Bored from your monotonous life? Want to experience some eye-catching sunsets and spend some crazy nights on some of the amazing beaches? If this is what you are fantasizing then Goa is a place that will cater to all your dreams and fantasies. Goa being the smallest state of India offers an enriching experience with relishing seafood, white sand, exquisite nightlife, and world heritage architecture. A holiday to Goa offers you a sneak peek at the gorgeous beaches, stunning landscapes, and heritage sites. Here’s a list of 55 absolutely amazing tourist places to visit in Goa which will keep calling you back for more
Forts In Goa
For all the history buffs out there, Goa has many forts that are worth exploring and certainly top the charts when it comes to places to visit in Goa. Make a visit to these prominent forts to learn the history of Goa and enjoy the views that surround them.
1. Aguada Fort: Beautiful Ambiance
Sightseeing in Goa is incomplete without a visit to Fort Aguada, strategically situated at the estuary of the river Mandovi. On the north side of the fort, a rampart of red-brown laterite just into the bay to form a jetty between two small sandy coves. This picturesque spot is known as Sinquerim Beach.
Location: Fort Aguada Rd, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim, Goa 403515
Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM all days of the week
Built By: Portuguese
Built-In: 1609-1612
Houses: The Central Jail and a 19th Century Lighthouse
How To Reach: The fort is located on the Aguada-Siolim Road and can be easily reached by road
Entry Fee: No entry fee
2. Chapora Fort: For Selfie Lovers
Popular for its history, the Chapora Fort is one of the prime tourist attractions of Goa. In recent years, it shot to prominence after the Bollywood movie Dil Chahta Hai was shot here. Perched on a prominent position, one can get sweeping views of all directions from here. This is one of the prime sightseeing places in Goa where you can enjoy a wonderful sight of the sea from up above.
Location: Chapora Fort Rd, Chapora, Goa 403509
What’s Special? Dil Chahta hai has been shot here! The fort offers picturesque views of the Chapora river uniting with the waters of the Arabian Sea.
Built By: Adil Shah of Bijapur
Built-In: 1617
Nearby Attractions: Vagator Beach and Anjuna Beach
How To Reach: The fort is well-connected and can be easily reached by road
Entry Fee: No entry fee
3. Terekhol Fort: Serene Ambiance
Fort Terekhol situated on the Terekhol River, lies on the northern tip of Goa, on a hillock overlooking the Arabian Sea. In its courtyard is the century-old church of St. Anthony which makes it one of the best Goa tourist places. The remains of the fort have now been converted into a hotel. The fort overlooks Tiracol River and the sandy Keri beach offering captivating views.
Location: Pernem Taluka, Tiracol, 403524
Built By: Raja of Sawantwadi Viceroy Pedro Miguel de Almeida
Built-In: 17th century
Houses: The Chapel Of St. Anthony
Nearby Attractions: Arambol, Palolem Beach
How To Reach: Terekhol fort can be reached easily by hiring a taxi or an auto from any place in the north of Goa.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
4. Reis Mogos Fort: For History Lovers
The construction of this fort was done by Alfonso de Noronha, the Portuguese Viceroy in the year 1551. The fort was reconstructed in the year 1707. This fort served as a pivotal site by becoming a defensive wall when the Portuguese were at war with the Marathas in the year 1739. This fort is located at 7 kilometres from the Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand and lies on the banks of Mandovi.
Location: Verem, Bardez, Goa 403114
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM all days of the week
Built By: Alfonso de Noronha
Built-In: 1551
Nearby Attractions: Keri Beach, Redi Ganpati Temple
How To Reach: Terekhol fort can be reached easily by hiring a taxi or an auto from any place in the north of Goa.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
5. Cabo De Rama Fort: Mythological Site
Another one on our list of must visit places in Goa is the Cabo De Rama Fort. Popularly known by the name Cape of Rama, this fort is known for its historical as well as mythological significance. This fort was reconstructed by the Portuguese in the year 1763 after they seized it from the Maratha King of Sonda. This tourist site is located 60 kilometers from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand and lies in South Goa.
Location: Taluka Cabo da Rama, Canacona, Goa 403702
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM all days of the week
Built By: Portuguese
Built-In: 1763
Nearby Attractions: Kakolem Beach, Agonda Beach
How To Reach: You can reach the fort easily from any of the major hubs in south Goa via public transport.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
6. Corjuem Fort: Offers Excellent Panoramic Views
Corjuem Fort is one of the smaller forts in Goa. It offers a great panoramic view of the surrounding beauties. Being one of the popular Goa destinations, it is a must-visit spot for architecture enthusiasts and history lovers. With its two inland forts, it is among those places which have survived into the 21st century.
Location: Corjuem, North Goa
Timings: 6:00 AM – 7 PM
Built-In: 1705
Built By: Portuguese
Nearby Attractions: Aguada Fort, Calangute Beach
How To Reach: The fort is well connected by road
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Churches In Goa
Churches of Goa will bring you closer to the religious, historical as well as architectural aspects of this Indian state. Listed below are a few most-visited churches here that you must explore for a memorable trip.
1. Bom Jesus Basilica: Baroque Architecture
One of the world-famous tourist places in Goa is the Bom Jesus Basilica. Characterized by Baroque architecture and fine detailing, carved from basalt embellishments, it is one of the richest facades in Goa. This is one of the best Goa tourist places to indulge in some tranquility.
Location: Old Goa Rd, Bainguinim, Goa 403402
Timings: Monday to Saturday 09:00 AM to 06:30 PM & Sunday 10:00 AM to 06:30 PM
Built By: Portuguese
Built-In: 1609-1612
How To Reach: It is located around 10 km from Panjim in Old Goa. You can hire a taxi from Panjim to reach here in around 20 minutes.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
2. Se Cathedral: Largest Asian Church
This church is known to be one of the largest Asian churches. One of the major Old Goa tourist places, this cathedral is established facing the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Se Cathedral has even been recorded as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and that too for all the right reasons. This cathedral has been established as a tribute to St. Catherine and is considered to be the Archdiocese’s seat in Goa.
Location: Velha, Goa 403402
Timings: 7 AM – 6:30 PM
Built By: Julião Simão
Built In: 1609-1612
How To Reach: The church is at a distance of 9 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand and can be easily reached by road.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
3. Church Of St. Francis Of Assisi: World’s 2nd Largest Bell
Goa has some of the most grand and elaborately designed churches of India. The Church Of St. Francis Of Assisi in Panjim is one among the oldest churches in Goa. A highlight of this place of worship is the statue of Mother Mary that has been installed right in front. The tower forms a striking backdrop to this statue. The church also preserves world’s 2nd largest bell, making it one of the famous places to visit in Goa.
Location: Off National Highway 4, Goa Velha, Goa 403110
Timings: 7 AM – 6:30 PM
Built By: Portuguese
Built-In: 1661
How To Reach: The church can be easily reached by road
Entry Fee: No entry fee
4. Church Of St. Cajetan: Stunning White Structure
Church Of St. Cajetan is a charming Roman Catholic church in Old Goa. It is also known as Church of Divine Providence. Completed in 1661, this building has been brought under the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Churches and Convents of Goa, making it an unmissable part of every Goa sightseeing tour. The stunning white structure has large dome and inscriptions of Latin on its walls. Designed in the shape of a Greek cross, this architectural beauty is located close to the Mandovi River.
Location: Old Goa Rd, Bainguinim, Goa 403402
Timings: 7 AM – 6:30 PM
Built By: Portuguese
Built-In: 1661
How To Reach: The church is well-connected by road
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Famous Party Hubs In Goa
After all, what is Goa without the party clubs? These places to visit in Goa are not just places but rather an integral part of your itinerary. They ensure you make the most of your trip to Goa and satisfy your party animal!
1. Tito’s Club: Celebrity DJ’s
The biggest entertainment hub in Goa hosts a steady stream of high profile and celebrity DJ’s with a huge dance floor and is amongst the best tourist attractions in Goa. The club also features a variety of special acts, dance performances and has the most versatile bartenders with fire acts and crazy bar flaring acts of their own. The club within a few months of opening its doors has already received the Times Nightlife Award for the “Best Nightclub in Goa”.
Location: Titos Ln, Near Baga Beach, Saunta Vaddo, Calangute, Goa
Timings: 6 PM – 3 AM
How To Reach: The place is well-connected by road
Price For Two: INR 3,000
2. Mambo’s: Craziest Party Place
It is one of the most happening tourist places in North Goa that has changed the clubbing scene in Goa and is among the craziest Goa places to visit. It club opens from 9pm onwards and is a chilled out zone to meet friends and catch up for a drink. With amazing in house DJs as well as renowned International DJ’s playing all sorts of music. Cafe Mambo also has special theme nights for retro music as well as trance night and also host many of the festivals in Goa.
Location: Titos Lane, Baga Beach, Goa, 403516
Timings: 6 PM – 4 AM
How To Reach: The place is well-connected by road
Price For Two: INR 3,000
3. Britto’s: Tantalizing Bites
De Baga Deck is a fine-dining Italian restaurant that serves some of the most scrumptious and tantalizing food in Goa. Tasty cocktails, great music, pleasing ambience and magical cuisines are the highlights of De Baga Deck. The ambience is unique given the large French windows through which you can enjoy uninterrupted and spectacular views of the Arabian Sea. De Baga Deck is open throughout the year. It specializes in seafood and multi-cuisines and you can gorge on Goan delicacies to your heart’s content after you’re exhausted from Goa sightseeing.
Location: House No.7, 171, Calangute – Baga Rd, Saunta Vaddo, Baga, Goa
Timings: 8:30 AM – 12 AM
How To Reach: The place is well-connected by road
Price For Two: INR 3,200
Shopping Places In Goa
To satiate your shopaholism, you must visit the vibrant markets of Goa that are known for their wide varieties of clothes and accessories. Explore the markets mentioned below!
1. Mapusa Market: Famous Shopping Destination
Mapusa is one of the many famous shopping destinations in Goa. Just outside Mapusa Municipal Market, you will find an array of stalls enticing you with local goods got by farmers and small entrepreneurs across the state You can shop for several artifacts, clothes, accessories, souvenirs and much more at the market while shopping while in goa
Location: Mapusa Market Area, Panaji, Goa
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
What To Buy: Clothes, accessories, souvenirs
2. Saturday Night Market: Popular Flea Market
This sprawling market is located in Arpora. One can find everything in this market – right from spices to jewellery, unique creations, international designers, vintage items and much more. Apart from that, it hosts live concerts. A lot of hippies frequent this market and sell goodies too. The Saturday night market has featured in Bollywood films too! It is one of the best liveliest getaways for sightseeing in Goa. This is one of the best places in Goa.
Location: Arpora, Goa
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
What To Buy: Jewellery, unique creations, international designers, vintage items
3. Anjuna Flea Market: Favourite Hangout Among Backpackers
Apart from the famous Curlies, Anjuna flea market is amongst the most popular tourist places in Goa. The flea market is open only on Wednesdays and offers many things, right from fruits to clothes and accessories to electronic devices. It’s a favourite hangout among hippies and backpackers. While you can find really unique items at this market, give your best shot at bargaining, ‘coz you can avail some great deals!
Location: 10, St. Michael’s Vaddo South, Anjuna, Goa 403509
Timings: October to March: 08:00 AM – 12:00 AM & 12:00 AM – 01:00 AM
What To Buy: Souvenirs
Beaches In Goa
Beaches in Goa are its highlight and people from all around the country come here to spend the time of their lives and unwind themselves at the beaches! Scroll down to know what’s in store for you in some of the major beaches of Goa!
1. Aguada Beach: Delightful Views
While Fort Aguada is known to soothe your eyes with delightful views of Aguada beach, it allures the travellers with pristine landscape and the background of ancient citadels. The beach is famous amongst honeymooners.
Location: Fort Aguada Rd, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim, Goa 403515
What’s Special? Do plan a trip to the lighthouse near by. It offers some gorgeous views of the beach from a height.
2. Arambol Beach: Bohemian Atmosphere
With its Bohemian atmosphere, Arambol has long been a tourist attraction in Goa for many of the long-term hippies & youthful backpackers. The relaxed environment at the Arambol beach coupled with peace and tranquility attracts many vacationers from other beaches of Goa.
Location: North Goa
What’s Special: Over here, one can indulge in water sports in Goa such as paragliding and kitesurfing.
3. Baga Beach: White Sand Beach
Baga Beach a famous tourist point in Goa, is the centre of tourist attraction in Goa. Majestic white waves rushing to wipe out the feet imprints left by you on the white sand while the wind continues to flirt with the palm trees. Amongst all the activities, parasailing, banana boat rides and sun-basking are highly enjoyed at this beach. This is one of the top tourist places in Goa for couples where they can indulge in an array of fun experiences.
Location: Bardez, Goa
What’s Special: Beach side shacks and cafes which serve you with delectable Goan delicacies and music to soothe your senses. One could indulge in artificial tattoos & braids too.
4. Anjuna Beach: Full Moon Parties
One of the most popular tourist places in Goa – the world renowned freak capital of the world Anjuna Beach is known for its full-moon (acid house) parties, trance Parties and the hippies who tried to synthesize the spiritual traditions of the East and the art, ideas and the music of the West.
Location: Anjuna, North Goa
What’s Special: The beach is known for full moon parties
5. Butterfly Beach: For Peace Seekers
This beautiful Butterfly beach situated towards the north of the Palolem beach. It is very suitable for those seeking peace and isolation and is one of the quietest and unexplored beaches in Goa. The Butterfly beach is surrounded by a lot of rocks. One can enjoy the thrilling ride by the paddle boat towards the beach and also see some dolphins on the way.
Location: Palolem, Goa
What’s Special: The Butterfly beach is known for its clean water and a lot of tourists visit it to spot Dolphins
6. Calangute Beach: Queen Of Beaches
It is also known as the Queen of Beaches. Bringing hordes of European tourist calangute beach is the haven for hippies. You can also have you full of adventure with parasailing, water-skiing, wind-surfing and dolphin trips. It is one of the best places to visit in Goa in 2 days, especially if you’re travelling with friends, alone or with your partner.
Location: Calangute, Goa
What’s Special: With a mind-blowing nightlife, bustling flea markets and generous contributions of history, you can let your spirits scale high on the sky of experience.
7. Palolem Beach: Gorgeous Escape
Palolem Beach in Goa is amongst the most gorgeous beaches in Goa. During day time, the beach gets crowded with numerous hawkers offering delicious seafood and other decorative items. This is a significant Goa tourist attraction and offers mesmerizing views. If you are a nature-lover and love experience the true vibe of the destination you are visiting then you must surely head to this beach on your Goa vacation.
Location: Market town of Chaudi in South Goa
What’s Special: Mesmerizing views
FAMOUS DISHES OF GOA YOU MUST TRY
Goa’s cuisine is a delightful fusion of Indian and Portuguese flavors, offering a tantalizing array of dishes that reflect its rich cultural heritage. Some of the most famous Goan dishes include Fish Curry Rice, a staple featuring fresh fish cooked in a tangy coconut-based curry; Prawn Balchão, a spicy and tangy shrimp pickle; and Vindaloo, a fiery dish made with pork marinated in vinegar and garlic. Other popular dishes are Sorpotel, a spicy pork stew, and Bebinca, a traditional multi-layered Goan dessert made from coconut milk, sugar, and flour. These dishes, characterized by their bold flavors and aromatic spices, make Goan cuisine a unique and unforgettable culinary experience.
1) GOAN FISH CURRY
Since it is a cornerstone of every Goan’s diet, Goan fish curry, also known as Xitti Kodi, is a well-known dish from Goa. The Goan fish curry is flavoured with a variety of spices and coconut. To give the dish a tart flavour, raw mango is also added. A sizable Pomfret and raw mango make up the dish’s key ingredients. Kingfish may also be used in place of pomfret. Rice is served with this Goan meal.
Fish curry from Goa is the ideal fusion of hot and coconut flavours. It is a curry filled with coastal tastes that is sweet, tangy, and spicy. Rice and Goan fish curry are two dishes that are commonly eaten in Goa.
Goan fish curry has grown in popularity over the years and is one of the most popular fish dishes in India. It can be had for lunch or dinner.
2) SORPOTEL
A Konkani term that means alcohol or liquor is “soro.” A well-known dish from Goa is sorpotel, often referred to as sarapatel. Goan sorpotel is a spicy pork gravy dish served with sanna or even some sweet bread. It is best consumed after a few days.For this meal, liver from either beef or mutton is used. The fat is fried while the meat is parboiled.
Traditional Goan Pork Sorpotel is produced from a variety of key pig organs and offals, in addition to pork flesh and liver. There are numerous variations of this meal, with East Indians, Goans, and Mangalorians all having their own versions. My mother prepares it according to this recipe. She also receives glowing reviews for it.
Along with additional spices and herbs, onions, garlic, and the masala that has been created are added. Although sorpotel can be eaten at any time of the day, some people prefer to have it first thing in the morning.
3)PRAWN BALCHAO
Prawn Balchão is a fiery and tangy Goan delicacy that epitomizes the region’s rich culinary heritage. This dish features succulent prawns cooked in a vibrant sauce made from a blend of vinegar, tomatoes, onions, and an array of aromatic spices such as red chilies, cumin, and mustard seeds. The unique use of vinegar, a nod to Portuguese influences, imparts a distinct sharpness and depth of flavor. Typically enjoyed with steamed rice or as a spicy condiment, Prawn Balchão is a favorite among seafood lovers and a testament to Goa’s bold and diverse cuisine.
4)VILANDO
Vindaloo is a quintessential Goan dish that combines fiery spices with a tangy vinegar marinade, creating a robust and flavorful curry. Originally influenced by Portuguese cuisine, this dish traditionally features pork marinated in a mixture of vinegar, garlic, ginger, and an array of spices such as red chilies, cumin, and mustard seeds. The marinated meat is then slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender, flavorful morsels enveloped in a rich, spicy sauce. While pork is the traditional choice, Vindaloo can also be made with chicken, beef, or lamb. Known for its intense heat and complex flavors, Vindaloo is a favorite among those who enjoy bold and spicy dishes, often served with rice or bread to balance its fiery kick.
5) CHICKEN CAFRAEL
Cafreal chicken is a mouthwatering dish with a green colour and a spicy flavour. The masala for the chicken is made by grinding together green chilies, herbs, and different spices. The chicken is then cooked after being combined with this masala. Although it is not necessary to serve a side dish with this Goan dish, salads can be.
Chicken cafcafrael is simultaneously hot, rustic, somewhat acidic, intensely aromatic, and fantastic!
Words can’t express how delicious this dish is!
When the chicken is almost done, some people add a splash of rum, which gives the dish a great, festive ending. Served with a side of salad, potato wedges, or fries, and you have a full, healthy dinner!
