Guide to explore Mumbai in a day!

24 hours isn't nearly enough time to this intoxicating city, but this whistle-stop full-day Mumbai sightseeing tour will help you catch the essence of Mumbai.

A morning in Bandra:

Mornings are the best time to explore. You'll see the area's 200-year history steadily unveil as you pass by balconies hanging from colonial homes. Neck-stretching urban art in mind-blowing colors drapes the walls of traditional dwellings in a strangely charming way.

For a tea break, loop back onto the corner of Hill Rd to Yoga House where you can relish a mud pot chai on the low floor tables and relax on the outdoor benches. You can also head towards Lilavati Hospital Junction to reach Salt Water Café for a plate loaded with omelettes, pancakes and more. If you haven’t worked up an appetite yet, walk further along Carter Rd by the sea, to reach the Bagel Shop for breakfast.

An afternoon in the Fort area:

Pull yourself away from the enticing vintage curios if you want to make it in time for some authentic Parsi and Iranian fare at Britannia (Sprott Road). On your way there, ask the cab to take you around the AzaadMaidan, where you can watch cricket whites get muddy brown. At Britannia, let the four generations of the Kohinoor family make you feel at home while you sink into the imported Polish furniture. Gulp down the saliboti (meat), berry pulao (rice dish), patranimacchi (steamed fish) and dhansak (curry) with a fizzy pallonjis raspberry drink. Or opt for another atmospheric Parsi joint, Café Ideal.

An evening by the sea:

Next, head to the moon-shaped Marine Drive. The breezy boardwalk is a favourite with chattering friends, couples snitching kisses, tea vendors - as well as packs of stray dogs. To get a sight of the entire stretch, catch a drink at Intercontinental Hotel’s rooftop restaurant Dome. No matter how late you descend from there, you can still catch the maalishwalas (foot and head massagers) who click their palm-sized bottles of oils with a stone to pullfatigued travellers and regulars. Getting your head or feet massaged may not be on your to-do list, but it’s a great way to listen to a myriad of stories from the masseurs. End the night with ice cream at Bachelor’s. The unique ice creams have a mystifying and irresistible blend of tastes, much like Mumbai itself.