags, clothing, home décor, antiques, trinkets  etc. are available at the reasonable price; it's a treasure hunt that does not hurt the wallet. Apart from street shopping, there are designer boutiques, quaint cafés and amazing architecture showcasing the glimpse of old Bombay.

• Cost: Entry Free | Shopping Budget: ₹200 - ₹500 (if you are good at bargaining)

• Best time to Visit: Late morning (11am onward), avoid weekends and late evening if you're not a fan of shoulder-to-shoulder crowd.

How to Reach Colaba Causeway Market:  

Take a train for Churchgate or CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) station from there hire a taxi or walk south to Colaba; the market is close to the Gateway of India. 

💡 Visit cafés Mondegar or Leopold 0 for an  old-school. If time permits combine your trip by visiting Marine drive or Gateway of India for epic sunset.

Elephanta Caves

Gharapuri, South Mumbai

The Elephanta Caves is located on Elephanta Island, also known as Island of Gharapuri (translates to City of Caves) approx. 11 km from the shores of mainland Mumbai. This small island also has numerous ancient archaeological remains revealing the occupation from the early 2nd century and ancient temple architecture and rock-cut sculptures. 

This UNESCO World Heritage site has seven caves, divided into two groups 一 Buddhist (eastern side) and Hindu (western side) are said to be constructed in the mid 5th - 6th century AD. The cave-1 is the most famous, showcasing the iconic three headed shiva statue called Mahesh Murthi/Trimurti; Ardhanarishvara Murthi- a composite male-female statue of Shiv and Parvati; Shiva as a Nataraja Murthi- cosmic dance of Shiva; Gangadhara Murthi; Ravana shaking Kailasa and Shiva as Lakulisa. 

• Timing: 9:00 am  - 5:30 pm

• Best time to Visit: early morning or weekdays. 

Cost:  

-  Adult -  ₹40 (offline) & ₹35 (online) for Indian, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand citizens)  

- Foreign Citizen: ₹550 (online) & ₹600 (offline)

How to reach Elephanta Caves: 

Elephanta island is connected via ferry service from Gateway of India in Mumbai daily between 9 am to 2pm except on mondays. (caves are closed for visitors on every monday)

Spiritual Places in Mumbai

Multiple Location

Experience the diverse spiritual fabric of Mumbai at its numerous temples scattered throughout the city. Each temple is with unique significance, deep heritage and local faith. Seek blessings at一 

• Siddhivinayak Temple, Prabhadevi temple - Dedicated to Lord Ganesha

• Mumbadevi Temple, Kalbadevi - City named after the goddess

• Babulnath Temple, near Girgaum Chowpatty - Ancient Temple with hilltop views dedicated to Lord Shiva.

• Mahalaxmi Temple, Bhulabhai Desai Road - An 18th century temple situated at hillock along the Arabian sea, dedicated to Devi Mahalaxmi, goddess of fortune and wealth.

• ISKCON Temple, Juhu - Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple is quiet and serene.

• Global Vipassana Pagoda - Visit one of the seven wonders of Maharashtra to experience peace, gratitude and calmness.

• Haji Ali Dargah - Located in the middle of the sea, connected by a narrow causeway, this place offers serenity and stunning views- especially during sunset.

Cost: Free Entry

Best Time to visit: All day (except in afternoon between 1pm-4pm), avoid weekdays to escape the crowd.

💡 Temples are not just place of worship, but also pillars of community so dress modestly and follow the customs respectfully.

Bandra Fort And Bandstand

Bandra west

Castella de Aguada famously known as the Bandra Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1640 AD as a watch tower to guard the Arabian sea from enemies, especially Britishers. The fort has a calm atmosphere and offers 360-degree view of Arabian sea and panoramic view of the Sea Link. A short walk away is Bandstand Promenade一  blend of art and ocean. Famous among couples, joggers and artists, this 1.2 km promenade offers unique and creative vibes with street performances, mural walls etc.

• Cost: Free

• Best time to Visit: Late afternoons and evenings for the stunning sunset at Arabian sea.

How to Reach Bandra Fort and Bandstand: 
Alight at  Bandra Station and then you can either ply on BEST bus or hire an auto rickshaw or local taxi. The closest bus stand is Father Agnel Ashram.

💡 Visit Mount Mary Church nearby and check out the Bollywood celebrity homes, as by celebrities reside nearby.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Kanheri Caves

Borivali East

Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) is a massive green oasis within the city, sprawled around 87 sq. km is home for wildlife, flora-fauna,waterfall, lake and ancient historic complex. A 2000 year old basaltic rock-cut Buddhist caves sculpted by Buddhist monks between 9th and 1th century BCE, is within the heart of the park; it houses magnificent relics of Buddha and the Bodhisattvas. 

Though it may not be as vast or exotic as other national park in India, but it offers several activities一 lion and tiger safari, nature treks and trails, cycling, van rani (mini trai bus), row-boating, stargazing and even stay in pine hut in midst of the jungle.

• Cost: Adult - ₹105  | Kanheri Caves:₹20

• Best time to Visit: early morning or weekdays. 

• Website: SGNP

How to reach Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Kanheri Caves: 

Take a train to Borivali Station. From the east side, hike an auto or bus to the park entrance. Kaneri caves is inside the park and can be reach by bus or a short trek.

Visit official Website for futher information on activities and tour guide in Sanjay Gandhi National Park

💡 Start early to beat the Mumbai heat and explore the park

Juhu  Beach

Juhu, western Suburb

Juhu Beach is all about fun一 sandy shores and street food delight. Spread over 6 kms along the Arabian sea upto Versova, it is one of the most popular and lively beach in Mumbai.  A great place to spend time with families and friends, witness picture perfect sunsets, dig into delicious street food and occasional celebrity sighting due to its close proximity to the upscale Juhu area.

• Cost: Free

• Best time to Visit: Late afternoons and evenings for the stunning sunset at Arabian sea.

How to Reach Juhu Beach: 

Alight at  Vile Parle Station  or Santacruz Station and then you can either ply on BEST bus or hire an auto rickshaw or local taxi. 

💡 To enjoy some tranquil moments visit during weekdays. And do try street food - pav bhaji, pani puri. tawa biryani, golas.

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Quick Tip for Exploring Mumbai

• Public Transportation: Use local trains or metro trains to commute faster, but avoid during rush hours. Avoid public transport during peak hours.

• Auto and Taxi: Always go by meter or use ride hailing apps like uber or Ola

• Weather: Winter (October - February) are the best time to explore the city, the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Monsoons (June-September) are beautiful but can interrupt the plan due to heavy rainfall. Summers (March-May)are hot and humid in Mumbai, generally not the best time to explore the city.

• Tourist places can be over crowded during weekends.

• Pack Light, but don't forget sunglasses, sunscreen and a reusable eater bottle

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Travel Recourses

Here's the list of useful links for hassle free travel in Mumbai

Air Travel	Skyscanner, Google Flights
Local Train Tickets	UTS app
Train Schedule	mIndicator
Car Rental	Uber, Ola, Saavari
Lodging	Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, Airbnb, Hostelworld
Tour and Activities	Onday travel, Mumbai Darshan Bus, Viator.com

Final Thoughts!

Mumbai has its own unique heartbeat. Every corner has a story that surprises you. It moves fast but always makes room for small and beautiful moments like sipping chai by the sea , a street artist playing music or the silence inside an ancient cave. so whether you are chasing sunset, stories or just want to feel the pulse of India. 

Mumbai welcome you with open arms!

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Thank You for stopping by on this website.

I hope, above information on  9 Budget-Friendly Places to visit in Mumbai for free or below ₹200 was helpful. Enjoy your journey and have a fantastic time exploring its mesmerizing wonders!

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