Goa- The name alone conjures images of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant parties, and a rhythmic sway that permeates the air. A place where ancient Portuguese whispers mingle with the classic pulse of India and worries melt away with the setting sun. To enjoy this party capital, there’s only one rule: surrender to the sand, the Sun, and the sea, and live the susegad way!

Besides the tan and souvenirs, there’s so much to be done and seen in Goa. We covered many exclusive experiences in our previous blog on North Goa, and we’ll try to recommend some more of where to eat, shop, and party in Anjuna, Goa in this one. Read on.

Best Time to Visit Goa

Goa's pleasant weather offers travellers idyllic conditions for much of the year, but November to February is the perfect time to enjoy Goa. If you love the beaches during rainy spells, then monsoon isn’t a bad time either. While the months from March to May can get hot and humid, the sea breeze does provide you with comfort.

Things to do in Anjuna, Goa

Visit Ozran Beach: Separated into several parts by the huge rocks, this beach offers some of the best sunsets in Goa. The late-night parties here draw crowds from all over the city. It’s also renowned as one of the cleanest beaches in Goa.

Spend some time at Anjuna Beach: Stretching almost 2 km, Anjuna Beach is all about adrenaline, food and full moon parties. You can try out various water sports and grab your favourite food and drinks from the beach shacks here. The beach is a favourite among both frequent and first-time visitors.

Visit Vagator: Located just 2.5 km from Zostel Goa (Anjuna) and known for its red cliffs, Vagator is one of the most sought-after places of interest in North Goa.. You can spend your time picking colourful shells from the Vagator beach shores or spend your day taking a city tour.

Early morning scenes from a quiet beachside shack in Vagator.

Try the Cookout Experience: Cook up some tasty Goan meals outside of the traditional kitchen with a group of fellow travellers. Enjoy your meals with a view and make some new friends as you indulge in this new experience. Search for cookout organisers and find the one that suits you and your budget the best.

Take in the views at Chapora Fort: Remember the iconic Dil Chahta Hai fort scene that got you all planning a trip with your friends to Goa? This is that iconic spot. Catch amazing views of Chapora river, Morjim and Ozran beaches from here.

Chapora Fort Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Chapora Fort, a sanctuary above the bustling shore.

Visit the St. Michael Church: Marvel at the Portuguese style of engineering in this Roman Catholic Church. It remains one of the finest establishments of worship in Goa.

Spend a Day in Assagao: A quiet inland village famous for its colonial architecture, the place is full of beautiful restaurants and shops. Located just 5.4 km from Anjuna, you can spend a day strolling and trying out the different eateries around the area.

Bucket list of adventures

There’s more to Goa than just seashores and beaches. Try out these adventure activities to keep that adrenaline pumping.

Paragliding: You’ll always spot a bunch of people enjoying this adventure sport on the beaches of Anjuna. The fun of gliding in the air with nothing but scenic beauty around you is definitely an experience worth having. Be sure to double-check those harnesses before you get ready to take off.

Dancing with the wind and gliding across the sky.

Water Sports: With one of the best water sports experiences in the country, you can easily enjoy kayaking, jet skiing, snorkelling & scuba diving in Goa. Just choose your favourite spot, take the required training and be sure to stay well within the safety reach.

Beach Bites & Beyond

It’s not just the beaches that have people coming back to this state. The food here leaves a lasting impression too. Do try these restaurants in Anjuna

Baba au Rhum: Named after a special dessert concoction, this pretty little space serves everything in smaller to extra-large portions. Their English breakfast and Oh My Goat burger are a must try.

Price for 2: INR 1200

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM & 6 to 11:30 PM

Purple Martini: Located atop a cliff overlooking the beach, this bar provides food & drinks with an amazing sunset view. Do try their wine and beer-based cocktails, along with the ‘purple martini’ and some delicious North Indian snacks.

Price for 2: INR 2500

Timings: 11 AM to 1:30 AM

Cream Choc: Your one stop shop for everything gelato. You’ll find the freshest flavours of gelatos and sorbets in Goa at this place. Madagascar vanilla and panacotta strawberry are an all time favourite.

Price for 2: INR 450

Timings: 9 AM to 12:30 AM

Burger Factory: If you’re looking for a place that serves the best burgers in Goa then look no further. Their beef burgers will have you coming back for more. Located at just a distance of 500 m from Zostel Goa (Anjuna), this place serves burgers with gigantic fries.

Price for 2: INR 1000

Timings: 12:30 to 10:30 PM (Wednesday Closed)

Artjuna Cafe: An open air cafe with a cosy ambience, an artsy boutique and an open library, what more do you need? Perfect for a brunch, the fresh juices and breads served in this cafe in Anjuna are delicious.

Price for 2: INR 950

Timings: 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM

Bread and Shakshuka for breakfast at Artjuna Cafe.|Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Pisco by the Beach: Hear the waves crash as you enjoy your food and drinks in this insta-worthy restaurant with a hammock! Prawns and some creative cocktails here will make your day.

Price for 2: INR 2000

Timings: 12:30 PM to 12 AM

Shopping Spree

Being infected with the Bohemian spirit in Goa, we are all tempted to get our bags full of all things Goan. Read on to know where to get them.

Anjuna Flea Market: Open only on Wednesdays from November to April, there is nothing that you will not find in this market. Handicrafts, decor, jewellery, textiles and much more can be bought here.

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM.

Anjuna Flea Market is a treasure hunt under the palms. | Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Mackie’s Night Bazaar: One of the most visited flea markets, it’s held between November and April at Baga Beach. Apart from selling handicrafts and eco-friendly products, the market hosts live music performances as well.

Timings: 6 PM to 1 AM

Mapusa Market: Get your hands on Goan pottery, textiles, vegetables and jewellery & interact with the locals in this bustling market. Fridays tend to be the busiest day of the week in this market, located just 1 km from the Mapusa Bus Stand.

Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM.

Cocoroots: Septum rings, statement necklaces and other types of quirky jewellery can be found in this designer store. The pieces can range anywhere from INR 250 to 5000.

Timings: 11 AM to 7 PM

Ingo’s Night Bazaar: This one is one of the oldest flea markets in Goa. Ranging from clothes and jewelleries to beer and hammocks, it’s a shopper’s paradise. Located in Arpora, just 4 km from Zostel Goa (Anjuna), do try the local Goan delicacies from the food stalls here.

Timings: Saturdays- 4 PM to 11 PM

Dance Your Night Away

The state is the ultimate destination of parties in India. You can be in any part of the state and there will be a happening party somewhere across the beach.

Curlies: Your party scene is incomplete without visiting Curlies Anjuna Goa. Lose yourself in the techno & psychedelic music trance and dance your heart out & its located just a kilometre away from Zostel Goa (Anjuna).

Price for 2: INR 1500

Timings: 8:30 AM to 3:30 AM

Thalassa: With electronic music and stunning Greek decor. This place has to be on your Goa party list. You can book your private tables and cabanas here.

Price for 2: INR 2000

Timings: 9 AM to 1 AM

Shiva Valley: This beach shack holds the famous psytrance party every Tuesday and you’ll find people from across the globe partying here.

Price for 2: Entry fee of INR 1000 for couples & 500 for single men. Entry for women is free.

Timings: 9:30 AM to 11:30 PM & 9:30 AM to 4:30 AM on Tuesdays and 3 PM to 3 AM on Sundays.

Vagator Hill Top Cafe: Located on Vagator Beach, the parties at this place are like no other. Open only on Friday and Sunday, the place hosts an annual Hill Top festival in February.

Price for 2: INR 800-2000

Timings: 4 PM to 3 AM on Friday & Sunday.

Vagator Hill Top Cafe throbs with the pulse of Goa's legendary party scenes. | Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Cafe Lilliput: Located on Anjuna Beach, the place hosts techno evenings on Wednesdays and beach parties on Saturdays.

Price for 2: INR 900

Timings: 8 AM to 6 AM

About Zostel Goa (Anjuna)

Your perfect hostel in Anjuna Goa is here. Zostel Goa (Anjuna) is Zostel’s second property in Goa and is located just a kilometre away from the city centre. With its electric Goan vibe and palm tree surroundings, your stay in Goa is sorted. Apart from private rooms and mixed dormitories, Zostel Goa (Anjuna) also offers a private dorm room perfect to accommodate your whole gang. With a vibrant common room, a swimming pool, and a rooftop restaurant with a bar, our property is the yin to your travel yang.

Facade, common room, and pool area at Zostel Goa (Anjuna). Photos by @ankitguptaphotography

Rooftop bar, private room, and the private dorm at Zostel Goa (Anjuna). Photos by @ankitguptaphotography.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway, to party the nights away or immerse yourself in culture and heritage – Goa has it all.