Destination Guide
Goa
A blend of Portuguese tradition and Indian heritage makes Goa one of a kind.
Destination Guide Goa
How I See Goa
Silver sands, sparkling blue waters, the sea mirroring the sky below, white churches resting against green paddy fields and coconut trees lining the coastal streets. Goa - a place you can fall in love with at first glance. There's much more to Goa than sun, sand and sea. As dusk grabs the smallest state of the country in its claws, the glitz Goa nightlife crawls out with a striking charm. Delectable food, jazzy neon lights, and intoxicating music perfectly define the truly addictive nightlife of this place. The party capital of India is packed with a plethora of amazing nightlife options, such as swanky nightclubs, snug pubs, colourful beach shacks, iconic bars, and boisterous night markets.
When in Goa, You Must
EAT
Vinayak
House No 278, Socol Vaddo, Assagao, Goa 403507, India
DRINK
Cazulo Coconut Feni
9W82+952, Unnamed Road, Cuelim, Goa 403722, India
SEE
Basilica Of Bom Jesus
Old Goa Road, Bainguinim, Goa 403402, India
DO
Darlings Bar
JP3R+FJJ, Chapora Main St, Dabhol Wada, Vagator, Goa 403509, India
Know Before You Go
Customers should review government guidance to confirm eligibility to travel & stay at hotel. Connect with your W Insider to get to know What's New/ What's Next.
Talk Like a Local
Learn the slang from the streets.
Kite munta Patrao
expression
What's up man?
Goa
Neighborhoods to explore in Goa.
1. Assagao
Assagao is known as ‘Fullyanchem Gaon‘ or the flower village. Villagers here used to grow Marigold flower to sell in the famous Mapusa market.
2. Anjuna
Anjuna is a village located on the coast of North Goa. A Census Town, one of the twelve Brahmin Comunidades of Bardez. The village's name is derived from the Arabic word 'Hanjuman' meaning Merchant Guild. Some also say it comes from an Arabic word for "change" - as people used to arrive at Anjuna from the sea looking to change money.
3. Hilltop
The story began here 30 years ago at the time of the hippie heydays in Goa. Today, with its neon palm grove of glow-in-dark coconut trees, psychedelic art and its vast open playground for Goa's Spanerse party goers, Hill Top is arguably Goa's most revered fixture of its still prevalent trance scene.
4. Panjim
Panaji remains the most famous tourist destination in Goa, in terms of churches, carnivals and natural beauty. Being the capital city, it is the focal point of tourism in Goa. The town has some beautiful red-blue-green-yellow roofed buildings made in Portuguese Baroque style.
Ultimate Access to Goa
Pisco By The Beach
St Michael Vaddo, Flea Market, Anjuna, Goa 403509
Bright and airy, the restaurant is designed like a resort villa with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Food at Pisco is much more than a meal- it's a treasure trove of memories, a journey for your taste buds, and a European experience.
The first of its kind, the menu transforms from day to night with the same core ingredients, but presented, flavored and served differently from noon to moon.
Farhad Mehta / Insider
You must try the Sambal Olek Stuffed and Baked Mud Crabs, Bbq Moroccan Beef Koftas and Citrus Feta Salad.
Maai
H.No 491, Bouta Waddo, Assagao, Goa 403507
Maai in Assagao blends traditional Portuguese design sensibilities with art, inspired by the rich spice history of Goa. The food menu is a delicious mix of small plates and curries, each of which celebrate the delicate flavors of Goa. Every dish is well thought-out and curated, keeping the heritage in mind, and thereby forming a masterpiece on your plate.
You have the best of everything here- the Signature Raw Banana Cutlets, Chorizo Hummus, Pepper Spiced Mutton, and Braised Piri Piri Clams. With awe-inspiring interiors, to breathtaking views of the sea, Maai is the ideal place to be while in Goa.
Farhad Mehta / Insider
Don't skip out on trying the Raw Banana Cutlets and Chorizo Hummus.
Antonio
Rua 31 de Janeiro. Altinho Panaji, Goa 403001
After a memorable stint at the award-winning A Reverie, chef Pablo Miranda returns to his ancestral roots with António@31, in Fontainhas' Sao Tome neighbourhood. With reverberating Latin music and crowded community tables, the taverna is a throwback to what old Panjim used to be.
Farhad Mehta / Insider
You won't regret trying out their Southside Salmon and Creme Cheese Bagels!
Saz on the Beach
182/1, Gawdewada Rd, Morjim, Goa 403512
This one is for the Gucci Gang who love slick Ibiza-style sofas and order fancy cocktails with avo toasts and burrata ravioli.
Saz On The Beach is the perfect place to relax, order some Champagne and take some amazing Blue Marlin-esque photos for the gram.
Farhad Mehta / Insider
Connect with our Insider and get their recommendations. Trust us, you really
don't want to miss this place.
Either/Or
DETOX
Babka
House no. 1282 Gauwadi, Anjuna, Goa 403509
Talk of the most picturesque cafes in Goa and Babka will spring to your mind in a jiffy. This place is quite chic and elegantly designed, offering a host of French offerings. Just when you enter this cafe, you will be blown away by its classy decor featuring sophisticated furniture, plain white walls that are adorned with cutesy plants and lights, and beautiful flowers at all corners. We love how subtly this cafe plays with colours and simplicity rolled into one, making it an ideal choice to grab a soothing cup of coffee to detox after an intoxicating night.
Goa Essentials
Everything you need to make your trip to Goa a blast.
1. Sunglasses
Don’t forget to keep your eyes covered.
2. Shorts
Things heat up in Goa, so dress light.
3. T-Shirts
The heat and humidity in Goa is no joke. Be sure to always wear loose clothing.
4. Flip Flops
Make a statement but keep it casual with your sandals.
W Goa
Lounge in vivaciously designed private seaside accommodations at W Goa.
Spotted in Goa
Joan Smalls Explores Goa in Style
Model Joan Smalls gives us an insider tour of Goa's ultimate style spots.
W Goa’s Design Brings Culture, Colors and Coastal Vibes
Go inside the vibrant interior design elements that bring this Indian coastal oasis to life.
Soro - The Village Pub
Badem junction, Siolim Rd
Come here for an array of fun events through the week: Wednesday’s jazz night, Saturday’s BBQ & Rock night, and a special Salsa Social on Sunday!
Artjuna
940, Market Rd
Inside a Portuguese style house, this Mediterranean gem is perfect for a relaxed meal in the garden.
Watsons
Rua Cunha Riveria, Church Square
A restaurant & pub, this spot is a great place to lean back and watch the city nightlife unfold around you as you sit surrounded by gorgeous Portuguese architecture.
Martins Corner
Binwaddo, Betalbatim, Salcette
Entertainment at its purest, this restaurant features a one-man-band daily and an exciting bar scene complete with an outdoor area.