Shopping Places in Goa
Nestled along the scenic coastline of India, Goa offers a vibrant tapestry of shopping experiences for tourists. From bustling markets to quaint boutiques, the shopping scene here is as diverse as its cultural heritage. Explore the lively markets of Anjuna and Mapusa, where local artisans showcase their crafts amidst a lively atmosphere.
Stroll through the colorful streets of Panaji, adorned with eclectic shops offering everything from traditional handicrafts to modern fashion. Don’t miss the unique flea markets of Arpora, where you can haggle for treasures amidst a bohemian ambiance. With its blend of tradition and modernity, shopping in Goa is an adventure waiting to be explored.
1. Anjuna Flea Market
If you’re planning a trip to the Northern parts of Goa, make sure to include Anjuna Beach and its famous flea market on your must-visit list. Every Wednesday, from the first Wednesday of October till the last Wednesday of May, this market is bustling with activity. You can find a wide variety of items here, from handicrafts and jewelry to beachwear and musical instruments.
And if you’re a fan of Nepali or Tibetan goods, you’re in luck! The market also offers delicious food, live music, and acrobatic performances for added entertainment. Plus, you can even get a new piercing or a fresh haircut while you’re there. This market is a safe and exciting place for women and children to explore.
Just remember to bring your bargaining skills and some extra strength to carry all your shopping bags! The market stays open late into the night, so you can shop to your heart’s content after a satisfying dinner.
Location: St. Michael’s Vaddo South, Anjuna, Goa
Timings: 08.00 am to 06:00 pm; every Wednesday
What to Buy: Clothes, Footwear, Jewelry, Souvenirs, Wooden Art, Tibetan Goods
2. Mackie’s Saturday Night Market
Head to Mackie’s Saturday Night Market, also known as Baga Night Market, for an enticing shopping experience in the heart of Goa. From antiques and handicrafts to clothes, beachwear, souvenirs, and delicious food, this market has it all.
Enjoy the lively atmosphere with live music and indulge in beach activities. Look for great-value goods at fixed-price shops and don’t forget to bargain at street stalls. The market opens in November and runs until the end of May. You can also visit the nearby Saturday Night Market in Arpora.
Location: Arpora – Baga Road, Goa
Timings: 04.00 pm to 03.00 am; Saturdays
What to Buy: Clothes, Fish, Groceries, Handicrafts, Knick-Knacks, Trinkets, Earthenware, Bric-a-Bracs
3. Saturday Night Market
When it comes to shopping, time is never a concern, especially at the Saturday Night Market in Arpora. This vibrant street shopping spot is the perfect open-air venue for a fantastic night out with your loved ones. The lively atmosphere, bustling energy, and the exciting displays by local vendors make it a top choice for visitors of all ages. You can enjoy a variety of delicious food options and shop for unique ingredients like aromatic herbs and spices.
Additionally, the market offers a wide range of handicrafts from different parts of the country, including bags, jewelry, paintings, clothes, and much more. It’s a great place to shop for clothes in Goa. Spend your Saturday evening at this lively market, where you can enjoy live music, cocktails, and a fun shopping experience. Dance your way through the stalls and pick up some fantastic finds to show off your shopping prowess.
Location: Arpora, Goa
Timings: 06.00 pm till late in the night; every Saturday
What to Buy: Clothes, Apparels, Handbags, Rugs, Handicrafts
4. Calangute Market Square
Calangute, the reigning Queen of beaches in Goa, doesn’t disappoint when it comes to shopping either. The market square here is a shopaholic’s paradise, offering a wide variety of trendy beachwear, clothes, handicrafts, leather products, embroidery, souvenirs, carpets, jewelry, trinkets, metal crafts, and much more, all at competitive prices. Looking for a unique beach-themed souvenir?
Look no further than the exquisite range of shell craft products available, including trinkets and sarongs made from seashells. And when you need a break from all the shopping, treat yourself to some delicious seafood and a refreshing bottle of chilled beer. With some of the best hotels in Goa located nearby, it’s a smart move to book a room in one of them.
Location: Calangute Beach
Timings: 09.00 am to 08.00 pm; every day
What to Buy: Clothes, Handicrafts, Metal Crafts, Trinkets, Seashell Products
5. Caculo Mall
This high-end shopping center is a fantastic spot to spend time, showcasing a variety of top brands and an elegant atmosphere. Some of the brands you can browse through at this retail destination include Westside, Tissot, Wrangler, Arrow, Nike, Archies, GlobalDesi, Planet Sports, Ray-Ban, VanHeusen, and Wills Lifestyle, to name a few.
The food court serves up delicious dishes to satisfy hungry shoppers, while the entertainment area features console games, kiddie rides, a Haunted House, and a 7D movie theater.
Location: St. Inez Rd, Panaji, Goa
Timings: 10.00 am to 09.00 pm; every day
What to Buy: Clothes, Accessories, Watches, Shoes, Sunglasses, Menswear, Electronics
6. Margao Municipal Market
Located on the eastern side of the Margao Municipal Gardens, this market is renowned for its wide variety of spices such as Cinnamon, Cardamom, Triphala, and more, which are extensively used in Goan cuisine. It’s no surprise that the locals in the area visit this market on a daily basis.
However, for tourists, this place is a paradise for shopping and buying the authentic flavors of Goa. The market offers a range of commodities that truly represent the essence of Goa. Local vendors can be heard shouting about the quick sale of items like dry fish, dried mangoes, and salted ones, which are gone within hours of being procured.
In addition to spices, the Margao Municipal Market is also famous for its freshest fruits and vegetables, as well as incredibly affordable shoes and footwear. While the market is open every day of the week, Friday is particularly special as it is known as the ‘Bazaar Day’ due to the larger number of vendors, traders, and tourists that flock to the market.
Location: Margao Municipal Market, Goa
Timings: 09.00 am till 08.00 pm; every day (closed between 02.00 pm till 04.00 pm)
What to Buy: Fruits, Vegetables, Spices, Dry Fish, Dried Mangoes
7. Mapusa Friday Market
If you love fresh fruits and vegetables, you’ll adore this bustling market in Mapusa. Located near the Mapusa Municipal market, it’s open daily, with Fridays being particularly exciting for competitive shopping. Merchants showcase innovative products, representing Goa’s culture with pottery, handicrafts, seafood, spices, and famous sausages.
You’ll also find clothing, homemade food, tamarind, mats, jewelry, bags, and more. Bring your bargaining skills for amazing deals. And if you’re a foodie, don’t miss cashew nuts, fenny, and mouthwatering Goan sweets. This market truly embodies the essence of Goa!
Location: Mapusa Municipal Market, Goa
Timings: 08.00 am till 06.30 pm; every day
What to Buy: Clothes, Textiles, Dry Fish, Fruits and Vegetables, Handicrafts, ‘Chouricos’ sausages, Seedless Tamarind
8. Panjim Municipal Market
The commercial market avenue in the capital city of Goa is a must-visit for all shopaholics. It offers a perfect mix of traditional shops and modern malls, ensuring that there is something for everyone’s taste. From groceries to handicrafts, clothes to jewelry, you can find it all here.
And that’s not all! The market is surrounded by a variety of eateries, resto-bars, and recreational centers, making it a paradise for shoppers. The Panjim Municipal Market, known as the largest market in the region, is a haven for retail therapy and a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture. And if you’re in the mood for some entertainment, the nearby INOX multiplex is the perfect spot to relax and catch a movie after a day of shopping.
Location: Panaji, Goa
Timings: 07.30 am till late evening; every day
What to Buy: Clothes, Antiques, Handicrafts, Wine, Knick-knacks, Groceries, Cashew Nuts
9. Tibetan Market
Located in close proximity to Baga Beach, Tibetan Market stands out as one of the most sought-after flea markets in Goa. The bustling market boasts numerous rows of stalls offering a wide array of items such as junk jewelry, trinkets, comfortable clothing, shoes, and leather goods at unbeatable prices. What sets this market apart is the availability of unique handmade products from Tibet.
In addition to indulging in a shopping spree, visitors can explore the cafes and food stalls to relish a variety of Goan delicacies. The evening is the perfect time to explore the market, as it comes alive with the glow of lamps and lanterns. The presence of live music further enhances the vibrant atmosphere of the market, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists in Goa.
Location: Baga-Calangute Road
Timings: 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM; every day
What to Buy: Apparel, Fashion Jewellery, Footwear, Leather Products, Home Décor
10. Mall De Goa
Mall De Goa, the largest mall in Goa, is renowned for its upscale shopping environment. It provides a luxurious shopping experience with a wide variety of branded products in categories like home and living, beauty, lifestyle, skincare, electronics, gadgets, and more.
With over 80 outlets, it is a top destination to explore in Goa over the weekends. The mall offers an exciting mix of great food, entertainment, special offers, and discounts across its three levels. Visitors can also enjoy popular dining options like Mc Donald’s and Dominos while shopping around.
Location: Porvorim
Timings: 10.00 am to 10.30 pm; every day
What to Buy: Clothes, Accessories, Watches, Shoes, Skincare, Sunglasses, Menswear
Conclusion
In conclusion, Goa offers a vibrant tapestry of shopping experiences that enriches its tourism allure. From bustling markets like Anjuna Flea Market and Mapusa Market, where local artisans showcase their crafts, to upscale boutiques and designer stores in Panaji, there’s something for every shopper.
The eclectic blend of traditional handicrafts, vibrant textiles, intricate jewelry, and aromatic spices creates a sensory delight for visitors. Moreover, the relaxed ambiance and friendly locals add to the charm, making shopping in Goa not just about purchasing goods but also about immersing oneself in the cultural fabric of this coastal paradise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Goa offers a vibrant shopping scene. Popular places include Anjuna Flea Market, Mapusa Market, Calangute Market, and Panjim Market. These places offer a diverse range of items from clothing and accessories to handicrafts and souvenirs.
Goan markets are known for their eclectic mix of items. You can find traditional handicrafts such as pottery, brassware, and wooden carvings, along with vibrant clothing, beachwear, jewelry, spices, and local artwork. Don’t miss out on trying the cashew nuts and feni, a local liquor.
Yes, bargaining is a common practice in Goan markets, particularly in places like flea markets and street stalls. Vendors often quote higher prices initially, so don’t hesitate to negotiate politely. However, in established shops and boutiques, prices may be fixed.
The best time to visit Goan markets is usually in the morning when they are less crowded and the weather is cooler. However, if you’re interested in experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of flea markets, evenings are ideal, especially during weekends when they are most lively.
While some larger shops and establishments may accept credit cards, it’s advisable to carry cash when visiting Goan markets, especially smaller vendors and street stalls. ATMs are widely available, but it’s always convenient to have cash on hand for smoother transactions.
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