North Goa - must visit !

Must visit hangouts in North Goa

Being one of India's most famous holiday destinations, Goa needs no introduction as far as the awesomeness of the place is concerned. Many people believe that Goa is a place to visit during the peak season and that during that period the whole of North Goa turns into a huge fun fair altogether. However, having stayed in Goa during both peak and non-peak seasons, I firmly believe that there is never a bad time to visit Goa; any part of Goa at any time of the year is a good bet.

I think nothing is more intoxicating in Goa as much as itself. Scenic environment, beaches, mouth watering Goan delicacies, rented bikes and awe-inspiring party places backed by party enthusiasts from all over the globe makes Goa a perfect destination to party as well as to unwind.

Personally, I prefer staying in the North Goa and speaking to a few friends after their return from North Goa, I hear them talking about the terrific time they had. But when asked about the places/hangouts they visited, they usually mention some obscure joints that strictly offer a mediocre level experience. This makes me wonder as to how much better would their experiences had been if they had visited some of the top-spots of North Goa?

When in North Goa, there are a few hangouts (scroll down) that one simply cannot afford to miss visiting.

Britto's, Baga

An awesome place for seafood lovers that overlooks the Baga beach. Lovely ambience backed by courteous staff is what makes this place all the more enjoyable. You can nibble on some food, go take a nice walk on the shores of Baga, come back, and finish your food. I bet this place serves some of the best prawns not only in the north of Goa, but in the entire state. At night, Britto's dons a extremely charming look with the right amount of lights in the restaurant premises and candles on each table. The classic numbers playing in the background, the music of tides, great food and the breathtaking view of the sea turns the experience at Britto’s into an ecstatic one.

One word to describe the experience at this place: Ecstatic

Must try: Prawns fry with tartar sauce, Squid chilly and Fish & chips

Pricing: Moderate

Souza Lobo, Calangute

An extremely old joint operating round the year right on the shores of Calangute beach that boasts of lovely authentic Goan fish and chicken delicacies. The comfortable old Goan style furniture adds to the experience in a better way. Being conveniently located on Calangute Beach, it’s very easy to spot this place. Souza Lobo is a relatively small place to eat, you may have to queue up for a little while to find a table; I assure you for the fact that it’s worth the wait.

One word to describe the experience at this place: Authentic

Must try: Stuffed crab, Crab curry, Prawns cocktail and chicken lollypop

Pricing: Moderate

Curlies, Anjuna

My favorite joint in the whole of Goa that looks straight into the eyes of Indian Ocean. The place has a typical hippie tone and is often flooded with international tourists. Curlies also boasts of a dance floor on lines of a rave club that plays finicky psychedelic transcendental music. The most unique feature of this joint is the out of the world atmosphere; a total cut off from the outside. Also, getting to this place is a tiny adventure and an experience in itself. It also has a pool table, internet cafe and a private beach. (The only people visiting the beach in the area around Curlies are the customers of Curlies, making it a private beach, well almost!)

One word to describe the experience at this place: Rapturous

Must try: Chocolate pancake, Chicken chilly with garlic bread (must try combination)

Pricing: Inexpensive

Infantaria, Calangute

Infantaria is located in the Calangute area and lies between Calangute and Baga. An all day dining spot in North Goa that is known for serving good sea food, vegetarian food, croissants, pattices, fresh juices and wine. Infantaria is also known for its lovely offers and breakfast buffets. Its a perfect place for brunch or an early breakfast. Although the food takes some time to arrive but its served fresh. Food is moderately priced and the service staff is courteous. 

One word to describe the experience at this place: Contenting

Must try: Prawns curry rice, Pork sorpotel and other paneer delicacies

Pricing: Inexpensive

Café Mambo’s, Baga Calangute

Mambo’s is situated at the edge of Calangute beach and is extremely popular amongst native and non native party goers. Although Tito’s used to be the preferred choice in the yesteryears', Mambo is now turning out to be the party hotspot in North Goa. Usually the Hiphop and fusion nights attract the most crowds but if one needs to party hard, it’s always a good time to visit Mambo's.

One word to describe the experience at this place: Amusing

Must try: Fish fingers and Garlic chicken

Pricing: Slightly expensive

Tito’s, Baga Calangute

Right next to Mambo’s is one of the oldest discotheques in Goa, Tito’s. Tito’s is synonymous to the word ‘partying’ in Goa. Tito’s also boasts of a world cuisine restaurant and serves good but slightly expensive food. New Years Eve at Tito’s club is believed to be the one of the best places to celebrate the eventful night in Goa. The club is known for its incredible house music nights and they indeed play some world class house music.

One word to describe the experience at this place: Exhilarating

Must try: Fish fingers, Citrus grilled pomfret and Grilled pepper chicken

Pricing: Expensive

Club Cubana, Arpora

Club Cubana Goa, the Night club in the sky, is not one of the best night clubs in Goa but is simply the best. The pool in the picture is a party pool and is the only party pool in a night club in India. Although the club is shut most of the times due to political issues, it’s open for around 3-5 months in a year and many national and international tourists plan their trips to Goa during that time. Getting to the top of Arpora hill to visit Cubana is an exceptional experience too. In case you are not sure of the right way to get to Cubana, just follow the source of laser light beam that is visible from the darkest corners of North Goa. Many international Dj`s flock from different parts of the world and keep the 2 storied dance floor jumping. The music played is R&B, Hip Hop, UK garage, trance and any other type of music that is guaranteed to rock you.

One word to describe the experience at this place: Phenomenal

Must order: Themed cocktails

Pricing: Expensive

La Plage, Ashwem

La Plage is one of the most stylish shacks of the beach shacks and provides a splendid ambience and the finest French food in Goa. Plenty of deck chairs, soft jazz or eclectic hip-hop and a finger-licking French cuisine makes La Plage one of the very few places in Goa where every aspect of the place transforms the experience into a memorable one. Due to its growing popularity, it would be a good idea to make reservations in advance.

One word to describe the experience at this place: Cheering

Must try: Caramalised tuna, Foie gras and Chocolate pancakes

Pricing: Slightly expensive

When in Goa, I am sure you are up for a blast but just to make it an even better experience make sure you visit majority (if not all) of the joints mentioned above.  

Feel free to list hangouts of your choice in the comments section below.

Goa attractions map