Started by an enterprising German called Ingo, the Saturday Night Market is held only during the season time in Arpora. Much more organized than the daytime Anjuna Flea Market, this one carries on until the early hours and does so without any untoward incidents. A number of foreigners set up food stalls selling food from their native countries like quiche, rosti, strudel, chicken stroganoff and other delicacies. The beer flows in plenty while local and foreign bands perform much to the delight of the revelers. There is no pressure to buy as most people come here for the sheer ambiance which is like no other.
18th June Road in Goa's capital city is one of the busiest streets that passes through the heart of Panjim. Synonymous with being a shoppers paradise, tourists and locals flock here for an authentic shopping experience that spans local Goan corner shops, as well as international brands like Bossini, Levi's and the housewives paradise: Bombay Bazaar. The Fidalgo Hotel located along this road is a landmark hotel in Goa. A must visit while in Panjim!
A pleasant drive along the scenic and winding Anjuna Beach Road welcomes you to an open space, which is the flea market ground. This sandy stretch along the beach attracts all kinds: the bohemian artist, the dreadlocked Israeli, retired British couples, tattooed and pierced modern day hippies, and (not forgetting) the yuppie Indian kids. During peak season, local vendors and those from as far as Kashmir and Tibet set up their stalls in an earnest attempt to capitalize on their seasonal business. This is definitely a one-of-a-kind shopping experience which simply beats the predictability of a mall culture. The grounds have ample parking space and are easily accessible by road.
Visitors to the Mapusa Market are welcomed by a huge gate which leads them down to winding lanes with lottery sellers and street vendors screaming themselves hoarse to beckon hungry shoppers. As you move along, you will find a variety of stores like bakeries, barber shops, garment sellers, liquor and dry fruit stalls. Located within the market is 'Spice Street' where you will come across a variety of spices, both local as well as exotic. Housed inside the main market building is the vegetable market and the meat market. A little ahead at the back end of the market is the Mapusa Fish Market. The place is charged with an electrical atmosphere on Fridays. Outside the market it is easy to find bars, cold drink stalls and small eateries serving steamy hot chicken pattices and savory Goan snacks. This market is generally frequented by people who live in the nearby areas of North Goa.
Finding it hard to get your hands on your favorite novel while in Goa. Chances are you might get lucky at the Literati Bookshop and Cafe. This elegant bookshop comprises a large collection of new as well as secondhand books to choose from. Literary works of renowned contemporary authors such as V. S. Naipaul, Henry Wilson, Jeffery Archer and Mike Brown are found at this bookshop which also doubles up as a cafe. For those who love the combination of good books and cup of coffee, are bound to fall in love with this shop. With a number of literary and cultural events taking place at the Literati Bookshop and Cafe, this is one place that shouldn't disappoint an ardent reader.
There are many Saturday Night Bazaars staged in North Goa. Mackie's is the one right next to the Baga River. Divided into informal sections, this bazaar is an excellent way to spend your weekend night. Enjoy the more obviously Indian stalls as soon as you enter, get an eye full of the goodies on sale which are all set to bargain their way into your closet! As you move ahead, a cleared out section boasts of the local musicians and bands belting out their original tunes. Move further away to access the Western stalls and chow down to assuage your appetite. All in all, Mackie's is a must visit to get a feel of local Goa and its oddities!
With a prime location along the touristy Sinquerim road, Kashmir House is a highly trusted emporium which deals in authentic and exotic Kashmiri handicrafts. With a huge chunk of its affluent clientele coming from the nearby Taj Holiday Village, it comes as no surprise that the prices are on the higher side. However do not let this deter you, the choice available in terms of colors, designs, shapes, and fabrics is almost limitless. Quality is always an unwritten assurance in a store of this magnitude and repute, so if you'd like to take home a piece of India and add it to your already existing collection, then Kashmir House is your next stop!
With a prime location along the Calangute-Candolim road, Mantra is an audio and video shop that caters to the needs of the local community as well as expats and long staying tourists. Mantra stocks an impressive range of film DVDs and audio CDs. Also available is a rare collection of vibrant Konkani folk music CDs which will give you an essence of the deep rooted Goan culture. The staff are quite friendly and knowledgeable and will assist you finding what you want.
Designer jewelery, stunning accessories and pieces that you cannot find anywhere else is what sets Bebel apart from other brands. The store has created quite a stir in the Goan market since its launch and you will find a lot of foreign tourists who find something to suit their tastes here. Their collection comprises of the best pieces in handbags, accessories like jewelery, shoes, belts, clutches and other accessories like scarves. They have also started a full-fledged clothing line for both men and women.
A collection that is hard to find anywhere else and unparalleled is at Antiques-N-Ethinix in Goa. The store has such great and sublime collection of objects on display that you cannot help but want to visit again and again just to look at it all. There are one of a kind items like lampshades, furniture, crockery, and other materials that have been collected over years extravagant finding. Even if you do not want to buy, do visit the store just for the experience.
Located inside the Old Goa Church Complex, the book stall is where one can breathe culture. You are assured to take some of the charm of this glorious place back with you. An extensive list of books pertaining to Old Goa, religion and the Church as well as souvenirs are available here. They also have rosaries, statuettes, spiritual discourses and crucifixes displayed for sale here and are genuinely exquisite must buys.
If you talk about jewelry, then Cheshire Cat Gallery in Goa is the place to be at. This zone is dedicated to creating one of the best and globally recognized brands of jewelry called Van Andel & Peace. The collection has some exquisite pieces which are handcrafted by the owners and their master artisans and craftsmen within the building itself. There are so many beautiful pieces of jewelry on display and you can even purchase something if you like.