What Are the 5 Main Flea Markets in Goa?
For most travelers, Goa means swaying coconut palms, pearly white sandy beaches, and pleasantly warm waters. It is probably the biggest pull of this magical Indian state – also regarded as the party destination of the nation. However, besides this Goa is also a popular destination for shopping and weekly flea markets.
The connection between Goa and flea markets is inevitable and began in the 60s era when the hippies came together to exchange goods. However, now it is more of a commercial affair, with people buying and selling traditional items from all over the country.
You can find everything from exotic Tibetan wooden statues or special rungs from Karnataka, Indian boutiques selling designer items and several other small trinkets to take back home. Although the prices of the good might be a little steep, with the right haggling skills you can always land the right deal.
For your convenience, here is a list of flea markets in Goa where you can do some window shopping before making the purchase. Let’s check them out.
1. Anjuna Flea Market
Named after the ever-popular Anjuna Beach, the flea market was the brainchild of the Hippies who came to Goa during the Flower Era. They gathered once a week to sell or exchange items, and it was a part of social interaction. Over time, Anjuna became a popular hangout of the tourists encouraging shopkeepers to set up their stores. Currently, Anjuna flea market is a popular place for shopping authentic and exotic Goan specialties.
Apart from shops, you can find bands giving live performances that play a variety of songs in different genres – rock, jazz, Bollywood, and trans-music.
Address: St. Michael’s Vaddo South, Anjuna Beach, Goa
Opening time: Wednesday (6:00 am to 7:00 pm)
Things to get from the market: Ethnic jewelry, bedspreads, crystals, and other trinkets
Time required for shopping: Two hours
Things to look out for: At Anjuna Beach, you will find several hairstylists, professionals experienced in body and nose piercing, tattoo artists. Get a tattoo or piercing, if you are interested. Also, remember to bargain to get a good deal.
2. Arpora Saturday Night Market
Another of the popular flea markets in Goa is Arapora’s Saturday Night Market also known as the Ingo's Nite Bazaar to the old-timers. A kaleidoscope of cultural experiences, here you will find foreigners selling items and talking in broken Hindi – both are quite interesting. The retro-styled market sells both hi-end fashion as well as street style good – attracting buyers from all over the country. For the sake of convenience, the market is categorized into three parts – the upper and lower parts of the market sell fashion and other goods, the central part is dedicated to entertainment.
You might find several busy shoppers stopping at the central portion of the market after a hectic shopping spree to relax and enjoy the ambiance.
Address: Xim Waddo, Arpora, Goa 403518
Opening time: Saturday (4:00 pm to 3:00 am)
Things to get from the market: Street fashion as well as apparels from the Indian designers
Time required for shopping: Two hours
Things to look out for: After shopping, you can always relax the central area listening to music and eating fresh seafood platter.
3. Beachside Designers Village
An exclusive open-air bazaar, the Beachside Designers Village is India’s first luxury street market where several Indians, as well as international brands, sell their ware inside immaculate white tents. These stores stay open throughout the year and display pristine designer stuff – which might be a bit tempting for shoppers.
The things are priced on the higher end of the spectrum, but these are worth it.
Address: Behind La Plage, Ashwem Beach, Goa 403512
Opening time: 4:00 pm to 3:00 am
Things to get from the market: Hi-fashion items presented by numerous Indian or international designers
Time required for shopping: Two hours
Things to look out for: The pristine tents on the glorious Ashwem Beach under coconut groves present a beautiful sight
4. Calangute Market Square
Next on the list of flea markets in Goa is - Calangute Market Square. A tourist’s favorite, the place is well-known for selling beautiful handicrafts and other items. The old Tibetan market, close to the Calangute square, sells stunning Tibetan handiwork like wooden statues, stone-studded ornaments, and exotic Tibetan rugs and so on.
After shopping, you can head towards for Dolphin spotting or island hopping for an added adventure. For art lovers, the Kerkar Art Complex organizes events and exhibitions showcasing Indian and traditional Goan art. This could be a perfect stop after shopping adventure at Calangute.
Address: Calangute-Baga Road, Calangute, India
Opening time: Saturday (6:30 pm to 12:00 am)
Things to get from the market: Traditional Goan handicrafts
Time required: Two hours or more
Things to look out for: After shopping, head to satiate your hunger pangs at the local shacks
5. Mapusa Friday Market
The last name on the list of flea markets in Goa is Mapusa Friday Market. Frequently visited by locals, this place sells everything from local household items to beautiful handicrafts. The flea market is operational only on Fridays, but the main market is open seven days a week.
Vacationers looking to experience the local culture should surely head towards Mapusa Friday Market.
Address: Near Municipal Market, Mapusa, Goa 403507
Opening time: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm (Friday)
The time required: One hour
Things to look out for: Locally grown food products
The flea markets in Goa have become a part of cultural experience, and heading to these shopping districts is a must during your tour to this exotic city. Most of these shops are owned by the locals, while you might find some foreigners also setting upon their stalls.
Are you ready to shop at these stores?
Further Reading:
Shopping in Goa: 6 Places to go for Shopaholic
Top 5 Shopping Markets in Goa to Buy Clothes, Jewels & Handicrafts
Things to Buy in Goa Before You Leave
Places to Visit in Goa in 2 Days