My First Time in Goa, India: Helpful Tips
I wasn’t sure what to expect on my first trip to Goa. Some people compare it to Ibiza with its beach parties, while others say it’s calm and laid-back — and both are true. You can set your own pace here if you know where to go and what to avoid. It’s a popular honeymoon and local getaway spot with enough to see and do. The warm, sunny, slightly humid air instantly feels like vacation. The best part about Goa is that there are nice accommodations for very cheap, the bad part is that alot of it is very touristy and dirty. I expected October to be quieter since it’s the end of monsoon, but I was wrong — there were still tons of tourists. I can’t imagine what it must be like during peak season!
When I arrived, I was exhausted after an early morning flight from Jaipur. Someone on the bus kindly helped me find my Airbnb, which set the tone right away — people here are so genuinely friendly. Later, I stopped by spice stand (truly, the butter tikka masala spice is so so good) to buy ingredients for cooking, and the owner offered to show me around — such a small, sweet gesture that made me feel at home.
North Candolim Beach was the only small stretch of beach that I found that wasn’t loaded with tourists!
MINI OVERVIEW
How many day? 3 days
Best time of year? November - February (high season) // March-April & October (shoulder season) // June-September (monsoon); I asked the locals here and they said the season really starts in September
How to get around? Taxi for longer distances, motorscooter in the town
Weather? Tropical, humid and sporadic rain that was unpredictable (I came end of October)
Need cash? Yes
Digital Nomad? Yes, there is decent wifi connection and service
Where to stay
I decided to stay near Candolim Beach, which sits between North and South Goa. A friend had mentioned it was a bit cleaner and quieter, and they were right — it felt like the perfect balance. After weeks of hostel hopping, I absolutely loved my Airbnb. Having my own space again felt like such a treat.
If you’re looking for a more backpacker or party vibe, stay up north around Anjuna, or Morjim or Arambol Beach, where you’ll also find plenty of wellness and yoga retreats. For something more peaceful and relaxed, head south — Palolem Beach is one of the best areas to unwind by the sea.
Helpful Tip
There is so much traffic it’s bit longer and harder to get around than I thought. Make sure you like your accommodations, it really makes the biggest difference more than which area you stay in!
WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFOREHAND
Most taxis and tuk-tuks will try to overcharge you if you’re a foreigner — something I’ve experienced almost everywhere in India. In Goa, it’s easiest to take a taxi straight from the airport to your accommodation. Once you’re settled, the best way to get around is by renting a motor scooter, since taxis and tuk-tuks can be hard to find and often overpriced.
Goa definitely has a touristy feel, with lots of shops and crowds, so it’s best to keep your expectations realistic when it comes to the beaches and cleanliness. The beaches are not great for swimming and not bad but not amazing
That I would need an international drivers license, although I was still able to rent a scooter
Googlemaps isn’t the most accurate, alot of shops will be closed or it doesn’t exist even though it shows on GoogleMaps
Most of the nice restaurants are in hotels in India
The weather changes fast and frequently, one minute it’s nice and sunny and the next it’s pouring
The beaches are just ok, not the best
Traffic is horrible, it will take alot longer than you think to get anywhere
Getting Here and Around
You can fly into GOX in the north or GOI in the south (yes, there are two airports).
I took a bus from the airport and then a taxi from the bus station to my Airbnb — but the taxi was so pricey that I wish I just took a taxi straight to my Airbnb.
Once you’re settled, the best way to get around is by renting a motor scooter, since taxis and tuk-tuks can be hard to find and often overpriced. When renting a scooter, shop around — every place quoted me a different rate, and a few even asked for an international license.
Helpful Tip
Most taxis and tuk-tuks will try to overcharge you if you’re a foreigner — something I’ve experienced almost everywhere in India.
Top Things to do
Walk around Panaji
My favorite thing I did! I really enjoyed spending a day wandering around Panaji. Goa’s Portuguese influence is still so present here, especially in the Latin Quarter, which is full of colorful houses, boutique shops, and cozy cafés. One of my favorite stops was The Good Life Goa, a beautiful store featuring local fashion designers and unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else.
I grabbed a matcha at Nada, a lovely pottery and coffee shop, and also stopped by The Greenr Café, which had such a relaxed vibe. I walked past the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, one of the city’s landmarks, and spent the rest of the afternoon just getting lost in the narrow streets, admiring the pastel buildings and quiet charm of the neighborhood.
Watch the sunset
Honestly, anywhere alongside the beach is great to watch the sunsets, they are gorgeous! I watched from Chaporna Fort and Pisco Beach - by the beach.
Chill out at the beaches
Along all the beaches there are beach clubs and chairs for rental. The only beach that I found semi enjoyable where I stayed for a longer period of time was North Candolim Beach. Most of the beaches in the north of Goa aren’t horrible, but they aren’t the best beaches.
Yoga
Here are popular yoga schools with drop in classes that I contacted, but there are plenty of them:
Swan Foundation (Assagao): 600 rupees
Ashiyana Goa (Mandrem) 1,000 rupees for morning class and 800 for afternoon class
Surf
Surfing in the north area is popular and many people use Surf Wala
Party
I didn’t party while I was here, but there are many clubs and parties you could go to.
Helpful Tip
I skipped or didn’t include the “most popular” things to do in Goa, as they were either not good or too touristy!
Top Things, I would skip
Anjuna Flea Market
It is popular, but it has all the same touristy stands that are everywhere. I wouldn’t go out of your way to go here.
Beach Hopping
Honestly, all the beaches in the north aren’t that amazing and all look the same.
Top Restaurants/Cafes
Ajuna Area
Pisco - By the Beach
Slow Tide
Urth Organic Cafe & Eatery - Not by the beach but great cafe for working
Beam Me Up - Cute jungle cafe
Purple Martini and Thalassa - Heavily marketed and rated, looked like a tourist trap
Morjim
Saz on the Beach
Azule Ocean Front
Kaia Goa
Calangute
Barefoot Goa - Cute jungle cafe
Calamari Bathe & Binge - Is a little bit far from the shoreline but was recommended by my hotel
Yazu - Pan Asian Beach Club - Popular on social media, was a little bit far from the beach and the restaurant is located in a hotel. The interior is very nice.
