For your next stay in one of the largest cities in India, you want to identify in advance the dangerous districts in Mumbai and the best areas to stay.

With more than 18 million inhabitants, Bombay, also known as Mumbai, is a bustling city with a rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife. But what about its security, is Bombay a safe city in 2024?

In fact, like any big city, some neighborhoods are considered unsafe and others the best places to stay. So, if you have to stay in Bombay for a business trip or for a tourist stay, it is important to know which are the dangerous districts in Bombay to avoid and which to privilege.

That's why I wrote this guide to the districts of Mumbai which is accompanied by a map in order to better locate the districts to avoid and the best areas to stay. Also, at the end of this article, I am giving you a well-located hotel recommendation in the best area of ​​Mumbai.

This article is a synthesis of information published on traveler forums, press articles, statistics and rankings. It is therefore factual, without any judgment or discriminatory remarks.

Is Mumbai safe in 2024?

To be able to say whether or not Bombay is a safe city in 2024, you have to compare its level of crime with other cities in other continents.

Numbeo.com publishes an annual global ranking of cities based on their crime index. In this ranking, for 2024, Mumbai has a relatively low crime index of only 45,08. Ranked 219th out of 429 cities, Mumbai is therefore in the middle range in terms of crime.

In comparison, Mumbai is less dangerous than New York , Barcelona , ​​Honolulu , Stockholm or Bordeaux in France.

Other global rankings ( statista.com or populationu.com ) confirm that Mumbai (just like Delhi ) is not among the most dangerous cities in the world in 2024.

Bombay dangerous for tourists?

Without being a dangerous city, Bombay is still a city where tourists must be careful, especially women traveling alone.

This is what the French Government says on its France Diplomatie website regarding cities in India:

“Cases of harassment or sexual assault (touching, inappropriate behavior, exhibitionism, even rape) are regularly reported. It is essential as soon as you arrive in India, particularly for women, to take certain precautions (preferably wear long clothes and keep your shoulders covered; behave with restraint towards Indian nationals; avoid walking alone in areas that are not very frequented, in particular at night, avoid finding yourself alone at nightfall with a taxi driver, hotel employee, guide, occasional meeting, etc.). »

Is it safe to visit Mumbai?

Yes, tourists can visit Mumbai without risking any security issues. In fact, it would be a shame if tourists do not visit Mumbai as it is a city that offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. It is the city where one stays to visit in particular the Gate of India, the caves of Elephanta, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or the beaches of Juhu and Marine Drive.

And Mumbai is also a hub of commerce, cinema and culture, which attracts millions of tourists from all over the world every year.

And, while it's true that Bombay has its share of crime, like any other big city, it's not necessarily a dangerous place for tourists.

Indeed, the city has made great progress in terms of security in recent years. Local authorities have taken several measures to ensure the safety of tourists and residents. The city has a strong police force that is always on the lookout for suspicious activity. In addition, several initiatives have been put in place to ensure the safety of women, such as women-only compartments on local trains.

But of course, as in all big cities, tourists should still avoid staying in certain areas of Bombay (see details below).

Map of Mumbai Neighborhoods

Mumbai lies at the mouth of the Ulhas River on the western coast of India, in the coastal region known as Konkan. Together with its neighboring urban areas (Navi Mumbai and Thane), it is one of the most populated urban regions in the world. It therefore has too many neighborhoods to be able to present them all to you!

Here is a map of Mumbai's main districts that will help you identify areas to avoid as well as the best places to stay: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Thnq8Et7yY5gRKk79

Areas to avoid in Mumbai

According to numerous travel forums and the press article on industantimes.com , the areas to avoid from Mumbai are:

• North Central Mumbai which includes Vile Parle, Kurla, Chembur;
• Northwest Mumbai which includes Jogeshwari, Goregaon, Andheri and Malad.

Note that the southern zone, on the contrary, is considered the safest part of Bombay.

Most dangerous neighborhoods in Mumbai

According to internet publications updated in 2024, here are the most dangerous neighborhoods in Mumbai in more detail:

• The slum of Dharavi which has more than 1 million people
• Chor Bazaar also called Thieves Market
• Kamathipura Red Light District
• Mumbai downtown at night
• chowpatty
• Kurla West
• Mankhurd
• Subways in the south area of ​​Mumbai

Best neighborhoods to stay in Mumbai

Apart from the dangerous parts of Mumbai listed above, there are many very cool areas in this beautiful city where visitors can stay safely.

Historically, the chic districts were mainly in the southern part of Bombay. But now things are changing.

Indeed, the upscale neighborhoods are now located near the sea. These are magnificent places which have become upscale residential areas, some of which offer breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. It is in these neighborhoods that the richest families and famous Bollywood actors reside in Mumbai.

Malabar Hill is one of Mumbai's most luxurious and beautiful neighborhoods, with its lush greenery, wide streets, and stunning architecture. It's said to be the neighborhood of billionaires!

Juhu is another neighborhood known for its safety, quality of life, and beautiful beach. Many prominent Bollywood actors and actresses live in this area. This seaside district is home to some of Mumbai's finest hotels and restaurants.

Find out now which are the favorite neighborhoods of tourists and where are they located in Mumbai?

Where to stay in Mumbai for tourists?

Colaba and Cuffe Parade are neighborhoods far removed from the dangerous areas of Mumbai and are the most interesting for tourists visiting Mumbai.

Located in South Mumbai, these neighborhoods are known for their historic charm and beautiful architecture. It is home to some of Mumbai's most iconic sites such as the India Gate, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum, the Kanheri Caves and the Taj Mahal Palace.

Another tourist attraction in this area of ​​Mumbai is the Colaba Causeway market.

Furthermore, the Colaba and Cuffe Parade districts are very close to the Fort, which is a very nice shopping area!

What is the best hotel in Mumbai?

If you want to stay in Mumbai in the city's most iconic hotel, then choose the legendary The Taj Mahal Palace.

Located in the safe and tourist district of Colaba, it is a splendid Palace built in 1903 facing the Gateway of India and overlooking the Arabian Sea.

Cheap hotel in Mumbai

For tourists who are not lucky enough to stay in a palace, here is a cheap hotel well located far from the dangerous districts of Bombay.

Indeed, this small hotel is located in Mumbai's central business district and just 50 meters from Marine Drive: Chateau Windsor Hotel

How to visit Mumbai?

Here are some interesting things to do if you have the chance to stay in Mumbai: Bike tour of Mumbai or Private tour of Mumbai