![Shopaholic Alert 5 Local Goan Markets You Should Visit](http://media.assettype.com/outlooktraveller%2Fimport%2Foutlooktraveller%2Fpublic%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Fexplore%2Fgoa2.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
For avid shoppers, nothing compares to the sheer pleasure of spending a day indulging in retail therapy. Despite differing opinions, it is widely acknowledged that engaging in a shopping spree can brighten even the dullest of days. This sentiment is especially true when one is on vacation, and what better place to enjoy a getaway than the enchanting destination of Goa Known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife, Goa also boasts a diverse array of markets that cater to the discerning tastes of its visitors. Here, we present five local markets in Goa that will satisfy your retail cravings.
Anjuna Flea Market
Set up every Wednesday from 9 am to sunset, Anjuna Flea Market is one of the liveliest markets in Goa. Hippie travellers founded the market in the early 1960s to promote their unique products. When hippies ran out of money, they used to sell their worn goods to get new ones. People liked their things because they were unusual. The open-air products trade market was what the locals called it. According to common belief, eight fingers Eddie created this industry in 1975. While travelling through Eastern Europe, the hippies wound themselves on the shores of Anjuna. They had inadvertently destroyed their passports and had no money. To alleviate their financial problems, they began selling their unique products. Since then, Anjuna market has been the 'it' place for souvenirs, trinkets, clothes etc. Unique macramé and stone combinations, gipsy headgear, macramé dream catchers, sling bags of funky styles, Tibetan handlooms, artefacts, bowls and silver trinkets are some of the best things found here.
Mapusa Fish Market
Head over to the bustling Mapusa market, which is especially busy on Fridays due to weekend shopping. It is the perfect place to idly roam around and experience the lives of the locals and grab some specialities for yourself. The market includes practically everything real and rare, from one-of-a-kind textiles, antiques, and souvenirs to traditional handicrafts, Goan ceramics, pickles, fruits, vegetables, fresh catch, dried fish, Goan pottery, antiques, handicrafts, Goan chorizos, textiles, coir mats, jewellery and spices.
Panjim Market
If you wish to carry the essence of Goa home, head over to Panjim Market. It sells wines, cashew nuts, local handicrafts, and Goan spices, and it also has a multiplex and a variety of cafes nearby. So if you want a taste of authentic Goan shopping, this is the place for you
Calangute Market Square
Calangute, sometimes known as the "Queen of Beach Markets," exemplifies Goa's beach flea market industry. Calangute, like Anjuna Beach Market, attracts travellers from all over the world and appeals to the hippie culture of the 1960s and 1970s, which brought millions of backpackers and Western tourists to this area. Approximately 4 miles long and bordered with palm trees, shacks, and stalls, Calangute Beach near it is a must-visit. Locals sell fried prawns, seashell souvenirs, carpets, beachwear, sarongs, leather sandals, and jewellery, among other things.
Mackie's Night Bazaar
A hub for music, nightlife, lively market and tourists, Mackie's Night Bazaar is a great spot to enjoy the Goan nightlife. Every Saturday till midnight, this brightly lit market on Baga Beach takes place. Hundreds of stalls sell junk jewellery, fashionable beachwear, clothing, souvenirs, antiques, and handicrafts. Numerous fantastic restaurants in the marketplace serve beer and real Goan, Chinese, and Tibetan cuisine.
Cover photo credit Deposit Photos