Panaji Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Panaji featuring street scenes
Panaji featuring street scenes and tropical scenes
Panaji featuring a river or creek and boating
Panaji which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Panaji

Low-rise and laid-back, this characterful riverside city has a distinct European flavor and a range of Indo-Portuguese architecture.

Goa’s capital, Panaji, is still commonly referred to by its Portuguese name, Panjim, and the legacy of its old colonial rulers doesn’t end there. Aesthetically, it is reminiscent of Portugal with ample green spaces, whitewashed churches and atmospheric old colonial quarters.

Panaji was a small and sleepy riverfront village up until the mid-19th century, when it replaced Old Goa as the capital of Portuguese India. Most of its development was orchestrated by its Portuguese rulers and the wide streets, neat layout and Portuguese-inspired architecture all act as evidence of this. Look for pastel-painted classic colonial buildings which have been given a characteristic Goan injection of color.

Be sure to climb up Altinho Hill to enjoy the views of the city and get your bearings. The surrounding neighborhood, known as Altinho, is worth wandering about. Seek out interesting old buildings including the sprawling Bishop’s Palace, the 17th-century Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and the Secretariat Building, the one-time home of Portuguese viceroys. The labyrinthine heritage quarter of Fontainhas and Sao Tome also has clusters of colonial architecture, while monuments like the Mahalaxmi Temple act as reminders of its Hindu heritage.

Don’t forget to sample traditional Goan cuisine while here. Be sure to try much-loved local staples, such as piri piri shrimp or sorpotel, which is a spicy pork and offal stew.

Panjim can also make a great base for exploring Old Goa, which is located just 5.6 miles (9 kilometers) from the city. The once-thriving and grand colonial capital was abandoned in the 19th century after several bouts of plague struck its inhabitants. Other worthwhile excursions include boat trips to the nearby picturesque islands, such as Chorão and Divar, and to the popular Miramar Beach.

Some of the best times of the year to visit Panaji are between late October and early April when temperatures are warm but pleasant. The nearest airport is in Dabolim, which is about a 40-minute drive from Panaji. The city is also connected by bus to many other major Indian centers, including Mumbai, Mangalore and Bangalore. Much of Panaji is walkable, but should you need to go further, local bus services and auto-rickshaws can help.

Where to stay in Panaji

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Fontainhas

Well liked for its historical sites and restaurants, you might stop by Deltin Royale Casino and Mandovi River while you're exploring Fontainhas and the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Fontainhas
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Altinho

5/5(1 area review)

Altinho is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Jama Masjid and Bishop's Palace.

Altinho
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Campal

While visiting Campal, you might make a stop by sights like 18th June Road and Campal Gardens.

Campal
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Patto

While visiting Patto, you might make a stop by sights like Goa State Museum and Panaji Bridge.

Patto
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NIO Colony

When in NIO Colony, you can plan a visit to Dona Paula Beach and Caranzalem Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

NIO Colony
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Electricity Colony

Electricity Colony might not have many top sights, but Jama Masjid and 18th June Road are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Electricity Colony
Grand Hyatt Goa

Grand Hyatt Goa

5 out of 5
Goa University, Panaji, Goa
The price is ₹10,350 per night from 17 Sept to 18 Sept
₹10,350
per night
17 Sept - 18 Sept
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Panaji. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
Grand Hyatt Goa
Goa Marriott Resort & Spa

Goa Marriott Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
Miramar Beach, Panaji, Goa
The price is ₹13,000 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
₹13,000
per night
21 Sept - 22 Sept
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Panaji. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
Goa Marriott Resort & Spa
Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage, Goa

Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage, Goa

5 out of 5
Vainguinim Beach, Dona Paula, Panaji, Goa
The price is ₹10,000 per night from 24 Sept to 25 Sept
₹10,000
per night
24 Sept - 25 Sept
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Panaji. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage, Goa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
La Maison by Dia Hotels and Homes

La Maison by Dia Hotels and Homes

2.5 out of 5
5/158 Mala, Panaji, GA
Stay at this aparthotel in Panaji. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Deltin Royale Casino and Candolim Beach are located ...
La Maison by Dia Hotels and Homes
Beach Paradise Miramar Goa

Beach Paradise Miramar Goa

3 out of 5
Dr Jack de Sequeira Rd, opposite Caranzalem Beach Road,, Panaji, GA
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Panaji. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Deltin Royale Casino and Candolim Beach are ...
Beach Paradise Miramar Goa
Vega Suites with Private Indoor Pool

Vega Suites with Private Indoor Pool

3 out of 5
Sernabatim Colva Rd, Madel, Colva, Goa
Stay at this 3-star villa in Colva. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Colva Beach and Our Lady of Merces Church are ...
Vega Suites with Private Indoor Pool
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Panaji

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
9
5 - Excellent 39%
4 - Good
11
4 - Good 48%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Tony,Brighton

An interesting place for a day's walk about but then you need to go further afield. A few interesting bars around the municipal gardens but you have to hunt for them. The Fisherman's Warf next to the hotel is good for a meal and/or a drink.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Visit to wine shops and cashew outlets a must do

3/5 - Okay

Vanessa

Lots of construction activity with new roads and bridges

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

the casino the cruise the excellent food very freindly people and the nice hot weather

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