Goa. India’s smallest state, tucked neatly into the sub-continents southwest and gently caressed by the warm Arabian Sea. A Portuguese colony from circa 1500 until 1967, Goa retains a distinctly welcoming, laid back and positively psychedelic vibe that truly sets it apart from the rest of India.
Goa is not just a holiday destination or a backpacker enclave. It is a place where travellers are called to lose themselves or find themselves but in all cases to be themselves. It may also help to think of Goa as a state of mind – after I first arrived in Goa in 2018, I never quite left. In fact, so much of my self was left there that I returned pretty much every single year for the best part of a decade.
If all you want from Goa is sun, sea and souveivers then find it you shall but, if you are after that little bit extra something, then Goa will equally serve you.
Ultimately the experience you want from Goa should determine where exactly in Goa you stay and for that reason, I wrote this guide.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Baga and Calangute
Tiswadi is the best place to stay if you’re visiting Goa for the first time. Home to chain hotels that cater for package tourists, its basically Goa-lite.
Arambol & Mandrem
The hippy and boho Mecca of Arambol sprawls all the way to the quieter village of Mandrem. Both are great budget options.
Anjuna & Vagator
Lively, charismatic and fun, Anjuna is raver central. Home to Goa’s hottest clubs, busiest beaches, and legendary all-night trance parties, you won’t find a more exciting district in Goa.
Panjim
Goa’s capital boasts colonial era masterpieces with a modern twist. Well situated for Old Goa, the main airport and Candolim Beach.
Palolem
Goa’s most southerly district, Canacona is a calm and clean paradise ideal for families and travellers with young children.
The Best Places To Stay in Goa
In case you didn’t know this, Goa is not simply a town, a city or a beach but is an entire state in India. Whilst it is India’s smallest state, it is still a good bit bigger than some entire countries!
Therefore where exactly you choose to stay in Goa is very important. In this guide, I have picked a few key areas spread between North, South and Central Goa.
Whilst it is certainly possible to travel between many different places in Goa, you probably don’t want to spend your entire trip driving on dusty roads. As such, be sure to choose a base that suits you and reflects exactly what you want from your visit to Goa.
1. Baga and Calangute – Where to Stay in Goa for your First Time
It’s Goa but not as I know it. Baga and Calangute are to India what Cancun is to Mexico and Marbella is to Spain. Basically a base shiny beacon to package holidaymakers who want big(ish) hotels, sun loungers, cold beers, and little else.
Situated in North Goa, some of the hotels and guesthouses here are quite lush and the locals are quite used to catering for first-timers. While I am not a fan of Baga, it is perhaps the best beach in Goa to dip your toes and get acquainted with the region before heading out to explore more offbeat pastures.
- Best For: First-time Goa visitors, stag dos, chaotic nightlife, people who think sleep is optional
- The Vibe: Peak North Goa madness. Neon lights, EDM remixes of 2009 chart hits, beach shacks blasting bass at 11am. Equal parts fun and feral.
- Proximity to Airport: ~1–1.5 hrs from Manohar International Airport (Mopa), ~1.5–2 hrs from Dabolim (GOI) depending on traffic
- Transport Level: Easy but chaotic – scooters everywhere, taxis overpriced, walking doable but dodgy after dark thanks to traffic and general mayhem
- Budget: Mid-range to overpriced (you pay the “we know you’re on holiday” tax)
- Crowds: High to absurd in peak season (Dec–Jan is full throttle); slightly more breathable in shoulder season but never exactly peaceful
GoSTOPS Goa Baga | Best Hostel in Baga
Right in the heart of North Goa, this hostel is one of the best places to stay for your first time in Goa. Stay close to great restaurants, bars and clubs, or even take part in some water sports at Baga beach. With free wifi and even a stunning swimming pool, you’ll want for nothing.
Charlston Beach | Best Hotel in Baga
Walking distance to the beach and Tiswadi’s main attractions, the location of this boutique hotel can’t be beaten. New, spacious, and well-maintained, FabHotel Prazeres Boutique Hotel is clean, comfortable and offers guests modern amenities for their stay in Goa.
Serendipity Cottage | Best Airbnb in Baga
This incredibly aesthetic cottage is the beach hut of your dreams, but the catch is it isn’t actually a hut. It’s a masterfully designed home that took the word “bohemian” and infused it into every nook and cranny. Though not far from the famous Calangute Beach the Superhost property is budget friendly too, all whilst giving you the entire space to yourself with room for up to 3 guests.
Surrounded by palm trees and an abundance of other greenery, you’ll get to feel like you have an entire tropical forest all to yourself as you sip a cup of chai on the porch. Built in traditional Goan style, the owner has made it a point to make the space as eco-friendly as possible, even recycling wood and other materials like a 200 year old temple pillar.
Things to See and Do in Baga /Calangute
- Go kayaking in nearby Candolim
- Chill out on Calangute Beach
- Explore the Tibetan Market
- Feast on traditional Goan cuisine
- Visit the historical St. Alex Church.
- Go on a guided Goan heritage tour
2. Arambol & Mandrem – Best Place To Stay in on a Budget
Arambol in North Goa is the state’s (and quite possibly the worlds!) hippy and boho capital. Over the last few decades, the region has grown from a clutch of tiny fishing villages into something almost bordering a small town.
In Arambol, you can find yoga sessions pretty much 24/7 along with drum circles, ecstatic dance and all the incense you could ever sniff along with some good, modern coffee shops and fine restaurants.
Arambol blends into Mandrem which is quieter, smaller, slightly pricier and has a better beach. You can travel between the two on a scooter in a few minutes, or you can walk along the beach front that connects them in a half hour.
- Best For: Budget backpackers, long-stayers, drum-circle philosophers, yogis who also party
- The Vibe: Boho anarchy with a spiritual hangover. Sunset jam sessions, ecstatic dance flyers taped to palm trees, cheap thalis -travellers who arrived for a week in 2016 and never emotionally left (ie, me…).
- Proximity to Airport: ~1–1.25 hrs from Mopa, ~2–2.5 hrs from Dabolim
- Transport Level: Moderate – scooters essential, roads patchy, taxis eye-wateringly expensive
- Budget: Budget to mid-range (still one of North Goa’s better value zones)
- Crowds: Medium-high in season but more backpacker than package-tour chaos
Beach Street Resort | Best Hotel in Mandrem
This stunning hotel is one of the best places to stay in Goa! Set in a faux European villa just steps away from the Mandrem beach, you’ll have everything you need and more to make the most of your visit. Each room is modern and comes with a stylish ensuite bathroom, as well as free wifi. The bar/restaurant is also class.
Stunning Arambol Apartment | Best Airbnb in Arambol
For digital nomads looking for a place to work before they play, this 1 bedroom Arambol apartment is the place to book. Artfully designed with a blissful aesthetic, the high-speed wifi and designated workspace are what certainly set this apart from nearby hostels. With room for two guests and home to a fully equipped kitchen, you won’t be wondering why it has such a great rating.
Happy Panda | Best Hostel in Arambol
With a private garden and backyard convenient location, Waters Edge Goa is like a slice of heaven in paradise. This hostel offers guests stunning scenery, clean accommodations, and a convenient location. For budget travellers, you won’t find a better hostel in Arambol.
Things to See and Do in Arambol & Mandrem
- Join the drum circle and sunset market.
- Surf on Mandrem Beach.
- Join a yoga class any time – any day.
- Do not miss Ecstatic Dance..
- Haggle for beautiful souvenirs.
- Head to sweet lake for paragliding.
3. Anjuna & Vagator Beach – Best for Nightlife
A true ravers paradise Anjuna in many ways epitomises Goan culture with its tripped-out landscapes, sultry beaches and all night trance parties. It’s without a doubt the absolute best beach in Goa to experience the island’s iconic nightlife.
Anjuna is the home of Goan trance (which spawned the global, underground Psytrance movement) and to this day there are raves taking place in Anjuna/Vagator every night of the week during high season playing Psytrance, techno, house, DnB or horrible EDM. Bollywood and modern pop is sadly becoming more popular here too…
There is however a lot more to Anjuna than repetitive beats though. It is fast becoming the Digital Nomad hub of Goa, and has some of my favourite coffee shops and markets. Renting a scooter and driving through the narrow roads and backlands that connect Anjuna to Arpora in the east and Chapora in the north is an absolutely sublime way to spend a quiet late evening.
The sunrise from Chapora Bridge is also nothing short of spiritual – especially if you catch it on the way home from a trance party.
- Best For: Party travellers, psy-trance heads, vintage market lovers, semi-retired ravers
- The Vibe: Old-school Goa with a permanent bassline. Psy parties in the jungle, techno at hilltop villas, flea markets selling elephant pants. It’s gritty, loud, and still clinging to its 90s trance mythology — just with better cocktails and worse traffic.
- Proximity to Airport: ~1–1.25 hrs from Mopa, ~1.5–2 hrs from Dabolim
- Transport Level: Scooter mandatory. Roads narrow, traffic intense in season, taxis wildly overpriced at night
- Budget: Mid-range — not Baga-expensive, not Arambol-cheap
- Crowds: High in peak season (Dec–Jan especially); party nights feel packed, weekdays more breathable
Treehouse Sonnet | Best Hotel in Anjuna
The lovely indy boutique hotel has everything you need for a perfectly quaint stay including lovely rooms and very helpful staff. I personally stayed there and can vouch for it completely.
Note that it’s situated between Anjuna and Vagator and Chopra is also within reachable distance. Convenient, but you will need to grab a scooter to get around, still it’s a perfect base for couples staying in Goa.
Goan Beach House | Best Airbnb in Anjuna
When deciding where to stay in Goa, you’d be hard-pressed to find an abode better than this. The South Anjuna cottage by the sea quite literally has Anjuna Beach as its backyard, which is why it absolutely tops this list for me.
On top of that, you’ll be but 200 meters from some of Anjuna’s most happening locales, like Curlie’s and the famous flea market. Made for two guests, the home also has a dedicated workspace which I LOVED as a digital nomad, as well as a stunning backyard porch and a small but stunning kitchen. Don’t be surprised if you end up dreaming of buying it!
Dreams Hostel | Best Hostel in Vagator
Bardez is my top nightlife destination in Goa, and Dreams Hostel puts you right next to it! This international backpackers has a fun and welcoming atmosphere, with plenty of spaces for meeting other travellers, playing games, or practising yoga. The free wifi makes a top destination for digital nomads.
Things to See and Do in Anjuna & Vagator
- Experience the hippie vibe in Anjuna.
- Trance away at Shiva Valley’s psychedelic Tuesday party.
- Sip on Fenny, the local liquor that you’re guaranteed to either love or hate. (There’s no in-between.)
- See the architectural museum at Houses of Goa.
- See, smell, and taste at the largest entertainment evening in the district, Hilltop Friday Night Market.
4. Panjim – Best City Break in Goa
If North Goa is chaos and South Goa is calm, Panjim is composure.
This is Goa’s capital and it feels like a functioning city rather than an extended beach party. You’ve got pastel Portuguese houses in Fontainhas, proper bakeries, art galleries, riverfront promenades, and restaurants where the music doesn’t make you question your life choices.
There’s no beach in walking distance, which immediately filters out half the chaos. Instead, Panjim gives you heritage streets, ferry crossings over the Mandovi River, and the kind of evenings that involve wine, seafood, and slow wandering. It’s also strategically smart. From here, you can day-trip north to the party beaches or south for something quieter.
- Best For: Culture vultures, foodies, short stays, people who prefer wine bars over beach bars
- The Vibe: Portuguese façades, tiled balconies, actual pavements (rare Goa luxury), and a surprisingly civilised energy. It feels more Lisbon-lite than beach-party circus.
- Proximity to Airport: ~35–45 mins from Dabolim (GOI), ~1.25 hrs from Mopa
- Transport Level: Easy — walkable core, taxis available, buses functional, scooter optional rather than mandatory
- Budget: Mid-range — good value boutique hotels and guesthouses; fewer ultra-budget hostels
- Crowds: Moderate year-round; busier during festivals and December but rarely chaotic
Santa Terra Top Floor | Best Airbnb in Panjim
Panjim boasts such absolutely lovely apartment blocks and there are is an abundance of well priced, modern, comfy flats to rent on Airbnb. This one takes the prize as our top pick. e bedroom with an attached washroom, a fully equipped kitchenette, inverter backup, and a bright living area. Just a 10-minute drive from Coco Beach and 15 minutes from Candolim Beach.
Overall, great option for just over $50 per night.
goSTOPS Panaji | Best Hostel in Panjim
There are not loads of Hostels in Panaji so this kind of wins by default! Still if you are after a well priced bunk bed for the night then this is a sound choice. Located in the hip and quirky area, Fontainhas – an area known for its unique architecture and heritage homes – the hostel is well placed for exploring the city.
Breakfast is available, and includes buffet, à la carte and continental options.
Things to See and Do in Panjim
- Wander Fontainhas (Latin Quarter)
- Visit Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church
- Walk the Mandovi River Promenade
- Explore Goa State Museum
- Take a trip to Old Goa – the former Portuguese capital dating back 500 years!
5. Palolem – Best Place in Goa for Families to Stay In
South Goa represents the state’s quieter side and is the perfect antidote to the hippy, raver, package cocktail that North Goa serves up. Palolem is home to some of Goa’s most beautiful beaches and is the ideal place to rent a beach shack and enjoy the simple life.
That said, the Palolem beach clientele are typically a more monied crowd than in North Goa. South Goa offers more high end boutiques, restaurants, and hotels. So if the simple life gets a bit too boring for you – you know where to look. Agonda is also reachable from Palolem and is even less developed again.
- Best For: First-time South Goa travellers, couples, soft-core backpackers, “I want pretty but not wild” types
- The Vibe: Crescent-shaped postcard beach with palm trees leaning in all the right directions. It’s calm, scenic, and just lively enough to avoid coma-level tranquillity.
- Proximity to Airport: ~1–1.25 hrs from Dabolim (GOI), ~3–3.5 hrs from Mopa
- Transport Level: Easy once you’re there — walkable beach strip; scooter useful for exploring nearby beaches; taxis expensive as always
- Budget: Mid-range — beach huts range from reasonable to “Instagram tax”; fewer true budget steals than North Goa
- Crowds: Moderate to high in peak season (Dec–Jan busy but not feral); much quieter in shoulder months
De Garland Palolem | Best Hotel in Palolem
Exceptionally clean and just 1.5 km from Palolem Beach, this luxury hotel is fantastic for families as it’s quiet and features a well-maintained swimming pool. The on site restaurant also features a full breakfast and airport transfers for guests.
Studio Serenity | Best Airbnb in Palolem
Located in a gated community with 24/7 security, this apartment lets you kick back without a care in the world. Picture having your morning tea in hand, feet up on the balcony, gazing over treetops or soaking in some mountain vibes. All the essentials are here to make your stay super comfy, from a kitchen for whipping up those midnight snacks to a desk that’s digital-nomad approved.
Rainbow Lining Hostels Palolem | Best Hostel in Palolem
This spot’s got a seriously laid-back vibe and an awesome crowd that’ll make you feel right at home. The food is delicious, especially the free breakfast (trust me, you don’t want to miss it). The beds are super cozy, and the rooms are spotless – perfect for sleeping off those long travel days. Plus, the location couldn’t be better. You’re just a 10-minute stroll from the beach and close to all the must-see spots around.
Things to See and Do in Palolem
- Escape to one of Palolem’s secluded beaches to find a solitary slice of paradise.
- Look (but don’t touch!) the turtles that call Agonda and Galgibag beaches home during hatching season.
- Take a guided tour of the Tanshikar Spice farm, an organic spice farm that harvests vanilla, cashews, chillies and other famous spices.
- Take a long sunset stroll along picturesque Agonda Beach.
- Hike out and see the spectacular Bamanbudo Waterfalls.
- Visit the beautifully situated and stunning Mallikarjuna Temple, one of the oldest shrines in Goa.
FAQs about Finding a Place to Stay in Goa
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Goa and where to stay.
Don’t Forget Your Goa Travel Insurance
Before you take a trip to India, you should absolutely be looking at travel insurance. That’s your top priority to have a safe adventure.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
In Conclusion…
Goa has it all. Whether you are looking for India’s best beaches, a place to chill-out and relax, or the next big hedonistic party, there is something in Goa for everyone.
Still not sure where to stay in Goa? Backpackers can’t go wrong with GoStops Baga. It’s our top pick for the best hostel in Goa.
Want a private room? This Goan Beach House is barely 50 meters from seaside paradise.
Don’t be surprised if you keep extending your trip again, and again, and again.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around India.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Goa.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Goa instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Goa to plan your trip.
- Planning out an itinerary for Goa is a great way to maximise your time.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for India.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
Being a local, it feels proud to read such beautiful articles praising our city. Thank you for the detailed guide for others to visit.
Very, very informative. Thank you. Cheers!
Very well written Blog. I have been to Goa a few times myself and the blog covers the essence and spirit of Goa quite well, Informative and entertaining read.
Super place goa