Best Markets to Shop at in North Goa

Goa is a unique combination of urban living and nature’s retreat, making it the ideal location for vacationers and travellers. The state’s rapid development, with modern infrastructure, improved healthcare facilities, a new airport, bustling markets, new bridges, and enhanced road networks, along with the work-from-home culture post-Covid, is catering to a growing cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Vacationers and people on a ‘workcation’ (people relocating for extended work-from-home vacations), will find it a delightful experience to go shopping, where they can explore local markets for daily essentials or even trendy finds. One can also shop for souvenirs to take home that capture the essence of Goa, such as Goan sweets, local spices, and traditional Goan artifacts. So, whether it’s to buy essentials at the market or enjoy a night out at a flea market with live bands, food stalls, and trinket vendors, people are spoilt for choice. Being knowledgeable about the different markets, timings, offerings, and distances is essential.

Panaji Market

The Panaji market is vast and filled with daily essentials like fresh local produce of fruits, vegetables, seafood, and spices. People wandering through the market will find different clothing items, footwear, accessories, and unique handicrafts. One can find Goan specialties like Goan sweets such as bebinca and dodol, cashew nuts, and feni (Goan liquor prepared from cashews or coconuts) that you can take back home with you for your loved ones. There are a myriad of souvenirs available as well. What’s great about this market is that it is open on all days of the week from morning to late evening and is located in the heart of the city. One can spend some time resting or grabbing a bite at one of the many cafes surrounding the market after a long day of shopping. 

Mapusa Market

The Mapusa Market, functional throughout the week, comes alive every Friday where vendors from neighbouring villages and towns set up shop as well. Throngs of people from all over visit the market to stock up on their essentials and also indulge in a good bargaining session. The market is famous for fresh fruits, vegetables, clothing, local handicrafts and handmade goods, spices, pottery, and more, and is frequented by locals and tourists alike. One can also find an assortment of traditional Goan items like homemade Goan pork sausages and different types of pickles like prawn balchao, tendli pickle (gherkin pickle), and chepnim tora (water-based raw mango pickle). 

Anjuna Flea Market

What started as a barter system for hippie travellers in the 60s and 70s, today is a renowned flea market in Anjuna. The Anjuna Flea Market is held every Wednesday and is recognised as one of Goa’s most iconic and happening flea markets and a must-do activity during season-time. The market is a blend of live music gigs, food stalls, and an array of products ranging from handmade jewellery, bags, home decor items, clothes, and accessories to antiques and unique art pieces.

Dedicating a day spent exploring the Anjuna Flea Market is a good way to uncover some great finds as it offers a one-of-a-kind experience and there is something for everyone to take back home with them. Or one can spend the day simply enjoying the live music performances and indulge in some delicious food. Our serviced villas in North Goa, Rainforest Boulevard are a few minutes away from the Anjuna Flea Market, allowing you easy access and convenient shopping.

Tibetan Market

The Tibetan Market, along the Baga-Calangute road, is a fun and unique marketplace that is open to the public during the peak season, November through April. This market houses precious stones, antique jewellery, silver artefacts, embroidered fabrics, wall hangings, and various knick-knacks available for a real bargain. Managed by Tibetan refugees and locals, the market is functional from 9 am to 9.30 pm, every Saturday. It is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience where you can immerse yourself in Tibetan culture and craftsmanship while supporting local artisans. If you’d like to add this to your Goa itinerary, book Casa Azure, an affordable homestay close to Calangute Beach.

Each of these markets has its distinct charm and offerings, making shopping a delightful experience, especially if you are an all-girls group visiting Goa. The choice of market largely depends on where you are located, the days and timings, and what you are looking to explore.