Top destination - Why go there in Goa, India ?

Panjim

Panjim - City view on river and sea
City view on river and sea

Main city of the state of Goa, Panjim, also called Panaji, is mostly a business town. The beaches are generally located north of the city, and there are plenty of them ! Depending on what you like, some beaches are busy, mostly for young tourists and students, and some are more calm, for families. However, you will surely find something you like. Food is generally of good quality, and there are plenty of local dishes to try out !

  • Is tap water safe to drink in Goa, India ?
  • No - drink bottled water only and use it to brush your teeth
  • Average prices in IN (USD - 1€ = USD$1.073134 )
  • Public transport ticket : 0.74 |
  • Taxi (5km) : 1.81 |
  • Train (200km) : 1.75 |
  • Restaurant (2 persons) : 40 |
  • 5* hotel : 170 |
  • 3* hotel : 100 |
  • Appartment rent : 550 |
  • Women haircut : 13.50 |
  • Men haircut : 5.96 |
  • Weekend city break (2 persons, 1 hotel night, without flights) : 300
Average Average 3/6 (1)  |See on map of Goa, India Goa, India

 Which local specifics in Goa, India ?

Local taxis

Local taxis - Taxi example
Taxi example

The local taxis in Goa do not look like the usual ones. To identify the official ones, look for the Tourist Vehicle sticker on the side. Also, do not forget to ask for price before the trip (or even better, to propose one and stick to it), and negotiate with the driver. They do not have taxi meter, and might trick you if you have not agreed in advance. If you did, they will respect the deal.

 Best hotels - Where to stay in Goa, India ?

Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Goa Panjim

Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Goa Panjim - Rooftop pool
Rooftop pool

Situated in Panjim, main city of Goa, this hotel is great for business, but might disappoint the summer travelers, as it costs about 20USD to reach a beach with taxi. The rooftop outdoor pool is good enough for a few hours, and the fitness room is pretty small, but generally empty. Restaurant is tasty, despite a limited drinks choice.

Good Good 4/6 (1)  |Free wifi is working, but often too slow Slow wifi  |Expensive-Expensive Expensive  |71 EUR  |See on map of Goa, India Plot No. 31, Edc Patto Plaza, Panjim, Goa 403001, India

Dunes holiday village

Dunes holiday village - Holiday village
Holiday village

A village with huts, right next to the very good Mandrem beach, one of the best in Goa. The beach club part doesn't offer too much deck chair, but, however the area looks great and the holiday village is comfortable.

Average Average 3/6 (1)  |Free wifi is terrible, many connection or speed issues Terrible wifi  |Affordable-Affordable Affordable  |2000 INR  |See on map of Goa, India Junos Vaddo,Mandrem Beach, Mandrem, Goa 403527, India
Nearby :  Mandrem beach   

Studio 7

Studio 7 - Building entrance
Building entrance

At a walking distance from Anjuna beach, this small hotel offers the minimum required : bed, bathroom, and small kitchen.

Not so good Not so good 2/6 (1)  |No wifi or no free wifi No wifi  |Affordable-Affordable Affordable  |2000 INR  |See on map of Goa, India Dmello Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa 403509, India

 Finest restaurants - Where to eat in Goa, India ?

Basilico

Basilico - Restaurant view
Restaurant view

A family owned Italian restaurant, fully outdoor on a terrace, in the heart of Anjuna. Food served is correct, with a reasonable price for the area - however, service might take some time especially during busy times.

Good Good 4/6 (1)  |Free wifi is terrible, many connection or speed issues Terrible wifi  |Affordable-Affordable Affordable  |10 EUR  |See on map of Goa, India Dmello Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa 403509, India

Janet and Johns

Janet and Johns - Restaurant view on beach club and beach
Restaurant view on beach club and beach

Probably the nicest beach club in Anjuna ! With nice staff, a lot of deck chairs, and good and fast service, great prices and a comfortable choice of food and beverages, plus a DJ, this is the spot where to spend whole day - and stay at night for a beach party.

Good Good 4/6 (1)  |Free wifi is terrible, many connection or speed issues Terrible wifi  |Affordable-Affordable Affordable  |600 INR  |See on map of Goa, India Monteiro Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa 403509, India

Tantra beach shack and huts

Tantra beach shack and huts - Outside view
Outside view

One of the most peculiar restaurants on the beach ! It is definitely an experience to climb up the ladders to one of the tables to enjoy a great view - or even better, a sunset - and a tasty dinner. Service is good and fast, food choice is reasonable, prices are correct, and the place is extremely photogenic. It also offers huts for temporary or longer residents.

Good Good 4/6 (1)  |Free wifi is terrible, many connection or speed issues Terrible wifi  |Affordable-Affordable Affordable  |400 INR  |See on map of Goa, India St. Michael Vado, Anjuna Flea Market Path, Anjuna, Goa 403509, India

 What to see in Goa, India ?

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church - Church view
Church view

One of the main point of interest in Panjim, Goa main city, is the large Christian church, in the middle of the city, and on top of the highest hill.

 Excellent activities - What to do in Goa, India ?

Mandrem beach

Mandrem beach - Access to the beach
Access to the beach

One of the nicest beaches in Goa ! Due to the lack of resorts around, as the beach is a small island of sand, it is possible to relax there. Sellers are rare, and there is plenty of space on the beach for everybody.

Great Great 5/6 (1)  |See on map of Goa, India Mandrem, Goa, India
Nearby :  Dunes holiday village   

Anjuna beach

Anjuna beach - Beach view to the south
Beach view to the south

One of the most famous beaches in Goa, mostly due to the large number of cheap accommodations available around, and the huge number of tourists, mostly from CIS countries. The beach is long, large, and has restaurants / beach clubs / bars all along. However, its success is the main problem for tourists : it is impossible to relax without being bothered every few minutes by another seller - and do not hesitate to wake you up.

Not so good Not so good 2/6 (1)  |Free wifi is terrible, many connection or speed issues Terrible wifi  |See on map of Goa, India Anjuna beach, Goa, India

Find and book activities in Goa, India

 Best clubs - Where to party in Goa, India ?

Club Cubana, night club in the sky

Club Cubana, night club in the sky - Fire eating show
Fire eating show

The best place to party in Goa, open every night, on top of a hill, and open bar ! With a cover entrance of 1500 INR - free for ladies for the Wednesday ladies night, the entry gives you full access to the club, outdoor pool, and all its open bars. No need to take more money with you (except for the taxi back), you can then enjoy the party without worrying if you will be able to pay.

Great Great 5/6 (1)  |Expensive-Expensive Expensive  |1500 INR  |See on map of Goa, India Arpora Hill, North Goa, Goa, 403507, India

Cafe Mojo

Cafe Mojo - Main bar
Main bar

In the heart of Panjim, this British / French pub offers a good choice of beer, and good finger food, in a cozy ambiance. Every evening a different animation is proposed - from bands playing to karaoke.

World famous Decades bar

World famous Decades bar - View from the terrace
View from the terrace

Named itself world famous, this nice bar, located on a main road, is very good to either watch soccer, to play billiard, or to enjoy food and drinks with friends.

Good Good 4/6 (1)  |Free wifi is terrible, many connection or speed issues Terrible wifi  |Cheap-Cheap Cheap  |300 INR  |See on map of Goa, India Agar Vaddo, Calangute, Goa 403516, India

Anjuna beach party

Anjuna beach party - Beach party at night
Beach party at night

At night, it is possible to party on Anjuna beach ! Some of the largest beach clubs turns up the volume, and you can dance on the beach while enjoying some drinks.

Average Average 3/6 (1)  |Free wifi is terrible, many connection or speed issues Terrible wifi  |See on map of Goa, India Anjuna beach, Goa, India

 Where to shop in Goa, India ?

Anjuna flea market

Anjuna flea market - Flea market shops
Flea market shops

One of the largest flea markets in the province of Goa, it is perfect for tourists. Clothes, jewellery, spices, cashmere, ... this huge market will have everything you can be looking for in the area. For better prices, come around the closure, at about 5 pm, and negotiate - always ! Without bargaining, you will pay at least double the price it is worth.

Good Good 4/6 (1)  |Free wifi is terrible, many connection or speed issues Terrible wifi  |See on map of Goa, India Monteiro Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa 403509, India

Panjim fish market

Panjim fish market - Second floor view
Second floor view

Looking for local fresh fruits and vegetables ? Then the Panjim indoor market is the place to go. Looking a bit unorganized from the exterior, it is however the right place to find all kind of locally grown food.

Average Average 3/6 (1)  |See on map of Goa, India Panjim, Goa 403001, India