Shopping in Goa

Best places in Goa for shopping. Street markets. What to buy in Goa.

by Niladri Bose

Table of contents

Biggest Shopping Malls In Goa

Street Markets And Flea Markets In Goa

Tips for Shopping in Goa

Goa is best known for its beaches, food, and nightlife. But this small state in India will also delight shoppers. From the north to the south, you will find many places for shopping in Goa – there are small street side stalls, large shopping malls, and department stores. But the best places for shopping are often at the flea markets. You will find many good buys here at cheap prices. Handicrafts, clothing, shoes, souvenirs, jewelry, home décor items, cashews, hats, spices… there is everything.

Most holiday villas in Goa come with a well-equipped kitchen. So, you might want to do your own cooking as well. This is a great idea, especially if you are traveling with seniors and kids. You will find many grocery shops throughout Goa. There are also many markets where you can buy fresh meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and spices.

You cannot bring back the boho culture and carefree vibe of Goa. But you will certainly want to carry back a souvenir of your trip. It could be a bottle of feni, spices, cashews, beachwear, or some port wine. You will also find many tattoo shops in the markets. Perhaps you can get a tattoo of the swaying palm trees or Goa’s famous kingfish on your arms.

Fabric & Dresses

The quality Indian fabrics of silk, cotton and linen is highly rated and famous around the world. Indian-made clothing is from 100% natural material, lightweight and comfortable, so you will do well to leave Goa with at least one shirt, T-shirt, dress or skirt. In the shops and markets of Goa, you will find clothing both in traditional and contemporary fashion. Many people buy lots of clothes for children, it’s cheap and practical. There is a great demand for local saris. They come in fantastic colors and patterns and are very hard to resist. You can also place a customized order with a local tailor, many of whom are famous for their skills. The prices are reasonable.

You can also consider buying traditional cashmere and pashmina products. Choose from lightweight carpets, decorative pillows and blankets, and shawls. The oriental rugs and shawls made of cashmere and silk are famous. They are pleasant to the touch and highly rated throughout the world for their lightness. They are anti-allergen too.

Then there are a range of leather goods to choose from like shoes, handbags, travel bags, suitcases, gloves, jackets, and purses. You will find them in many models, quality and prices.

Handicrafts

Indian handicrafts are famous around the world. Goa’s handicrafts are particularly rich because it has been influenced by many cultures – the Marathas, the Mughals, British, Konkani, Kannada, modern Marathi culture, and the colonial Portuguese.

Most of the artisans work in their villages making bamboo crafts, wood work, brass metal ware, terracotta pottery, braid made of coconut, crochets products, papier-mâché, and more.

Seashell crafts – The locals will use seashells from the Arabian Sea to make mirrors, lampshades, coasters, and ornaments, such as bracelets, rings, and necklaces.

Pottery – Potters use Goa’s red soil to make terracotta pottery items. You can buy vases, pen holders, ashtrays, figures of Gods and saints. Bicholim and Borde are famous for its pottery.

Wood craft – You will notice both western and eastern influences in Goa’s woodcarving. Choose from photo frames, decorative boxes, book shelves. Artisans from Bardez, Cuncolim, and Verem are very talented in woodcarving.

Brass Craft – You will find them in many shapes and designs. The skills have been passed from one generation to the next. You will find candle stands, oil lamps, statues, church bells, and more.

Crochet embroidery – This craft came with the Portuguese. It has improved with time and now you will find many ladies and children’s garments, tablecloths, hankies, bed spreads, and cushion covers with beautiful embroidery work.

Bamboo, cane – Goa’s bamboo craft has its own unique style. This used to be the traditional craft of the Mahars community. You will find many baskets and mats.

Hand painted tiles – Azulejos or the hand painted tiles also came from Portugal. The favorite color combination was blue and yellow. They are available in many more beautiful colors now in the religious and floral designs. Decorate your home with these unique tiles.

Furniture

You will find finely designed and crafted furniture in Goa. Indian furniture has high utility, looks beautiful, and comes with extraordinary coloring. The price is cheaper than the western world. Look for rose and sandal wood products, which are sold in the souvenir shops and markets. These items of furniture will not only to decorate the house, but also aromatize it.

Gifts

Terracotta, which comes from the East Indian state of West Bengal, is unique in design and flavor. Craftsmen produce dishes, tiles, sculptures, horses, and toys of colored clay, which can be an impressive gift for your home.

Connoisseur of antiques and art often buy rare books and items that can be found in the market, as well as the famous traditional Portuguese ornamented tiles — azulejo. But remember, the laws of India prohibit export, especially valuable items and antiques that are more than 100 years old.

Jewelry

They are worth a special mention. Jewelry usually takes the first places in the list of “what to bring from Goa”. It is said that Indian gems are the brightest and some of the best in the world. The price of jewelry, gold and silver, can be very high, but it is still lower than Russia and Europe. Then there is antique jewelry too, which is traditional, and looks very beautiful. Goa offers a really huge selection of jewelry to everyone’s taste.

Biggest Shopping Malls In Goa

There are three types of stores in Goa. The local shops, street-side vendors, and stores inside the shopping malls! Goa has some big malls, such as –

Big G Mall

Big G Mall Location: Isidorio Baptista Rd, Monte Hill, Margao, Goa 403601, India

This is a huge shopping mall spread over eight levels in South Goa’s Margao. Open between 10:30 AM and 10 PM in the night, you will find virtually everything here – sunglasses, watches, bags, jewelry, perfumes, cosmetics, formal and casual wear, kids wear, party wear, lingerie, carpets, cutlery, shoes, gift items, home décor, toys, and more. You will find both branded and unbranded items. Many top brands have their stores here. There are eateries too selling different cuisines.

Level 1 is exclusively for women
Level 2 is for men
Level 3 is for ethnic goods – traditional clothing and more
Level 4 is for kids – toys, games, clothing
Level 5 for home décor, crockery, carpets, gift items, shoes
Level 6 has a family supermarket
Level 7 has the food court
The ground level has jewelry, sunglasses, watches, bags, and more

Julia Roberts shopped at the Big G Mall when she visited Goa. She picked up local curios and other novelty items for friends and family.

Mall De Goa

Mall De Goa @ Alto Porvorim

Mall De Goa Location: NH 17, Alto Porvorim, Penha de França, Goa 403521, India

Spread over 360,000 square feet and three floors, Mall De Goa is the largest shopping mall in Goa. It is located at Porvorim in North Goa. Opened in 2016, the mall contains 82 stores, including some of the biggest Indian and international brands, such as McDonald's, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Wrangler, Lee, Levis, Puma, Shoppers Stop, Marks & Spencer, United Colors of Benetton, Ray-Ban, Fabindia, Park Avenue, and more.

There is a food court, restaurants, and a 4-screen multiplex apart from the stores. There is a gaming center for the kids as well. The food court has capacity for 400 seats. The two-level parking area has capacity for 300 cars and 350 two-wheelers. The commercial spaces are all climate controlled.

Street Markets And Flea Markets In Goa

Anjuna Flea Market	The Anjuna flea market was started by the hippies. Even now, you will find many bands playing jazz and rock music. There are many food stalls too. Many stalls sell handicrafts, footwear, hammocks, clothing, wood crafts, jewelry, and more. The market is open on Wednesdays. It is the most famous flea market in Goa.
Mapusa Fish Market	You will find fresh and dried fish here, spices, fruits, vegetables, homemade pickles, the famous ‘chouricos’ sausages, coir mats, and even handicrafts and jewelry. The market is at Mapusa in North Goa. Traditionally, the Mapusa market used to be open only on Fridays. Now, you will find open stalls on other days as well. But Fridays are still the busiest.
Mackie’s Night Bazaar	Visit this market for handicrafts, antiques, junk jewelry, clothing, and beachwear on Saturdays. Tibetan, Goa, Chinese, and Indian food is available. There is live music too. Located at the Arpora-Baga Road in North Goa!
Arpora Night Market	Open on Saturdays, the Arpora Night Market is spread over three levels on the side of a hill. Winding pathways pass through the stalls, many of which are run by Europeans. The ambience is international. It has a party feel because of the food kiosks, pubs, and cocktail bars. Foods include Indian, Konkani, and continental – Salads, roast chicken, Italian, Russian, Greek cuisine, and a variety of seafood. You can buy clothes, bags, spices, funky jewelry, handicrafts, leather accessories, shoes, exotic lamps, and more. It is located at Arpora in North Goa.
Baga, Calangute, Candolim, Tito’s Lane	Walk the stretch from Candolim to Baga and you will find plenty of shops on both sides of the road and even in the many lanes. There are shops of all sizes, department stores, and even large malls. Many vendors too sell their products on the road. You will find everything here, except wet markets for fish and meat. Between these shops, there are many restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightclubs. You can get a massage or a tattoo done here. In Baga, you can go to the Tibetan market where you will find many handicrafts and souvenirs.

Top sellers

Based on the tourists responses it can be added to the list of proposals “what to bring back from Goa” the following ideas:

Cosmetics — Products made of medical and natural oils, creams, ayurvedic products, soaps, toothpaste, and coconut oil. Most frequently mentioned brands are Himalaya Herbals and Biotique. The consensus is that in general Indian cosmetics are of very good quality. They are completely made of natural ingredients.
Hand-made cigarettes.
The local rum “Old Monk”, fenny, brandy “Honey Bee”.
Spices, tea, cashew, exotic fruits. Remember, export of live plants is prohibited.
Simple small souvenirs which are sold all over the world, but in the local spirit: magnets, key chains, handicrafts made of shells, fine pottery, jewelry.

At least get a sculpture of the elephant if you are not sure of the gift or souvenir you want to take back, or don’t have the time for shopping. Many believe that a figure of the elephant in the house will bring good luck and happiness. You will find elephant sculptures of different sizes and made of different materials everywhere. Just go to the nearest market or look at a roadside shop.