Panjim is the capital of Goa, India and is situated in North Goa district. Another name of Panjim is Panaji and the city is situated on the bank of the river Mandovi. Panaji means “land that never floods”. It has terraced hills, concrete buildings with balconies, red-tiled roofs, churches, and a riverside promenade.
Panjim is a city we highly recommend when visiting Goa, India. Make sure to book an Airbnb for your trip, and check out some of the interesting attractions you should visit, like Ashwem Beach or Old Goa. We’ve listed below some of the best things to do in Panjim, India!
Tip from Trip101 local expert
To spot celebrities and for some added fun, time your visit with the annual International Film Festival of India (IFFI). This event usually takes place for a week in Panjim in either December or January, and the whole city takes on an ethereal glow. Register for the event months before and attend film screenings, listen to talks or debates on various topics in cinema, and even get a chance to meet a celebrity or two! However, do make sure to book your accommodations in advance since IFFI is a popular event and accommodations get filled up quickly.
1. Fontainhas
One of the best ways to experience and see what Panjim is all about is by joining this heritage walk in Fontainhas, an old Latin Quarter at the foot of the Altinho hills. Some of the sights you’ll come across on your walk are colorful, traditional Portuguese-style houses and preserved heritage buildings, so be sure to keep your camera handy! You’ll also get to visit Tobacco Square, Panjim’s oldest bakery, and a lot more.
You will, of course, have a tour guide and, as a treat, even be serenaded by a Goan musician!
Book Tours : Fontainhas Heritage Walk by Make It Happen
2. Campal Gardens
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
There might not be anything more refreshing than a quiet walk in the park and a picnic with your loved ones. For a laid-back afternoon in Panjim, why not visit Campal Gardens with your family and friends? This large park offers facilities that all ages, especially kids, will enjoy. There are well-maintained play areas with swings, seesaw, slides, and sandpits. The garden is located by the sea, perfect for when you just want to unwind and admire the sunset views.
Campal Gardens
Address: FRX9+6FH, Altinho, Panaji, Goa 403001, India
Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)
3. BLive Electric Bike Tours - Vibrant Tales of Panjim
Another fun way to explore the vibrant streets of Panjim is by joining this electric bike tour. The excursion takes you through the Old City and its wonderful architecture, art, and music. Safety always comes first, so besides getting the e-bike, you’ll be assisted by a trained captain and given protective gear.
Some other sites you’ll visit during the tour are Tobacco Square, Out Lady of Immaculate Conception, and the Maruti Temple. Besides cruising through the renowned heritage buildings and quaint neighborhoods, there are also small treats waiting for you—Goan snacks and coffee!
Book Tours : BLive Electric Bike Tours - Vibrant Tales of Panjim
4. Basilica of Bom Jesus
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is located in Panjim and holds the worldly remnants of St Francis Xavier. If you book the local city tour they will start with the Basilica Church, which is 400 years old and the most beautiful church in the city. The church isn’t very big, but there is enough to see, inside. The exterior of the church is made with red stone and the inside is full of religious artwork. An interesting part of the church is learning about the history of St. Francis and seeing his tomb. I recommend this church as a must-visit place and you can come to enjoy its magnificent architecture.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Address: Old Goa Rd, Bainguinim, Goa 403402
Tip from Trip101 local expert
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a spiritual place that will calm you as soon you step foot inside the 400-year-old basilica. It is most famous for housing the remains of St. Francis Xavier, which still grows hair and nails. The locals believe that St. Francis Xavier still protects Goa from floods, droughts, Tsunamis, and other natural disasters. There is a public viewing of the remains every 10 years. Moreover, despite drawing lots of crowds, the feast of St. Xavier on 3rd December is the best time to visit here. There is a morning mass and a grand fair, making the atmosphere pious yet jovial, truly embodying the spirit of Goa.
5. Ashwem Beach
Ashwem Beach is located between Morjim and Arambol and is very beautiful. Located away from the hustle and bustle, the beach is very clean and popular for its scenic views that are particularly nice in the evening, when you can enjoy the sunset. You can take beautiful and memorable pictures, here, of the white sand, which increases the beautify of the beach. In the winter, this beach is half closed for the Ridley turtles, who come here to lay their eggs. Ashwem Beach is also known for its large number of Russians, who live here. I recommend a visit.
Ashwem Beach
Address: Mandrem, Goa 403527
6. Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is a very famous church, in Panjim. This church performs a service, every day, in English, Konkani and Portuguese. This church has a peaceful environment and the architecture is very attractive. Similar architecture can be seen in Brazil or Macau because it was made by the Portuguese colonists. This church is a must-visit place.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
While in Panjim, don't forget to visit the gorgeous and iconic Immaculate Conception Church! This church, with its famous zig-zag staircases, has been featured in many Bollywood movies. It is a sight to behold during Christmas as it is lit up with fairy lights. Tourists love visiting this church and taking memorable pictures, which also makes it crowded. From the top of the stairs, you can take in the gorgeous city view. The church some days do not allow visitors to enter, but nonetheless, make sure you are dressed modestly in knee-length skirts, sleeved shirts, and no shorts, for both men and women, as the church has a dress code if you want to enter inside. Apart from that, there are many local eateries within walking distance from here, including Cafe Bhonsle and a local Dominoes.
Traveler's tips
You can visit south Goa if you're looking for a laidback travel exploring the old charm or visit north Goa to experience its fun nightlife and action. Here's a picture I clicked for Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji in south Goa. If you wish to play casino, the famous Deltin Royale is around 8-10 minutes from here. While you're here, be sure to buy cashews as a souvenir for your loved ones. Also, several vegetarian eateries are available in the lane opposite the church.
7. Shantadurga Temple
Shantadurga Temple is 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) away from Panaji and is located at the foothills of the Kavalem village, in Ponda Taluka. When you visit the temple, you will feel its positive energy and you can see the fabulous pond at its entrance. There are large pillars inside the temple, and the architecture is very beautiful. Also inside the temple, is a small canteen where food is sold at a cheaper price. I recommend you to visit this place.
Shantadurga Temple
Address: Verem - Nerul Rd, Near Chamundeshwari Petrol Pump, Verem, Bardez, Goa, 403114
8. Deltin Royale Casino
One of the best things to do in Panjim, Goa, is playing at the casino. Deltin Royale Casino is the best casino for gambling in the city. Here, you can buy tickets to enter the casino and enjoy unlimited food. This is the best place for entertainment and delicious food, and a visit is highly recommended.
Deltin Royale Casino
Address: Noah’s Ark, RND Jetty, Dayanand Bandodkar Road, Panjim, Goa 403001
9. Old Goa
Old Goa is a place where you can view some vintage sites and it will give you a different feel for the city. This area is known for its Portuguese architecture and interesting roads. A visit to Panjim is incomplete without a visit to this area.
10. Church of St. Francis of Assisi
The Church of St. Francis of Assisi was built in 1661 and is another example of a church built by the Portuguese during the Portuguese rule of Goa. This is a very big church and is famous for holding the mummified remains of the Pope. It is located in the old city and also has a museum, which is the most interesting part. I recommend a visit to this church and the museum.
Church of St. Francis of Assisi
Address: Off National Highway 4, Velha Goa, Goa 403110
11. Dona Paula Beach
Don’t know what to do in Panjim? Come to Dona Paula Beach for a relaxing afternoon! It is quiet, clean, and a great place to enjoy the beautiful sunset. There is an old statue of Dona Paula here, which is very popular and many Indian movies are made, here. I recommend a visit to this place, but try to leave this beach in the evening, because at night the nearby shops and the beach itself, are closed.
Dona Paula Beach
Address: Near Dona Paula Jetty, Dona Paula, Panjim, Goa 403004
12. Reis Magos Fort
The Reis Magos Fort is a well maintained and clean fort, in Panjim. Here we can see a beautiful view of the river Mandovi. This tourist attraction in Panjim has a lot of cannons on the top and stairs that you can climb to get a view of the river. Visit this fort and enjoy the historical cannons and beautiful views.
Reis Magos Fort
Address: Mandovi River | Reis Magos Road, Panjim, India
13. Goa Science Center
The Goa Science Center is situated on the new Marine Highway, in Miramar, Panjim and is a great place for people of all ages to enjoy. Kids, especially, will enjoy this place and the 3D shows here, as well as the planetarium room, which is well maintained. There are many educational programs shown at this popular place in Panjim, and it is specially made for kids to gain knowledge, so it’s a must-visit place if you are traveling with kids.
Goa Science Center
Address: Marine Highway, Panjim 403001, India
14. Goa State Museum
If you’re interested in learning more about the roots of Panjim, and Goa in general, there’s no better place to spend the day than Goa State Museum. The museum opened in 1977 and is home to several departments like Ancient History and Archaeology, Geology, and Art and Craft. Some of the galleries currently open to the public are Goa’s Freedom Struggle Gallery, Religious Expression Gallery, and Natural Heritage of Goa Gallery.
If you’re one to enjoy history or you have curious little ones, visiting the museum is a must!
Goa State Museum
Address: Adil Shah Palace, Avenida Dom João de Castro, Patto Colony, Panaji, Goa 403521, India
Website: Goa State Museum
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm (daily)
15. Recommendations
Panjim is situated in Goa and there are many things to do here. I recommend you visit in the winter when the climate is cool and you can enjoy the afternoons. During the rest of the year, the evening can be cool but the afternoon, very hot. Direct domestic and international flights are available for traveling to Goa and while you are there, make sure you visit some of these beaches, churches, temples and the casino.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Panjim, India
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