Old Goa

Old Goa

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,269 reviews
Excellent
627
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488
Average
129
Poor
18
Terrible
7

AMsays
Thornhill, Canada5,295 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 • Couples
Goa was once the capital of Portuguese India. It is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is known for colonial-era monuments like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, with the remains of St. Francis Xavier, the domed Church of St. Cajetan, inspired by St. Peter’s in Rome and St Augustine Tower, remnants of a church complex. There is also a wax museum and an archaeological one. Nearby is the vast Se Cathedral, built in the 16th–17th centuries. We saw much in our brief visit but on the day we went, traffic was extremely busy because of the 18th Exposition of St Francis Xavier, Goa's patron saint, held once every ten years. The opportunity to view the remains was a once-in-a-lifetime event, well worth the long wait.
Written 5 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sandy_JSR
Jamshedpur, India2,186 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
North Goa houses most popular and crowded beaches like Baga, Calungute etc. and numerous pubs & restaurants and thereby becomes first choice for the tourists. On the other hand, South (Old) Goa contains several famous and heritage churches including Basilica of Bom Jesus which contains the relics of Saint Francis Xavier, Se Cathedral, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, etc. These churches are generally noiseless. We stayed at North Goa and hired a vehicle for a day trip to South Goa that included visit of Old Goa churches, Panjim city and its beaches etc. Old Goa is a lovely city with rich history and heritage. It was worth taking a break from crowded beachside to witness rich history and heritage of Old Goa.
Written 23 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mi Do
Goa, India170 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023
"Old Goa" is a place that is protected by UNESCO. That's probably why it's always clean and beautiful here. Everything here was built by the Portuguese, so all the churches and temples here are Catholic. In general, it's nice to wander around Old Goa...
Written 28 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

srgoyal
Mumbai, India43 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
If you are history lover or like to visit places of culture then Old Goa is the destination for you. Beautiful old architecture huge churches and beautifully maintained buildings. You will love to spend 4 to 5 hours at this place.
Written 11 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

georgeycool
Bengaluru, India103 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2014 • Friends
FACTS:
Everyone been to Goa, at least once, but we all have different experiences whenever we are there. Be it a trip to enjoy the beaches or to enjoy booze, drugs or parties, keep in mind that Goa is like every other Indian state with its culture and mindset.
1.The best time to travel to Goa is between November and March, when the weather is dry and relatively cool, the sea is calm and clear, February till September are pretty off seasons
2.You can try visiting Goa from June- September too to enjoy the monsoon rains
3.Beer in Goa is cheap, Buy your own booze too,but that doesn't mean you can smuggle it out or drink truckloads and create a ruckus.
4.The next time you are in Goa, try out some local Goan brands. There is one called Cabo, a rip-off of Malibu, that costs about 400 bucks a bottle. Another called Voodoo, a drink with 98% similarity to Bailleys Irish Cream.
5.There are an amazing number of hidden parties that happen on weekends in Goa. You’ll find posters stuck on trees, by the side of shacks, or on your way to the beaches.
6.Petrol is also cheap there,doesn't mean u smuggle that too in cans
7.Food is a bit costly for the visitors, so be prepared to check the price before u even grab a Pani Puri.Try Goan thali away from the crowded places where u get the best food ,especially in Mapusa araea Pernam ,Palolem Colva on south side
8.Goa is the second state after Orissa where the world famous Olive Ridley Turtles come to lay their eggs on Morjim beach.
9. Goa is the first state in India to permanently host the international film festival.Visit the PVR premises near Panaji
10.If u travel by train or by air , the nearest accessible place from Madgaon station/Dabolim airport would be Panaji else you can head to Calanguate or Baga for accomodation
11:Casinos are majorly based out in Panjim area
12.The official food of Mumbaikars Vadapav is originally generated from Goa,more precisely, to migrant bakers from Saligao and Siolim.
13.Hiring bikes would be the best option to travel around in Goa ,since there are few beaches which are not even accessible by cars
14.Try getting accomodations closer to beach like Calanguate beach resort Calanguate Inn etc
15.Baga and Calanguate are equally cheaper ,the major expenses would be more on food
16: It's very difficult to spot a Tea Shop,but not a wine shop
17:Be smart in Bargaining whether it could be rooms or any gift items u get from Goa
18:Try to keep a planned Itinerary from Day 1 till the end of Trip and book your taxis in advance for return travel
19:Goan Locals are nice people and you should try and chat to one. They are easily notifiable when you chat to them and they are very friendly and most speak English and Konkani or Portugese.
20:There are 6000 bars in Goa licensed to serve Alcochol,Drink till you drop
TIPS:
1:The official footwear of Goa – a pair of sandals and a pair of beach slippers,at least 3 pairs of shorts and Swim wears
2:Carry your Sunscreen and shades
3:Carry your camera -Once you walk around a little in old Goa, it's easy to get addicted to its houses, especially the ones from Portuguese era. These houses have the most beautiful colors and textures,
4:Carry your driving license and Pan card(transport is costly in Goa. The best, and cheapest, alternative is to rent bikes)
5:Don't Drink and Drive Rules have been strict not like earlier
6:Respect Church Temples and Mosque
7:Try to get your accommodation in a Home stay-Living with a Portuguese family in a Portuguese house would be perfect, or even an Old Goan family.
8:Don't complete your visit without having an Authentic Goan Fish Thali
9:Plan your itinerary in such a way that u get time to cover major places of South Goa North Goa and Old Goa
10:Don't spend your money in Titos, Mambos & Brittos, there are better places than these Havana opposite Titos is quite good also Club Cubana,Kamaki ,LPK etc
11:Fill Petrol in your bike as needed for your Trip since its cheap , you don't need to keep tanks full
12: Beware of the used needles when u walk around beach
SCAMS:
1: Check the prices before you hire a taxi once u reach station or Airports.Drivers would try taking to his friends place and take a commission
2:Check your drinking water before you drink seals would be Tampered
3: You wont get medicine strips loose, they force you to take full 10 strips even if u ask for one
4:Check your wrapped gifts before you take back home
5:Check your bills before you get drunk in any Pubs/Bars
6: Goa is that one place where IRCTC website starts working all time, u mean to get your fake Train tickets instantly even on the day of Travel, be careful
7:Get a receipt if you pay upon arrival at a hotel. There are places who try to make you pay again while checking out
8:When you rent a bike or car, take photos of the damage already there and show them.
9:Be very careful ,you will quickly be adopted by fake friends in Goa. Drinks are often spiked ,which will incapacitate you, then you will be robbed Stay in a group .
10.If you are a male & walking down the streets on your own, or with other male friends, expect to be approached by some pimps! Beware to get robbed too
Must Visit:
Fort Aguada & Candolim, Mapusa, Margao,Old Goa, Panjim, Ponda, Vasco-de-Gama,Divar Island,St Jacinthas Island,Cabo de rama,Basilica of Bom Jesus,Go carting enar Verna,Cotigao Wildlife,Sanctuary,Museums,Mapusa Market,Anjuna Flea market on Saturdays,Calanguate Saturday Market near Post office,Night Market at Arpora,Mackies Night Bazar at Baga only in Seasons,Watersports at Baga,Visist Colvale Village ,Se Cathedral Old Goa,Butterfuly Beach,Dudhsagar waterfalls
Beaches in North Goa-Anjuna,Arambol,Baga,Bambolim,Clanguate,Candolim,Chapora,Dona Paula,Miramar,Morjim,Sinquerium, Vagator
Beaches in South Goa-Agonda,Benaulim,Bogmalo,Canaguinim,Cavalossium,Colva ,Majorda,Mabor,Palolem,Varca,Patnem Beach
Must Visit Coffee Joints:
Bodega, Urban cafe,Hotel Venite,Baba coffee,Coffee Haven
Must Visit Restaurants /Shacks
Curlies-Anjuna(Absinthe is available in Curlies),O Manuale Beach shack next to Curlies ,Martins Corner-Majorda,Angara -Candolim
Oasis Restauraunt and Bakery-Anjuna,Infantaria for awesome music and food -Calanguate,Cafe mambo& Havana-Baga beach
Mums Kitchen-Panjim,Joet's Restauraunt and Bar& Johns Seagull--Bogmalo near vasco,Bora Bora _morjim shack
Must Eat:
Goan food is a must try, specially fish in Goan fish curry and Kokam sharbat:Goan Thali somewhere in Prenam:Goan Caju Fenny.Try Chicken Xacuti,Chicken Cafreal,Chouricos(Sausages) Sorpotel, Vindaloo,Goan prawns Curry,Bebinca(sweet) ,Dodol(Sweet),Rabri-gulab jamun at Sher-e-punjab (Panjim),Try Kings beer the local goan

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Not all those who Wander are lost
Dream Explore Travel!!
Written 15 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Shilpy24
Noida, India18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2015 • Couples
Scenic Beauty. The way to Old goa from Panjim was really awesome. I would prefer better rent a scooty and go. You'll enjoy it like anything.

Also it has one of the most beatiful Church. This is also a must go place.
Written 27 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jagdish_belani
London, UK7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2015 • Couples
I enjoyed on beaches, nice good weather. Good think is the beaches was cleaned. overall good experience.
Written 24 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David M
Perth, Australia127 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2015 • Solo
Visited Old Goa on a very wet day in early March. Found the historical churches impressive but the information on them was quite limited, and what there was did little to bring you close to the times and people with which they were associated.

Like many such places around the world, once you've seen them there's no reason to return. I think I found the old houses and Government buildings in Panaji more interesting and memorable. And I can't blame the rain for this review, as I also walked around Panaji during it.
Written 4 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

alex_24sh
Shanghai, China25 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2019 • Friends
The seven WHS objectives lie within a 10-15min walking distance circle; however a more convenient and "local" way to explore them is by rented scooters. We started in early afternoon from Calangute and after a 50min trip we reached Old Goa quarters. The road was pretty tough with alternating clogged village and faster expressway segments, but in the end manageable even for beginners like us. We didnt spot any western-style cafes or restos around, so consider bringing some F&B along. 1. Basilica de Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Church of St Francis de Assisi, The Chapel of St CatherinePark your bikes in front of the shops by the entrance of Basilica de Bom Jesus, then after visiting it cross the main road to Se Cathedral and Church of St Francis de Assisi. These three churches make out the main touristic core of the site, so be prepared for the usual dose of noisy tourists, loud guides, and colonial opulence. Head towards The Chapel of St Catherine for a more tuned-down feeling, an ochre-colored small jewel nestled in its own small garden where tourist flows recede and the magic of olden days starts to work its way through. Enjoy a well-deserved hydration break with coconuts and plenty of water at the small shop just in front of the exit.2.  Church of St CajetanA short few minutes ride through the forest will lead straight to  the Church of St Cajetan. Despite its being modeled after Vatican's monumental San Pietro, the virtual absence of tourists will allow for an improved spiritual experience of the place. As you exit the church's compounds, head down right for a short glimpse of the Viceroy's Arch.3. Our Lady of the Rosary, Church and Monastery of St AugustineHead back the same way and up the small hilly road ending in the small, but exquisite Our Lady of the Rosary. If you are lucky enough to arrive here jist before sunset, then you are in for a treat. The silent, breezy halls filled with art and history. The view of the river with its lush forrested banks slowly filling with mist and mistery. What remains of St Augustine's is not much, but the scenic tower with the sun setting through its arches does make for a sight to remember. You can easily take the road leading to Panaji, and through some scenic old villages with goan mansions and portuguese chapels, just from St. Augustine's. Allow for plenty of unwind & relax time once back to your accommodation area to make up for the energy well spent.
Written 17 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sonia Handa | Trip Designer
New Delhi, India1,667 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2018 • Family
My visit to Goa is a memorable one -having spent countless time at beautiful Baga beach, Calangute beach, Cruising, and an exciting and safe night life.
Written 5 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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