Panjim Things To Do

The main church in Panjim is Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, with other major attractions including the Chapel of St. Sebastian, the Mahalaxmi Temple, Jama Masjid Mosque and the Secretariat (also known as Idalcao Palace), the Menezes Braganza Institute and the Goa Science Centre. Also great to tour is the Old Latin Quarter, Fontainhas, as well as the well-to-do residential area, Altinho, located high on a hilltop with spectacular views. 

 

A good way to see the city is by boat. The Mandovi River is busy with river cruises and boat rides, offering dining and entertainment or just sightseeing trips - and there are plenty of ferries departing Panjim for Betim, Chorai or Divar Island, as well as backwater tours.

The city streets are great for shopping, and sell everything from clothes and electronics in the malls, to local handicrafts and spices in the market stalls. Look for bargains on brassware and jewellery, and try the local delicacies including cashew nuts, bebinca (an sweet egg dessert), spicy goan sausages, and the local tipple, feni.

 

Dining out is a delight on a holiday in Panjim, with options for casual street food as well as gourmet international fare. Don't miss the local rice and curry dishes and specialities such as xacuti (a spicy curry made with coconut), vindaloo, and sorpotel (a pork dish with red chillis) as well as the diverse fish and seafood available here.

 

Nightlife is varied - there are a number of hotels, bars, pubs and clubs to visit, as well as a live gaming casino aboard a boat, a cinema showing English-speaking films and a cultural centre offering live dance, theatre and music performances.

 

Local Panjim beaches include Miramar and Dona Paula, with other options for a day by the sea featuring the famous north Goa beaches of Calangute, Candolim, Sinquerim and Baga.

 

Visit the tranquil Divar Island by ferry for a slice of quiet country life, or tour the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary on the island of Chorao. Traditional Indian markets to visit include