A Goa local’s inside tips on where to stay, what to do and where to eat in Panjim
Can any Indian city be called charming? Can it spring up images of magnificent architecture along a 7-kilometre long promenade overlooking a glittering river? Can it stir up memories of a spectacular white church, a grand red and gold temple and ochre-coloured mansions crowned with terracotta tiles, all sharing a lush, terraced hillside? It can, if the city in question is Panjim.
The capital of Goa ever since the Portuguese took over from the Mughal rulers, Panjim is an ever-growing important social, political and cultural centre for the state. Comfortably absorbing the influx of ex-big-city-dwellers who choose to live and work here instead, it has managed to retain its colonial-era glory to this day and is easily one of the most beautiful cities in India.
WHAT’S THE PLAN
7 am • For early risers, a walk down the Mandovi river promenade is a delightful experience. See the city wake-up and shine in all its glory.
9 am • What’s better than to see and experience the cultural heritage, vibrant vibe and scenic highlights of the city on an electric bicycle? Book in advance with Goa Handpicked +91 98334 38313
12.30 pm • Rejuvenate at Tea Trunk with small bites and artisanal teas or pamper yourself with a massage at Snip Salon & Spa.
1.30 pm • Try a flavourful fish thali and Goan delicacies for lunch. Choose from our recommendations in our ‘What’s on the menu?’ section.
3 pm • Shopping in Panjim is a must. Check out our handpicked recommendations in the ‘Want to talk Shop?’ section and take your pick.
Or
3.30 pm • Delve into the lively hues of heritage, art & music at the Old Latin Quarters in Panjim with Fontainhas Heritage Walk. Book with Goa Handpicked (+91 98334 38313).
5 pm • Witness the spectacular Goan sunset, best viewed while sailing in the Arabian Sea. Book your sail with Goa Handpicked (+91 98334 38313)
7 pm • Refresh yourself with a quick drink and tapas at one of the rustic bars in the old quarters of Panjim (Miski, Antonio @31 or Joseph Bar)
8.30 pm • Indulge in fabulous global flavours recreated right here in Goa. Pick from our ‘What’s on the menu?’ section.
11 pm • Go bar-hopping in Panjim. See our recommendations in ‘Where’s the Party?’ section.
WHAT ELSE?
- Take a selfie with the iconic Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church.
- Browse through the latest exhibits and art at Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts.
- Drop into Gallery Gitanjali in Fontainhas to admire the latest art on display.
- Go for a Spice Plantation tour.
- Visit the Governor’s Bungalow to see the antiques inside and the vast waterfront outside.
- Adil Shah Palace was actually once home to the ruler of Bijapur and is worth checking out.
- Stop by at the Goa State Museum for a deep dive into the Goan history and culture.
- Take a stroll along the picturesque riverside promenade.
Konkan Explorers, a multi-awarded company, is official partner of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) to develop responsible nautical adventures.
The guided and customized programs include:
- The Yacht Cruise Program (90 mins) takes place in Panjim on the Mandovi River. Ideal for discovering these beautiful sites.
- The Kayaking Program (2 hrs) takes place on the Chapora River. Ideal for enjoying close proximity to nature.
- The Adventure Program (3 hrs) takes place on the Chapora River. Including a cruise and a kayaking excursion suited to explore the goan nautical environment.
Get in Touch: Panjim and Morjim | +91 96893 13506 | 9 am – 7 pm, on reservation only | www.konkanexplorers.com
WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
LEGENDARY LOCAL PLACES
- Try the fish thali and other local favourites at these places- Kokni Kanteen, Peep Kitchen, Ritz Classic or Bombil.
- The amazing food and rich ambience at Viva Panjim stays true to its Portuguese roots.
- At Mum’s Kitchen, the menu is literally a collection of recipes by Goan moms.
- For authentic North-Indian food, there’s no better place than Sher-e-punjab where the succulent Kebabs, Rabdi Gulab Jamun and Kulfi are all-time favourites.
SPECIALIZED WORLD CUISINES
- For scrumptious salads, pizzas, refreshing cocktails and the friendliest service, head to Terttulia Goa.
- At the famous Black Sheep Bistro, indulge in delectable global cuisines made with local, seasonal ingredients.
- Head to MO’s cafe for a hearty Goan & Japanese inspired menu.
- The Pan Asian restaurant – Tataki is a must-visit.
- Set in an art deco building, Miguel’s-Cocktails and Petiscos serves as a friendly watering hole.
- Perfect Cup is Panjim’s favorite cafe-bar with a well curated menu, superb coffee and delish cocktails.
- Makutsu is a superb Yakitori Bar & Japanese Street Food joint to check out.
- Padaria Prazeres is a European-style café serving bakes, sandwiches, and coffee. The pastéis de nata (Portuguese egg custard tarts) are a must-try.
WHERE’S THE PARTY?
- A throwback to erstwhile Panjim, Antonio@31 serves up delicious bites on community tablesto the beat of Latin music.
- Petisco has recently created quite a wave in Panjim with its unassuming vibe, tapas menu and live gigs.
- FTR (For the record) is a quaint bar with a huge collection of vinyls and fabulous cocktails to go with it.
- Miski is a cute little dive bar in Panjim that is worth a visit.
- One of Goa’s better kept secrets, Joseph Bar is tucked away in the Latin quarters.l Old-world charm meets pop art at Soho Goa – a party spot in the quaint Fontainhas area.
WE RECOMMEND
At Tea Trunk you can sip on gourmet teas paired with hearty snacks, sandwiches and tea infused desserts. Housed in a 100 year old Portuguese casinha, this quaint tea room is a marquee stop at the neighborhood heritage walk. Go here for unique whole leaf tea blends crafted by India’s first certified Tea Sommelier. A must-try is their high tea menu and vegan friendly options. Our top picks are the Chamomile cupcake, Matcha latte & Boba teas. You can also shop homegrown brands of Goa from their well curated gift store.
Get in Touch: House No.162, St. Sebastian Chapel Road, Fontainhas | +91 83810 23382. 10 am – 7 pm, Thursday to Tuesday | www.teatrunk.com
When in Goa, live it up at the Perfect Cup! Be it a quick drink to unwind after a long day or a big round of celebration with your loved ones, Perfect Cup’s cosy ambience and homely atmosphere will cheer you up instantly. The meals here are as hearty as their service. Take your pick from an extensive menu of large plates, sizzlers, burgers, beers on tap and heady cocktails followed by some toothsome desserts. If game-nights, karaoke and live music are your cup of tea, this place couldn’t be more perfect for you.
Get in Touch: Miramar Residency, Opp Miramar Beach, Miramar, Panjim +91 77220 57845 | 7 am – 11 pm
This bistro is a casual and friendly place that enjoys a legendary status today. Run by Sabreen and Prahlad Sukhtankar, the space is warm & unpretentious and serves up a range of eclectic dishes that focus on sustainably sourced local ingredients. Vegetarians hunger for the mushroom paté while non-vegetarians make a beeline for the seafood and everyone loves their infused gin and tonics. Enquire about their specially curated 8 course meal – ‘The Chef’s Table’ for one of the best dining experiences in Goa.
Get in Touch: Dr. Braganza Pereira Rd, Above Fab India, Campal, Panjim +91 83224 65901 | 12 noon to 12 midnight all day dining
Terttulia Goa is a restaurant, cafe and a bar, all combined into a lavish space that serves scrumptious food and refreshing cocktails all day long. The menu features the best of European and Asian cuisine and also includes plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Their small plates, salads, Karari Roti, Pizza Terttuli-aah, TT’s Half Pounder, Bouillabaisse ‘n Goan Poi and Tiramisu are crowd favourites along with their thoughtful and attentive service.
Get in Touch: Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, Opposite Times of India, Miramar, Panjim +91 89280 24518 | Mon-Fri 11 am – 1 am | Sat-Sun 9 am – 1 am
A quiet hideaway in the heart of Panjim’s Old Quarter, MO’s is an all-day café with a menu inspired by local produce and Japanese flavours. You can find great coffee, smoothies, salads, and an all-day breakfast menu, made with fresh and natural ingredients. And with gluten-free, plant-based and high- protein options, there’s something for everyone. Best of all, it carves out a space for you to unwind in the leisurely ambience of a tropical courtyard.
Get in Touch: H.No E-365 (inside OMO), Rua Miguel Vicent Abreu | +91 70668 61981 9 am – 9 pm, Wednesdays closed
WANT TO TALK SHOP?
- A must visit store in Panjim, O.M.O has an extensive range of cotton casuals andaccessories for men and women.
- Tarini is a label of handcrafted Indian textiles and ethnic yet contemporary prints.
- Find an immaculate curation of modern Indian fashion & lifestyle brands at the sprawling boutique store, The Good Life Goa.
- Goa Decor offers beautifully curated souvenirs and handcrafted products like traditional Goan windows, vintage kitchenware, paintings and more, all crafted by skilled local artisans.
- Shop for quirky souvenirs to take back from Goa at Mario Gallery, dedicated to the works of Goa’s celebrated artist, Late Mario de Miranda.
- You’ll find everything from eclectic clothes to leather puppets, paper birds and other delights at Sacha’s Shop.
- It doesn’t get more authentic than the azulejos (glazed tiles) at the Velha Goa Galleria.
- Admire, try on and buy the renowned fashion designer’s creations at the Wendell Rodricks Design Space.
- Take a walk down M.G. Road and the neighboring 18th June Road which is dotted by both international and local stores. Bombay Bazaar on 18th June Road can be your stop for all things essential.
- The handmade products at Khadi India come straight from the villages of India.
- Pick an instrument of your choice at Panjim’s oldest music shop – Pedro Fernandes or walk into Kadence store for a complete musical experience.
O.M.O is a special place that celebrates the joy of discovery. For over twenty years, the brand has been creating eclectic garments with natural Indian textiles. The store offers women’s apparel, accessories, menswear, kid’s clothing, home decor and gifts. Each piece here is designed to complement personal style without being a slave to popular trends.
Get in Touch: Behind Head Post Office, Panjim | +91 832 2230 352/353 | 10.30 am – 8 pm, Sundays Closed
The Good Life Goa is a modern Indian lifestyle store spread across 4000 sq ft, in the historical Fontainhas area. Set against the backdrop of a river, the sprawling space is home to an impeccable curation of modern Indian designer apparel, footwear, accessories, art, home decor, tableware and organic wellness products. We recommend you take the afternoon off to slow down and explore the store at leisure.
Get in Touch: 1st Floor Prema Building, Next to Mary Immaculate School, Fontainhas, Panjim | +91 98196 89397, 98909 52242 | 11 am – 8 pm, Open all days
Aptly inspired by Ma Tarini – the female embodiment of Shakti (power), Tarini is a chic label of design-oriented home linen. A signature brand for luxury living, their handcrafted textiles and ethnic prints rendered in contemporary style provide you with creative options for elegant homes and splendid living. Tarini has a considerably large and loyal clientele who share a mutual passion and spirit that celebrates ethnicity and modernity simultaneously.
Get in Touch: #153, Campal, Behind Directorate of Health Services | +91 83800 71053 | 10 am – 7 pm | www.tarinionline.com
A slice of Goa in a single store,Goa Decor is an artisanal boutique that serves as your gateway to the vibrant heritage and culture of Goa. Their carefully curated collection features artisanal products crafted by local artisans, drawing inspiration from the state’s rich history and architecture. From vintage kitchenware to traditional Goan windows, original hand-paintings, and contemporary lifestyle accessories, each item embodies Goan heritage. Goa Decor is the ideal store whether you seek to infuse your home with Goan heritage or collect souvenirs and gifts as cherished mementos.
Get in Touch: Supreme, Level 3, Above Apollo Pharmacy, Caranzalem | +91 70200 68459 | 10 am – 7pm, Sundays Closed
Pamper yourself at one of Goa’s first and most luxurious wellness spas – Snip. They are pioneers of providing international standards of hair, skin and body services under one stylish, modern and iconic roof. From flawless manicures and pedicures to premium facials, skincare, bridal makeup and massages, they do it all. Be sure to experience their speciality – impeccable hair care by a team of experts who will cut, colour and style to perfection.
Get in Touch:
Goa University Rd, Grand Hyatt, Bambolim | +91 93702 81418 | 10 am – 8 pm
Ground Floor, Padmavati Towers, 18th June Rd | +91 83224 20898 | 10 am – 9 pm | www.snip.co.in
