If you are in Goa for a few days, you might want to reconsider your return flight ticket. Goa, with its relaxing air and exciting nightlife, promises a vacation full of incredible experiences. Still, if you are short on time, or want to see it all in a single day, we would recommend experiencing Panjim or Panaji, the vibrant capital of Goa. From Portuguese-style architecture and historical sites to local bars and cruise casinos, Panjim packs the entire ambiance of Goa in a single city, allowing you to experience it all in a single day. Want to know how? Read on!
How to reach Panaji from Goa airport
Goa International Airport is about 30 km from Panjim at Dabolim. Manohar International Airport at Mopa, Kasaravarne is about 38 km from Panjim. You can take a taxi or rent a car. If you are renting a car, you can request it to be driven to the airport.
Breakfast places in Panaji
Welcome to Panjim! Once you have packed your bags and are ready to explore the city, start with a delicious breakfast that will fill both your stomach and heart. Here are some of the best places you can visit for a sumptuous and refreshing breakfast:
Cafe Bhonsle
This cafe has been in Panjim for over 100 years and serves delicious food with a taste of history! For breakfast, try their melt-in-your-mouth sweet buns and yummy Goan samosas. The food here is local and comforting. There are options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Location: 403, Cunha Rivara Road, Near National Theatre, Altinho, Panaji, Goa
Opening hours: 6:30 am
Cafe Tato
Another old and golden spot for breakfast in Panaji, Cafe Tato has been here since 1913. Even Sachin Tendulkar has enjoyed the vegetarian and local Goan breakfast at this simple yet remarkable restaurant.
Location: G-3, Souza Towers, Near Municipal Market, Panaji, Goa
Opening hours: 7:30 am
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MO’s Cafe
MO’s Cafe is a cozy neighbourhood cafe inspired by Goan produce and Japanese flavours. The place has a great ambiance and serves delicious coffee, sandwiches, salads and desserts, perfect for a hearty breakfast.
Location: No. G3, Souza Towers, Dr RS Road, Near Municipal Garden, Altinho, Panaji, Goa 403001
Opening hours: 9am-5pm
Cafe Al Fresco by Cafe Bodega
This is a chef-owned al-fresco cafe that specializes in delicious breakfast dishes like eggs omelettes and eggs Benedict and they also make artisan breads. The place is perfect for a delicious outdoor breakfast, located in the courtyard of an art gallery – Sunaparanta Center for the Arts. Some other popular items on their menu include salmon bagels, berry smoothies, and quiches.
Location: 63/C-8, Sunaparanta Centre for the Arts, Near Lar de Estudantes, Altinho, Panaji, Goa
Opening hours: 10am-5pm, Sunday closed
Contact Heritage
Once you have eaten and drunk well, it is time to explore the beauty of Panjim.
Sunaparanta, Goa Arts Centre
If you are planning to visit Café Bodega for breakfast, it would be a good opportunity to spend some time at the art gallery. You can enjoy a peaceful time looking at some of the most incredible works of art. The place also hosts art workshops, so you might want to take advantage of this opportunity to unleash your creativity.
Location: 63/C-8, Altinho, Near Army House, Panaji, Goa (Sunday closed)
Next, we recommend you head to Fontainhas, an area full of Latin Quarters, known for its narrow streets filled with colorful Portuguese villas with balconies and red-tiled roofs. UNESCO declared Fontainhas a heritage zone in 1984. Here are all the things you can do in Fontainhas:
Stroll the streets and click pictures
The narrow lanes of Fontainhas in Goa will fill you with awe and excitement, something that is so simple yet timeless! Every nook and lane will pique your interest. Don’t be afraid to interact with the locals, it is the best way to understand the city and the real Goan ambiance. The colourful lanes are also perfect for you to capture some Instagram-worthy pictures.
Visit the Immaculate Conception Church
This colonial Portuguese Baroque style church is right in the heart of Panjim. This tall, pearly white church was first built as a chapel in 1541 on a hill above the city of Panjim. It is a must-visit place for its amazing architecture and spirituality.
Snack on Sweets
Goa’s sweets are unique and a must try! Try some traditional Goan sweets at the famous bakery Confeitaria 31 de Janeiro, which serves some of the best Goan sweets made the old fashioned way. You can also buy some local Goan sweets as souvenirs to take back home.
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Break for a hearty lunch
Feeling hungry? Of course, it’s lunch time. Here are some of the best places in Panaji where you can have an unforgettable lunch experience:
Fisherman’s Wharf
For a great and delicious lunch, head to this place which has a great ambiance and delicious food. Their menu includes delicious dishes like Butter Garlic Calamari and Prawn Red Thai Curry. The restaurant is Indo-Portuguese in style and serves a wide variety of dishes. There is also live music and a covered terrace.
Location: House No. 13, 139, 18th June Road, Near Taj Vivanta, Campal, Panaji, Goa
Mom’s Kitchen
Mom’s Kitchen is a wonderful, homely restaurant with an emphasis on traditional Goan food. Their menu is prepared using traditional recipes of Goan mothers. Popular dishes include Prawn Peri Peri, Pork Sorpotel, Prawn Balchao and Goan Prawn Curry. They also serve a variety of refreshing cocktails with unique flavours.
Location: 854, Martins Building, Dayanand Bandodkar Street, Panaji, Goa
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Ritz Classic
This restaurant is famous for its amazing 10-item fish thali. They also serve delicious caramel pudding. The menu also includes other delicious seafood items and beverages for a wholesome meal.
Location: Building, 1st Floor, Wagle Vision, 18th June Road, Ozari, Panaji, Goa
Cockney Canteen
Kokni Kanteen is a traditional Goan restaurant since 1972. Enjoy coastal Konkani cuisine and thalis served in a homely ambiance at this family restaurant. Here you can enjoy a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Some of the delicious items on their menu include Kokum Soda, Shrimp Papad, Surmai Thali, Recheado Masala, Seafood Thali and Mutton Xacuti.
Location: Dr. Dada Vaidya Road, Near Mahalakshmi Temple, Altinho, Panaji, Goa
Evening exploration and sunset
After having a hearty lunch, you can do some relaxing and enjoyable activities in the evening:
Shopping at Miramar Beach
A trip to any part of Goa is incomplete without a beach experience. Visit Miramar beach which is a simple beach unlike the crowded beaches of North Goa. Here you can also do a little shopping from the temporary shops selling handmade jewellery, coloured stones, seashell souvenirs, clothes, bags etc. Don’t forget to use your bargaining skills!
Watch the sunset at Dona Paula
Save the popular Dona Paula spots for sunset. After a busy day full of adventure, take a moment to admire the beautiful skies and sunset at Dona Paula, with a gentle breeze in your hair and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.
Also read: Hidden gems in Goa: When in Goa, don’t miss these restaurants and cafes that offer a local experience
Dinner and nightlife in Goa
The day is not over yet, the night is still on! Here are some attractive places where you should enjoy dinner and drinks in Panjim:
Big Daddy Casino
Experiencing a casino in Goa is a must. Visit Big Daddy for a luxury cruise casino experience. Here you can enjoy food and drinks as well as budget-friendly gaming. Enjoy the variety of casino games available and try your luck. The casino is family-friendly. You have to buy an entry ticket, the amount of which may vary according to the perks.
Location: Captain of Ports Jetty, Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, Patto Colony, Panaji, Goa
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Joseph Barr
Featured in the list of 30 best bars in India for 2023, Joseph Bar is a must-visit when in Goa. The place has a vintage vibe and charm, offering an intimate and rustic experience of the Goan lifestyle. The food is incredible with classic burgers and local brews. Some of their signature cocktails include the Tambde Rosa, Kokum Feni, and Mango Chilli Feni.
Location: Gomes Pereira Road, Altinho, Goa, Panaji, Goa
Black Sheep Bistro
The menu at Black Sheep Bistro is unique, featuring delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes such as the Caramelized Garlic Tart and Honey Sesame Pork Ribs. Their cocktails are fantastic, such as the Lavender Gin and the Basil & Cucumber Craft Cocktail. The ambiance has an old-world charm and the place overlooks the beautiful sea, perfect for ending your day on a beautiful note.
Where: House 13/390, 1st Floor, Villa Braganza, Near Indoor Stadium Campal, Panaji, Goa
Also read: Bar crawl in Goa: From beachside beats to party scenes and everything in between
down the road
A simple place with a fun atmosphere and live music, Down the Road is a great restaurant where you can go for a delicious dinner, alcoholic drinks, and fun after a big day of travel and exploration. Some of the must-try items on their menu include the buttery garlic spaghetti, pepperoni baguette, and wontons.
Location: MG Road, Patto Colony, Panaji, Goa
Are you ready to make Panaji your next adventure? Save this article for 24 unforgettable hours in Panaji!
