Mumbai is worth a trip | SWISS Miles & More credit cards

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Discover Mumbai

Mumbai is a city of contrasts. Over 20 million people live there – some in luxurious skyscrapers, others in poverty-stricken slums. It’s no surprise, therefore, that Bollywood, the Indian dream factory, is based in Mumbai. The metropolis bursts with interesting sights. First and foremost is the Gateway of India, a monument built in 1924 for the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. Other highlights include the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel directly opposite, the Elephanta Caves, that were carved into the rock some 1,400 years ago on an island in the harbor, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a railway station built in the Victorian style which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Shopping in Mumbai

The contrasts also abound when it comes to shopping. The Phoenix Palladium Mall and the Oberoi Mall are where to find well-known brands from all over the world. If you prefer to shop locally, though, there are also plenty of options: Bandrahill Road Market and Kala Ghoda’s Boutique Scene are places to go for trendy fashion from Indian designers, Chor Bazaar is great for antiques, vintage clothing, and Bollywood props, and for gold and silver jewelry, visit Zaveri Bazaar. If you enjoy haggling, give bargaining for accessories, clothing, and shoes a try on Linking Road. Fruits, spices, and tea can be found at Crawford Market, which is popular with the local people.

Eating out in Mumbai

The contrasts also find reflection in the gastronomy scene. Almost every street offers simple street food classics such as Vada Pav (deep-fried potato dumplings in a soft bun), Pav Bhaji (spiced vegetables with buttered buns) and Bhel Puri (puffed rice with puris, vegetables and chutney). For a more refined experience, go to Masala Library, which infuses Indian cuisine with molecular elements, or The Table near the Gateway of India. Mumbai’s best seafood can be found at Gajalee, which is famed for its Bombil Fry (fish marinated in semolina or rice flour with spices like turmeric and chili powder), and at Trishna.

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Cashless payments in Mumbai

SWISS Miles & More credit cards are accepted everywhere in Mumbai: in bars, hotels and restaurants, in shops large and small, at museums or in the souvenir store at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj international airport. You can also make cashless payments for tickets to most attractions. And if you store your card as a means of payment in Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay or SwatchPAY!, you can leave your card at your hotel and pay with your smartphone or watch.

Tip: With American Express Cards you earn more miles and reach your reward destinations more quickly.