North Goa is like the younger sibling who is more fun and livelier in their ways as compared to South Goa or Central Goa. There are plenty of the best things to do in North Goa which are simply more than just staring into the horizon at the beautiful beaches. North Goa maintains a perfect balance between tranquility, religious side of the state, the serene factor and the fun factor. North Goa’s closeness to its culture can be seen at every foot step. This lovely side of the state welcomes you with open arms and spills out its marvellous wonders for anybody who’s willing to explore it.
If you are the kind who is completely bowled over by the fun and vibrant culture of Goa, then North Goa definitely has a lot to offer to you. You can enjoy a lovely stroll by the beach in the evening and see it convert into a completely happening spot by nightfall. For example, Baga Beach is a treat for the taste buds during the day, a lovely place to spot the sunset and an amazing hangout spot at night with it’s night market and shacks.
Then there are spots like Fort Aguada, which are historical and even the cathedrals here each have a story to tell you. Even Anjuna Beach is amazing and is extremely tranquil. Se Cathedral in North Goa is said to be the largest church not only in the whole of Goa but also in Asia and has an extremely intriguing history behind it. Apart from this the oldest church of Goa is also a must visit and is famously known as Basilica of Bom Jesus. If you thought that North Goa is all about churches and beaches, then the lively streets and the locals are sure to surprise you. With plenty of the best things to do in North Goa, you are sure to not have any dull moment here.
Baga Beach in Goa looks as though it has come straight out of a work of art. Lofty white waves hurrying to wipe out the prints of feet left by you on the white sand while the breeze keeps on playing with the palm trees is a sight to behold at this majestic beach in Goa. It is a decent place to appreciate some moments and abide in a serene consideration with oneself. It is counted as one of the best beaches in Goa where you can see wonderful.
Vagator Beach is one of the best beaches in Goa which provide a wholesome escapade offering everything like sightseeing, water sports, shopping and tranquility. The beach is mostly famous among Westerners and a permanent residence for many of them and it is the best places to visit in north goa in 1 day. Vagator Beach is the place that enchants people of all ages.
If you are in Goa and are looking for a party place bursting with nicer crowds and groovy music then Tito’s is the place for you. Famed for throwing the best theme parties in Goa, Tito’s has been gracefully leveling up the party scenes on Baga Beach. From drinks to snacks and from dance to music, this place has everything you need for a fun vacation in Goa.
‘Wow' is the one word that describes the church at first sight. Built-in 16th century, Portuguese style architecture speaks with a blow right here. Leading the main entry is the flight of stairs that rise like a floor above the floor. As the name is, the facade of the church is tarnished in immaculate, sparkling white colour and it is also one of the best places to visit in North Goa
To your surprise, the interiors are decorated in a very calm manner, without any intricate or coloured details as seen in many other pilgrimage centres. Yet, the skills of the craftsmen could be seen at the graceful altar and sub-altar. Again, this location gives you a trivia of Bollywood that used this church as the background of various shots. A must visit a location, this is indeed not to miss tourist places in North Goa.
Location: Within the main city of Panaji
Timings: Every day from 9.00 AM – 12.30 PM and 3.30 PM – 7.30 PM
Entry Fees: None!
Let us give you a glimpse of why Anjuna Market is one of the utmost amazing tourist places in North Goa? Wednesday flea market that sells everything at a dirt cheap rate will bring one closer to this place. This place is so much livelier to chill at that you never want to leave it but alas, it's just a day in the week that it gains its prominence on.
One can find here handmade clothing, jewellery, beach clothes, hammocks, Buddha or Shiva statues and anything that trance magic can provide you. Grab a drink, have some stall food, wear hippie jewellery and dive in a completely new era at Anjuna flea market.
Timings: Wednesday, 8.00 AM to 8.00 PM
Location: South end of Anjuna beach.
What to say about Curlies shack that proudly gains tourists like anything at its service on Anjuna beach. Known for not only its glowing ambience but also the huge space it offers in form of a lounge, garden restaurant, bar, club zone, and open sea view platform.
Travellers love to visit here for the heart throbbing parties and delicacies they serve with yummy cocktails. Curlies also provide stay options to its guests and water sports activities so you may call it all in one and one for all.
Location: Very close to Anjuna flea market, you can find Curlies!
Timings: Everyday 8.30 AM to 2.30 AM, all ready for your breakfast to party time
Entry Fees: It only wants you to pay for the food and drinks you consume here! No entry fees required.
If you are looking for amazing places to visit in North Goa, it will make you land at Chapora fort which is lying in a little ruin state at the edge of Chapora river. The fort stood at its position long back for a military significance during a fight between Portuguese and Marathas, which later lost the value. Surrounded by steep walls, it gives breathtaking views from all the sides including Vagator beach, Chapora river and of course, deep blue ocean. This fort will take you on a memory lane of Bollywood movies for sure.
Another traditional and weekly market of Goa brings one step closer to a vibrant Mapusa market that takes place every Friday. Holding its grace within the Mapusa municipal market, get into the colours and noise and live the Goan charm distinctly.
The market is known for jewellery, pottery, spice, and carpet shops. Not just this, you can also find a variety of delicacies to munch upon as well as take them back home. Take a whiff of fresh fishes, vegetable and meat along with cheap local wine that will turn the mood happy and hippie.
Timings: Friday, 6.00 AM to 8.00 PM
Location: Reach Mapusa Market Area in Panaji to shop at one of the best tourist places in North Goa
Entry Fees: Pay for only the things you buy! There are no market entry fees, relax!
A soothing and peaceful spot in Goa brings one near to Arvalem waterfalls which is excellent for picnics and outings. Cascading from the height of 50 m (24 ft), Arvalem is one of the top places to visit in North Goa. These falls make a plunge pool at the bottom where one can swim in and relax with cold waters. A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is also settled in the vicinity along with a well-maintained park where one can just sit and observe the deep beauty it possesses.
The scintillating Sinquerim Beach is an excellent shoreline that has a fabulous extend of sand and it is also one of the best North Goa places to visit. It is situated at the north of the well known shorelines like Baga, Calangute and Candolim. It is a perfect place for swimming and one ought not to miss going to this shoreline when vacationing in Goa to enjoy the beach activities.
If you are wishing to spend some moments in solitude appreciating the exquisiteness of a pristine coastline, then Arambol Beach is the perfect place to be in Goa. It is relatively unexploited by tourists and perfect spot for going to enjoy a day in sun with your folks. Also known as Harmal Beach, the place is a heaven for those searching for some quietness and solitude. The shoreline has a long sandy extend with soft white sands.
Mandrem Beach is well known for its white sand and lines of palm trees that line the shoreline and pulls in an expansive number of visitors which is quite peculiar, being one of the slightest populated beaches in Goa. Individuals, local people and vacationers travel from great distances from abroad and nationally just to appreciate the peace, calm and excellence of this beach. The water has the ideal temperature which makes it utterly cheerful to lie in the sun. it is a must visit place in Goa.
Being a remote beach, you would not find many five star resorts and restaurants here. But there are some popular places like The Mandrem Beach Resort, Cuba Retreat Mandrem, Dunes Holiday Village, La Cabana Beach and Spa etc. Many popular Bollywood celebrities have been spotted at this pristine beach.
Location: Pernem Taluka, Mandrem Beach, North Goa
Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximate 20 km
There are plenty of things to do in North Goa such as:
There are plenty of adventure water sports that you can do while in North Goa such as:
The water sports that you definitely must try out in North Goa are:
While most people feel that Goa is all about making the most of your fun time with friends, it is also quite a great place for honeymoon. Most of the beautiful beaches are hidden in South Goa, but there is plenty you can do while on your honeymoon in North Goa as well. Here is a list of things to do:
Most of the tour operators pick you up from your hotel destination and then go in a boat from Anjuna or Vagator Beach. Other places that are great for scuba diving as well as snorkelling in Goa are:
The aerial activities that you definitely must try in North Goa are:
North Goa is filled abundantly with various wildlife spots. Here are some places where you can go for wildlife safari when in Goa:
There are plenty of famous cruises that you can take in North Goa to have an amazing trip such as:
The best beaches to visit in North Goa are: