Great — here are curated picks and practical tips for independent (solo or self‑guided) travellers in Mumbai, organized by type and neighbourhood so you can match vibe, budget and convenience.

Top neighbourhoods to consider

• Colaba / Fort — walkable, historic sights (Gateway of India, museums), lots of cafés and markets; best if you want to sightseeing-on-foot. (sologuides.com)
• Bandra / Pali Hill — trendy, nightlife, cafés, sea promenades and street art; good for younger travellers who want bars and boutiques. (sologuides.com)
• Andheri / Santacruz / Juhu — convenient for the airport and for mid‑range hotels or longer stays (more modern malls, restaurants). (en.wikipedia.org)

Best options by traveller type

Budget / social (hostels & backpacker picks)

• Backpacker Panda (Colaba) — excellent location for walking to major sights, rooftop common space; good choice if you want to be in the tourist heart on a budget. (thishotel.com)
• Zostel Mumbai (Andheri) — popular chain hostel with social spaces and private rooms available; good if you want to meet other travellers. (hostelworld.com)
• Nap Manor Hostel (Santacruz) — highly recommended for solo travellers: clean, social, near metro. (sologuides.com)

(More budget stats: dorm beds in Mumbai hostels commonly range from very low prices up to ~$10–25; private rooms cost more — check Hostelworld/Hostelz for live rates.) (hostelz.com)

Boutique / mid‑range (good balance of comfort + local character)

• Abode Bombay (Colaba / Kala Ghoda) — a small, well‑reviewed boutique with boho/heritage character right near Colaba Causeway and museums — great if you want charm and a central base. (Mid‑range pricing varies seasonally.) (nationalgeographic.com)
• The Gordon House Hotel (Colaba) — boutique, polished, very close to Gateway of India; comfortable and centrally located for first‑time visitors. (supertravelr.com)

Comfort / business / luxury (if you want full amenities)

• The Taj Mahal Palace (Colaba) — iconic luxury option right by the Gateway of India; handy if you want history and concierge support. (en.wikipedia.org)
• The Oberoi (Nariman Point) or Trident Bandra Kurla (BKC) — excellent service, great views and reliable safety/amenities; pick these if you prefer high comfort and easy access to business districts or the promenade. (nationalgeographic.com)

Serviced apartments / longer stays

• Taj Wellington Mews (Colaba) — luxury serviced residences (studios to multi‑bed) in Colaba — useful if you’re staying several weeks and want kitchen/laundry plus hotel services. (tajhotels.com)

Quick selection tips for independent travellers

• Pick your neighbourhood first: Colaba/Fort for sightseeing walkability; Bandra for nightlife/food; Andheri/Juhu for airport access. (sologuides.com)
• Hostels are the easiest way to meet people; boutique hotels give local character; serviced apartments are best for longer stays. (hostelworld.com)
• Use metro + ride‑hailing (Ola/Uber) at night; crowds mean pickpockets can be an issue in busy markets — keep valuables secure. (sologuides.com)
• Book early in festival season (e.g., Ganesh Chaturthi in Aug/Sept) and for weekend stays — prices and availability change fast. (sologuides.com)

If you want, I can:

• Narrow this to only Colaba or only Bandra options; or
• Pull live rates/availability for your travel dates (I’ll check current prices).