Goa is a beach lover’s heaven but did you shopping in Goa is an experience in itself. After having being there twice in last few years, I realized this about Goa. That it is equally a shopaholic’s heaven and shopping in Goa is quiet a delight. Actually, before being here I truly wondered what speciality this destination can have to offer in terms of shopping. That also, especially for people like me who come from not very far but the neighboring state of Karnataka. And that how can shopping in Goa be different from anywhere else.
Read : Our one week Goa vacation guide
The truth is, there was nothing “new” item on offer for me. But there was a whole “new” and fresh shopping experience on offer in Goa that I thoroughly enjoyed. Thus, I recommend for all the shopping lovers, to go try shopping when you next time visit Goa. Even for those, who don’t want to buy anything, just go for the experience of it.
In terms of type of shopping in Goa, it has everything to offer from malls and branded shops to the beach side markets and the weekly flea markets. But I must say the beach side markets and the weekly markets win over the others when it comes to shopping in Goa.
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Arpora Flea Market for shopping in Goa
I fell in love with Arpora flea market when I got a chance to visit here this time. There are other flea markets as well as lots of beach side shops flocking the road sides leading to beaches and right on the beaches as well. Where you get good deals in dirt cheap prices with a little bargaining skill. My friend bought some silver jewellery and I bought a backpack cum handbag at half the initial price. In many of these cases, we could easily figure out if we were landing into a good deal post bargain since I had seen the cost of similar items online and also in shops in Bangalore. So shopping in Goa for the same kind of items came as a real delightful deal.
Overall, not just the deals, but rather the whole atmosphere, the small stalls under open sky, music and live performances going on in the vicinity, food stalls lined up with delicious street food to charge you up when you start getting tired of shopping – come together to add to the overall shopping experience that is difficult to find elsewhere. In conclusion, this was one market where you need not go for shopping, but you must visit once for the feel of the energised atmosphere and the bustling night life.
Street stops near Baga & Calangute Beach for shopping in Goa
We bought a pair of slippers for my 2 years old toddler from one of the street side shops and she loved it so much that she is still not letting it go, after having outgrown it! My husband also bought a few pieces of cloth from here. There are food stalls amidst the street shops. On the baga beach, while one side is flaunted by the street market, with small shops selling different kind of good like souvenirs, hats, beach wear, key chains, freeze magnets and so many other items, the other side of the same street flaunts with restaurants providing an amazing view of sunset over the bustling beach in the evening.
Read : Staying at Beleza by the Beach Goa
Anjuna & Mapusa Market for shopping in Goa
Another flea market to experience in Goa is Anjuna market that comes live near Anjuna beach every saturday from 9 am to 6 pm. These flea markets are worth visiting even if you are not really inclined to buy anything – just for the feel of the atmosphere. While Arpora market is a night market, this one is day affair. During the day, on the beach itself, different stalls are put. These sell different items made by the local. And the primary attractions in this market are the colorful cloth bags and purses, equally colorful skirts, earrings and other fashion jewelry made by the locals, small souvenirs to carry back for your friends and family, beach wear and several others.
Related read : One day sightseeing in Goa
Sometimes you might as well spot the fishermen and women selling fresh catch from the sea in portions of the market. So, if you have rented out a property or are staying in a homestay, this is your chance to home cook some delicacies bought right from the fishermen (Gosh, I am a vegetarian, can’t believe I am suggesting this!!)
Market of Panjim for shopping in Goa
Panjim is the capital city of Goa. Apparently, it hosts some of the best markets of Goa. And for a genuine quality shopping in Goa, you can head to the markets of Panjim. This is our favorite place for shopping in Goa, particularly for cashews and other dry fruits. Both the times that we have been to Goa, we shopped here for famous Goan cashews that are a little yellowish in color and very tasty. Plus the prices are quiet reasonable compared to the rest of the country for these cashews.
What all you get while shopping in Goa
Items that you can purchase in road side markets and flea markets in Goa include :
- Tibetean and kashmiri shawls, stoles and woolens
- Bags – handbags, wallets , backpacks
- Spices of all sorts
- Cashews – fried, roasted, salted, plain – in different varieties
- Handicrafts from different parts of India
- Home decor items – idols, miniatures, statues – in clay and bronze
- Fashion jewelry and silver jewelry
- Beach wear
- T-shirts, shorts, pyjamas
- Bed covers and musical instruments
- Hats
- CDs with Goan trance
- Skirts and traditional indian wear
- Wall hangings made of bamboo, wood, metal, clay, silver
- Leather goods
………. and the list goes own. By the way, did you know that the flea markets are also flocked by fortune tellers and tattoo artists. When I happened to visit Arpora, i was very much excited to meet one. But alas, there were none there. So, I plan to spot one the next time I happen to be in Goa, maybe at Anjuna or Mapusa market. And I will definitely let you know my experience 😀
General tips on shopping in flea markets of Goa
- I will personally prefer the evening and night markets since the weather gets really pleasant by this time. And you need not sweat in the harsh sun while you shop.
- The night markets are also better in terms of other offerings like food, music, live performance and night life in general. Which might not be available with the day time markets. So, you can enjoy here whether you shop or not.
- If you really have plans to shop here, sharpen your bargaining skills a little. At least you will get things at half the initial price quoted.
- If you are totally not for bargaining, then visit the flea markets for a feel of the kind of goods on offer. But buy from a government backed shop where the prices are fixed and the quality guaranteed.
- Head to the markets of Panjim, the capital city of Goa, if you are looking for shopping experience beyond the flea markets. We particularly enjoy buying spices and cashews from the shops here.
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I still remember the Anjuna flea market and Mapusa city market. So colorful and full of culture. Will love to go back again
Same here 🙂
Everyone talks about Goa beaches but these markets sound like a nice way to spend an evening and I bet there is great food around too. I completely agree with going during the evening since the temperature will be lower and usually there is more going on, this is how it was in Thailand as well.
Yes, the tropical climate, particularly near the beaches is at its best in the evening during the summer months
Of the destinations in I Dua Goa appeals to me most. Combine that with my love of shopping and you have me sold!
If you love shopping while you travel, you are going to totally love the markets of Goa
Have heard much about the flea markets of Goa, but have not visited any on our visits to Goa. Hope to visit next time, more to soak in the atmosphere and the spirit rather than to shop.
Sure..you will like it. It has so much more than just shopping to offer
I haven’t raided these markets yet.
The only ones I have been to are the beach side ones. Thanks for this info.
I guess Goa is full of these kind of markets. And those you have visited must have been equally vibrant