LODGE AND DODGE THE PRICES
Staying in Goa is not necessarily about the lavish views and casinos in your hotel. One can have a great time living in a hostel, an OYO room or a shack. If 6+ people look for furnished flats for accommodation which can be availed in 3k per day with 500 per head. Given the hyped nightlife of Goa, no one anyway stays indoors much. Try getting a good enough place to have a sound sleep and lodge your stuff and focus more on exploring the place.
PRO TIP: Hotels will keep your luggage for free before 12 pm check-in and after 12 pm checkout. You can pick it up while leaving. Travel in the city at nighttime to maximize your day hours and save on lodging costs. You can save on laundry too by carrying extra clothes. If you want to make a well-planned trip to Goa then make sure you stay around the main party areas as everything exciting happens there - pick an area like Calangute, Baga, Candolim or Anjuna/Arpora.
The Roadhouse Hostel, Red Door Hostel and The Hostel Crowd are among the few hostels in Goa that provide rooms under INR 500. While you’re at it, check out the 10 best hostels in Goa for backpackers. You can further choose amongst various low budget hotels like Empire Guest House and Horizon View Resort. Dormitories can opt too if you don’t have much space concerns. If one knows how to save up and compromise a little on comfort then they wouldn't have a problem planning a budget trip to goa. A goa trip plan is incomplete if you don't plan to make new friends and get to know new people from other countries and cities. People also prefer to live in shacks on the beaches and wake up to a beautiful horizon of sunrise. Sunset marks the party mood. This will definitely help you save some money up for trying the best adventure and water sports in Goa.
Noted to be one of the best hostels in Goa, this backpacker hostel is themed to look like a prison and is probably the best party hostel in Goa. The dorms are basic but Prison Hostel attracts a lively party crowd and even has a bar made out of an old bus in the front yard. They also offer a shuttle bus to take people to parties.
Address: 940, Flea Market Road, Anjuna, Goa (Get Directions)
Highlights: Bus bar, quiz nights
Price of Stay: Starts at INR 450/-
Complimentary Facilities: Wifi, Parking, BBQ facility
Located at the heart of India’s buzzing tourist capital of Goa, ROADHOUSE HOSTEL is situated at Anjuna Beach with German Bakery and Mango Shade as their illustrious next door neighbors to keep your taste buds tingling. All Air Conditioned dormitories with attached bathrooms enable a comfortable stay and rooms vary from occupancy of 2, 4, 6 & 8 beds. Scooters and bicycles are available at the hostel for travelers to facilitate easy movement to explore the surrounding locales at their own convenience. At Roadhouse, two is a company and three is a carnival. So, hop in without giving any second thought!
Address: #954, Grand Peddem, Near German Bakery, Monteiro Vaddo, Anjuna (Get Directions)
Highlights: Book exchange, Reading light on beds, pin-based access, luggage storage
Price of Stay: Starts from INR 550/-
Complimentary Facilities: Free Wifi Everywhere, Fresh Tea & Coffee, Daily Housekeeping, 24-hour Front Desk
Additional Branches: Arambol and Palolem
Located right in the center of Anjuna, the red door hostel in Goa has a spacious lounge area, a garden, and a communal kitchen. It’s a good place to meet new people. It balances between being a party hostel and a laid back sociable traveler scene within walking distance of all the attractions of Anjuna.
Address: 651/4, D Mello Vaddo, Bardez, 403509 Anjuna (Get Directions)
Highlights: Garden Bar & Cafe, Portuguese Villa
Price of Stay: Starts from INR 450/-
Complimentary Facilities: Wifi, Parking
Located right behind the popular shacks like Janet and Johns and Lilliput, Wonderland Hostel is the closest hostel to the beach in Anjuna, the flea market, and the beach parties. The dorms are located in cute beach huts and private rooms are also available. There is plenty of outside spaces to sit and meet other travelers, a community kitchen and hammocks to chill in.
Address: 69/6 Govekar Waddo, Near Cafe Lilliput, Anjuna (Get Directions)
Price of Stay: Starts from INR 450/-
Complimentary Facilities: Wifi, Parking, BBQ facility
In a lush tropical setting, this down-to-earth hostel in Goa with an annex is a 12-minute walk from Vagator Beach, 1 km from the Chapora Fort ruins and 4 km from the Saturday Night Market. The modest mixed and single-sex dorms have bunk beds and offer free Wi-Fi, lockers and en-suite bathrooms. Some quarters have air-conditioned and are located in the annex, set a 5-minute walk from the main building. Breakfast is complimentary. Amenities include a rooftop terrace and a relaxed cafe, plus yoga classes. Private rooms are also available.
Address: 486(2) Vagator Beach Road, Vagator, Goa (Get Directions)
Highlights: BBQ night, rooftop movies, yoga
Price of Stay: Starts from INR 550/-
Complimentary Facilities: Free Wifi, lockers and En-Suite Bathrooms, Breakfast
Pappi Chulos is located on the cliffs within walking distance to Little Vagator Beach, 9 Bar, Thalassa and most of the action in Vagator. The funky pictures and murals on the walls give the place a cool vibe. The hostel has comfy dorms and funky communal areas including a living room, kitchen area and a nice, sociable garden area with a bar which means it is easy to make friends with other travelers.
Address: Ozran Beach Rd, Vagator (Get Directions)
Highlights: Community vibes, crazy & loving staff, graffiti art, BBQ, Bar, hostel Pets
Price of Stay: Starts from INR 400
Complimentary Facilities: Free Wifi, Free Parking, Free Internet Access
Backpacker Panda Goa is the first hostel property of Backpacker Panda and it has ensured that you get nothing less than the best. It’s 100 meters away from the beautiful Candolim Beach as well as from Calangute/Candolim main road border. It’s well connected with all means of transport that you may choose.
Address: #1116, Anna Vaddo, Ximer, Candolim (Get Directions)
Highlights: Bicycle hire, hot shower, kitchenette, games, secure lockers
Price of Stay: Starts from INR 399
Complimentary Facilities: Wifi Facilities, Laundry, And Drying
Peace and tranquil air - Mornings filled with birdcalls - Forest, fields & the sea for neighbors - Birds, frogs & dogs for friends! Stay with artists, yogis, poets & writers. About five minutes’ walk back from Morjim Beach, Wanderers is a real find for budget travelers. The main building, decorated with original travelers murals, has spotless air-con dorms with lockers, bed lights and Wi-Fi, full kitchen, cozy communal areas and a pool table. In the garden, next door is a tent village with swimming pool and yoga retreat center and outdoor cinema.
Address: Madhla Vaddo, Opp Nanu Wines, Morjim (Get Directions)
Highlights: Bar, locker, 24-hour front desk, bicycles are available for rent.
Price of Stay: Starts from INR 500
Complimentary Facilities: Outdoor Swimming Pool, Library, Game Room
FOOD for some is merely a fuel for going around and about. For others, food is what they plan everything around. (And why not? Food is holy and gorgeous) Either way, you’ve got to keep a place in mind to have a satisfying trip to Goa sans hunger pangs and junk munchies. Mostly try having thalis: vegetarian or fish as they are loaded with variety and quantity. Thalis at as low cost as Rs. 100-150 are available across North Goa. Given here are some places to get on your checklist on your trip to goa, you can check to tame your hunger.
PRO TIP: You can try LPK, Tito’s or beach shacks like Lilliput/Curlies for the rest of your stay. Also given that you’re on a budget trip to Goa, try carrying ready to eat foods with you like Maggi, Cup Noddles, Chips, Namkeen, etc. Though try and save up and check out La Plage in Morjim for a date night for their crazy good French cuisine and ambiance. (1000 bucks for two without alcohol) Spend one afternoon at Panjim area, churches (immaculate conception) and seafood at Ritz (Fish Thalis come under Rs. 250) which is one of the best places to have seafood. Don’t forget to visit and take a mandatory group cover picture at Chapora Fort – free of cost – Dil Chahta Hai Fort. It's not just about the accommodation, we're here to sort out cheap food options to for this budget based goa trip plan. No trip to Goa is complete without trying some authentic Goan food.
VEGETARIAN
Cafe Tato, INR 140 per person, Dr. RS Rd, Near Municipal Garden, Altinho, Panaji Navtara, INR 60 per person, Candolim Rd, Naika Vaddo, Calangute.
NON-VEGETARIAN
Viva Panjim, INR 150 per person, Fontainhas, Panjim, do try their Chicken Leg Chop and sausage PulaoChunky Chicken, INR 145 per person, Mapusa, do try their Chunkilicious Burger and Kebabs. You can eat at shacks like Alex Beach Shack, Ryans Shack, Stringfellows Beach Shack, etc. Also, try the super cheap beach shacks in Upper North Goa in and around Morjim, Ashwem or Arambol area. It's a crime to miss out on some authentic Goan seafood when on a trip to Goa.
DRINKS
At a place like Goa where Beer is cheaper than water, you’ve got to sip in some liquids, be it refreshing juices and smoothies or liquor. These will not only quench your thirst but be pocket-friendly. Drinks your sorrows away without burning a hole in your pocket when you make a trip to goa this year.
PRO TIP- Try and consume alcohol from thekas mainly. Kings beer is available for Rs 35-40. The rate goes to 60-80 at shacks and restaurants. A goa trip plan is incomplete without having a bottle of Kings, make sure you got that on your checklist.
1. Desmondji Spirits and Liqueurs
The label has taken Goan liqueurs to international standards and produce some really high-quality spirits, liqueurs and cocktail blends made out of sugarcane. Their most popular drinks are 51% oak finished and Agave Gold, recommended for single-malt lovers, it is also used in Mojitos, Daiquiris. Both are made from the Agave plant alike Tequilla. Their drinks range from a smooth 51% to 100% that is to be sipped and savored.
2. Armada
This spice liqueur won the Gold Outstanding medal at IWSC (the International Wine & Spirit Competition) for two consecutive years, it brought India on the global maps of wines. Its recipe lies with the famous Portuguese royal dynasty who still handicraft it in small batches. Prepared by using Brazilian sugar, Indian spices and Portuguese fruit, made without any artificial flavor or color it has 30% alcohol. It is used in countless mocktails to blend perfection to them. One of the most enjoyed drinks in Goa, Armada has surely tapped some of the finest reviews and good ratings amongst all the alcoholics in the party capital of India. A trip to Goa is all about keeping your busy life away and escape to this land of beautiful beaches. Make a goa trip plan worth trying everything you have on your checklist.
3. Port Wine
Also known by the name of Vinho do Porto, this was brought by the early colonizers of Goa, Portuguese in the 16th century. This was the first wine that was produced in India with all its authenticity. It is mostly served as a dessert wine and is known for its eloquent sweet flavor. Sip this while having a nice romantic dinner under the stars on the music of the tides.
Some of the places in Goa that are famous for their drinks:
Aces Club, Opposite Junta House, Panaji,
Picnic Bar and Restaurant, Sapana Gardens, Chogum Road, Porvorim
NH-17 Coqueiro Circle, NH-17, Porvorim, Bardez
LOCAL FOOD AND DRINKS
1. Bebinca – Goa’s most popular dessert with multi-layering of egg, coconut milk, sugar, and ghee.
2. Fish Curry Rice – The staple food of Goans, you can’t leave without trying this.
3. Goan Feni – It’s an alcoholic drink that produces froth and has a strong aroma, and that is what determines its quality. Cashew Feni being the most famous.
Also do try Desmondji, Crab XecXecA Delicious Curry, Goan Sausages. Try getting your hands on the preparations of these by the localities in villages as they are exquisite in their preparations. No trip to Goa is complete without trying their specialties - so don't miss out on the same.
Suggested Read:
Explore The 21 Most Romantic Places In Goa
20 of The Best Restaurants In Goa That Make Us Fall In Love With This Beach City
10 Ideal & Romantic Honeymoon Resorts In Goa For Your Romantic Stay
Tropic Like It’s Hot: What To Wear In Goa
PARTY-NOT PARTIALLY
When in the party capital of the country you’ll only be living under a rock to not want to party in Goana-na-na-na (pun intended). While all the famous clubs like Cabana and LPK etc have cut their prices, there are other clubs that you can check out too. However broke you may be the sand, the waters and the skyline remain the same.
PRO TIP: Avoid weekends for watersports and clubbing and keep two days for both each. Club Cabana is the best one in Goa, go there if you don’t know when you’re going to visit again, worth it. On a good day, the cost can be 1500 for a couple. Drinks are free inside.
Here are some hubs for the party animals that want dead feet, not bank statements:
1. Tito’s
Tito’s nightclubs, The Club and Retro Bar, offer state of the art design and cater to both international and domestic tourists flocking to Goa. You can access both the Retro Bar and The Bollywood once you enter the area. The Retro Bar has the music that includes classic rock, pop, and hip-hop. A large lounge space gives guests a chance to relax and relive the retro age. The Club, also known as Club Bollywood, caters to commercial and Bollywood music fans, with a huge dance floor to accommodate its large crowds. A designated area on the first floor offers private tables with a bar of its own. Your Goa trip plan needs to have Tito's Lane on the list for sure!
LOCATION – Tito’s Lane, Baga
TIMINGS – 9 pm to 4 am
2. SinQ Night Club
Located in Sinquerim, Goa, near the Taj Holiday Village. The theme of the place is very upbeat and uber trendy while at the same time calm and relaxing. The property is a combination of four entertainment zones – a chic nightclub, a contemporary Goan Tavern, a poolside deck, and lounge – all rolled into one to create the ultimate party venue. One can choose to party away in the snazzy nightclub or laze around in the outdoor lounge over a few drinks or beat the heat in the pool. For foodies, the poolside deck dishes up wood fire pizzas and barbeque fare. While the Goan tavern offers some of the finest and most delectable Goan specialties and European fare, to satiate the palate.
LOCATION – Sinquerim, Goa ( Near Taj Holiday Village )
TIMINGS – 10 pm to 5 am
3. Cape Town Cafe
Situated right in the middle of Tito’s lane, this is a cafe cum club cum sports bar. That has an open area with televisions all over the wall screening sports matches. It gives you the feel of a small yellow hut. There is a small area inside where the Dj plays music and you can dance your night away. You won’t feel like you are in India when you are partying at Cafe Cape Town. It’s a different feeling altogether.
LOCATION – Tito’s Lane, Baga
TIMINGS – 6 pm to 4 am
If you can, do try The Silent Noise, Cafe Mambo, Liquid Sky for their unique concepts.
Spend good two days in Baga, Anjuna, Calangute area, do watersports and imbibe the real Boho beach vibe. Check the cheapest water sports around 1000 per person for paragliding and other water activities. Though to experience the real essence of Goa, these festivals are key to imbibing the Goan culture. You really don’t have to wait for a bachelorette or a bachelor party to find your feet dipped in the sandy waters of Goa sipping a good Feni. Tell us in the comment section below if this post helped you plan, any suggestions or how your trips to Goa have been. Miochay!
TOP 8 Budget-Friendly Shacks In Goa
1. Ryan's Shack
Known for its amazing seafood and cane furniture set up, this place has a very organic and low-key vibe to it. Counted amongst one of the most wonderful shacks in Goa, Ryan's Shack has an indoor and outdoor setting both and at night it can charm you like no other. This shack is also famous for its beach huts in Goa where the sound of the bustling multi-lingual crowds, the gushing waves and tides, and the soft music can rejuvenate one like no other. The place remains a personal favorite of even the localities. To top it, the delicious and reasonable food only makes for the cherry on the cake by the exquisite beach side of Candolim.
Photo Courtesy: Ryan's Shack
Cost For Two: INR 600
Cuisine: North Indian, Goan, Chinese, Seafood
Venue: Candolim Beach, Candolim, Goa
Timing: 8 am to 11 pm
Contact: 070307 01447
2. Moonlight Beach Shack
Known for it's freshly caught and cooked seafood, this shacks in goa remains the most favorite amongst young, student travelers as its feasible and fresh in its ambiance too. Though there are various Moonlight shacks across the city yet you will love each one of them. Fun and relaxation can come in a capsule not just at the high-end shacks and restaurants but also at one of these where you can chill with your friends burping on the best beer price in Goa and watching the match on television while the tides come and go.
Photo Courtesy: Moonlight Beach Shack
Cost For Two: INR 650
Timings: 8:00 AM TO 9:00 PM
Cuisine: Chinese, North Indian, Seafood, Goan, Continental
Venue: Calangute Beach
Contact: 09890493758
3. Lucky Star Beach Shack
Lucky Star is one of the most sophisticated Baga Beach shacks in Goa with simple yet appealing ambiance. The light music, and cool sea breeze accompanied by finger licking food render it as one of the best shacks in Goa. This shack also arranges for fun-filled activities such as deep sea fishing, dolphin trip, and boat trip.
Photo Courtesy: Lucky Star Beach Shack
Cost For Two: INR 650 (Tax Excluded)
Timing: 10 AM to 2 AM
Cuisine: North Indian, Continental, Goan, Seafood, Chinese
Venue: Baga Beach, Baga, Goa
Contact: 089756 13050
4. Bubbles Beach Shack
Want to spend a night away from the booming parties in Goa? Dine out at Bubble’s beach shack in Goa, an isolated shack setup in a tranquil environment without any blaring music. With both indoor and outdoor sitting, it is one of the best shacks in Goa which ensures that your toes do separate from the soft sand and your ears from the sounds of the sea.
Photo Courtesy: Bubbles Beach Shack
Cost For Two: INR 800 (Tax Excluded)
Timing: 10 AM to 11:30 AM
Cuisine: North Indian, Continental, Seafood, Chinese, and Goan
Venue: Calangute Beach, Calangute, Goa
Contact: 098221 30088
5. Bobby’s Shack
Laid over the soft sand of Candolim beach, Bobby’s Shack is one of the best beach shacks in North Goa. Popular for its Christmas and New Year jamborees, and an elaborate Super Sunday that is known as Sunday roast, it is one of the finest Candolim beach shacks located on the beachfront. You get to chill under the beach huts in Goa at thtis place with your friends and have a great time.
Photo Courtesy: Bobby’s Shack
Cost For Two: INR 1000 (Tax Excluded)
Timing: 8 AM to 11 PM
Cuisine: Goan Seafood
Venue: Candolim Beach Road, Candolim Beach, Candolim, Goa
Contact: 098221 82794
6. La Plage
This shack in Goa pulls most of the crowd of the Ashwem Beach and is famous for its cuisine which is a mixture of Italian, American, and French. This is one of the best shacks in Goa which has dim lighting and wooden chairs placed all over the shack so you can dip your toes in the sand and sip some masterpiece cocktails. The place is vouched by people mostly because of its versatility and calm interiors. You cannot find a better spot than this shack in Goa to treat both your eyes and your taste buds than La Plage. Lay back after a refreshing drink and watch as the sun slides into the horizon.
Photo Courtesy: La Plage
Cost For Two: INR 800
Cuisine: Italian, American, and French
Venue: Morjim, Arambol, Goa
Timing: 8:30 AM to 10 PM
Contact: 098221 21712
7. Shiva Valley
One of the perfect shacks in Goa with the perfect rave feels also known as the psychedelic temple is the perfect stop if you never really want to come out of the party feels. With the flashy neon lights, psychedelic music and, trippy interiors that come alive in the dark, you will fall in love with the oceans in a very exquisite manner. The lights stretch to a distance and most people fall in love with the place so much that they don't leave until the next morning. Be prepared to experience a parallel universe that Goa has to offer along with the best beer price in Goa. Get ready to party at the most famous shack in Goa!
Photo Courtesy: Shiva Valley
Cost For Two: INR 1000
Cuisine: Chinese, Italian, Israeli, North Indian
Venue: Anjuna Beach, Anjuna, Goa
Timing: 8 am to 12 midnight
Contact: 096896 28008
8. Sublime Beach Shack
The food at this one of the best shacks in Goa is very light and is mostly fusion and hence you may get to try a new dish every time you visit next. The place is one of a kind and compliments both the adjacent beaches Morjim and Arambol perfectly. Getting a table here might be an issue but once you're seated you would not want to get up. The reasonable beer here paired with the gorgeous sunset will set up the evening for you. For sure Sublime is one of the best shacks in Goa to chill and have some relaxing time.
Photo Courtesy: Sublime Beach Shack
Cost For Two: INR 1300
Cuisine: European
Venue: Morjim Beach Road, Vithaldas Vaddo, Morjim, Arambol, Goa
Timing: 12 Noon to 3 PM, 6 PM to 11 PM
Contact: 098224 84051
9. Curlies Beach Shack
The place is very well suited for couples, a group of friends, solo birds and people on their pre or post-honeymoon and/or babymoons. The place has a very large variety of seafood and their best remains the delicious King Prawns and the well-cooked masala red snapper which can get anybody swooning. Curlies Beach Shack in Goa has it all from a breath-taking sea-view, scrumptious food, and comfortable seating - you've got to add this one to your list of beach shacks in Goa that must visit while on a budget trip to Goa.
Photo Courtesy: Curlies Beach Shack
Cost For Two: INR 1,500
Timing: 8:30 AM to 3 AM (Mon-Sun)
Cuisine: Continental, North Indian, Italian, Seafood, Goan
Venue: Anjuna Beach, Anjuna, Goa
Contact: 95524 71720
10. Pousada By The Beach
Whatever the time of day, nothing could be more pleasurable than taking in breathtaking views in Goa at a Beach Sea Front Restaurant while savoring a delicious meal. The Pousada Beach Sea Front Restaurant caters to both senses. The Pousada Beach Sea Front Restaurant, this a little slice of Goa and an ideal place on the Arabian Sea to enjoy a coastal meal or snack on their private patio or just right for frolicking and sunbathing on the beach. This is the beach shack in Goa where you leave your troubles behind and get away from the world. Binge on the most famous food of Goa at this beautiul restaurant.
Photo Courtesy: Pousada By The Beach
Cost For Two: Rs. 2000
Timings: 11:00 - 7:00pm
Cuisine: Continental, Seafood, Goan, Portuguese, Konkan
Venue: Gaura Vaddo, Calangute Beach, Calangute, Goa
Contact: +91 9922279265