Top Things to Do in Goa: An Island Full Of Attractions

In Goa, things to do are everywhere. It is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore historic sites, or dive into the local cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this tropical paradise. Here’s a guide to some of the must do things in Goa.

Discover Goa’s Historic Landmarks

Goa isn’t just beaches and parties—it’s a history lover’s dream.

Historic things to explore in Goa:

1. Start at the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Yeah, it’s on every itinerary—but there’s a reason. This UNESCO gem isn’t just about saintly relics (though St. Francis Xavier’s resting place is eerie-cool). Stand under those weathered Baroque arches, and you’ll catch your breath. The air feels heavier here, like the walls are holding 400 years of prayers. 
2. Now, walk 10 minutes to the Se Cathedral . Massive doesn’t even cut it. That golden altar? It’s not just shiny—it’s dripping with stories of Portuguese grandeur. Fun fact: The bell here is nicknamed “the Golden Bell” for its absurdly rich tone. Ring it in your mind—can you hear the colonial echoes? 
3. Visit Old Goa’s streets. Skip the map. Let your feet guide you past candy-colored mansions with sagging balconies. Peek through a cracked doorway—you might spot a grandma grinding spices, her courtyard tiles the same as they were in 1602. Pro tip: Go early. The light turns the churches honey-gold, and you’ll have the whispers of history (and maybe a stray cat) all to yourself. 
4. Sit on the steps of Chapel of St. Catherine. Let the breeze carry the scent of sanna (steamed rice cakes) from a nearby shack. That’s Goa—where the past isn’t in museums. It’s alive, layered under sunburned tourists and fish-curry lunches. 

So, put down that guidebook. Let Goa’s history surprise you—one faded fresco, salty sea story, and hidden courtyard at a time. 

Enjoy Goa’s Nightlife Experience

One of the most fun things to do in Goa is experiencing its nightlife. When the sun sets, Goa transforms into a vibrant party hub. From beach shacks to high-energy nightclubs, the nightlife here is diverse and exhilarating. 

Head to popular areas like Baga and Anjuna Beach, where you’ll find lively beach parties featuring local DJs and live music. If you prefer a more laid-back vibe, spend the evening at one of the many beach bars, sipping cocktails while enjoying the sound of the waves. For a unique experience, check out the famous trance parties that take place in the lush forests and on the sandy beaches, attracting party-goers from around the world. They’re one of the best things to do in Goa for adults.

Learn to Surf on Goa’s Soft Waves

Want to know more about top things to do in Goa? I got you covered.

Picture this: the sun warming your skin, the salty breeze tangling your hair, and the sound of waves crashing as you paddle out into the Arabian Sea. Goa isn’t just about beaches and parties—it’s a surfer’s paradise . Whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned pro, the soft, rolling waves here make it one of the best activities to do in Goa.

Why Goa? 

• For beginners: Nervous about your first wave? Don’t be. The surf schools dotted along the coast are packed with chill, patient instructors who live for that “aha!” moment when you stand up on your board. 
• For the pros: Looking to sharpen your cutbacks or nail that aerial? The waves here are forgiving but fun, offering just enough challenge to keep things exciting. 

What’s it like? 

Imagine gliding across the water, the board steady beneath your feet, as the golden Goan coastline stretches out behind you. It’s not just about surfing—it’s about feeling alive. And when you wipe out? Laugh it off. Even the pros do. 

After the surf:

• Grab a fresh coconut from a beach shack and swap stories with fellow surfers. 
• Watch the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and pink—your reward for a day well spent. 

Tip: Don’t forget to snap a photo of your first wave. Trust me, you’ll want to remember this. 

Go to the Goa Markets

More activities in Goa, you ask? How about visiting the Goa markets. They’re real treasure hunts. One minute you’re dodging a cow wearing sunglasses, the next you’re haggling over a hand-embroidered tablecloth while someone plays Bob Marley on a sitar. Welcome to retail therapy, Goa-style.

Anjuna Flea Market

What’s the vibe? Imagine a hippie’s attic exploded. Tie-dye saris flap like flags, silver ankle bells jingle, and the air smells of chai and sandalwood. 

• Must-buy: Tribal jewelry that looks like it’s from a pirate movie. Pro tip: That “antique” Buddha statue? Probably made last week—but who cares? Bargain like you’re in a Bollywood drama.
• Snack break: Grab a poee (Goan bread) stuffed with spicy chorizo. Eat it leaning against a psychedelic van.

Mapusa Market

Forget sanitized supermarkets. Here, fish flip in wicker baskets, kokum fruit piles into ruby mountains, and grandmas sell chili paste so fiery it’ll reset your life choices.

• Secret find: Look for the guy near the spices whispering, “Feni?” (Goa’s killer cashew liquor—sip slowly).
• Local hack: Buy recheado masala paste. Take it home, slather it on chicken, and thank me later.

Why You’ll Remember This

I once bought a “vintage” Jimi Hendrix T-shirt here. Turned out it glowed in the dark. Best 200 rupees ever.

The Golden Rule?

Smile. Chat. Let the vendor’s auntie adjust your haggling (“Beta, 300 is too much—give 150!”). These markets aren’t about stuff—they’re about stories.

So, empty your backpack. Charge your phone. And dive into the beautiful madness.

P.S. That “I ♡ Goa” neon sign? It’ll look terrible in your apartment. Buy it anyway.

See Crocodiles in the Wild

One of the most unique things to do in Goa will appeal to wildlife lovers! If you’ve ever dreamed of getting up close (but not   too   close) to crocodiles, Goa’s Cumbarjua Canal is your spot. Picture this: you’re gliding through serene mangrove forests, the air thick with the scent of saltwater and earth, when suddenly—  there it is. A crocodile, sunbathing on the banks like it owns the place. Spoiler: it kinda does.  

Why Cumbarjua?

• Croc Central: This canal is one of the few places in Goa where you can see these ancient reptiles in their natural habitat. And trust me, there’s something thrilling about spotting those beady eyes peeking above the water.  
• More Than Crocs: Keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers darting through the trees, otters playing hide-and-seek, and if you’re lucky, maybe even a monitor lizard lounging in the sun.  

What to Expect   

Hop on a boat with a local guide who knows these waters like the back of their hand. They’ll share stories about the crocs, the mangroves, and why these ecosystems are so vital. Pro tip: Bring binoculars and a good camera—you’ll want to capture every moment. 

A Little Warning: Don’t lean too far over the boat. While the crocs here are used to humans, they’re still wild animals. Respect their space, and you’ll have a story to tell for years.  

Why is it one of the best activities in Goa?

 There’s something magical about seeing nature in its raw, unfiltered form. The stillness of the water, the rustle of the mangroves, the sudden splash of a croc slipping into the depths—it’s a reminder of how wild and wonderful our world can be.  

So, ready to channel your inner Steve Irwin? Grab your hat, slap on some sunscreen, and let’s go croc-spotting. 

Eat Some Fish, Curry and Rice

Still wonder what to do in Goa? When it comes to things to do, Goa has an obvious option: taste local food.

First off, forget everything you know about regular Indian cuisine. Goan food dances to its own beat, and the star of the show? Seafood that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Picture this: you’re sitting in a breezy beach shack, waves crashing nearby, when they bring out a steaming bowl of fish curry. Not just any curry—we’re talking about catch-of-the-day swimming in a rich, coconutty sauce that’s been kissed by the perfect blend of spices.

Here’s what locals swear by:

• Fish Curry & Rice: The combo that’s basically Goa on a plate
• Vindaloo: Not for the faint-hearted (trust me, I learned the hard way!)
• Prawn Balchão: Think tangy, spicy, and absolutely addictive
• Xacuti: A curry that’ll make you forget all other curries

And don’t even get me started on the bread! Tear into a warm poi (local bread), scoop up that curry, and… chef’s kiss

The best part? You can find amazing food everywhere—from fancy restaurants to tiny beach shacks where the cook learned the recipe from their grandmother. Just follow your nose (or the locals), and you’re in for a treat.

Pro tip: Ask for medium spicy unless you’re feeling particularly brave. These Goans don’t mess around with their chilis!

Goa Massage and Spa

Let’s save some of the oblivious things to do in Goa for the last. Ever felt like your muscles are screaming “HELP!” after days of beach-hopping and exploring? Well, here’s your rescue plan: treat yourself to some serious relaxation, Goa-style.

Look, Goa isn’t just about parties and beaches—it’s got this whole zen side that’s absolutely magical. Picture this: you’re lying on a massage table, the sound of waves playing nature’s lullaby in the background, while expert hands work out those vacation-induced knots. Heaven? Pretty much!

You’ve got options:

• Beachside massages: Simple, breezy, and oh-so-relaxing
• Fancy spa treatments: For when you’re feeling a bit bougie
• Traditional Ayurvedic therapies: The real-deal ancient stuff that’ll make you feel like new

Here’s my personal favorite: Find one of those little wellness spots right by the beach. The ones where they use local coconut oil and traditional techniques passed down through generations. Trust me, there’s something extra special about drifting off to the rhythm of the waves while getting all your stress kneaded away.

Pro tip: Book your session for late afternoon—there’s nothing quite like floating back to your hotel in that post-massage bliss while watching the sunset. Pure. Magic. ✨

Take a Spice Plantation Tour

What to see in Goa? Spice plantations. That’s not just air—it’s cinnamon, cardamom, and secrets whispered by centuries of farmers. Goa’s spice plantations aren’t just fields; they’re living museums of flavor.  

Why You’ll Love It

• Follow Your Nose: Wander through forests where vanilla vines hug trees like old friends and nutmeg pods split open like tiny treasure chests.  
• Taste the Source: That fiery kick in your Goan curry? You’ll meet the chili plants responsible.  

What Happens on a Tour?

Picture this: A guide cracks open a raw cocoa pod and lets you taste the slimy seeds (trust me, it’s better than it sounds). You’ll rub turmeric between your fingers until they turn sunshine-yellow, and learn why black pepper was once called “black gold.” Pro tip: Wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy—this isn’t a sidewalk stroll.  

The Best Part  

After tromping through the greenery, you’ll sit down to a feast. Think banana-leaf plates piled with fish curry made from spices you just touched, and sanna (steamed rice cakes) so fluffy they’ll ruin regular bread for you.  

A Lesson You Can Taste  

Here’s the thing: You’ll leave knowing that “nutmeg” isn’t just a word on a spice jar. It’s a scarlet-coated seed that looks like a brain, grows on a tree, and makes every dish better.  

My Awkward Moment 

Last time I went, I accidentally stepped on a cinnamon sapling. The guide laughed and said, “Don’t worry—it’ll grow back stronger.” Turns out, that’s how spices and memories work here.  

Ready to swap sunscreen for spice dust? Your kitchen will never look the same. 

Swim in the Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Carrying on with our list of things to do in Goa. Need a detox from concrete jungles? Let Dudhsagar Waterfalls—where nature cranks the volume to 11—rewire your senses. Tucked deep in Goa’s Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, this milky cascade (seriously, Dudhsagar means “sea of milk”) doesn’t just fall—it plunges 300 meters like the sky’s ripped open.

Your pick: Sweat it out on a trek through emerald trails where langurs heckle from treetops

Hold tight in a jeep safari, rattling over rust-red paths like a theme park ride without the safety harness

When you arrive? That first gasp as mist slaps your face. The roar that vibrates in your ribs. Go ahead—wade into the pool below. Let the water’s icy punch shock you alive while rainbows flicker in the spray like nature’s confetti.

But here’s the thing: Dudhsagar isn’t just a view. It’s that moment you catch yourself holding your breath, realizing the jungle’s rhythm—dripping leaves, distant bird squabbles, water carving stone—has syncopated with your heartbeat.

Pro tip: Linger past sunset. When the day-trippers vanish, the waterfall becomes a primal lullaby. Stars flicker on, the air smells like wet earth and possibility, and you? You’re just…smaller. In the best way.

Enjoy a Hindu Festival

Streets exploding with color so bright it hurts your eyes. Drums pounding so hard your heartbeat syncs with them. And sweets so sugary, they’ll make your teeth sing. The result? One of the best things to do in Goa for culture enjoyers. Welcome to Goa’s festivals—where tradition isn’t just observed, it’s lived.

Why Festivals Here Feel Different

1. Diwali isn’t just lamps—it’s entire villages lit up like constellations. Kids dare each other to leap over bonfires. Pro tip: Follow the smell of neureos (coconut-stuffed pastries) to find the best home kitchens.
2. Ganesh Chaturthi: Imagine elephant-headed gods riding flower thrones to the sea. The air smells of marigolds and fried modaks (sweet dumplings that’ll ruin regular desserts for you).
3. Shigmo: Goa’s answer to Holi, but with Konkani soul. Think folk dancers in tiger masks, and painted oxen parading like living art.

Festival Must-Dos

• Crash a family’s celebration. Seriously—Goans love sharing. I once got adopted by a grandma in Assagao who force-fed me five types of fudge.
• Dance in a procession. Even if you have two left feet. The drummers don’t care—they’ll make you feel like a Bollywood star.
• Eat the flowers. Literally. Festival sweets often use rose petals or edible gold.

A Lesson I Learned

At my first Shigmo, I tried to dodge the paint powder. Big mistake. A fisherman laughed, smeared crimson on my cheeks, and said, “Now you’re here.” Turns out, getting messy is how you belong.

Why It Matters

These aren’t “cultural experiences.” They’re moments where time stops. Where you’ll taste kokum curry from a stranger’s pot, or find yourself crying at a hymn you don’t understand. That’s Goa’s secret—its festivals aren’t watched, they’re felt.

Hope you’re convinced that this is one of the most fun things to see in Goa. So, check those dates. Pack clothes you don’t mind staining. And come hungry—for food, yes, but mostly for life. 

P.S. Tip: At Shigmo, wear white. Why? Let’s just say those gulal powder colors stain like crazy—but you’ll wear those pink armpits like a badge of honor.