Gorgeous beaches, sizzling nightlife, vibrant flea markets, delicious seafood, and a delightful blend of Portuguese and Indian culture make Goa a pleasure to explore. And not to forget the hotels in Goa that offer a comfortable and relaxed stay for travelers of all types and budgets. There’s so much to explore and experience here that planning a short 3-day trip might seem a bit overwhelming. But there lies the beauty of this beach haven – you can pack in tons of excitement and activities even during your 3-day trip to Goa.
So, here’s our suggested list of places to visit in Goa in 3 days. We’ve planned the itinerary such that you can visit some of the key attractions in the northern and southern districts, without compromising on the fun quotient.
Day 1: North Goa
North Goa is where fun and fervor run high. And the place also has many historical forts, churches, temples, and museums to attract travelers and history buffs. Our itinerary for Day 1 in Goa includes a mix of historical and leisurely attractions and activities.
1. Baga Beach
Baga Beach | Among The Best Places to Visit in Goa in 3 Days
Baga is considered to be the nerve-center of beach hopping in North Goa and for all the good reasons. The gorgeous beach is a hub of adventure-sports in Goa. Lined by a series of restaurants, it offers much incentive to laze around under the sun. However, after sundown, Baga transforms into a beach party hotspot. Signature shacks like Britto’s further enhance its popularity, making it one of the best places to visit in Goa on a three-day trip.
- Activities: Banana ride, Motorboat ride, Water skiing, Jetskiing, Scuba diving, Dolphin trip, Windsurfing, Water scooter
2. Fort Aguada
Fort Aguada | Among The Best Places to Visit in Goa in 3 Days
Thanks to its breath-taking location at the mouth of River Mandovi, the iconic Fort Aguada offers splendid views of the Arabian Sea. Regarded as the most magnificent one among the forts in Goa, this colossal structure dates back to 1612. Today, the fort houses an ancient lighthouse and a series of prison cells that attract travelers and history buffs alike. There’s also a secret passageway inside this fort, which adds to its appeal.
- Location: Candolim
- Timings: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, every day
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3. Reis Magos Fort
Reis Magos Fort | Among The Best Places to Visit in Goa in 3 Days
Located on the top of a hill, Reis Magos Fort is a beautiful structure complete with laterite walls and Portuguese turrets. Built over 460 years ago, the fort served as a bastion, the royal residence for viceroys, and also as a prison, at different points of time in history. Today, it functions as a cultural center and is a must-visit tourist attraction in North Goa. The fort offers fabulous views of the surrounding areas and you can click many Instagram-worthy pictures from here.
- Location: Bardez
- Timings: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm; closed on Mondays
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4. Anjuna Beach
Anjuna Beach | Among The Best Places to Visit in Goa in 3 Days
Anjuna embodies the quintessential Goan vibe with its white sandy shores, plenty of water-sports activities, and sizzling nightlife. The flea market held here every Wednesday is another factor adding to the popularity of the beach. While you are here, make sure to spend some time at the Curlies shack, which is known for its lip-smacking food, music, and captivating ambiance.
- Activities: Parasailing, Scuba diving, Water scooter, Snorkeling, Dolphin Sighting, Windsurfing, Water skiing, Banana ride
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5. Deltin Royale
Deltin Royale | Among The Best Places to Visit in Goa in 3 Days
After an eventful day in beaches and forts, liven up your night with a visit to Deltin Royale. Counted among the largest floating casinos in Goa, this place is a fine blend of luxury and entertainment. It spreads over 40,000 sq. ft. and offers more than 850 gaming positions to keep gamers enthralled non-stop. A dedicated poker room, plush whiskey lounge, and gourmet restaurant are among the many highlights at this casino.
- Location: Noah’s Ark, RND Jetty, Panaji
- Timings: 24×7
- Entry Fee: Ranging between ₹ 1500 to ₹ 8000
Suggested Read: North Goa vs. South Goa
Day 2: North Goa
Besides beaches and forts, North Goa is also known for a fine array of churches and temples that boast of splendid architecture. Add to that a short visit to a museum and a few hours of shopping, your Day 2 itinerary is complete. Here are our suggestions:
6. Basilica of Bom Jesus
Basilica of Bom Jesus | Among The Best Places to Visit in Goa in 3 Days
Steeped in history, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is a grand structure that has been defining Goa’s landscape for more than four centuries. The church displays the Portuguese style of architecture and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the exteriors of this church feature a non-plastered look, the interiors display a rich ornamented look. The key highlight of this church is the mummified body of St. Francis Xavier, which is taken out for public viewing once in 10 years
- Location: Old Goa Road, Bainguinim
- Timings: 9:00 am to 6:30 pm (Monday to Saturday); 10:30 am to 6:30 pm (Sunday)
7. Se Cathedral
Se Cathedral | Among The Best Places to Visit in Goa in 3 Days
Se Cathedral is where you can witness the splendor of Portuguese-Manueline architecture. Dedicated to the Catherine of Alexandria, this church is among the most visited World Heritage Sites in Goa. A highlight of this 250-feet high church is its tower bell. Known as the Golden Bell, it is believed to be the largest one in Goa and has a rich tone.
- Location: Old Goa
- Timings: 7:30 am to 6:00 pm; every day
8. Mahalakshmi Temple
Mahalakshmi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, who is revered as the deity of wealth, strength, and power. It is among the ancient temples in Goa and traces its origin to the 15th century. The majestic temple architecture features a silver arched doorway and twenty-four wooden panels that depict scenes from the Bhagavata Purana highlighting Lord Krishna’s stories. The idol here is made of black stone and possesses four hands.
- Location: Ponda – Margao Highway
- Timings: 6:30 am to 8:30 pm; every day
9. Houses of Goa Museum
Houses of Goa Museum | Among The Best Places to Visit in Goa in 3 Days
Unlike the other museums in Goa, the Houses of Goa Museum takes you through the region’s architectural landscape and history. Right from the distinct Balcaos lining the streets of ancient Goa to the modern-day edifices, this multi-level museum captures the evolution of houses in Goa in a beautiful manner. The most exciting thing about this museum is that it is shaped like a ship standing right there in the middle of the road.
- Location: Salvador do Mundo, Bardez
- Entry Fee: ₹ 25 for children, ₹ 100 for adults
- Timings: 10:00 am to 7:30 pm, closed on Mondays
10. Mapusa Market
Mapusa Market | Among The Best Places to Visit in Goa in 3 Days
When you want to experience the joy of shopping in a traditional Goan market, Mapusa Market is your best bet. The market is best explored on Fridays and you will find almost everything here, from fruits, nuts, spices, and vegetables to clothes, handicrafts, and trinkets. Don’t forget to buy Goa’s famous ‘chourico’ sausages, which is an extremely popular item sold in this market.
- Location: Mapusa
- Timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm; closed on Sundays
Other Places to Visit in North Goa
Our itinerary for Day 1 and Day 2 includes just a few iconic attractions in North Goa. You can customize it based on what you want to experience. Those who are on a romantic holiday can include more beaches in their list, such as Vagator Beach, Calangute Beach, and Candolim Beach. Likewise, you can include Chapora Fort (also known as Dil Chahta Hai Fort) in your itinerary. If you are visiting North Goa during the weekend, keep a few hours aside for exploring Arpora Night Market.
The Best Places to Visit in Goa in 3 Days
Best Restaurants, Shacks, and Pubs in North Goa
A trip to Goa can’t be deemed complete without pampering your taste buds with some mind-blowing food and finely mixed cocktails. Make sure to visit at least a couple of these shacks, pubs, and restaurants in North Goa.
Tuscany Gardens
- Location: Candolim
- Timings: 4:00 am to 11:00 pm; closed on Tuesdays
- Cost for two: ₹ 1000 (approx.)
Britto’s Bar and Restaurant
- Location: Baga
- Timings: 8:30 am to 12:00 midnight; every day
- Cost for two: ₹ 1400 (approx.)
Curlie’s
- Location: Anjuna
- Timings: 8:30 am to 3:00 am; every day
- Cost for two: ₹ 1500 (approx.)
Tito’s
- Location: Baga
- Timings: 12:00 pm to 2:30 am; every day
- Cost for two: ₹ 1500 (approx.)
Cavala
- Location: Calangute – Baga Road
- Timings: 7:30 am to 12:30 am; every day
- Cost for two: ₹ 1700 (approx.)
Day 3: South Goa
Now that you have spent two days exploring the hip and happening North Goa, it’s time to move towards the South, which is known for its laid-back vibes. The enticing beauty of South Goa is best explored through a mix of natural and man-made marvels. Here are our picks:
11. Colva Beach
Colva Beach | Among The Best Places to Visit in Goa in 3 Days
Colva beach boasts of powder white sand, turquoise water, and coconut palms that lend it a scenic look. Whether you are looking for exciting things to do in South Goa or wants to laze under the sun, this beach won’t disappoint you. The vibrant nightlife is another attraction of this beach.
- Activities: Snorkeling, Windsurfing, Motorboat Ride, Dolphin Spotting, Speedboat Ride, Parasailing, Jet Skiing, Water scooter, Banana Boat Ride
Suggested Read: Beaches in South Goa
12. Cabo de Rama Fort
Cabo de Rama Fort | Among The Best Places to Visit in Goa in 3 Days
Counted among the oldest forts in Goa, Cabo de Rama is a historical edifice that has remained witness to the rise and fall of many rulers. Legend has it that Lord Rama stayed at this fort with his wife Sita during their 14-year-long exile, and hence, the name of the fort. The church of Santo Antonio is located within this fort. Besides many glimpses into history and myths, Cabo de Rama also offers you spectacular views of the Arabian Sea.
- Location: Canacona
- Timings: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm; every day
13. Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary | Among The Best Places to Visit in Goa in 3 Days
Away from the beaches and party hotspots of South Goa, the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is a green haven. Home to an exotic variety of flora and fauna, the place allows you to spot a wide variety of wildlife. It is also a great place for bird watching. Even the road leading to the sanctuary is a scenic one. If you love spending time with nature, do not miss out on visiting this place.
- Location: Sanguem Taluk
- Timings: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; every day
14. Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Dudhsagar Waterfalls | Among The Best Places to Visit in Goa in 3 Days
Dudhsagar is a spectacular four-tiered waterfall that cascades down from a height of 1017 feet. Being surrounded by verdant greenery, the waterfall gives the appearance of a mesmerizing stream of flowing milk during the monsoons. That is why it is named as Dudhsagar, which translates into ‘a sea of milk’ in Hindi. You can also indulge in trekking in the scenic trails surrounding the waterfall.
- Location: Sonaulim
Other Places to Visit in South Goa
There are many other places to visit in South Goa and you can modify this itinerary based on your interests. For instance, if you want to make the day all about leisurely activities, visit more beaches in the South such as Palolem Beach, Agonda Beach, Benaulim Beach, Butterfly Beach, and the like. Those who want a high dosage of fun and adventure can include Cortigao Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park in the list. History buffs can modify the itinerary by including Tambdi Surla Mahadeva Temple, Three Kings Church, Indian Naval Aviation Museum, and a few other places of historical importance in South Goa.
Among The Best Places to Visit in Goa in 3 Days
Restaurants, Shacks, and Pubs in South Goa
South Goa boasts of an enticing wine and dining scene. After indulging in all those fun things to do in Goa, here’s where you can titillate your taste buds with some wonderful food and drinks.
Johncy’s
- Location: Benaulim Beach
- Timings: 8:00 am to 2:00 am; every day
- Cost for two: ₹ 1000 (approx.)
The Fisherman’s Wharf
- Location: Mobor, Cavelossim
- Timings: 12:00 noon to 11:00 pm (Sunday to Thursday); 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight (Friday to Saturday)
- Cost for two: ₹ 1100 (approx.)
Leopard Valley
- Location: Palolem
- Timings: 10:00 am to 3:00 am
- Cost for two: ₹ 2000 (approx.)
The Red Ginger
- Location: Colva
- Timings: 12:00 noon to 11:00 pm; every day
- Cost for two: ₹ 1200 (approx.)
The Farmhouse Bar and Bristo
- Location: Benaulim
- Timings: 11:30 am to 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm to 12:00 am; closed on Mondays
- Cost for two: ₹ 1000 (approx.)
Don’t wait any further. Plan your trip, pack your bags, and head off to enjoy your 3 days of fun-filled nirvana in the Party Capital of India.
Planning holiday in month of Feb’2020.