Explore Goa’s 5 Best Shopping Streets For Amazing Deals

Goa is an absolute paradise for beach lovers and for shoppers. The colours, the spice and the buzz of scrounging shoppers makes Goa’s markets an omnivore’s paradise. Suffice it to say, for souvenirs, boho-chic outfits, jewellery, or traditional Goan spices, the shopping arcades and flea markets of this ocean city cater to all needs. 

Negotiation is more than welcomed, so bring your negotiators! This is a list of the seven best shopping streets and sari markets in Goa city that are bound to leave you with a bag full of bags and a heart full of smiles. 

1.  Anjuna Flea Market  

It is nestled along the famed Anjuna Beach, an eye-catching flea market that will make any shopping addict go crazy. What had once been a hippie mecca in the 1960s has evolved into one of Goa’s most popular weekly markets. 

From brightly coloured sarongs, hippie jewellery and homemade bags to dreamcatchers, collectibles and musical instruments. The atmosphere is buzzing and the live music just rounds off the atmosphere. There is a market held every Wednesday morning until sundown, so make sure you arrive on time. 

Highlights and Tips

  • Open every Wednesday between October and April. 
  • Perfect for boho-chic clothes, gifts, and crafts. 
  • Get bargaining: the people in these places charge a lot for tourists. 
  • Most shops don’t take credit cards. 

2.  Mapusa Market  

Mapusa Market is the place to be if you love authentic Goan products. The market is open all day, but the market is at its best on Fridays, when farmers, artisan traders and merchants of the area are here selling fresh fruits, spices and local Goan food. 

Not just food; bring home some pottery, old items or even local Goan jewellery. The rough and rustic feel of Mapusa Market takes you straight into the depths of Goa’s culture. 

Highlights and Tips

  • Visited only on Fridays to appreciate it. 
  • Acclaimed for Goan spices, folk foods, and pottery. 
  • We recommend early morning trips, avoiding the heat and crowds. 
  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring. 

3.  Calangute Market Square  

This market is close to the bustling Calangute Beach, and a tourist’s paradise. Whether you’re looking for stylish beach wear or flip-flops, or wood crafts or heavy jewellery, there is plenty to be found. 

For those who love food, the street vendors serve goan snacks, fresh seafood and coconut water. You can browse, eat, and enjoy the vibes on the beach. 

Highlights and Tips

  • An exciting assortment of garments, handicrafts and local products. 
  • They are open daily and the most busy during the evenings. 
  • Don’t forget the stalls selling authentic Goan street food. 
  • Watch for your personal items because the room is full. 

4.  Arpora Saturday Night Market  

Arpora’s Saturday Night Market is another shopping experience you should not miss out on. This market is an enthralling spectacle of lights, music and movement. Shopping in the open air for designer clothes, foreign souvenirs, eccentric housewares and organic products. 

What makes it special is the entertainment, live music, fire performances, and a vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re not a customer, or not, the experience is priceless. 

Highlights and Tips

  • Open every Saturday evening during the high season. 
  • The place is excellent for designer and boutique shopping. 
  • Concerts add to the energy. 
  • Parking is limited so park early. 

5.  Panjim Market  

Located in Goa’s capital city, Panjim Market has both traditional and contemporary shopping. From spices, cashew nuts, feni (tequila) to clothes, books and jewelry, you can get it all in a pinch. 

The indoor market complex is ideal for procuring fresh produce and Goan ingredients. If you want a more contemporary shopping experience, check out the nearby boutiques. 

Highlights and Tips

  • Beloved for spices, cashew nuts, and Goan desserts. 
  • Shopping both inside and outside. 
  • Perfect for locals and tourists. 
  • The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. 

Final Thoughts  

Shopping in Goa isn’t all about buying things, it’s also about interacting with people, talking to vendors, and exploring the hidden gems. Every market in North Goa, every bustling market in the South, has a history to tell. 

So pack your bags, honk your negotiating muscles and get yourself ready to explore the goe-shoppes of Goa City. You may take home a souvenir made by hand or a spice that brings the flavours of Goa back home, but these markets will make you remember it forever. 

Facts & Figures Summary:  

  • Goa’s markets are a mixture of local and foreign elements. 
  • Anjuna Flea Market has been in existence since the 1960s. 
  • Mapusa Market is more than 150 years old. 
  • Arpora Saturday Night Market offers more than 100 stalls and performances. 
  • Two of Goa’s most popular exports are cashew nuts and feni.

 

 

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