19 Mind-Blowing Places to Visit in North Goa for the Best Trip Ever

Goa is a district very notably divided into two hubs, the north and the south. Among these, North Goa is the one which is considered to be the party hub, the hippie paradise and the shopping centre and quite accurately so, but there is much more of it.

When it comes to North Goa, the beauty, the tranquillity and the vivid culture, everything makes its distinct presence felt quite easily. To understand it all better glance on to the list of some of the best places to visit in North Goa compiled below.

19 Finest Places to Visit in North Goa

Spectacular Beaches of North Goa

1. Vagator Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches of the state of Goa, the Vagator Beach is simple calm and exquisite. Not among the very long beaches, this beach offers sightseeing, water sports and shopping too.

The distinguished beauty of this beach is hard to describe in words but at best can be put into its fundamentals like the fringing palms, the golden sands and the pristine waters. The spotting of rocks along the beach is a feature that adds quite a touch of grace to the beach.

Suggested to Read : Cleanest beaches in goa

2. Ashwem Beach

Quite the hit among the non-residents of the land who have ventured on for long stays, this beach beautiful and quiet. Though swimming here is considered risky and unsafe yet it has not hampered the likeness of the place.

Further, the mellow vibe and the quiet surroundings of this place make it one of the most sought-after beaches by the tourists looking for some solitude.

Also Read : Hidden beaches in goa

3. Miramar Beach

One of the most popular beaches of Goa, the Miramar Beach is the ultimate destination if looking for some tranquillity and solitude. The exquisite beauty of this beach has made it the top places in North Goa to visit.

Other than the solitude and the beauty, this beach is the hub of shops in the area too which makes it ideal for shopping local crafts too.

4. Anjuna Beach

Stretching up to a distance of about 2kms the Anjuna Beach is charismatic and mesmerising. Often surprisingly quiet, this beach is among the narrow beaches of the Goa.

The beauty of this place is owed to the varied terrain of the place which ranges from the low rocky cliffs to the village area down below the flea market.  This beach is most famous for its flea market which gives the true taste of the hippie culture of Goa.

Must Read : 19 Best Things To Do In Goa

5. Calangute Beach

The hub of North Goa, the Calangute Beach is also called the queen of beaches by many tourists. Shopping hub of the place, this beach is also among the beaches most known for their handicraft collections.

Other than shopping, the Calangute beach is the most sought-after beach to experience the beach shacks and water sports that the place has to offer. Ideal for relaxing and observing the crowd in and crowd out through the day, this beach is a must visit when in Goa.

6. Mandrem Beach

Being one of the slightest populated beaches of the north Goa, the Mandrem Beach is the right example for the beaches untouched by the commercialization of the place. This beach is most renowned for its pleasing views.

To reach this beach you cross a short rickety bamboo bridge as this beach is separated from the road by a narrow river inlet which further adds to the glamour of the beach.

7. Morjim Beach

Once among the deserted beaches of Goa, the Morjim Beach is another one of the most beautiful beaches of Goa. Also inhabiting the olive ridley turtles, the southern end of this beach is protected for the sea animals.

The casually laid out beach benches and beach shacks along this beach provide the right equipment to chill. The rushing tides and waves of the place further amplify its beauty.

Indulgence at Markets of North Goa

1. Anjuna Flea Market

This little flea held at the Anjuna beach is nothing short of a carnival itself. Held weekly, this little flea proves to be the true sight of the culture of the Goa.

Established mainly in the 1960’s to be a place for music and parties for the hippies of the state, this market today is no less than a fashion street. Be it souvenirs, fancy clothes, distinguished artefacts or the best of the local cuisine, you will find it here at the Anjuna beach every Wednesday.

Also Read : 30 Popular Places To Visit In Goa on Your Next Vacation

2. Arpora Saturday Night Market

Like the flea in Anjuna, the Arpora market is also a weekly affair, but this market livens up every Saturday. From the archetypical spice stalls of the country to some of the best cuisines from around the world, this market has it all.

Quite the spot over the weekend, this market sets up around 6 pm and runs into late nights. The setup of the market is another commendable feature that it boasts of. The place is set in the form of the lane after lane meandering their way through the ground. This sprawling has to be one of the best tourist spots in north Goa for late nights.

3. Mapusa Market

Another one of the weekly markets of Goa, the Mapusa market is alive each Friday. This market plays a host to selling almost everything from sausages to fishes, from Rajasthani and Gujarati handmade bags to Kashmiri shawls.

Other than being the shopping hub, the place is also famous for its distinguished restaurants serving the authentic Goan delectables. This market opens up at around 9 am and shuts at around sunset.

Also Read : 20 Perfect Things to Do in North Goa

4. Bicholim

The hub for pottery in the state, the Bicholim market is a must visit for pottery lovers. The best place to buy some souvenirs, this place is the house of the famous Goan pottery.

Distinguished on the lines of the products it offers, this market is unique and appealing in its own regard.  At this market, you can find handmade Goan products, pottery, woodwork, bamboo crafts, brassware and terracotta items.

Places of Historical Significance in North Goa

1. Goa State Museum

The rich history and vivid culture of a place like Goa are easily visible as soon as you land here but if you wish to delve further into the inception of such culture in this region then the state museum of Goa is your place to be.

Among the famous North Goa tourist places, the Goa museum has over 8000 relics all of which help you get a better peek into its history. These relics include rock statues, wood made items, bronzes, artwork, Jain scriptures, unusual silver coins and an anthropological collection.

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2. Fort Aguada

Standing tall over a side of Goa, the Aguada Fort is among the best north Goa places to visit when in the state. The fort houses a lighthouse and the jail, both of which have become quite distinguished tourist attractions in themselves.

This fort was built in the year 1612 to protect the Dutch from the invasions by the British, and even today the fort is an inexplicable sight, providing some of the best panoramic views of the region.

3. Chapora Fort

Owing its origin to the seventeenth century, the Chapora Fort was built as a watch post to the border of this region. Though now the fort lies in ruins, it has a certain charm about itself which cannot be denied.

This fort proves to be the excellent viewpoint of the Vagator as well as the Anjuna beach. Rough and scenic, this fort is an excellent place to test your photography skills.

Also Read : 4 Amusement Parks in Goa for Unlimited Fun

4. The Church Of Mae De Deus

One of the best examples of the gothic architecture of the time, the Church Of Mae De Deus is a famous North Goa place to visit. The architecture, when combined with the serenity and tranquillity of the place, makes for quite a place to visit. The illuminated view of the church during the evening is definitely a not to be missed sight.

Must Read : 21 of the Best & Famous Churches in Goa to Consider Visiting

5. Temple of Bogdeshwara

One important temple of north Goa, the temple of Bogdeshwara is commendable on quite a few grounds. The building for one is exquisitely beautiful.

Other than the commendable architecture of the place, the simplicity, the vibe and the serenity of the temple, is enough to turn you into a much calmer version of yourself. The splendid temple is such that you never mind spending hours inside it watching the different rituals performed.

Must Read : 10 Famous Temples in Goa for the Believer in You

Best Casinos in North Goa

1. Casino Palm

When in Goa how can you give gambling a miss? One of the only places in India where gambling is allowed, Goa plays a host of distinguished casinos. Among these several casinos, Casino Palm is among the top contenders for being hip and happening.

This casino is situated by the Baga Beach which in itself is quite the hub of party culture of the place, further the number of games and the machines it offers make it a worth visiting place.

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2. MV Caravela

One of the very first beach gambling clubs in the country, the MV Caravela is a must visit because it combines the fun of the both, the water and the casino.

This casino is literally a 215ft. Long voyage of a casino which floats over the Mandovi River. Docked at Panaji, this casino has changed the way people view a casino in India.

3. Casino Pride

The best and literally means the best floating casino in the region, the Casino Pride is a must visit if looking for places in north Goa worth your visit. Known for its hospitality and high standards of gaming, this casino is a part of the Casino Pride Group.

The most distinguishing feature of this casino is that it offers the maximum number of Indian and international gambling games in India.

Being in Goa has to be an experience to be cherished but this experience is amplified much greater degrees once the right places to visit are known. North Goa has quite a lot to offer to the tourists as mentioned above.

If you have been to or have experienced the places mentioned above, we would love to hear your stories. Do share your suggestions and experiences with us in the comments section below.

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