Are you planning a trip to Goa with your Pals? That’s great news, but do you want to spoil your trip by not knowing where to go and not being in Goa? Don’t worry—no one wants that! Goa is enriched with unique places to visit. But what are they?
The stunning churches, lively Baga Beach, and cathedrals of Old Goa—India’s fun capital—and whatnot! Goa offers sun-soaked beaches, historic monuments, cashew fenny, Spice farms, swaying palm trees, the Santa Monica Cruise Ride, festivals, a flea market, delicious Goan fish curry rice, and Cashew plantations.
In Goa’s nightlife, you can dance all night to vibrant trance music and wake up to serene sunrises on peaceful beaches. Food lovers will be in heaven, with charming beach shacks and unique restaurants in fantastic locations, making every moment memorable. Want to learn more? Let’s begin with great energy!
The Most Popular Places to Visit in Goa
Are you feeling stuck in a rut? Are you dreaming of breathtaking sunsets and wild nights on beautiful beaches? Goa is your perfect escape! As India’s smallest state, Goa offers a rich experience with delicious seafood, white sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and stunning heritage architecture.
A trip to Goa gives you a taste of gorgeous beaches, incredible landscapes, and historic sites. Check out the following list of unique tourist spots in Goa that will make you want to return again and again!
Beaches are good places to visit in Goa
Goa’s beaches are its main attraction, drawing people from all over the country who want to have the time of their lives and relax by the shore. Also, most people go to Goa only for beaches in summer. Keep reading to find out what awaits you at some of the best beaches in Goa!
- Arambol Beach
Arambol, located in North Goa, has a relaxed Bohemian vibe that’s drawn long-term hippies and adventurous backpackers for years. The beach’s chill atmosphere and peaceful surroundings make it a magnet for vacationers seeking relaxation away from the crowds of other Goa beaches.
Plus, it’s a hotspot for water sports like paragliding and kitesurfing, adding an extra thrill to your beach getaway!
- Baga Beach
It is located in Bardez. Baga Beach, a hotspot in Goa, draws tourists from far and wide. Picture-perfect scenes unfold with white waves washing away your footprints on the soft sand while the breeze dances with palm trees. Can you imagine how soothing it is?
You can enjoy thrilling activities like parasailing and banana boat rides or soak up the sun here. It’s a top spot for couples, offering a range of fun experiences. Beachside shacks and cafes serve up delicious Goan dishes amidst soothing music. You can even get temporary tattoos and braids for added fun!
- Aguada Beach
This beach is on Fort Aguada Rd, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim, Goa 403515. Fort Aguada offers stunning views of Aguada Beach and captivates travelers with its beautiful scenery and ancient citadels in the background.
This beach is trendy among honeymooners. Moreover, remember to visit the nearby lighthouse for breathtaking beach views from above.
- Dona Paula Beach
Dona Paula Beach in Goa is one of the top spots to visit, known for its sad yet intriguing love story. Are you an Adventure lover? You will find plenty to do with exciting water sports like water skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing.
However, go to the nearby jetty for beautiful views of the Arabian Sea.
- Ashvem Beach
Another great spot in Goa is Ashvem Beach, located in Mandrem village, North Goa. Its tall palm trees and vast stretch of white sand make it the perfect relaxing place. If you’re looking for a quiet beach escape, Ashvem Beach is ideal.
Moreover, you can enjoy delicious seafood from the beachside restaurants while you’re there. Try tasty dishes at beach shacks like La Cucina, S2 Beach Shack, Paradise Beach Shack, and Cafe Sea Green Back Shack.
Beaches do not end here! Goa is known for its many beaches, and people prefer Goa to spend days and nights with their spouses or friends. But we know that Goa isn’t limited to beaches; there are many other places, like islands, churches, forts, and many other hidden spots you can discover!
Churches of Goa
Want a closer look at the state’s rich religious, historical, and architectural heritage? The churches of Goa offer a glimpse of it! Here are some famous churches you should visit in Goa for an unforgettable experience. Check it below:
- Se Cathedral
Se Cathedral was Built By Julião Simão between 1609 and 1612. It is located in Velha, Goa 403402. The Church’s hours are 7 AM—6:30 PM. It’s about 9 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand and easy to reach by road. What’s more, the entry is Free.
Se Cathedral is one of the biggest churches in Asia. It’s a top spot to visit in Old Goa, facing the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The Se Cathedral is so unique that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s dedicated to St. Catherine and serves as the central Church for the Archdiocese in Goa.
- Church Of St. Cajetan
It is located on Old Goa Rd, Bainguinim, Goa 403402. The Portuguese built it in 1661. You can visit the Church between 7 AM and 6:30 PM. You can easily reach it by road. It costs nothing to enter the Church, but your eyes capture the moment! The Church Of St. Cajetan, also known as the Church of Divine Providence, is a lovely Roman Catholic church in Old Goa.
Dating back to 1661, it’s now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Churches and Convents of Goa, so you can’t miss it on your Goa tour. This stunning white building boasts a large dome and Latin inscriptions on its walls. It is shaped like a Greek cross and sits near the Mandovi River, offering picturesque views.
- Bom Jesus Basilica
The Church is located at Old Goa Rd, Bainguinim, Goa 403402. You can visit it Monday through Saturday from 09:00 AM to 06:30 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 06:30 PM. Another key thing to remember is that the Portuguese built it between 1609 and 1612. It’s about 10 km from Panjim in Old Goa. You can take a taxi from Panjim and get there in around 20 minutes.
Bom Jesus Basilica is one of the most famous places in Goa. It’s known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and intricate details carved from basalt. If you are an architect or working on a project, this place is for you! This spot is perfect if you’re looking for some peace.
Party Places to Visit in Goa
Want some party all night? Goa is famous for its fantastic party scene! You must hit the clubs here. They’re not just places to visit in Goa but essential stops on your Goa adventure. They guarantee you’ll have a blast and satisfy your inner party animal! Check the list below:
- Mambo’s
Mambo’s is located at Titos Lane, Baga Beach, Goa, 403516. It’s open from 6 PM to 4 AM, and you can easily get there by car. Moreover, it costs around INR 3,000 for two people.
Located in North Goa, Cafe Mambo is one of your hottest spots. It’s changed the club scene and is one of the wildest places to check out in Goa. The club starts at 9 PM and is a chill spot to hang with friends over drinks.
They’ve got awesome in-house DJs and even big-name international ones spinning all kinds of tunes. Plus, they host themed nights like retro and trance, and many of Goa’s festivals also happen here.
- Britto’s
It is located at House No.7, 171, Calangute—Baga Road, Saunta Vaddo, Baga, Goa, and is easy to reach by road. It is open from 8:30 AM to 12 AM, and the average price for two is INR 3,200.
Want to experience top-notch Italian dining in Goa? Britto’s here for you to serve! From delicious cocktails to fantastic music and a welcoming vibe, it’s a place you won’t forget. With its large French windows, you can enjoy stunning views of the Arabian Sea while you dine.
Open year-round, De Baga Deck specializes in seafood and offers a variety of cuisines, including mouthwatering Goan dishes.
- Tito’s Club
It is located in Titos Ln, Near Baga Beach, Saunta Vaddo, Calangute, Goa. It is open from 6 PM to 3 AM. The per-head fee to enter the club is 1500 INR.
Get ready to party at the ultimate entertainment destination in Goa! This hotspot attracts top-notch DJs and celebrities to its massive dance floor, making it one of the hottest tourist spots in town.
With special acts, dazzling dance performances, and talented bartenders who put on fiery and jaw-dropping bar shows, there’s never a dull moment here. Plus, it’s already bagged the Times Nightlife Award for the “Best Nightclub in Goa” within months of opening!
Forts in Goa
Hey, history freaks! Goa is packed with awesome forts that are a must-see. They’re some of the coolest places to visit in Goa. Check out these forts to dive into Goa’s history and soak up the fantastic views around them!
- Chapora Fort
It is located on Chapora Fort Rd, Chapora, Goa 403509. It starred in “Dil Chahta Hai”! It offers breathtaking views of the Chapora River meeting the Arabian Sea. Adil Shah of Bijapur built it in 1617. Nearby attractions are Vagator Beach and Anjuna Beach. No fee is charged to enter the fort!
The Chapora Fort in Goa is a hot spot for history buffs and tourists alike. Plus, the fort offers sweeping views in every direction, including a stunning sight of the sea.
- Reis Magos Fort
It is located in Verem, Bardez, Goa 403114. It is open from 9:30 AM – 5 PM every day. Alfonso de Noronha in1551 built it. You can also visit nearby spots like Keri Beach and Redi Ganpati Temple. It is free to enter the fort.
To that end, it was rebuilt in 1707 and played a vital role in defending against the Marathas during a war in 1739. It sits by the Mandovi riverbank, 7 kilometers from the Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand. Furthermore, if you love to study history, you can quickly note the points while exploring the whole temple.
- Aguada Fort
Every trip to Goa is complete with visiting Fort Aguada, strategically positioned at the mouth of the Mandovi River. It is located on Fort Aguada Rd, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim, Goa 403515. It is Opened every day from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
In addition, it was built by the Portuguese between 1609 and 1612. It features houses like the Central Jail and a 19th-century Lighthouse. On one side, the fort’s reddish-brown walls extend into the bay, creating a jetty between two small sandy coves a beautiful place called Sinquerim Beach.
What is the Best Time to Visit Goa?
Are you looking for the perfect time for a fantastic vacation in Goa? It depends on what you want to do! If you love sightseeing, avoid the monsoon months. For stunning beauty and exciting experiences, visit between November and February. These months are also great for relaxing on the beach. Plan your trip and get ready for a fantastic Goa adventure!
Ways to Reach Goa
You can quickly get to Goa by train, plane, or car, depending on where you’re coming from and your budget. Here are the best ways to reach Goa:
- By Rail: If you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery throughout the journey, then by rail can be the perfect option for you! If you are an Indian or you are coming to India from any other country, keep in mind the railway stations—Vasco da Gama and Madgaon—which are well-connected to the rest of the country.
- By Air: Dabolim Airport in Goa handles both international and domestic flights. If you’re flying from abroad, you can catch flights from Doha, Muscat, and Copenhagen. For those in India, cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Indore, Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai offer regular flights to Goa.
- By Road: If you’re coming from nearby cities in Karnataka or Maharashtra, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Goa.
Did you hatch a plot? Plan your trip to Goa now and explore these gems before everyone else! Do you know of any secret spots in Goa? Could you share them in the comments below? Heavenleads will be delighted to add those places to our list of places to visit in Goa.