In This Guide
Every guest who comes to Goa asks us the same question at some point. "Where should we go shopping, and what should we actually buy?" And the honest answer is that Goa has two completely different shopping worlds.
The first is the tourist market. Anjuna Flea Market on Wednesdays, Arpora Night Market on Saturdays, the Tibetan Market on Calangute-Baga Road. These are lively, colourful, full of atmosphere, and perfect for boho fashion, silver jewellery, souvenirs and gifts. They are also where most travellers spend their money.
The second is the local market. Mapusa Friday Market, Panaji Municipal Market, Margao Market. These are where Goans actually shop. Fresh chorizo, cashew feni straight from the distillery, kokum, dried mango slices, toddy vinegar, and traditional Goan bread. Prices are fair, quality is genuine, and you will not find most of these products anywhere outside Goa.
This guide is our complete, honest view of both worlds. Written by the GoaThrills team from our Calangute office, based on shopping these markets ourselves and taking guests through them for years. We are known as the best DMC for Goa for many reasons, and one of them is that we tell you exactly where to shop and where not to. Our shopping tours and packages start from just Rs 3,499 per person.
Shopping tours and packages from Rs 3,499
Our Goa packages from Rs 3,499 per person include airport pickup, hotel stay and a sightseeing day. Add a dedicated shopping day to Mapusa, Anjuna or Panaji with verified transport and a local guide. Ask us about custom shopping itineraries built around market days.
1. Quick answer: market by day
If you only have a few days in Goa, plan your shopping around market days. Here is the quick reference.
| Day | Best Market | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | Anjuna Flea Market | Boho fashion, silver jewellery, souvenirs, people-watching |
| Friday | Mapusa Friday Market | Authentic Goan produce, chorizo, feni, spices, local goods |
| Saturday | Arpora Saturday Night Market | Night market experience, live music, global handicrafts, food |
| Any day | Tibetan Market (Calangute) | Souvenirs, silver, handicrafts, daily open |
| Any day | Panaji Market | Spices, cashews, Goan sweets, azulejos tiles |
| Any evening | Beach markets (Baga, Calangute) | Quick souvenirs, beachwear, jewellery |
2. Best markets in Goa
Here is the honest breakdown of every major market in Goa, with what each one is actually good for.
Anjuna Flea Market
Started in the 1970s as a barter market for backpackers, and still the most iconic market in Goa. Boho fashion, silver jewellery, handmade bags, quirky home decor, and global curios collected by travellers. It runs roughly 9 AM to 6 PM during the tourist season, October to April. Bargaining is expected and part of the fun.[reference:6]
Arpora Saturday Night Market
Goa's most vibrant evening shopping experience. Under fairy lights and open skies, you will find clothing, jewellery, handicrafts, spices, food stalls, and live music stages. It runs every Saturday from around 4 PM to 11 PM during peak season (November to April). Entertainment makes this not just a market but an evening activity.[reference:7]
Mapusa Friday Market
Where Goans actually shop. This is the most authentic market in Goa, selling fresh chorizo, feni straight from local distilleries, kokum, dried mango slices (Ambyache Sola), germinated cashew seeds (Biba), traditional Goan bread, spices, sarees, flowers, and handicrafts. Vendors arrive as early as 6 AM and stay until sunset.[reference:8]
Tibetan Market, Calangute
Established over 40 years ago, this market on Calangute-Baga Road has over 70 stalls selling handmade crafts, silver artefacts, embroidery, home decor, and souvenirs. It is open daily from around 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM. Souvenirs start from as little as Rs 50, making it perfect for small gifts.[reference:9]
Panaji Market
Panaji's municipal market is where locals and smart travellers come for spices, cashews, Goan sweets, and non-touristy prices. Nearby shops in Fontainhas sell azulejos tiles and Portuguese-style ceramics. The Galeria Azulejos de Goa in Panaji is the best place for hand-painted tiles.[reference:10]
Goa Collective Bazaar, Vagator
A newer market with a very curated vibe. Independent fashion brands, craft vendors, food vendors and entertainers. Organised at HillTop on Ozran Beach Road, Vagator. This is where people who want to shop differently from the traditional tourist markets go. Seasonal, so check availability before heading there.[reference:11]
Mackie's Night Bazaar, Baga
A Saturday night bazaar by Baga Creek featuring clothing, accessories, souvenirs, crafts, jewellery, and food. Runs Fridays, around 6 PM to 1 AM during high season. Great for tourists who want to shop in the evening and combine it with dinner and entertainment.[reference:12]
3. What to buy in Goa
Here is the complete list of what is worth buying in Goa, and what to skip.
Food and drink (the best souvenirs)
- Cashews: Plain, masala, or chocolate-coated. Goa's cashews are famous. Buy from Mapusa or Panaji, not beach shops.
- Feni: Cashew or coconut spirit in beautiful clay bottles. Prices start from Rs 750 for 750 ml. Buy from Mapusa or a distillery.[reference:13]
- Goan spices: Kokum, recheado masala, peri-peri blend, Goan garam masala, chilli powder. Sold in attractive spice boxes and jars.[reference:14]
- Goan chorizo: Spiced pork sausages. Only buy if you can keep them refrigerated. Best from Mapusa.[reference:15]
- Bebinca: The classic Goan layered dessert. Buy from bakeries or local markets.
- Toddy vinegar: Made from coconut sap. Essential for making authentic vindaloo at home.[reference:16]
Textiles and fashion
- Kunbi sarees: A symbol of Goa's indigenous heritage. Red base with check patterns. Also available as stoles, dresses and contemporary outfits.[reference:17]
- Boho fashion: Flowy dresses, crochet tops, sarongs, beach bags, wraps and scarves. Cheap at Anjuna Flea Market.
- Beachwear: Colourful sarongs, chic swimsuits, trendy hats. Everywhere in the beach belt.
- Handwoven cotton: Can be tailored into custom outfits. Great for textile lovers.
Art, craft and home decor
- Azulejos tiles: Hand-painted Portuguese-style tiles. Perfect for nameplates or home decor. Best from Galeria Azulejos de Goa in Panaji.[reference:18]
- Coconut shell crafts: Bowls, baskets, lampshades, jewellery. Functional and stylish.[reference:19]
- Shell jewellery: Made from sea shells. Prized for natural charm and artistry.[reference:20]
- Mario Miranda artwork: Caricatures of Goan life. Popular souvenir among visitors.[reference:21]
- Bamboo and cane crafts: Baskets, lamps, home decor. Rustic and eco-friendly.[reference:22]
- Hand-painted ceramic tiles: For home decor. Available in Panaji and boutique shops.
Souvenirs under Rs 500
- Fridge magnets (Rs 50)
- Keychains (Rs 50 to Rs 100)
- Sea shell items (Rs 100 to Rs 300)
- Coconut shell bowls (Rs 200 to Rs 400)
- Goan spice packets (Rs 150 to Rs 300)
- Bebinca (Rs 200 to Rs 400)
- Small Kunbi fabric items (Rs 200 to Rs 500)
4. Real prices for Goan products
Here are honest, current prices for the most popular Goan products. Buy from local markets for the best rates.
| Product | Typical Price | Best Place to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Cashews (plain) | Rs 400 to Rs 800 per kg | Mapusa, Panaji Market |
| Cashews (masala/chocolate) | Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per kg | Mapusa, Panaji Market |
| Feni (cashew, 750ml) | Rs 750 to Rs 1,500 | Mapusa, local distilleries |
| Goan spices (packet) | Rs 150 to Rs 400 | Mapusa, Panaji Market |
| Bebinca | Rs 200 to Rs 500 | Local bakeries, markets |
| Kunbi saree | Rs 800 to Rs 2,500 | Specialty textile shops, Mapusa |
| Kunbi stole | Rs 300 to Rs 800 | Anjuna, Mapusa |
| Sarong | Rs 200 to Rs 400 | Anjuna, Arpora, beach markets |
| Azulejos tile (small) | Rs 300 to Rs 1,500 | Galeria Azulejos de Goa, Panaji |
| Coconut shell bowl | Rs 200 to Rs 400 | Tibetan Market, Anjuna |
| Shell jewellery | Rs 100 to Rs 500 | Anjuna, Calangute |
| Coconut oil (bottle) | Rs 100 to Rs 300 | Local markets, Mapusa |
| Goan chorizo (1kg) | Rs 400 to Rs 700 | Mapusa Friday Market |
| Kokum (packet) | Rs 100 to Rs 300 | Mapusa, Panaji Market |
Note: Prices vary by season, quality and quantity. Bargaining is expected at flea markets for clothing, jewellery and crafts, but food items like cashews and spices usually have fixed prices.
Want a guided shopping tour?
We arrange market tours to Mapusa, Anjuna or Panaji with verified transport and a local guide.
5. Shopping packages from Rs 3,499 per person
Our packages include verified transport, hotel stay and the option to add a dedicated shopping day.
Goa Quick Escape + Shopping
- 2 nights hotel stay
- Daily breakfast
- Airport pickup and drop
- One shopping day (Anjuna or Mapusa)
- Verified transport for market
- 24x7 WhatsApp coordinator
Goa Shopping Special
- 3 nights hotel stay
- Daily breakfast
- Airport pickup and drop
- Two shopping days (Anjuna + Mapusa)
- One sightseeing day (North or South)
- Local market guide
- 24x7 WhatsApp coordinator
6. Bargaining tips for Goa markets
- Start at 50 percent of the quoted price for clothing, jewellery and crafts. Expect to settle at 60 to 70 percent.
- Buy in bulk for better rates. If you are buying 5 items from one stall, ask for a bundle price.
- Cash is king. Most stalls do not accept cards, and cash gives you more negotiating power.
- Shop late in the day. Vendors are more willing to negotiate near closing time.
- Compare before you buy. Walk the entire market once before committing. Many stalls sell the same products.
- Be respectful. Haggling is expected, but be polite. A smile gets you better prices than aggression.
- Do not bargain for food items. Cashews, spices and feni usually have fixed prices. Focus your bargaining energy on fashion and crafts.
7. Shopping FAQ
The best markets for shopping in Goa are Anjuna Flea Market (Wednesdays), Arpora Saturday Night Market, Mapusa Friday Market, Panaji Market, Tibetan Market in Calangute, Goa Collective Bazaar in Vagator, and Mackie's Night Bazaar in Baga. Each offers a different experience, from hippie flea markets to authentic local produce markets.
The best things to buy in Goa include Goan cashews, feni (cashew or coconut spirit), Goan spices like kokum and recheado masala, Kunbi sarees, azulejos tiles, coconut shell crafts, shell jewellery, bebinca, Goan chorizo, and Mario Miranda artwork. Prices range from Rs 50 for small souvenirs to Rs 3,000 and above for quality crafts.
Wednesday for Anjuna Flea Market, Friday for Mapusa Market, and Saturday for Arpora Night Market. These are the three must-visit days for serious shoppers. The Panaji market is open daily, and the Tibetan Market in Calangute is open every day.
Goan cashews cost around Rs 400 to Rs 800 per kg for plain cashews, and Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per kg for masala or chocolate-coated cashews. Buying from Mapusa Market or directly from farms in Ponda gets you the best prices. Avoid buying from beachside shops which charge tourist rates.
Yes, feni is legal to carry outside Goa within India, subject to state excise rules. A 750 ml bottle usually costs Rs 750 to Rs 1,500 depending on the brand. Some states like Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala have restrictions on carrying alcohol across state borders, so check before you travel.
Mapusa Friday Market is the best for authentic Goan products. It is where locals shop for fresh chorizo, feni, kokum, dried fish, spices, and traditional Goan bread. It is not a tourist market, so prices are fair and quality is genuine. Visit between 8 AM and 11 AM for the full experience.
Yes, bargaining is expected and part of the experience in Goa's flea markets. Start at 50 percent of the quoted price for clothing and accessories, and expect to settle around 60 to 70 percent. For food items like cashews and spices, prices are usually fixed, but buying in bulk can get you a small discount.
Under Rs 500, you can buy fridge magnets (Rs 50), keychains (Rs 50 to Rs 100), sea shell items (Rs 100 to Rs 300), coconut shell bowls (Rs 200 to Rs 400), Goan spices packets (Rs 150 to Rs 300), bebinca (Rs 200 to Rs 400), and small Kunbi fabric items (Rs 200 to Rs 500).
Yes. Most large markets have courier services that will ship your purchases to your home city. Mapusa Market and Panaji Market have nearby courier offices. If you buy bulky items like furniture or large azulejos tiles, the shop will usually arrange shipping for an extra charge.
GoaThrills is based in Calangute, North Goa, with a real office and a team that lives here. We arrange shopping tours to Anjuna Flea Market, Arpora Night Market and Mapusa Friday Market with verified transport and local guides. Our packages start from Rs 3,499 per person. That is why clients call us the best DMC for Goa.
