Exploring Goa’s Markets: 5 Must-Visit Places for Shopping in Goa
Goa, a tropical getaway along the Arabian Sea, seamlessly blends Portuguese and Indian cultures, making it a must-visit travel destination in India. Renowned for its pristine beaches and vibrant marketplace culture, Goa captures the essence of sun, sand, seafood, and scenic landscapes. There are plenty of things to do in Goa from enjoying the lively nightlife to indulging in various shopping experiences. Goa offers a range of shopping options, from colourful flea markets to night markets and chic boutiques, making it an exciting place to shop. Visiting these markets in Goa in November and December not only showcases the local culture but also highlights local craftsmanship. Look at some vibrant places for shopping in Goa that every traveller should visit, perfect for finding everything you need – from beach dresses in Goa to unique souvenirs.
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Shopping Markets in Goa
During your holiday in Goa, you can explore a range of items such as clothing, accessories, handicrafts, and souvenirs. These must-visit markets in Goa promise a memorable experience for all the shopaholics amidst this tropical paradise. Here’s your guide to some of the best places to shop in Goa in December.
1. Anjuna Flea Market
The Anjuna Flea Market is one of the most famous shopping places in North Goa, open every Wednesday. It is a great place for enthusiastic shoppers, offering a variety of shops selling clothes, home décor, Indian spices, handicrafts, jewellery, souvenirs, trinkets, footwear, and musical instruments. This lively market in Goa will enchant you, so be ready for intense bargaining! This market in Goa is known for its upbeat atmosphere, making it a must visit for locals and tourists alike.
Location: Anjuna Beach, North Goa
Timing: 9 AM – 6 PM (Wednesdays)
What to buy: Funky Clothes, Jewellery, Home Decor, and Souvenirs
2. Mapusa Market
Mapusa Market, often referred to as the Mapusa Friday Market, where you will find anything and everything ranging from fruits, vegetables, fresh catch, dried fish, spices, Goan pottery, antiques, handicrafts, Goan chorizos, textiles, coir mats, jewellery, and numerous other things. It’s an authentic Goan Market where you can bargain and interact with locals while sampling Goan snacks and Goan bakery like Bebinca and Dodol.
Location: Mapusa, North Goa
Timing: 8 AM – 6:30 PM (All days of the week and a special bazaar on Fridays)
What to buy: Dried fish, Goan spices, Home-made Pickles, Goan Chorizos, Goan masalas, Textiles, Handicraft, and Antiques
3. Panjim Market
The Panjim market in Goa is a must-visit for shopping enthusiasts, offering a wide range of products. It is a must-visit bazaar in Goa if you want to take home famous local produce like cashew nuts, Feni, port wine, kokum sharbat, spices, and curry pastes. Remember to indulge in local Goan street food specialities such as chourico pav and sweets.
Location: Panjim City, North Goa
Timing: 10 AM – 7:30 PM (All days)
What to buy: Cashew Nuts, Wine, Spices, Handicrafts, Clothes, Sweets and Works of Art from Mario Miranda’s gallery
4. Mackie’s Night Bazaar
If you plan to experience the nightlife in Goa, Mackie’s Night Bazaar is a must-visit. This vibrant night market in Goa is held every Saturday until midnight on Baga Beach. The market offers a lively atmosphere with shopping, live music performances, food stalls, and entertainment. You can browse and shop for Goa dresses for women, jewellery, handicrafts, and leather goods while enjoying the festive ambience. The dazzling lights and live music create an enthralling experience here.
Location: Baga Beach, North Goa
Timing: 6:00 PM onwards (Saturdays)
What to buy: Trendy Beachwear, Souvenirs, and Funky Jewellery
5. Arpora Night Bazaar
The Arpora Night Bazaar, also known as Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazaar, is a lively market that comes alive every Saturday evening. It is a popular night bazaar in Goa, filled with numerous stalls offering a wide variety of items such as food, spices, herbs, handicrafts from Rajasthan, Kashmir, and Tibet, bags, accessories, artificial jewellery, semi-precious stones, paintings, books, rugs, clothes, carpets, footwear, beach dresses to wear in Goa. Shopping for a Goa trip in this pleasant atmosphere, under the twinkling night lights of the market, is an overwhelming experience.
Location: Arpora, North Goa
Timing: 6:00 PM onwards (Saturdays)
What to buy: Clothes, Jewellery, Funky Handbags, Handicrafts and Antiques from the states of Rajasthan, Kashmir, and Tibet
While there are some fantastic markets in Goa, the Arambol market and Calangute Market are also must-visits to explore the Goa shopping experience, offering a diverse range of products.
Things to do in Goa Beyond Shopping and Beaches
While you’re in Goa, why not explore some of the incredible things to do beyond shopping and enjoying the beautiful beaches in Goa? Let’s dive into some of the least explored tourist attractions in Goa, including its historic forts, serene backwaters, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking waterfalls. Here are some must-see places and things to do in Goa in November and December beyond shopping and beaches.
Forts in Goa
The history of Goa is renowned for its magnificent forts, which are among the best tourist places to visit in Goa. These forts offer breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding landscapes. One must-visit destination is Aguada Fort, renowned for its 17th-century architecture and a lighthouse that offers stunning sunset views. Chapora Fort, made famous by the Bollywood film “Dil Chahta Hai,” provides a picturesque backdrop perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Backwaters in Goa
The tranquil backwaters in Goa, such as Chapora, Mandovi, Zuari, Sal, and Talpona, offer plenty of adventure activities in Goa amidst mangroves and picturesque villages. These Goan backwaters provide serene escapes and vibrant adventure activities. Kayaking in Goa along these waterways unveils hidden coves and bird sanctuaries, perfect for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re enjoying backwater boating in Goa or seeking peaceful retreats, these waters offer a unique blend of relaxation and exploration in India’s beloved coastal paradise.
Wildlife in Goa
Goa is famous not only for its beaches and parties but also for its beautiful and rich flora and fauna, which includes wildlife sanctuaries. The wildlife sanctuaries in Goa provide an ideal habitat for deer, monkeys, gaurs, pythons, cobras, and Malayan giant squirrels. It’s also common to spot elephants and tigers. Goa is a paradise for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and bird watchers. The must-visit sanctuaries to explore the diverse wildlife in Goa are Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. These sanctuaries are hidden gems among the tourist attractions in Goa.
Waterfalls in Goa
Even though there are so many scenic places to visit in Goa to experience the best of nature and enjoy a soothing vacation in Goa, the region is renowned for its unique attractions, from sun-drenched beaches to secluded islands. Among these, the waterfalls in Goa significantly enhance its natural beauty. Goa boasts the milky Dudhsagar Waterfalls, the marvellous Hivre Waterfalls, the gushing Harvalem Waterfalls, and many others. These majestic waterfalls are a captivating sight in Goa during monsoon, when they transform into a roaring cascade. If you plan to visit Goa in July, don’t miss the opportunity to explore these falls.
Villas in Goa
When planning your Goa trip, don’t miss out on booking your accommodation with StayVista, as it offers plenty of luxurious villas in Goa for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re seeking serenity or a lavish beachfront stay, StayVista provides exquisite pool villa options like Villa Kinara, Kismet Villa, and Oceanic Sunsets, ensuring a perfect blend of comfort and elegance for your stay in Goa. Enjoy the opulence and privacy of these stunning villas, making your vacation truly unforgettable.
Wrapping Up Your Trip to Goa
The markets in Goa are not just about shopping, they reflect its history, cultural roots, and heritage. Whether you’re strolling through the bustling markets of Goa, chilling at the beach, partying all night, or exploring the ancient forts and natural wonders, Goa always offers something enriching and memorable for your trip. So, shop your heart out, soak in the coastal charm of Goa, and don’t forget to bring back a piece of Goa’s soul from its colourful markets.
FAQs – The Best Places to Shop in Goa!
Where can I buy beachwear in Goa?
There are several markets in Goa like Calangute Market Square, Anjuna Flea Market, Style Elite Goa and Curves Goa that present many beachwear options as per your taste and the activity in Goa you wish to partake in.
What is the best time to shop in Goa?
This depends on the kind of market and its offerings. If you want to shop in Goa for fresh produce, early morning attracts a lot of people. Evening and night markets cater to food and apparel. Some markets in Goa like Anjuna Flea Market and Mapusa Friday Market are overflowing with more artefacts and goods than the usual days.
Are there any malls to go shopping in Goa?
While shopping in Goa usually takes you to the streets, there are a couple of malls like the Mall De Goa and Caculo Mall that provide a mix of local and international brands. These malls also have small eateries and restaurants for convenience.
Are there any festivals that affect shopping in Goa in December?
Goa in December is filled with celebrations, elevating your shopping experience. However, there are many factors during the festive season that may impact your plans to shop in Goa with an influx of tourists, crowded streets and a surge in prices. But fear not for there are several markets spread across Goa that also come alive during the holidays.
How do I get to the markets from popular tourist areas?
You can reach the markets in Goa with the help of the local transports like bus or autorikshaws in case you are on a budget. For an exclusive experience, you can either hire a car or a two wheeler that gives the flexibility of exploring more markets in Goa at your own pace.
Suggested Reads: The Ultimate Goa Travel Guide : Exploring Goa’s Markets: 5 Must-Visit Places for Shopping in Goa
