Shopping in Goa: 4 Must Visit Colourful, Hippie, Flea Markets in Goa
Goa has so much more to offer than just lazing on the tropical beaches and enjoying the legendary nightlife. Any visit to Goa wouldn’t be complete without shopping at one of the amazing, unique, quirky flea markets in Goa for a fun way to spend the day (or night)
Like Goa’s beaches, which all have a different vibe, so do the markets so it’s worth trying to make time to visit them all and they are all different. There are several flea markets in Goa as well as local markets in Goa and I know that some people can get confused so this post will explain what the vibe is like at the 4 best markets in Goa.
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Don’t miss the famous flea markets in Goa!
No mention of markets in Goa would be complete without mentioning the oldest and most famous – Anjuna flea market which was started by the Hippies in the 60’s and 70’s. You’ll have to haggle hard to get a bargain there these days though.
There’s local markets where you can join the locals and shop for cheap spices, colourful sarees and all other daily essential items and then there’s the big Saturday night markets in Goa which are not just about the shopping. There’s also bars, food stalls and live music making the Saturday night markets more like a party or a night out.
There’s also a hippie market on Arambol beach near the drum circle at sunset in season time where you can buy handmade items from the hippies there. This is one of my favourite markets in Goa because each day there are different and unique sellers.
Most of these markets, apart from the local market at Mapusa, are only open in season time (Nov – April)
Here are 4 of the Best Markets in Goa
Arpora Saturday Night Market
There are now 3 Saturday Night Markets in Goa but the original and best night market is at Arpora (between Baga and Anjuna) also known as Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazaar near the Gokart track and the Hilton Hotel. The market is huge and while some of the stalls offer the same baggy pants, sarongs and spices as the flea market on Anjuna beach there are many more individual, boutiquey, hippie stalls run by foreigners selling hand made and original crafts, clothing and jewelry.
Without the heat of the day the market is much more enjoyable and in my opinion this is the best market in Goa. Arpora Saturday Night Market buzzes on till the early hours of Sunday market with live music, bars and food stalls and is the place many people go to get the party started.
Anjuna Flea Market
Anjuna is famous for it’s Wednesday flea market which sprawls from the South end of Anjuna beach towards the village. What started as a way for the hippies in the 60’s to sell some of their things to make a cash to continue their travels has now turned into a huge market – the most famous market in Goa.
You’ll still see remnants of the hippie scene but today Anjuna Flea Market is pretty touristy and mainstream attracting everyone from package tourists from all over Goa to backpackers and, if your lucky, one or two old hippies. Stalls after stalls of hippie clothing, baggy pants, blankets with Hindu gods, flip flops, sunglasses, anklets, drums, beach wear, sarongs and spices create a sea of colour.
The Anjuna Flea Market is a great place to get some souvenirs but if you want to get a bargain you need to haggle hard. These sellers are masters at overcharging tourists and often a reasonable price is more like a third or even 25% of the price they are originally asking for. There are also restaurants on the beach to rest if it all gets too much. Cafe Loodas is the best and has live music and refreshing sea breezes.
Anjuna Flea Market is an essential North Goan experience but the heat, the hassle and the haggling can be really tiring.
For more check out Rachel from Hippie in Heels pick of the best stalls at Anjuna Flea Market
Arambol Beach Hippie Sunset Market
In season time at sunset Arambol Beach turns into a colourful buzz of activity as hippies make an informal market along the beach and display affordable, unique, handcrafted jewellery, trinkets and other items. I like this market because there are different seller and so different things to look at every time.
The beach is busy with people enjoying a sunset stroll, swimming, practicing acro yoga, jamming and catching up with friends. As well as the interesting and colourful stalls and sellers there are also carts selling coconuts, chai, corn and watermelon. Just after sunset a drum circle often starts up nearby where you can let loose and dance to the rhythm of the drums.
Mapusa Local Market
Kashmiri Chillies at Mapusa Market
For a more local feel and to get some bargains head into the non touristy, slightly shabby, small town of Mapusa. The Mapusa market is held next to the bus station every day, apart from Sunday, but Friday sees the largest market and also now attracts some of the more intrepid tourists away from the beaches looking for more practical items and better bargains than the touristy markets and also getting a taste of authentic Goan life in the meantime.
Try street food, fresh coconuts and sugar cane juice from only 10 rupees, see bags loaded with spices, carts loaded with fruit and vegetables and Indian ladies shopping for flowers, saris, kurtas and bangles.
Don’t buy your spices at the expensive touristy flea markets – go to Mapusa market and shop with the locals for the best deals.
Shopping in the markets is just one thing to tear you away from Goa’s beaches but there is much more to explore from Portuguese churches, to forts, colourful villages, spice plantations and waterfalls. See 16 Things to do in Goa – Off The Beach for more inspiration.
Read More:
The Perfect 1 Week Itinerary for a Holiday in Goa
Flocking to Goa’s flea markets – CN Traveller
4 comments
I’ll be visiting Goa in early September, will all these markets be running?
It’s still monsoon / off season so the Saturday night market won’t be running. The local Mapusa market is always on and the Anjuna flea market starts earlier but unlikely to be in full swimg. Best to come from Dec – March.
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