It’s a tough ask to name just 5 top things to do in Goa – after all this southern region of India is bursting with architectural gems, ancient heritage, fascinating culture, delicious cuisine, superb beaches and bustling markets.
Experiencing some art and culture
Goa’s culture and the art scene are highly rich and include a couple of libraries, museums and art galleries. These include the Goa State museum, the Panaji museum, Central library, Goa Science Center, Naval Aviation museum and the Kala Academy.
Old Goa too is an exciting place to experience some secular and Christian religious art. Ideal places to visit include the Christian art museum as well as a modern gallery in Old Goa. Additional art and culture scenes include the Houses of Goa, Salcette, Big Foot, the Ashvek Vintage world and the Gerard da Cunha.
Beaches
The beaches of Goa are well-known and include the Anjuna, Arambol, Palolem, Patnem, Vagator, Morjim, Asvem, Mandrem, Sinquerim, Candolim, Calangute, Colva, Baga, Chapora and the Polem beaches. These are some of the most beautiful, serene and cleanest beaches there are in the world. The climate in the area is also as good during the better part of the year.
Shopping
Shopping in Goa is best done on the streets like in Calangute or Baga due to the fair prices and diversity of goods. Also, one can shop at the Anjuna flea market which is only open on Wednesdays and the Arpora’s Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazaar. As you shop around, always remember that the key is to bargain for everything that is on sale. And if you end up buying too many things (I’m always guilty of that) you’ll have to ship the souvenirs home!
Eating
The Goan cuisine is known for its distinctive spices and mainly consists of fried fish or fish curry, pickles and rice. The main diets in the area are a blend of the local flavours with the Portuguese dishes. The overall eating experience that one should never miss while in Goa is the shark eating experience.
Water sports
The numerous number of beaches in Goa create a perfect atmosphere for water sports like jet skiing, banana boat rising, parasailing, wind surfing, ringo and bump rides, wake and knee boarding, water skiing, speedboat rides, snorkelling, scuba diving, catamaran sailing, dolphin cruises, moonlight and sunset cruises as well as the grand island day trips.
