Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Once you have stepped out of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), you are there to find some of the most interactive places to visit near CST, with its combination of heritage, culture and the hustle and bustle of everyday Mumbai. In a few minutes, you can get to harbour promenades, colonial and Indo-Saracenic structures, small museums and lively markets. The majority of attractions can be explored on foot or within a minute of a taxi ride, and it is quite easy to arrange some improvisation. You could appreciate good architecture or visit galleries, vacation in shady gardens or have a lovely view of the waterfront.
10 Best Places To Visit Near CST
Discover the 10 best places to visit near CST, from historic landmarks to vibrant markets, offering a perfect mix of culture, heritage, and local charm.
1. Gateway Of India And Elephanta Caves
Photo: Waseemandbiomes / Wikimedia Commons
The Gateway of India stands proudly at the Apollo Bunder waterfront in Colaba, about a 10–15 minute drive from CST. Built in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, it has become one of Mumbai’s most photographed monuments. The basalt archway is a popular meeting point and a favourite starting spot for exploring the southern tip of the city. From here, you can take a public ferry to Elephanta Island, located about 11 kilometres across the harbour. The ferry ride itself is scenic, giving you views of the city skyline and port activity.
Location: Apollo Bundar, Colaba
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Kala Ghoda, another hidden gem and one of the famous places to visit near CST, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is one of India’s leading museums. Its impressive Indo-Saracenic building houses over 50,000 exhibits covering Indian history, art, and culture. You will find galleries devoted to ancient sculptures, miniature paintings, decorative arts, textiles, and natural history. The Bronze Gallery and the collection of miniature paintings are especially recommended for their craftsmanship and historical value.
Location: 159-161Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Kala Ghoda, Fort
3. Jehangir Art Gallery
Photo: Suryanarayan Ganesh / Wikimedia Commons
Jehangir Art Gallery has been a prominent place for artists and other art enthusiasts in Mumbai since it began its operations in 1952. It frequently features exhibitions of up-and-coming and recognised artists, painting, sculpture, photography and mixed media. It is free to enter, so one can come in to have a glimpse and visit or spend an hour observing the work on exhibit. This gallery is found along the Kala Ghoda area, so you could mix it with other museums and cafes in the area.
Location: 161B, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort
4. Horniman Circle Gardens
Photo: Kanad Sanyal / Wikimedia Commons
Horniman Circle Gardens is a serene park with a round shape located in the middle of the Fort business district. It is a nice green area to take a break in the middle of the day of sightseeing, surrounded by palaces of the grandiosity of the colonial times. In the morning, there are joggers and yoga practitioners, and at lunchtime, office workers are resting here. The gardens are very vibrant in such festivals and cultural events, like the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival.
Location: Fort, Mumbai
5. Sassoon Dock
Photo: Appaiah / Wikimedia Commons
One of the oldest docks in Mumbai is Sassoon Dock; this dock is active as a fishing port. Get here early in the morning and watch the hectic fish market that is filled with colourful confusion of traders, buyers and fishing boats offloading. It is a glimpse of local life which is contrary to the smooth tourist attractions in the city. More recently, the dock itself has also been opened to public art with large murals and the presence of street art installations, giving the historic purpose of the dock a modern, creative edge.
Location: Mumbai, Colaba
6. Crawford Market
Photo: Saarang Rajguru (सारंग राजगुरू) / Wikimedia Commons
Crawford Market, which is one of the most famous shopping destinations in the city, is one of the best places to visit near CST. The structure in itself is a remarkable Norman-Gothic building, with Indian and European decorations as well. It is a labyrinth of stalls on the inside in which all types of things are sold, including fruit and vegetables, imported food/items, household commodities, and pets. The stained-glass windows and friezes in carved frieze of the Indian farmers in the market give the market its historic magnificence.
Location: Lokmanya Tilak Marg, Dhobi Talao
7. Mumbadevi Temple
Photo: Valeria Drozdova / Wikimedia Commons
The Mumbadevi Temple is built up to the deity goddess who is the patron of Mumbai and regarded as the most significant place of religious importance in the city. The initial temple is centuries old, with the present structure being reconstructed in the 18th century. Religious people travel to the sites all day to pray and to get blessed. The temple is a small but symbol-rich place with the goddess as an idol dressed in classic robes and jewellery.
Location: Mumbai, Bhuleshwar
8. Marine Drive
Photo: Krissubh / Wikimedia Commons
The picturesque Marine Drive is a 3.6-kilometre walkway along the Arabian Sea that makes Mumbai one of the most beautiful cities in the world in terms of coastline. It is known popularly as the Queen Necklace, a title that uses the appearance of the streetlights in the evening as a string of pearls; it’s a favourite spot among the locals and visitors alike. Early in the morning, joggers, walkers and those practising yoga will be along the sea wall.
Location: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, South Mumbai
9. Flora Fountain
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons
Flora Fountain is one of the beautiful heritage monuments, among the hustle and bustle of four roads, MG Road, Dadabhai Naoroji Road, and Veer Nariman Road. It has a complex look of detailed work, and it is indicative of the colonial artisanship of the time, and it has a timeless difference of being contrasted by people moving in and around traffic and life in the city. The fountain is in the centre of Mumbai, where the area of business and administration is situated, and the choice of such a landmark can be considered adequate in a walking tour.
Location: Fort, Mumbai
10. St. Thomas Cathedral
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons
St. Thomas Cathedral is the oldest Anglican church in Mumbai, completed in 1718. It played an important role in the city’s colonial history and remains an active place of worship today. The Neo-Gothic structure is noted for its peaceful atmosphere and detailed memorial plaques that reflect the history of the British era in India. A visit here can be combined with nearby landmarks such as Flora Fountain and the Asiatic Society Library. The cathedral’s white façade and tall spire make it an easy building to spot when walking through the Fort area.
Location: Veer Nariman Road, Fort
The area around CST South Mumbai is a part of South Mumbai that captures much of the city’s charm through walkable streets and short taxis, making it a great place to visit. Visitors often explore various places to visit near CST, enhancing their experience of this vibrant locality. Close by are museums, galleries, bustling markets, working docks and the scenic seaside promenades. Get an early start when you intend to go shopping at markets or on ferries, and carry small money notes for small purchases. To easily find itineraries that are tailored, book your holiday with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Av9 / Wikimedia Commons
