Best Things To Do In Goa: Beaches, Nightlife And Culture

Explore the top tourist attractions in Goa on your next trip to the beautiful state of India.

Goa is a celebrated coastal paradise in India this is the land that is famous for its gorgeous beaches, happening nightlife, and rich cultural tapestry. Here are 15 fun things to do in Goa that you should not miss. The state has a little of everything, spanning from sun-soaked shores and historic forts to lively markets and lush backwaters, ensuring every individual can have the best of their time here. Be it peace, adventure, or cultural experience, Goa is the place for that and more.

Top 15 Things To Do In Goa

Explore the best things to do in Goa from a wide range of activities that promise you an awesome time full of adventure, relaxation, and absorption of culture.

1. Explore Baga Beach

Baga Beach is a vivacious hotpot and hot destination located in the Indian state of Goa.

Photo: Abdullah Ahmad / Unsplash

Running along the dunes of the Arabian Sea, Baga Beach is particularly known for its exciting water sports. The beach is also lined with several shacks and bars that serve delicious local seafood to invigorating cocktails. During the day, you can chill on the sandy beaches and experience the vibrant beach life; and by night, it happens to be one of the liveliest nightlife spots with some freaky beach parties and music.

Duration: 2–4 hours
Entry Fees: N/A

2. Visit Fort Aguada

Explore the stunning architecture of Fort Aguada - one of the things to do in Goa.

Photo: Allan D’souza / Unsplash

Fort Aguada is a historical masterpiece, built sometime in the beginning of the 17th century by the Portuguese on the sinuous shores of Goa. Reputedly, the fort was built atop a hill that commanded a view on all the sides bordering the Arabian Sea. This was also an attempt to thwart the Dutch and Maratha invasions into its territories. One comes forth to see terraced porches and mighty turrets in the Aguada Fortress. Its enormous historical power lies in the colossal underground reservoir that is matched with guard towers.

Duration: 1-2 hours
Entry Fees: N/A

3. Chill Out At Anjuna Beach

Chill at the serene Anjuna Beach which is one of the things to do in Goa, India.

Photo: Abdullah Ahmad / Wikimedia Commons

Situated on the north coast of Goa, Anjuna Beach is known for its hippie culture and dramatic views. The crescent-shaped shorelines and golden sands add glory to this particular beach, which has been highly popular since the 1960s hippie era. Something for some downtime and adventure is this. It acts as a hub for surfing and beach volleyball. The flea market is one of the favourites for visitors since it adorns items such as crafts, clothing, and souvenirs. Beautiful sunsets at Anjuna Beach, are a great place to waste lazy hours during the day.

Duration: 2-3 hours
Entry Fees: N/A

4. Discover Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Witness the stunning Dudhsagar Waterfalls on your trip to the Indian state of Goa.

Photo: Purshi / Wikimedia Commons

One of the most majestic natural wonders of Goa is the Dudhsagar Waterfalls, located deep in the Western Ghats. This breathtaking waterfall has four tiers, cascading down to about 310 meters in total height, and is known for its power and beauty. The name literally means “Sea of Milk,” referring to the foamy water that resembles milk. Lush with greenery and an amazing variety of vegetation, Dudhsagar environs make an ideal point for nature lovers and adventure fans to take a refreshing dip or capture moments to take amazing photographs.

Duration: 3-4 hours
Entry Fees: ₹300 – ₹1,000 for entry and transport

5. Basilica Of Bom Jesus

Seek blessings from the Basilica of Bom Jesus - one of the things to do in Goa, India.

Photo: Bikashrd / Wikimedia Commons

Basilica of Bom Jesus is a church that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for its baroque architecture and the mausoleum of Patron Saint St. Francis Xavier. This church is considered to be one of the best examples of baroque architecture, so visiting the church is a must for any enthusiast who would like to explore the colonial and religious history of Goa.

Duration: 1 hour
Entry Fees: N/A

6. Take A Sunset Cruise On The Mandovi River

Take A Sunset Cruise On The Mandovi River which is one of the tourist attractions.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Watching the sunset is one of the best things to do in Goa. A sunset cruise on the Mandovi River features the views of the Goan sunset and glistening water. These cruises are mostly accompanied by live music, dance performances, witnessing the city lights coming to life, and thus, making it a memorable evening.

Duration: 2 hours
Entry Fees: ₹1,200 – ₹1,500 per person

7. Shop In Mapusa Markets

Shop in the vibrant markets of Mapusa which is one of the things to do in Goa, India.

Photo: दिव्या बर्वे / Wikimedia Commons

Mapusa Market is a bustling local market where all the action of Goan life comes alive. Mapusa town hosts a market known for a huge number of commodities, ranging from fresh food, spices, and textiles, to handicrafts. Visitors are treated to a display of colour and kiosks full of souvenirs and other items and at the same time view a lively local marketplace. The market also forms a very good place to taste the traditional street foods of Goa and have quite a satisfying social engagement with the Goans in general.

Duration: 1-2 hours
Entry Fees: N/A

8. Chapora Fort Visit

Explore the stunning architecture of the iconic Chapora Fort Visit located in Goa, India.

Photo: Vector Aim / Unsplash

People who are inclined towards scenic beauty, tourists, and photographers have lots of interest in the Chapora Fort as it faces Vagator Beach and the Arabian Sea and presents a big panoramic view. The crumbling walls of the fort still stand along with the scenic beauty, which provides solace to have a relaxed time and enjoy the landscape.

Duration: 1-2 hours
Entry Fees: N/A

9. Experience Goa’s Nightlife

Enjoy the vibrant fireworks and nightlife which is one of the things to do in Goa, India.

Photo: Wendy Wei / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Goa is legendary for the nightlife it offers, exotic, exciting, and full of life with innumerable beach shacks, bars, and nightclubs hosting a lively party culture. Tito’s in Baga, and Club Cubana in Arpora, among the popular hotspots, are great for dancing, making merry, enjoying live music, and just letting the hair down.

Duration: 3-4 hours
Entry Fees: ₹500 – ₹2,000

10. Goa Chitra Museum

Explore the interesting artefacts and handicrafts at the Goa Chitra Museum, India.

Photo: JosephAssisFernandes / Wikimedia Commons

Goa Chitra is a very interesting museum that walks you through the past in Goa with an unbelievable display of traditional artefacts and other items. It is another one of the best things to do in Goa. Curated displays representing Goa’s agrarian past and folk arts, among other artefacts, throw light on the past of Goa.

Duration: 1-2 hours
Entry Fees: ₹100 – ₹200

11. Cooking Class

Learn how to make famous cuisines which is one of the things to do in Goa, India.

Photo: Ella Olsson / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Goan cuisine is flamboyant on its own. You may want to moor deeper into Goan-style cooking with a hands-on experience. Local cooking classes can help you learn to cook traditional preparations right from fish curry to Bebinca. Many classes involve local markets for fresh produce purchases.

Duration: 3-4 hours
Entry Fees: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 per class

12. Palolem Beach

Enjoy the scenic views at Palolem Beach which is a famous tourist attraction in Goa.

Photo: Aashish Pareek / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Exploring Palolem Beach is one of the fun things to see in Goa on your trip. Palolem Beach is an isolated beach known for its calm atmosphere and scenic beauty. The crescent-shaped beach is characterized by very calm waters and gentle waves making it a swimmer’s paradise. It also has the option of comfortable beach huts and local eating joints giving it a tranquil vibe.

Duration: 2-3 hours
Entry Fees: N/A

13. Visit The Se Cathedral

Seek blessings from the Se Cathedral which is one of the things to do in Goa, India.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

The Se Cathedral is among the largest in Asia and was historically important and famous for its Golden Bell. This monumental Portuguese colonial-style architecture is a symbolic structure, both historically and religiously, for the people of Goa. The grand facade and tranquillity inside the cathedral are sights to behold.

Duration: 1 hour
Entry Fees: N/A

14. Go Dolphin Watching

Watch out for the playful dolphins in the waters of Goa on your most awaited trip.

Photo: Ildigo / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

The dolphin-watching tours surely stand as another good activity to engage in while in Goa. These extra playful marine creatures may be visible in their natural habitat if you feel like going on a boat adventure along the coast. Fun with some education to it suitable for all ages.

Duration: 1-2 hours
Entry Fees: ₹1,000 – ₹1,500

15. Visit Dudhsagar Spice Plantation

Explore the refreshing spice plantations at the Dudhsagar Spice Plantation in Goa, India.

Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The Dudhsagar Spice Plantation is one of agricultural exploration into the traditions of Goa. The plantation is located in lush hinterlands that offer guided tours to showcase the cultivation of varied spices, including pepper, cardamom, and cloves. Here, one gets a chance to explore the plantation, discover the techniques to grow spices, and then taste a traditional Goan meal in all its spiced glory. An experience that is well-orchestrated and clear in vision toward raw agricultural practices in Goa, coupled with an understanding of flavours that define Goan cuisine all in the terrain of natural beauty.

Duration: 2-3 hours
Entry Fees: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 per person, inclusive of lunch

Either the beaches or the forts, backwaters, or markets are always attractions for one kind of visitor or another. It puts travellers into adventure sports, the Goan cuisine, and carries multiple vibes within its nightlife. Things to do in Goa provide a concoction that brings out the best that Goa has to offer for the ideal getaway: full of fun and relaxation. Plan a trip with TripXL enjoy your trip.

Cover Photo: Sumit Sourav / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

November to March is the best time to visit Goa since the weather is cool and dry.
Taxis, rental scooters, and private transfers operate to all major beaches from Goa's Dabolim Airport.
While many of the beaches in Goa are free to enter, some forts could charge a nominal fee.
Some popular Goan dishes are fish curry, pork vindaloo, and bebinca.
Yes, the majority of beaches in Goa are allowed for swimming, but it's always good to check locally. Always ensure you follow the instructions of a lifeguard if they are present on the beach.

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