There’s no denying that shopping is the most exciting part of a vacation and Goa street shops offer a shopping experience like no other. Apart from its marvellous beaches and tantalising nightlife, Goa is famed for its hippie market. As the name suggests, the trend of ‘flea markets’ was started by the western hippies in the 1960s. Since they arrived in Goa with empty pockets, selling their jewellery, clothes, guitars and other artefacts helped them earn some cash.
Fast forward to today, Goa is a hub of flea markets where people from all over the country and outside gather to sell and shop. If you plan to go to Goa, here are the flea markets that are every shopaholic’s paradise:
- Anjuna Flea Market
- Friday Bazar at Mapusa
- Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazar
- Tibetan Market, Baga
- Calangute Market Square
Although there are many more markets to explore, Anjuna Flea market is one of the most beloved markets in Goa. Let’s dive in- get, set, and shop!
Anjuna Flea Market
Every Wednesday, Anjuna Beach hosts this beachside market, where you can revel in dancing, music, and parties. When you’re done shopping you can indulge in some fantastic acrobatic activities and stop by the food vendors to recharge and rejuvenate.
Another great thing about Anjuna shopping is that you can shop to your heart’s content because the market stays buzzing till late at night. Remember to bargain. You’ll be surprised at how much you can purchase without worrying about overspending or exceeding your budget!
Why should you visit Anjuna?
It is said that the market was started by Eight Finger Eddie, one of the first hippies to ever settle in Goa. Anjuna Flea market was thus a trendsetter and that makes it the queen of flea markets.
You’ll find everything here: vintage home decor to boho jewellery, fashion items, clothes, piercings, tattoos and more.
The Anjuna Flea market is a nice fusion of Indian and western hippie. With exotic deadlocks, colourful braids and clothes with psychedelic prints, the Anjuna shopping experience is true to Goa’s essence. It’s a shopper’s heaven if you’re into experimenting and do not fear being freaky with fashion.
Here Are 7 Things to Know About Shopping in Anjuna
When & How to Visit
The market is held every Wednesday from 9 in the morning. October to April is the peak period because the market remains closed during the rainy season. This is a good time to visit as prices are lower than usual. So you can bag a lot of things for less money.
Reaching here is a piece of cake. The Anjuna Flea Market is within walking distance from Anjuna Beach. Anjuna Beach Parking is where tourists usually stop and enter the market. They usually charge Rs 100 for parking, and there’s no time limit. Exploring the market on foot is the best way to go about it. After shopping, you can venture out to the beach and relax to the sound of the waves.
Tibetan Market
Just when you thought that snow and beach can’t come together, Goa brings you its famous Tibetan & Nepali Markets. These markets are over half a century old! In the Tibetan stalls of the Anjuna flea market, you can find good quality woollens, affordable silver jewellery, handlooms, singing bowls, leather goods like leather notebooks, accessories and unique souvenirs.
Prices may be on the higher side and you may need to bargain a lot. If you’re lucky, you can get real silver jewellery, although there’s no means to establish its authenticity.
Macrame Jewelry, Stone Jewelry & Other Accessories
Macrame Jewellery- You won’t find this kind of jewellery everywhere. Goan flea markets are also popular for exclusive handmade jewellery. Each design is different because it’s hand-woven. Some have intricate designs while others have pretty jewels embedded among designer knots. Plus, you’ll be supporting local businesses. It’s a part of sustainable tourism, which is clearly the need of the hour.
Stone Jewellery- You’ll also come across numerous stalls selling stone or beaded jewellery. These come in a lot of different colours, stones and patterns. The stones range from artificial to semi-precious and precious. The prices vary accordingly as well. Nevertheless, you are sure to find some statement pieces to add to your jewellery collection.
Some other items that you can expect to find in almost every second shop are earrings, rings and ear cuffs.
Don’t worry men, the flea market has jewellery for you too. Bracelets, rings and necklaces are available if you’re into men’s fashion.
Purses, Wallets & Hand Bags
Soon as you enter the Anjuna market and pass through 2-3 shops, you’ll come across handbag shops that sell bags of all kinds. From small wood-woven purses to spacious tote bags made of jute and shimmery potli bags for fancy occasions. They start at Rs 200 but there’s always a scope for bargaining. You’ll notice that the bags come in bright colours and varying designs which makes them very eye-catching. Most shops also sell other trinkets like bracelets, jewellery boxes and rings for as low as Rs 50.
Tapestry & Home Decor
If you need to spice up your house and add a touch of exotica, the Anjuna flea market is just the place for it. The shops here sell colourful tapestries with interesting designs and psychedelic prints. A tapestry on a plain wall can really change up the look and add a touch of vibrance to a drab room.
Apart from tapestries, you can find beautiful dreamcatchers as well. Native Americans believed that dreamcatchers provide protection from bad dreams and evil spirits. You’ll find a variety of dreamcatchers, laden with beads and feathers. Even if you don’t believe in its cultural significance, you can still get it as a decorative piece for your home.
Besides this, cushion covers and bedsheets with mirror work and tribal prints are also sold widely.
Clothing & Fashion
There’s no way we couldn’t have included clothes in this list! You’ll be surprised to see the array of fashion in the Anjuna flea market. This is the place for all hip clothing and international tourists love to shop here. The best part is that everything is super budget-friendly. Here’s what you can buy from the clothing stalls at Anjuna market:
- Sarongs
- Beachwear, swimwear and cute crocheted bikinis
- Ladies’ dresses- long and short gowns, skirts and funky summer tops
- Dresses made from old sarees
- Kids’ dresses
- Shorts and Tshirts for men
- Hats and caps
- Baggy Tshirts with Hippie Graphics & Psychedelic Prints
- Cool badges to customise apparel
- Footwear
The crocheted bikinis are definitely a star. You can spot a petite woman handknitting them in her quaint shop that is adorned with vibrant bikinis and long tops. They’re priced at only Rs 500 a set, which is a good deal. She also sells long tops (also crocheted) for Rs 550. Most of the clothes start at Rs 200 and don’t go beyond Rs 1000.
Body Art
If you’re feeling a little crazy and spontaneous, you could get a tattoo or piercing or have your hair braided on the beachside. A lot of people love having their hair braided in colourful strands. They look pretty and you don’t have to worry about them getting stuck while combing either. Tattoos and colourful dreadlocks add to the Goan vibes. Inksanity Tattoo & Piercing in Anjuna is a reliable place to get inked.
Additional Tip: Shops that are deeper into the market are cheaper than the shops at the beginning of the market.
Eateries in and Around Anjuna Flea Market
After a long day of shopping, you need to relax and recharge. What better way to do that than enjoying traditional Goan shack food with live music in the background? Sipping an icy drink to some live retro music is an experience worth having in Goa. Anjuna is a very happening place for this very reason.
Beach Shacks Amidst the Flea Market
You may come across several tiny food places while roaming around in the market. Some of the popular ones are Sea breeze restaurant, San Fransisco’s, and Maria Lobos.
Here you can have drinks like juices, lassi and shakes paired with some Goan seafood.
Ocean Pirates Cafe
A famous restaurant & bar near the flea market that is abuzz with people till 3 am! It lights up in the dark and is the go-to place for locals and tourists alike. After the beach, you can head here for cocktails, snacks and parties.
Pisco- by the Beach
Pisco by the beach is one of the top-rated restaurants in Goa. A scenic view, salty air and fine dining, what more do you need!? According to most visitors, this is the best place for witnessing an enchanting sunset. While most restaurants in Goa shut down in monsoons, Pisco doesn’t. One thing about Pisco by the beach is that the interior and the colour palette are very tasteful (as is the food).
Oasis Cafe Anjuna
Quality dishes at reasonable prices. This cafe near Anjuna beach has received multiple 5-star reviews and a long list of satisfied customers. The Virgin Mojito and the French toast here are a must-try.
Other Activities
Yes, that’s not it! The day doesn’t end here. Besides its flea market, Anjuna has an array of activities for you to enjoy. One of Goa’s most beautiful locations, it’s a great area for sightseeing, watersports, outdoor activities, and much more. Here are some of the pastimes that you can partake in:
Paragliding
One of the most popular adventure sports that will enhance your trip to Anjuna Beach is paragliding. Paragliding in Anjuna beach is an excellent idea for anyone interested in seeing this area’s picturesque splendour from above. You’ll have the safest and most memorable outdoor experience ever, thanks to authorised experts.
Price: INR 700-1000 for 15 minutes to 1 hour (duration of 1 session may vary)
Timings: 7:30 am to 10:00 pm
Shiva Valley
Shiva Valley hosts psytrance parties every Tuesday, which is why this beach hut on Anjuna Beach is referred to as the “temple of trance.” Even on Sundays, festivities go until four in the morning. The most romantic activity to do in Shiva Valley is to watch a beautiful sunset in the shack’s outdoor area, which is one of the top party spots in Goa for couples.
It’s also open on Wednesdays from 9:30 am.
This is one of the prime locations in North Goa for parties, and it’s right close to the Curlies, another well-known spot for Goa nightlife.
Fee: Free for single ladies, 500 for stag and INR 1000 for couple
Timings: 9:30 am to 4:00 am (Tuesdays), 3 am to 3 am (Sundays) and 9:30 am to 11:30 am for the rest of the days of the week.
Scuba Diving
Given the fascinating underwater tours that visitors may do here on this beach, scuba diving is regarded as one of the most thrilling activities on Anjuna. You can delve into the undersea world through scuba diving. Professionals that hold PADI certifications will be in charge of you and will be able to fuel your adventurous side.
St. Anthony Chapel
It’s one of the many ancient churches of Goa. An architectural beauty, it was constructed around the start of the 17th century. During the Portuguese era of dominance in India, the statue of St. Anthony was treated as the army’s captain, and the staff of the Treasury Office would keep the wage amount on the statue’s hand. This chapel’s façade is unlike any other church or chapel in Goa.
Fee: No fee
Timings: 9 am to 12 pm, 4 pm to 7 pm
Reader’s Note
Well now that you know everything that there is to know about Anjuna shopping, you can use the information from this blog to carve out a fun day full of activities and adventure in Anjuna. Remember, the Anjuna flea market is located on the Anjuna beach and is held every Wednesday from 9 am. You’ll find a variety of hippie merchandise from clothing, home decor, trance music cassettes and jewellery to handbags and body art. Grab a bite from one of the food shacks if you want and spend some time on the serene Anjuna Beach. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
This vlog gives the perfect all-encompassing glimpse of Anjuna flea market
Happy Shopping!
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