Mumbai
Photography (statue) Stockxpert/Jupiterimages
We asked Concierge Receptionist Kainaz Khambatta of Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai to gather the savviest sightseeing suggestions she could find—not just her own but also those of other local connoisseurs, including some she works with every day at the Hotel. Mumbai is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic cities, home to Bollywood, Colonial-era and modern architecture, and upscale fashion, shopping and dining.
High-End Shopping
No other Indian city has such a wide variety of upscale clothing and jewellery by internationally recognised local designers. Of the major shopping areas, eclectic Bandra is home to Neelam Jewels, a top designer, while sophisticated SoBo has the Courtyard, a sea-facing mall with more than a dozen shops. Be sure to check out Manish Arora Fish Fry, which has creations such as brocade jackets, glittery skirts and halters by Manish Arora, a designer who shows at Paris Fashion Week.
Victorian Gothic Masterpieces
Mumbai is rich with landmarks in this unique Victorian Gothic architectural style, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) and the Gateway of India. Take a walking tour with a local architect, which the Concierge can arrange.
Gandhi Remembered
Mahatma Gandhi lived in this two-story building, and now his living room and terrace where he prayed daily are open to visitors as the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum. Don’t miss the library, which has original letters he wrote to world leaders such as Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela.
Centuries-Old Markets
Try out your bargaining skills at some of the dozens of markets in Mumbai. Two musts: Crawford Market, an old, British-style covered space where vendors hawk food specialties, and Chor Bazaar, a massive maze of streets filled with finds such as antique furniture, sterling silver cutlery and inexpensive Indian tchotchkes.
