Colaba Guide
Gateway of India, Causeway shopping, legendary cafes — exploring Mumbai's most historic neighborhood
Colaba is where Mumbai begins — literally and figuratively. This narrow peninsula at the city's southern tip is home to the Gateway of India, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the bustling Colaba Causeway market, and some of the oldest cafes and restaurants in the city. It is where tourists, backpackers, history buffs, and locals all converge. Whether you are browsing antiques on the Causeway, eating kebabs at Bademiya at midnight, or watching the sunrise over the Gateway, Colaba delivers an experience that captures the very essence of Mumbai.
What to See in Colaba
The essential landmarks and experiences in Mumbai's most tourist-friendly neighborhood.
Gateway of India
LandmarkMumbai's most iconic monument, built in 1924 to commemorate King George V's visit. This grand basalt arch stands at the waterfront of Apollo Bunder, overlooking the Arabian Sea. It was the ceremonial entrance point for British viceroys and the spot where the last British troops departed India in 1948. Visit early morning to avoid crowds and get the best photographs.
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
HeritageBuilt in 1903 by Jamsetji Tata, this iconic hotel is as much a Mumbai landmark as the Gateway itself. The Taj was the first building in Mumbai to have electricity. Even if you are not staying here, you can walk through the magnificent lobby, dine at one of the restaurants (Wasabi, Golden Dragon, Sea Lounge), or enjoy high tea at the Sea Lounge with harbor views.
Leopold Cafe
Cafe & HistoryOne of Mumbai's oldest and most famous cafes, operating since 1871. Featured in Gregory David Roberts' novel "Shantaram," Leopold is a rite of passage for every Mumbai visitor. The bullet holes from the 2008 terror attacks have been preserved in the walls and mirrors as a memorial. The food is decent but you come here for the history and atmosphere.
Colaba Causeway
ShoppingA vibrant street market stretching from the Taj area down Shahid Bhagat Singh Road. Hundreds of stalls sell everything from antiques and jewelry to leather goods, clothing, handicrafts, and books. Bargaining is expected — start at 40% of the asking price. The parallel lanes have excellent boutiques, bookshops (Strand Book Stall), and cafes.
Sassoon Docks
ExperienceMumbai's oldest and largest fish market, dating to 1875. Arrive at dawn (5-7 AM) to see the fishing boats unloading their catch while Koli fisherwomen sort, clean, and auction seafood on the dock floor. The colors, chaos, and energy are unforgettable. In November, the docks host the acclaimed Sassoon Docks Art Festival with installations throughout the working market.
Afghan Church (Church of St John the Evangelist)
HeritageA beautiful Gothic church built in 1858 as a memorial to soldiers who fell in the First Anglo-Afghan War. The stained glass windows, vaulted ceiling, and memorial plaques are magnificent. The church sits in a peaceful garden compound at the southern tip of Colaba, offering a quiet escape from the bustling streets. One of Mumbai's most underrated heritage sites.
Shopping on Colaba Causeway
Colaba Causeway (officially Shahid Bhagat Singh Road) is Mumbai's most famous street market. The roadside stalls stretch for nearly a kilometer, selling an eclectic mix of goods. Here is what to look for:
Jewelry & Accessories
Oxidized silver jewelry, brass earrings, beaded necklaces, and semi-precious stone rings. Prices start at ₹50 for simple pieces. The best finds are at the stalls near Cafe Mondegar.
Clothing & Textiles
Cotton kurtas, Rajasthani block-printed scarves, embroidered bags, and bohemian dresses. Quality varies wildly, so inspect stitching carefully. Budget ₹200-800 per item after bargaining.
Books & Antiques
Second-hand bookstalls sell everything from Booker Prize winners to rare first editions. The antique stalls have old coins, vintage Bollywood posters, colonial-era maps, and brass figurines. Strand Book Stall is a Mumbai institution.
Best Cafes & Restaurants
Colaba's food scene ranges from legendary century-old cafes to modern bakeries.
Leopold Cafe
Iconic since 1871. Come for the history, the beer, and the people-watching. The chicken tikka and cold Kingfisher combo is a classic order.
Cafe Mondegar
Known for its Mario Miranda murals covering every wall, jukeboxes playing classic rock, and ice-cold beer on tap. A Colaba institution since the 1930s with a bohemian, relaxed vibe.
Bademiya
The most famous late-night kebab stall in Mumbai, operating since 1946. The open-air kitchen fires up after dark, serving seekh kebabs, chicken tikka rolls, and butter naan to crowds that spill into the street. A Mumbai legend.
Theobroma
Mumbai's beloved bakery chain started right here in Colaba. The brownies are legendary — rich, fudgy, and addictive. Also excellent for quiches, sandwiches, and the famous red velvet cake.
Indigo Deli
An upscale deli-cafe in a beautiful heritage building. Excellent for brunch with fresh-baked breads, gourmet sandwiches, and artisanal coffee. The courtyard seating is lovely.
Cafe Churchill
A tiny, cramped cafe with enormous portions. The sizzlers are famous — your food arrives on a hot iron plate, sputtering and steaming. Great value for money in an otherwise expensive neighborhood.
Art Galleries
Colaba and the adjacent Kala Ghoda district form Mumbai's art epicenter.
Jehangir Art Gallery
Mumbai's most prestigious public art gallery, established in 1952. Located right next to the Prince of Wales Museum (CSMVS), Jehangir hosts rotating exhibitions across four halls. Free to enter and always worth a visit. The cafe on the terrace offers views of the surrounding Kala Ghoda district.
National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA)
Housed in a beautiful colonial-era building in the Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall, NGMA showcases Indian modern and contemporary art from the 1850s onward. Works by MF Husain, SH Raza, FN Souza, and Amrita Sher-Gil. A must for art enthusiasts with well-curated permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Chemould Prescott Road
One of India's oldest commercial galleries, established in 1963. Chemould has championed Indian contemporary art for decades and represents major artists. The gallery space is in a beautiful heritage building and exhibitions change regularly.
Colaba Tips
Start Early at Gateway of India
The Gateway area gets extremely crowded by mid-morning with tourist groups and selfie-seekers. Visit at sunrise (6-7 AM) for photos with almost no one around. The morning light is also the best for photography.
Bargain Hard on Colaba Causeway
The initial asking price at Causeway stalls is typically 3-4 times the fair price. Start your counter-offer at 30-40% of the quoted price and work up from there. Walk away if the seller does not come down — they will usually call you back.
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
Colaba is best explored on foot. The sidewalks are uneven and the streets are crowded, so sturdy comfortable shoes are essential. Flip-flops are not ideal for the amount of walking you will do.
Book Sassoon Docks in Advance
For the best experience at Sassoon Docks, consider going with a photography guide or heritage walk group. They will explain the history and help you navigate the market respectfully. Arrive before 6 AM for the most activity.
Evening Food Crawl
The best way to experience Colaba's food scene is an evening crawl: start with chai at Cafe Mondegar, grab kebab rolls at Bademiya around 8-9 PM, and end with brownies at Theobroma. All three are within a 5-minute walk of each other.
Stay Safe at Night
Colaba is one of the safest neighborhoods in Mumbai and stays lively until late. However, avoid the darker lanes off the main road after midnight. Stick to well-lit main streets and use Ola/Uber for late-night rides.
Explore More of Mumbai
Colaba is just the beginning. Discover the rest of Mumbai's incredible neighborhoods.
Colaba FAQs
Get Your Free Travel Guide
PDF download + weekly travel tips
Join our community and get a comprehensive travel guide with maps, budgets, and insider tips delivered to your inbox.
Unsubscribe anytime. No spam, we promise.