Goa (Panaji)
Save31 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
UNESCO baroque church holding the relics of St Francis Xavier
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Dress code
1 tip
- Combine with Se Cathedral
📷 Photos
- 2
One of Asia largest churches, in Old Goa
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Free to enter
- Short walk from Bom Jesus
📷 Photos
- 3
17th-century Portuguese fort with a lighthouse
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Go at sunset
- Small entry fee
- Wear sunscreen
📷 Photos
- 4
Hilltop fort with sweeping coast views
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Climb at sunset
- Wear good shoes
- Free entry
📷 Photos
- 5
Lively beach with shacks and water sports
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Busy at night
- Mind the swell and flags
- Try fresh seafood
📷 Photos
- 6
Rocky beach known for its Wednesday flea market
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Market runs on Wednesdays
- Sunset is best
- Take a scooter or taxi
📷 Photos
- 7
Crescent beach in south Goa
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Calmer than the north
- Stay for sunset
- Kayak at dawn
📷 Photos
- 8
Portuguese-era Latin Quarter with colourful houses
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Visit the chapel
- Try local Goan cafes
📷 Photos
- 9
Four-tier waterfall on the Goa-Karnataka border
3 tips
- Best after the monsoon
- Jeep access from Kulem
- Check seasonal closures
📷 Photos
- 10
Large Hindu temple with a tall lamp tower
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Remove shoes
- Combine with Shanta Durga temple
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Goa (Panaji) tips
Transportation
- Rent a scooter: Scooters are a popular way to explore Goa; carry your license.
- Use GoaMiles: The official app-based taxi service offers fixed fares.
- Take local buses: Kadamba buses connect Panaji with Mapusa, Margao and beaches cheaply.
Security
- Wear a helmet: Helmets are mandatory and roads can be dangerous.
- Swim at lifeguard beaches: Strong currents during the monsoon make swimming dangerous.
- Avoid drugs: Penalties are severe, and police checks are common.
Saving
- Eat at local shacks: Beach shacks and local restaurants serve affordable Goan food.
- Visit in the off-season: June to September has lower prices.
- Shop at markets: Mapusa Friday Market and Anjuna Flea Market offer bargains.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for heat: Light cotton clothing and sunscreen are essential.
- Expect heavy monsoon rain: June to September brings heavy downpours.
- Visit in winter: November to February is the most pleasant season.
Cultural
- Explore Fontainhas: Panaji's Latin Quarter has colorful Portuguese-era houses.
- Try Goan cuisine: Sample fish curry rice, vindaloo and bebinca.
- Respect churches: Dress modestly when visiting the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa.
Local Hacks
- Take the ferry: Free ferries cross the Mandovi River to Divar and Chorao islands.
- Visit the casinos: Panaji's floating casinos are a unique experience.
- Try feni: Goa's local cashew or coconut liquor is a must-try.
1-day itineraries in Goa (Panaji)
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
Fontainhas and around
🕘 9:30–17:15📍 8 stops
- 1Goa State Museum
- 2Mahalaxmi Temple Panaji
- 3Fontainhas
- 4Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
- 5Panaji Municipal Market
- and 3 more
Day 2 of 2
Basilica of Bom Jesus and around
🕘 9:30–13:15📍 3 stops
- 1Basilica of Bom Jesus
- 2Archaeological Museum, Old Goa
- 3Se Cathedral