North Goa is a popular tourist destination in India, known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and delicious food. It is also a great place to go shopping, with a wide variety of stores to choose from. Here is a guide to the best shopping places in North Goa:
Anjuna Flea Market
The Anjuna Flea Market is one of the most popular shopping destinations in North Goa. It is held every Saturday morning on the beach in Anjuna village. The market is a great place to find unique souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry. You can also find fresh produce, spices, and other local goods.
Mapusa Market
The Mapusa Market is the largest market in North Goa. It is held every day, except Sundays, in the town of Mapusa. The market is a great place to find fresh produce, meat, fish, and other local goods. You can also find clothing, jewelry, and other household items.
Calangute Market Square
The Calangute Market Square is a large outdoor market located in the heart of Calangute Beach. The market is a great place to find souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry. You can also find fresh produce, seafood, and other local goods.
Mackie’s Saturday Night Bazaar
The Mackie’s Saturday Night Bazaar is a popular night market held every Saturday evening in Baga Beach. The market is a great place to find souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry. You can also find food stalls selling delicious Indian and international cuisine.
Tibetan Market
The Tibetan Market is a small market located in the town of Calangute. The market is a great place to find Tibetan handicrafts, jewelry, and other souvenirs. You can also find Tibetan food stalls selling delicious momos and thukpa.
Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazaar
The Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazaar is a popular night market held every Saturday evening in Arpora. The market is a great place to find souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry. You can also find food stalls selling delicious Indian and international cuisine.
Other Shopping Places in North Goa
In addition to the markets listed above, there are a number of other great places to shop in North Goa. These include:
- The Baga Market
- The Calangute Beach Market
- The Fort Aguada Market
- The Panaji Market
- The Santa Monica Market
Restaurants in North Goa
North Goa is home to a wide variety of restaurants, serving everything from Indian cuisine to international fare. Here are a few of the best restaurants in North Goa:
- The Black Pig is a popular restaurant in Calangute that serves up delicious Portuguese and Goan cuisine. They have a wide variety of items to choose from, including seafood, pork, and chicken dishes.
- The Deck is a casual restaurant in Baga that offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea. They serve up a variety of dishes, including burgers, pizzas, and seafood.
- The Fisherman’s Cove is a seafood restaurant in Calangute that is known for its fresh and delicious seafood dishes. They also have a great selection of cocktails.
- The Goan Shack is a casual restaurant in Baga that serves up classic Goan cuisine. They have a wide variety of items to choose from, including seafood, pork, and chicken dishes.
- The Little Italy is an Italian restaurant in Calangute that serves up delicious Italian cuisine. They have a wide variety of pasta dishes, pizzas, and desserts.
- The Mocambo is a popular restaurant in Calangute that serves up a variety of international cuisine. They have a wide variety of items to choose from, including seafood, pork, and chicken dishes.
- The O’Sheehans is an Irish pub in Calangute that is known for its live music and great selection of beers. They also serve up a variety of pub food, including burgers, pizzas, and wings.
- The Tito’s is a popular bar and restaurant in Baga that is known for its lively atmosphere and great selection of cocktails. They also serve up a variety of bar food, including burgers, pizzas, and wings.
- The Zareen’s is a vegetarian restaurant in Calangute that serves up delicious vegetarian cuisine. They have a wide variety of items to choose from, including curries, tandoori dishes, and rotis.
Hotels in North Goa
North Goa has a wide variety of hotels to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. Here are a few of the best hotels in North Goa:
- The Aguada Beach Resort is a 5-star hotel located in Calangute. It offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea, spacious accommodations, and a variety of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options.
- The Cidade de Goa is a 4-star hotel located in Baga. It offers comfortable accommodations, a variety of dining options, and easy access to all that Baga has to offer.
- The Leela Goa is a 5-star hotel located in Candolim. It offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea, spacious accommodations, and a variety of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options.
- The Taj Fort Aguada is a 5-star hotel located in Sinquerim. It is known for its historic architecture, luxurious accommodations, and world-class service.
- The Taj Exotica is a 5-star resort located in Mandrem. It offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea, spacious accommodations, and a variety of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options.
- The Vivanta by Taj Fort Aguada is a 4-star hotel located in Sinquerim. It offers comfortable accommodations, a variety of dining options, and easy access to all that Sinquerim has to offer.
- The Zuri White Sands Resort is a 4-star hotel located in Baga. It offers comfortable accommodations, a variety of dining options, and easy access to all that Baga has to offer.
Some Options to Stay in North Goa
- Hostels are a great option for budget travelers, and there are many hostels to choose from in North Goa. Some popular hostels include:
- Baga Beach Hostel
- Calangute Beach Hostel
- Anjuna Beach Hostel
- Guesthouses are another great option for budget travelers, and there are many guesthouses to choose from in North Goa. Some popular guesthouses include:
- Casa Azul
- Casa de Goa
- Casa Anjuna
- Budget hotels are also available in North Goa, and some popular budget hotels include:
- Hotel Palms
- Hotel Sea Shell
- Hotel Ocean View
No matter what your budget is, you’re sure to find a great place to stay in North Goa.
FAQs about North Goa
What is the best time to visit North Goa for shopping?
The best time to visit North Goa for shopping is during the winter months (November-February). The weather is warm and sunny during this time, and the markets are less crowded.
What are the best ways to get around North Goa?
The best way to get around North Goa is by car. This will give you the freedom to explore the different beaches and markets at your own pace. You can also get around by bus or taxi.
Is it safe to shop in North Goa?
Yes, it is safe to shop in North Goa. The markets are well-lit and policed, and there are no major safety concerns.
What should I pack for a shopping trip to North Goa?
Be sure to pack comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking. You may also want to pack a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
What are some of the best souvenirs to buy in North Goa?
Some of the best souvenirs to buy in North Goa include:
- Handicrafts, such as wood carvings, metalwork, and pottery
- Jewelry, such as silver and gold jewelry
- Clothing, such as saris, kurtas, and lehengas
- Spices, such as turmeric, coriander, and cumin
- Local food products
What is the best time to visit North Goa?
The best time to visit North Goa is during the winter months, from November to February. The weather is mild and sunny during this time, with average temperatures ranging from 25-30 degrees Celsius.
What are the most popular tourist attractions in North Goa?
The most popular tourist attractions in North Goa include:
- The beaches: North Goa is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in India, including Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, and Anjuna Beach.
- The nightlife: North Goa is known for its lively nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and pubs to choose from.
- The shopping: North Goa has a variety of shopping options, from traditional markets to high-end boutiques.
- The food: North Goa has a diverse culinary scene, with a variety of restaurants to choose from, serving everything from Indian cuisine to international fare.
What is the cost of living in North Goa?
The cost of living in North Goa is relatively affordable, especially compared to other parts of India. The average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant is around 200 rupees, and a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be rented for around 10,000 rupees per month.
How do I get around North Goa?
The best way to get around North Goa is by taxi or auto-rickshaw. There are also a number of buses that operate throughout the region.
What is the language spoken in North Goa?
The official language of Goa is Konkani, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
What are the customs and etiquette in North Goa?
It is important to be respectful of local customs and etiquette when visiting North Goa. Some things to keep in mind include:
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
- Avoid taking photographs of people without their permission.
- Be aware of the cultural differences between India and your home country.
