Your Guide to the Lively Night Markets in Goa

Goa is so much more than its beaches and nightlife – it’s a cultural hub with many lively night markets at its heart.

These markets provide a window into Goan life, merging Indian and Portuguese influences through food, music and handicrafts. From the Anjuna flea market on South Beach to Mackie’s Night Bazaar in Baga, these community markets are where locals and travellers come together to enjoy Goa’s unique heritage.

Whether you are searching for souvenirs, local street food or just wanting to soak up the festive vibe, Goa’s night markets promise an adventure. This guide dives into which of the markets you should visit and the treasures you will find there.

Location: Anjuna Beach Road, Anjuna, North Goa

The Anjuna Flea Market held on Wednesday’s on Goa’s south beach at St. Michael’s Vaddo, is typically open from October to May. It began in the 1970s as a barter market for backpackers. Goa was known as the last stop on the backpackers trail and these overlander backpackers used to barter their belongings in order to raise cash.

Over the ensuing years it grew into a major tourist attraction selling spices, silver jewellery and unique handicrafts. Today, the flea market is perhaps a quarter the size of its hey days but it still draws in the crowds who come for the souvenirs, fabrics, spices, henna tattoos and trinkets. Many of the items are overpriced, but haggling is an expected part of the experience. It’s a great spot at sunset (market closes at 6pm) to sip on cold beers and enjoy the lively atmosphere accentuated by drumming and live music. Stall vendors sell delicious street food ranging from spicy Goan chorizo sausage, shawarma’s, samosas, and roast chicken cafreal coated in a marinade of coriander, spices and garlic.

Location: Mapusa, North Goa, India

The Mapusa Market in North Goa is one of the Goa’s oldest still functioning marketplaces set in a series of small buildings and covered pavilions which are divided by roads and open spaces lined with informal vendors. It was built in 1960 and is open every day except Sunday, but it's particularly lively on Fridays - staying open later, usually from 9:30am to 8:30pm. Every other day it is only open until 6pm.

Here, locals and tourists can stock up on fresh produce, dried fish, readymade masalas, flowers, jaggery, spices, pickles, toddy vinegar and strings of choris sausages. This market offers a window into the heart of Goan culture and is where you can sample traditional snacks and find interesting food souvenirs. Enjoy fresh king coconuts and other exotic produce like jackfruit, okra, gourd and mangos. Stock up on cashew nuts and bottles of black kokum syrup which is a great addition to any fish curry. The Mapusa market is filled with bright colours, sounds and enticing aromas and locally made snacks.

Location: Arambol Beach, North Goa 

Arambol Flea Market in hippy-haven Arambol in North Goa offers market shoppers a more unique shopping experience. The Flea Market happens every Saturday night, starting at sunset – hawkers set up their stalls along the beachfront. The flea market stocks handmade jewellery, boho clothing, unusual art, musical instruments, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Items are reasonably priced and there is hardly any need to bargain. 

The market also boasts a great food scene with wood-fired pizzas, local seafood, fresh fruit juices, smoothies and organic and vegan options. Live music adds to the artistic, hippy vibe. The market is an extension of Arambol beach and beyond shopping and dining you can join a drum circle and take in the fire shows and live performances on the beach. 

Top tip: Bring cash as most of the vendors don’t accept digital payments.

Location: HillTop Vagator bardez Goa, Anjuna, Goa

The Goa Collective Bazaar is an initiative by HillTop Goa and is open every Friday during peak season from 4 pm until late in HillTop, Vagator. This bright, tropical market is set under a canopy of palm trees and live bands and DJs set the tone. The Food Court is packed with a myriad of food stalls and artisan vendors bringing you treasures you won’t find elsewhere like Chaos Divine -an artisan fashion brand that produces capsule collections of clothing and jewellery. Raeth is a clothing brand that specialises in block prints for women. Alice Golub makes creative masks, headwear, fascinators, braids and jewellery. All Is Love clothing is made from natural fabrics, Milo’s Temple sells essential oils, healing crystals and protective amulets. Check out Tea Parish’s loose leaf teas and Bare Skin’s nature-inspired skincare products. 

You can shop, eat and dance at the Goa Collective. There are two stages; the Main Stage features live bands playing a range of world music from The Blues Monday Company, Prem Joshua,  Soft Moonlight, All Yellow and Kelly Ou Moi. The Disco Stage at the Food Court features premier local DJ’s like DJ Priya and Collective Frequency.

Top Tip: Check their Instagram feed for special events and opening and closing times and entry fees.

Other notable night markets in Goa include the Palolem Beach Market in South Goa which is lined with stalls selling everything from dream catchers, Arabic perfumes and souvenirs to semi-precious stones, spices and clothing and fabrics. The market closes at 11pm and the best time to visit is from November to March.

The Colva Beach Market on the seashore offers souvenirs and street food and the Calangute Market Square is a busy and crowded market,  located near Calangute Beach. It is open every day, but is especially busy on Saturdays staying open until 9 pm. Vendors stock a range of products, such as beachwear, souvenirs, carpets and textiles, handicrafts made from clay and metal, and leatherware embellished with seashells. You will also discover many stalls where you can enjoy different kinds of seafood snacks including prawn cakes.

Stay at one of our Mercure hotels whilst in Goa. Mercure hotels provide a comfortable base whilst you discover the regions many markets, beaches and ancients sights. Grand Mercure Goa Candolim, located close to the Chapora Fort, is set amidst green hills overlooking the Nerul River. This family friendly hotel offers spacious accommodation, a dedicated children’s play area and a refreshing swimming pool and spa. The waterfront Mercure Goa Devaaya Resort is located on the 'island of love' at Divar near to the historic landmarks, taverns and local markets of  Old Goa in the city of Panjim. The resort features suites and villas imbued with an Indo-Portuguese style.