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Things to do in Panaji

Our most recommended things to do in Panaji

Panaji: Heritage Walk through Goa's Latin Quarter

1. Panaji: Heritage Walk through Goa's Latin Quarter

Meet your guide at the Panjim Head Post Office near the Mala district of Panjim. Walk through the lesser-known but culturally-rich Fontainhas area of Goa, the oldest and largest Latin quarter in Asia. See heritage homes, appreciate Portuguese architecture, meet friendly locals, and experience the cultural side of Goa. Developed in the late eighteenth century, Fontainhas derived its name - "little fountain" in Portuguese - from the springs found at the base of the Altinho hills. A strong Portuguese influence still prevails in this neighborhood, evident from the architectural style and the road names. Begin your walk at Tobacco Square and trace the arrival of the Portuguese in Goa. Along the way, your knowledgable guide will be happy to share information based on your personal interests. Pass by the small Church of San Thome. Stop into the quaint 31st January Bakery for a quick bite. Take photos against the neighborhood’s colorful backdrop as you make your way to the Chapel of San Sebastian. Explore interesting buildings around Panjim Inn, Fundacao Orient, and Galerie Gitanjali. Lastly, visit a famous Goan musician and learn about the Portuguese influence on Goan music. Before heading back to the meeting point, you can stop by a studio which makes handcrafted ceramic souvenirs.

Goa: Private Full-Day Sightseeing Highlights Tour

2. Goa: Private Full-Day Sightseeing Highlights Tour

Visit all the landmarks of Goa on this cultural and heritage sightseeing tour. Travel comfortably from one landmark to the next with a friendly local guide in a private air-conditioned car. Trace the history of Goa from its capital city and beautiful places of worship. Start your day with an early pick-up and head towards Panjim. Appreciate the significance of the Portuguese rule in Goa through the neighborhood known as Fontainhas, Asia's oldest Latin Quarter. Walk amongst the narrow winding lanes and remember to take photos against the bright yellow, green, blue and red walls. Next, head to the former capital Old Goa, now home to World Heritage churches. Marvel at the architecture of the Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Cajetan, and pay a visit to the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Next, visit the Mangueshi Temple, which is of great significance to the Hindu community. After a full day of culture, head to a Spice Plantation located in Southern Goa. Here, you will have a chance to taste a delicious buffet lunch of Goan food preparations. Walk through the Spice Plantation and gain more information on the different herbs and spices used in India. Relax in the green surroundings and peaceful outdoors away from the crowds and noises. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back to your hotel.

Panaji: Fun-Filled 2-Hour Mandovi River Cruise with Dinner

3. Panaji: Fun-Filled 2-Hour Mandovi River Cruise with Dinner

Take a 2-hour boat trip cruising on the Mandovi River overlooking Goa's vibrant capital city, Panaji. Enjoy a welcome drink when you get on board. Before a delicious buffet dinner, take advantage of the various sightseeing spots from the unique vantage point of the boat.  There will be a DJ setting the mood playing varying popular retro tracks and Bollywood favorites. The MC will keep you entertained as well as pointing out the various sights along the riverbank. Join in with the dancing and games before dinner is served. Drinks can be purchased from the well-stocked bar and your dinner buffet with desserts will be open towards the end of the cruise.

Divar Island: Local Goan Village Tour with Traditional Lunch

4. Divar Island: Local Goan Village Tour with Traditional Lunch

Go on a tour of Divar Island and discover the mix of paddy fields, ancient temples, pretty churches, Indo-Portuguese houses, and winding roads that speak to the region's complex history. As you disembark the ferry, meet locals sitting with their fishing rods cast in the Mandovi River and learn about the methods they use to snare a catch.  Then follow your local guide into the village, appreciating the rainbow of colorful houses lining the streets. Learn how the Portuguese occupation of the area shaped the village for centuries to come. Check out the 16th century St. Mathias Church, the quaint Our Lady of Candelaria Chapel, and the ancient Saptakoteshwar Temple. Stop into a traditional Goan bakery to see how the local bread is baked and snag a few recipes from the chef. After touring the village, fill up on a delicious lunch in a traditional Portuguese house. At the end of the tour, head up into the island hills and stop for a magnificent view of the Old Churches of Goa and the river below before taking a ferry back to the mainland. Special Note: This experience is not a walking trail and requires transportation. Explore the Island using your own vehicle, or the vehicle arranged by you, to arrive at the meeting location.

Goa in 1 Day Tour with Churches,Temples,Spice Farm Tour

5. Goa in 1 Day Tour with Churches,Temples,Spice Farm Tour

You will be met at the cruise port by your guide who will take you to your transportation. Your journey will take you to the city of Panaji, which is the capital of the Indian state of Goa. Your walk will take you through the Portuguese Latin Quarters of Fontainhas (or Bairro das Fontainhas, in Portuguese). Many of the traditional houses here were built in the 18th and 19th centuries, and their red tiled roofs are what attracts tourists to this area year after year. You will then proceed to the old Goa Churches, Old Goa or Velha Goa (Velha means "old" in Portuguese). The remains of the city are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Old Goa contains churches affiliated to various congregations, including the Se Cathedral (the seat of the Archbishop of Goa), the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, the Church of S. Caetano, and notably, the Basilica of Bom Jesus which contains the relics of Saint Francis Xavier. The tour will then take a drive to the spice garden/plantation, where you will be welcomed in a traditional way before heading back to the cruise port.

Top sights in Panaji

Frequently asked questions about Panaji

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What people are saying about Panaji

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 56 reviews

Our guide was knowledgeable and engaging! The tour included a taste of a traditional sweet at a cute bakery, a stop at a tea shop and a final stop at a guest house where we were treated to a cold beverage and a musician who performed for our group.

The guide and driver were both really nice throughout the day. Not once did they make me feel uncomfortable or unsafe. The guide was extra cautious when trying to cross streets as well. He was super knowledgeable and knew all the history.

it was a really great tour - totally worth it - we learned a lot and enjoyed walking around the beautiful latin quarter. The end part was very enjoyable- would definitely recommend!

Probably the best working tour I've ever been on. History explored with great stories with a few treats inbetween. Just book it! ‍♂️

Very informative, fun, and tasty! Would highly recommend.