16 things to do in Goa—recommended by a local who knows there’s a lot to do in Goa

Let’s face it: Goa was everyone’s favourite pandemic destination. While the pandemic may be over, its popularity hasn’t abated and neither has the flow of tourists. And why wouldn’t they come to Goa? The state is blessed with a long stretch of beautiful beaches, a thriving food and bar scene, is rich in history, heritage and culture and offers the quiet life or some adventure, depending on what you seek.

Understand one thing: there’s very little that is ‘hidden’ or ‘offbeat’ in Goa anymore—don’t let the reels and YouTube videos fool you. It doesn’t matter because Goa is an open book. Here’s how to turn a page.

Things to do in Goa by day

When the sun is out, the (Mangalore) buns are out. Goa shines in the daytime when activity and the sun (except in the monsoon, although that has its own charm) are at their peak. There’s much to do for a traveller keen on exploring—on foot, on a bike or in a car—the beauty of the state.

Goa’s green cover may fast be falling prey to development but luckily, there are still some stunning green pockets left. Begin your journey into Goa’s forests with the fairest of them all, the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, which includes Mollem National Park. Being a part of the Western Ghats, you will find a stunning array of flora and fauna here, many of which are endemic to the region, as well as hiking trails and waterfalls. Don’t forget to visit Goa’s oldest temple, the basalt Tambdi Surla. Further south, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary also has hiking and walking trails, two all-season waterfalls, Savri and Mainapi, and the fascinating Budbudyanchi Tali (or bubble lake). At Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary in Canacona, you can tour the only state-run butterfly park, go on a hike or climb the steep treetop posts overlooking watering holes.

There are so many festivals in Goa, that you jump and you will find yourself in the middle of one. These aren’t the usual Christmas and Chaturthi or the more modern music or liquor festivals. These are old-school Goan…think small villages, old customs, lots of prayers and much food. Depending on the season, you can participate (or watch respectfully) in Chikal Kalo (mud festival) in Marcel, Bonderam (festival of flags) in Divar, São João, Shigmo, Chorutsav, Sangodd, among others. Your best bet is to go with tour group Soul Travelling, who offer history, information and a knowledgeable guide for some of these village festivals.

Venture deep into the hinterlands to find an important pre-historic site, Usgalimal. There, on the banks of the Kushavati River, you will find rock carvings dating back to the Stone Age. There are over 100 petroglyphs, some of which are clearly defined. Spend some time wandering about and carefully observing the carvings. Look for animal figures like bulls, deers and antelopes, hunting scenes, a woman giving birth and a labyrinth (considered the oldest in Asia).

Post-pandemic, one of the many things that started mushrooming around the state have been cafés. These are typically cosy places with free Wifi, regular events and activities, and small, filling bites. Bonus: you get some decent coffee too. Barefoot has a consistent roster of activities; Café Bodega and Café Rasa offer good views; Mo’s Café has good bites; while Prana, Bloom and Brew, Mojigao, Baba au Rhum, and Artjuna are perennial favourites.

If you wish for some one-on-one time with butterflies, visit Mystic Woods in Ponda. Started by the Heblekar family, the space is built like a park and you can wander around and see flowering plants (including the pitcher plant), a fossil, a mineral museum, and of course, butterflies. The best time to see these winged beauties is in the morning via a guided tour. Ask to see their rooftop garden, which is not just beautifully landscaped but doubles up as their waterproofing and rainwater harvesting system.

While a museum on its own is fascinating, some in Goa offer more than just art for thought. The Museum of Goa (MOG) has regular exhibits and much of founder Subodh Kerkar’s works, but Sundays are dedicated to lectures and sessions by prominent people in different fields. Entry is free, although reservation is required. At the stunning Museum of Christian Art (MoCA), you can view Christian art objects dating back centuries. The museum conducts workshops, walks and concerts throughout the month, especially on Sundays.

Thrifting is slowly becoming a big business in Goa, aided in part by influencers promoting this as a lifestyle choice, and new thrift stores popping up at every corner. The most established name is Good Karma Treasure Shop, a small thrift store in Vagator selling books, clothes, jewellery and more. They donate 25% of their profits to charity and often have clearance sales, giveaways and barters. Also keep a lookout for the annual jumble sale by Goa by Bookworm Trust, who also do pre-loved book sales. If on Facebook, join the Pre Loved Re Loved Goa group where people buy, sell and giveaway items of every kind.

Chef Avinash Martins has been making waves across India for his reimagined take on Goan food. You can try his food at his restaurant Cavatina Cucina, but if you’re seeking a more wholesome experience, go to his family farm. There, under the name C’est L’Avi, Avinash brings out a seven-course menu that showcases his culinary experiments alongside highlights from his restaurant. By the side are refreshing drinks and cocktails (and urrak when in season). There’s even a short poee-making session at the beginning. The kitchen set-up is quite traditional and Avinash explains the ingredients and cooking process, making it an all-round introduction to Goan food.

It’s not uncommon to see people with fishing rods standing on bridges and by the riverside at any given part of the day. If you wish to learn about one of Goa’s favourite pastimes, reach out to Samuel Almeida aka The Goan Friend. The local lad takes people on different kinds of trips (trekking, hiking, birding, outdoor cookouts) in Goa but his most popular ones are related to fish and seafood. You can learn how to fish according to your competence level, go clam hunting (and cook with the caught clams) and learn the art of crabbing.

Goa’s mangroves are a wonderful sight—placid, beautiful and home to a variety of biodiversity. A good way to explore this habitat is using a kayak. You can kayak by yourself or seek out a guided tour: look for groups like Saha Sea, Cycling Zens, Make it Happen, Adventure Breaks, Konkan Explorers and Local Goa Kayaking. Bonus: it’s a great workout, you get to do some birdwatching and perhaps spot an otter or two by the side. You can even take your pets along, and some tour guides let you float/go for a swim after.

Goa’s alcohol season is thriving, thanks to a new wave of entrepreneurs keen on experimenting with spirits in an amiable market. These drinks are available for purchase at liquor stores and to taste at bars. Some places also offer distillery tours. Deep in the heart of Cuncolim Industrial Experience is an experience that rewards anyone who makes the trip that far South: John Distilleries conducts a two-hour tour introducing you to their award-winning Paul John whiskey. In Latambarcem, a distillery tour shows you how Maka di beers are created. At Adventurist Spirits Distillery in Colvale, you can learn about the making of Tāmras Gin during an hour-long tour.

While at it, don’t forget to try the local feni (coconut and cashew). You can find it in bars (and cocktails), in tavernas and at Fazenda Cazulo, where Hansel Vaz (owner of Cazulo Premium Feni) conducts a feni pairing and tasting—in a pond. There’s feni tasting at the All About Alcohol Museum in Candolim too.

Things to do in Goa by night

Let’s be honest, many people come to the Sunshine State for its parties and hilltop raves. If parties at shacks or Bollywood nights aren’t your scene, there is still much to do once the day ends. Dusk falls gently on the state, bringing out the crickets and insects and throwing a blanket of calm.

Chapora’s main street wakes up once all the visitors to the fort and surrounding beaches have left. Go here post-dinner, or to pre-game, and you can bar hop down the street, sitting alongside expats who’ve made Goa their home and the odd tourist. There’s Paulo’s Antique Bar with its not-minimalist décor and rock music. Darling’s Bar is one of those OG places and has a pool table. Bar High Five has live music and good burgers. If hungry, there’s fresh fish and alcohol (including good urrak cocktails) at Aram Bar.

On most evenings, the sound of heated arguments and raised voices will alert you to the presence of a restaurant and bar. Be brave and venture in because there’s nothing shady here, it’s just another quiz night by The Inquizitors. Friends Alroy Fernandes and Lyndon Pinto teamed up in 2022 to organise quizzes in the North and South of Goa. The quizzes are short but fun and can get very heated. Most of the quizzes are trivia-based but some are themed—the Harry Potter quiz is a personal favourite. They aren’t the only quizzers in town: The Smartinis conduct fun, offbeat quizzes on general trivia that feature a bunch of tech surprises, while the Sunday Evening Quiz Club is for serious quizzers.

Live music nights are a hit with most Goans, especially if the band is good and knows how to get the crowd grooving (a ‘Konkani Masala’ or ‘Summer of ’69’ ought to do it). Expect a lot of retro hits, some original numbers, maybe some jazz or the blues, and a lot of fun. There may be some Hindi music but, it won’t be much. Even if you don’t know how to dance, you will want to take to the floor. While there is live music in many restaurants, you cannot go wrong if you attend a show by Tammy & Roy, Kristian Bent, Sigmund and Keanu or bands like A26, Tidal Wave and Uzo.

Goa’s woods are an enchanting sight at night, especially during the rains. It’s the time when the Western Ghats showcase bioluminescent fungi—small, delicate and thriving in decay. These fragile creatures are best viewed on a guided walk with tour guides who are well-versed in the region and can show you the fungi’s habitat without disturbing them. Mrugaya Xpeditions is one of the best in Goa (they also conduct forest trails, bird-watching tours and nature camps).

Goa’s bar scene has been making waves recently, aided in part by Bar Tesouro (under old owners) winning awards and bringing attention to the state. Today, you will find quality alcohol and a good cocktail across the state—the latter of which often comes with a steep price tag. Some good bars to visit are Hideaway (they now have a separate party space called Juna), For the Record-Vinyl Bar, which uses Indian craft spirits in innovative ways with good music to match; Miguel’s for experimental stuff; Gin Joint for all things gin; Room One for a blend of art and cocktails; Felix and Petisco for good restaurants that also serve good cocktails; The Barfly for all things agave; MTW for affordable and creative drinks; and the new Bar Outrigger for Arijit Bose’s cocktail creations and a fantastic view of Dona Paula.

Taverns were once the hub of Goa’s society. Today, a few of them have been given a makeover, becoming neighbourhood bars with good food and good vibes. Check out Cajy Bar, Peter Tavern, Pablo’s, Makim’s, Miski Bar and of course, the tourist favourite, Joseph Bar.

Where to stay

Throw a stone in Goa and you will likely hit a villa, a boutique property or an old home converted into a homestay. There is no dearth of stay options in the state, suiting every kind of budget, from hostels with shared dorms to luxury resorts.

On the higher end, many of the starred hotels have chains in Goa. The Taj has five properties, the one at Fort Aguada being the most stylish. There’s the St Regis Goa Resort, ITC Grand Goa, Radisson Blue Resort Goa, The Westin Goa, The LaLiT Golf & Spa Resort, Grand Hyatt Goa, W Goa, Double Tree by Hilton and Goa Marriott Resort & Spa. Boutique properties include Ānamiva, Amrapali House of Grace, Ahilya by the Sea, Wildflower Villas, Postcard Hideaway, Beleza by the Beach, Cabo Serai and Nilaya Hermitage.

If you are seeking tastefully done up homestays, go for Parijaat, Bate Papo, Birdsong Moira, Figueiredo House and The Island House.

Beach-facing options are Vaayu Kula, Casa Jaali, Kenilworth Resort & Spa, Cidade de Goa, Anahata Retreat and Palm Grove Beach Resort. There are some places that are unique because of their location, like Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel, Elsewhere, Casa Galgibaga, Dudhsagar Plantation, Olaulim Backyards and Mud Dauber.

Where to eat

The restaurant scene in Goa is probably one of the most exciting in the country. A slew of big chains, small entrepreneurs and passionate locals have ensured there is an array of choices for anyone seeking to engage their taste buds.

In buzzing Assagao is Avo’s Kitchen, slightly more upscale (in look and prices) but still serving wholesome Goan food. Kokum Curry, in Panaji and Candolim, is underrated but a great place to explore the diversity of Goan Hindu cooking. Before Siolim became a traffic mess, people would make the trek to Amancio Classic for good seafood. Bhatti Village is Nerul is another popular family-run space. In the state’s capital, Kokni Kanteen is still doing remarkably, again if you don’t mind the half-hour wait. You cannot go wrong with the standard bhaji pao, buns, samosas and snacks at Café Tato (in Panaji, Vasco, Margao) or Café Bhonsle in Panaji—also a great place to take the vegetarians. Down South, there’s Martin’s Corner for all kinds of Goan food. Chef Avinash Martin’s Cavatina is for those seeking a more reimagined touch to Goan food. Unndo in Benaulim is a small, family-run place and Joets on Bogmalo Beach is for those who want fish with a view. For thalis, try the tourist favourite, Vinayak Family Restaurant in Anjuna, Segundo Bairro in Dona Paula (they do a mean pork amsol too), Spice Goa (in Mapusa and Verem); Bombil, whose ambience is only matched by the wholesome thalis (note: do ask for the extra pickles). Chef Anumitra Ghosh Dastidar’s restaurant Edible Archives on Anjuna-Mapusa Road is a great option for those looking for an ingredient-driven and cuisine-agnostic meal. Ritz Classic in Panaji, and Copperleaf in Porvorim also do wholesome thalis besides other food. Home chef Shubra Shankhwalker’s catering service specialises in cuisine from the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin community at the Ricemill Café in Morjim, or at homes and villas of a group’s choosing.

Multi-cuisine spots

In the capital city, local chefs Priyanka Sardessai and Ralph Prazeres run stellar bakery-cafés, Larder & Folk and Padaria Prazeres, respectively. Prazeres also has a cosy place, Praça Prazeres, nearby serving comforting European fare. Cocoa Moga Bake House is another, locally owned bakery-café in Parra and needs to be a bigger draw than the Parra Road. For those who like their meats, Karlton’s Horizon Grill does good steaks, as does Low & Slow. Mon Petit Frère makes wholesome sandwiches.

Though a Delhi import, Jamun does some good modern regional Indian fare. Slow Tide in Anjuna does stellar cocktails and coastal food, Hosa has a twist on South Indian fare. There’s Potz and Grills for Mizo food and Chapter Two for North Indian fare.

Elsewhere, try Goodfellas for Italian, Fireback for Thai, Bomras for Burmese, The Jaffna Jump for Sri Lankan fare, Mustard for French Bengali fusion, Delhi import Ping’s Bia Hoi for Asian, Grummps for Asian small plates, Sakana for sushi, Habibi for Middle Eastern, Taste for Japanese, Korean, Filipino-inspired street food and Isabella’s Tapas Bar for Spanish bites.

Vegans can eat at Bean Me Up, Cantine Indienne, Gratitude Café, Shantaram Raw and Zest Café. For a sweet ending to your meal, you cannot go wrong with gelato from Cream Choc (Anjuna, Panaji, Porvorim).

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