12 Things To Do In Goa, India

In Goa you will find great beaches, great nightlife, great food and lots of markets! Check out some of the activities we did on our 2 week stay in Goa.

RENT A SCOOTER

First thing is first, in order to get around in Goa there is only one way...rent a scooter! Scooter is the cheapest way to get around town. Rates for scooters start around 300 INR ($5USD) for 24hrs. Make sure you take your drivers licence with you since at times there will be traffic police pulling over people to check for drivers license. If you don’t have it on you, they will probably fine you 300-500 INR ($5-$8USD). Don’t make the same mistake we did!

BEACHES ARE A MUST!

Check out our full recommendations on the beaches we visited while in Goa. (Beaches in Goa!) There are plenty to choose from as each of them has their own vibe! Beaches range from super relaxing and laid back to grab your dancing shoes and party the night away!

CHAPORA FORT

This is an old ruined fort, but it is also a top sunset spot in Goa. It's a good place to capture beautiful pictures of Vagator Beach. We will warn you, leave your sandals at home since it is a bit of hike to get to. Bring comfortable shoes since it tends to be very rocky going uphill to the fort. On your way up you will have many options to cool off with ice cream, fresh fruit or a cold drink! There are plenty of vendors for you to chose from. If you bring your scooter, they will charge you 10 INR ($0.15USD) for parking.

SHOPPING, SHOPPING, AND MORE SHOPPING!

There are plenty of options to shop when in Goa. Not only will you see plenty of shops on the side of the streets but there are great markets too!

Anjuna has markets every Wednesday from 9am-6pm. This is one of the top markets in Goa.
Saturday Night Market Arpora was not opened when we were there, but everyone recommended this market. They say it is a cool place to hang out, eat, shop and even listen to some music. It is only open during the tourist season from 6pm until late at night.
Friday Mapusa Market is a local market, but great to visit just for the experience. You can cool off, grabs some beers and eat lunch at The Pub. Filled with westerners and locals, this place gives you a nice view of the Mapusa Market. This market is open from 8am-6:30pm.

EXPERIENCE THE GOAN NIGHTLIFE

If you are looking for some late night fun, you will have plenty of options in Goa:

Curlie’s is a perfect place for sunsets and as the night goes on a perfect spot to grab a few drinks.
There is also Shiva Valley right next door. Curlie’s and Shiva Valley are located in South Anjuna Beach. It is tricky to find so just follow the signs and narrow dirt roads to Curlie’s. These beach shacks are a definite must in Goa!
Tito’s Lane is where the heart of the party is. You will find a lot of locals around this area and you will also find a ton of choices for you to dance the night away.

OLD PORTUGUESE CHURCHES IN OLD GOA

One of the most famous is Bom Jesus Basilica. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The outside is very nice, but the altar is stunning! Across the street you can also find St. Francis Assisi Church and St. Charine’s Chapel. The chapel is near the museum towards the back.

WATER SPORTS

There will be plenty of beaches that offer water sport activities. You will be able to take your pick from parasailing, speed boats, banana boat, jet skis and more. Check out what beaches have the best water sports activities by checking out Beaches in Goa!

WATCHING SUNSETS

One of our favorite things to do in Goa was watch the sunsets! This is something you should not miss out on. From wherever you are in Goa, even driving down the street make sure to catch a glimpse of the magical Goan sunset!

MASSAGE ON THE BEACH

You will have plenty of people coming by and offering you souvenirs and massages. After a night of partying a nice massage on the beach might come in handy.

HAVE SOME COCOS

For around 50 INR, try some of the most delicious and fresh cocos on beach! There will be a lot of vendors offering you fresh cocos.

TAKE PICTURES WITH COWS AT THE BEACH

I was only able to find cows on the beach at Ozran aka Little Vagator Beach and Baga Beach. It is definitely a sight to see!

FOOD

I will be the first to admit that we are by no means expert foodies, but I will tell you that in Goa you will have plenty of food options:

Fire n Ice was located on a street near Baga Beach. The food was so delicious we actually had dinner here two evenings in a row. Max our server was so kind and the entire staff made us feel like family. Highly recommend this place in Goa!
Silfars Beach Shack is located on Baga Beach. We spent 3 full days lounging around here. During the day, we ate and used their fast internet since we had work to do and during the evening they move all their tables and chairs on the beach so people can hang out and have dinner or drinks and watch the amazing sunset. Even through we were here all day, we never felt forced to buy food. One day we spent a full day here and only bought some water and french fries.
Orion Cafe on Ashwem Beach. This is another place that was very comfy couches to hang out in and very reliable internet if you need to get work done.
We tried the fish thali at This Is It Restaurant on Arambol Beach. It has a great lunch special; fish tali for 150 INR which we shared amongst both of us and they also had a buy one get one on beers which came to 70 INR for 2!
We had the most delicious prawns with curry and rice at The Pub. This place is located near Mapusa Market and has the most affordable food and drinks we found in all off Goa! Prawns with curry and rice were 140INR and large 600ml Kingfisher beer for 100 INR.
Copperleaf Restaurant near Panjim for their fish thali.
Don’t be afraid to try the street food! We had samosas, capsicum and potato, but you must also try the onion and mirchi from Saligao Deck. They are open after 5pm. This place is located on Calanguete-Mapusa Rd (10-15 minute drive from Baga Beach)
Try the delicious Corn on the Cob that is sold almost everywhere on the street. This was by far our favorite snack in Goa.
Don't miss out on the refreshing drink of India...the traditional Lemon Soda! Available in nearly every restaurant, cafe, vendors on side streets, and food shacks. Made with lemon soda, lime juice, and sugar or salt, this drink is as addicting as coffee. It's also perfect to beat the Goan heat!