What are the Best Local Markets in Goa?
The local market is one place where solo travellers gather in Goa. Shopping and bargaining are part and parcel of travelling. Having said that, Goa elevates this experience with its notorious local markets. The best local markets in Goa are Anjuna Flea Market, Mapusa Local Market, Ingo’s Saturday Night Market, Mackie’s Saturday Night Market, Vagator Market, Tibetan Market, Panjim Market, Le Souk, Jade Jagger Boutique, and Tuk Tuk Boutique Store. Not to underestimate, these markets have A to Z products—clothes, clocks, watches, spices, footwear, jewels, home decors, wooden handicrafts, and so on.
Read along to know the speciality of each market so that you are prepared to buy the best item in the best local markets of Goa!
1. Mapusa Local Market
The word Mapsua is the amalgamation of two Konkani (regional language) words, ‘map’ and ‘sa.’ ‘Map’ means to measure, and ‘sa’ means fill up. As the name implies, the buzzing market located in North Goa is filled with all kinds of items. Everything, from clothing, lamps, fabric, home decors, accessories, and kitchen utensils to food items, vegetables, fruits, and meat, is available here. Nevertheless, as a solo traveller visiting the local market in Goa, I focus on the typical Goan items. That said, on Fridays, the market glows even brighter and busier because local sellers from the neighbourhood come together and put stalls here.
What to buy: Spices, homemade pickles, Goan chorizo(Portuguese pork sausage), Kunbi sarees, handicrafts, Dodol (toffee and sugar palm dessert), bebinca (traditional cake), cashew nuts, and Goan masala.
Opens: 09:00 AM to 07:00 PM
2. Anjuna Flea Market
Anjuna Flea Market, located in Anjuna Beach, is one of the hippest places in Goa. The market started in the late 60s for trade exchange between hippies. Currently, the market opens on Wednesday only. Hence, it is called Wednesday Flea Market. That said, it closes in the evening. After which, the seashore becomes an arena for parties. I like shopping in this market. Who doesn’t? Shopping while caressed by the cool breeze and the sound of the waves is so dreamy!
What to buy/try: Bikinis, souvenirs, handicrafts, textiles, trinkets, tribal masks, hair colouring, and body piercing.
Opens: Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
3. Ingo’s Saturday Night Market
Arpora market or Ingo’s Saturday night market located in Arpora is on the list next. The market opens every Saturday and stays open till 3:00 AM. Shopping at night in the great company of the crowd is a unique experience Goa offers for its tourists. There will be parties and fire dances happening while you are shopping. Just the Goa vibe!
What to buy: Artefacts, arts, local spices, hats, handbags, apparel
Opens: Saturday from 06:00 PM to 03:00 AM
4. Mackie’s Saturday Night Market
Arpora is the oldest night market in Arpora, North Goa. But now, another Saturday night market has developed in Arpora on Baga road. It’s called Mackie’s Saturday Night Market. It is the carbon copy of Igon’s Saturday Night Market. More like the baby setup of Ingo’s market because there aren’t many shops yet.
What to buy: Artefacts, handbags, apparel
Opens: Saturday 06:00 PM to 01:00 AM
5. Tibetan Market
Next on your list is Tibetan Market. This market is run by the Tibetan refugees in Goa. You can find imported Tibetan items sold here. More notably, the Tibetan market is famous for leather items, silver jewellery, antique jewellery, handmade jewellery, and wooden handicrafts. I can certainly tell all my fellow solo female travellers that this place is the best to shop jewellery in Goa. Don’t buy from the first shop without taking a complete stroll around the market. That said, the price is a bit expensive. Keep it a rule of thumb to bargain! Items from Nepal and Ladakh are also sold here. It is also one of the best thrift shopping places in Goa.
What to buy: Silvery, antique, and handmade jewellery, thrift clothes
Opens: 09:30 AM to 08:00 PM
6. Panjim Market
Panjim Market, located in North Goa, houses the best traditional Goan food and meat items. You can blindly buy one of these at the best prices. The market also displays artworks of Mario Miranda. If you happen to be searching for his artwork and are an art enthusiast, Panjim Market is what you are looking for. You will love it!
What to buy: Cashew nuts, wine, spices, artwork by Mario Miranda cartoons, and handicrafts
Opens: 09:00 AM to 07:00 PM
7. Vagator Market
Vagator Market, also called The Goa Collective Bazaar, located at the Vagator HillTop, is one of the most picturesque places in Goa. The market is open on Fridays only. It is a fairly new market in the deal and lives up to its new spirit by hosting a unique ambience with surrealistic trees. What is even more special is the haircut under these trees with no expensive chairs or tools! You sit under the tree and get a nerdy haircut.
What to buy: The market’s best items include jewellery and accessories made of sea shells and natural skin care products as well. I don’t guarantee skin whitening and brightening. If you want to try something unique that also claims to be natural, buy them.
Opens: Friday from 06:00 PM to 11:00 PM
8. Le Souk
Le Souk, also called Beachside Designers Village, is a high-end local market located on Ashwem beach. You are at the right place if you spot a series of stalls in the white tent. They sell apparel curated by both local and international designers. In whichever case, the price is soaring! In my opinion, it is not a place to shop unless you are super rich. But definitely, an ideal place to browse in Goa. Another interesting aspect is that this market is open throughout the year.
What to buy: Designer apparel
Opens: 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM
9. Jade Jagger Boutique
Another market located in Ashwem Beach is Jade Jagger Boutique. Similar to Le Souk, this market also sells high-end apparel and clothing. It is managed by Jade Jagger, the daughter of Mick Jagger, a British rockstar.
What to buy: T-shirts are distinctive in this boutique.
Opens: From December to April
10. Tuk Tuk Store
The Tuk Tuk Store located in South Goa is well-known for selling unique gifts and souvenirs. The shop carries a large selection of gifts and home goods, including handcrafted baskets, fridge magnets, jewellery, purses, shirts, mugs, pouches, and key rings. The shop’s owner, Bharti Kumar, is passionate and lovely. She will assist you in selecting the ideal gifts and souvenirs based on your needs, and the prices are reasonable too.
What to buy: Keychains, magnets, mugs, pouches
Opens: 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Your best defence is bargaining!
To conclude, there are some common tourist scams in Goa, but the above-mentioned local markets are not scams. They are the best, most valuable, and rejuvenating places to shop in Goa. It is possible for tourists to pay a little more. A bargain is your best defence in such a case. So don’t give up till the end! That’s how you buy the best products at the best prices in the best markets of Goa.
Click here for more details on what to shop in Goa.
You can also look into my ultimate solo travel guide to Goa if it’s your first time in this tropical state.