Shopping in Goa

The Flea Markets

Once you’re done with the beaches and the to-die-for seafood, the next stop on your itinerary has to be a visit to Goa’s renowned flea markets.  There are two of them here – the larger, more flamboyant one at Anjuna Beach and the other at Arpora between Anjuna and Baga beaches. 

Every Wednesday afternoon, Anjuna beach morphs into a global bazaar with hundreds of stalls manned by Indians and foreigners, selling everything from clothes, jewelry, and sunglasses to hammocks and drums.  Prices at the Indian-owned stalls are likely to be hiked at least 3 times (bargain, bargain, bargain), while foreign-run stalls keep their prices reasonable and discourage haggling.  Loud trance music sets the scene, and the crowd includes a liberal smattering of holiday makers from all over the country in addition to medical tourism vacationers and run-of-the-mill tourists.  Chow at the vibrant markets is as varied as the choice of goodies on sale, ranging from cheese cakes and Continental fare to Indian snacks and juices.  At the Indigo Saturday Night Bazaar, most of the activity centers around drinking and binging, and the mood is festive rather than retail oriented.  

Local Treasures

Goa is known for its traditional carved wooden furniture, lacquer ware, and leather goods.  Vintage galleries stock superbly maintained colonial Portuguese furniture, while more contemporary ones display a selection of objets d’art  sourced from all over the country; azulejos or Portuguese style hand painted ceramic tiles, eco-friendly rattan furniture, linens, hand painted chests, and sculptures.  While Goa isn’t the best place to buy the country’s exquisite silks, trendy boutiques showcase affordable Indo-Western designer wear by local names in addition to comfortable casual clothing.  North Goa is where most of the shopping action is centered, while beautiful South Goa is where medical tourism shoppers should head for an undisturbed romantic rendezvous.  The capital of Panjim is the focus of most retail activity with all the best boutiques and galleries being located here.