Panaji (Panjim) is such a cute old town. If you’ve never been to Europe, you’ll absolutely love shopping in the old alleys. We always say if you took all the people out of the town and just looked at it, you might actually think you were in Portugal or Spain. Even if you’ve been to Europe but have been traveling around India, you’ll find this capital to be a nice break from the other state’s giant crowded ones.
Thanks to the Portuguese who only left in the 70’s, the locals take a nice siesta from 1-3 and you can wonder almost empty alleys. Most are one-ways so be careful when driving!
I’ve already told you about Old Goa and what to see historically while you’re in Panjim and I shared my favorite places to eat in Panjim. I don’t recommend sleeping at a hotel in Panjim, rather just visiting for the day. It’s not a place I go to hang out, it’s a place I go to begrudgingly do errands and buy supplies, but when I do go into town, I always stop in at my favorite stores to see what new items they have in.
FYI: If you’re planning to do some shopping don’t go during siesta or national holidays in case some shops are closed.
Don’t forget to pick up my Insider Guide to Goa and my Guide to India
General Goa Travel Tips
- Safety Tips For Solo Female Travel in Goa, India
- BEST Places to Visit in Goa in 3 Days
- 50 Things to Do in Goa
- Best Place to Stay in Goa
6 Trendiest Shops in Panjim
1. White Brick Wall
This one is my favorite! It’s full of local Goan designers and everything in the shop is made in India. Some famous people who make ceramics sell here, like Silvie who I hear about from the owners of Olaulim Backyards. I have bought a few candle holders, a planter for some bamboo I hope to obtain, and some baking supplies like cute chocolate molds. Local designers also sell their clothing here.
Location: Shop no 4,5,6,Jesuit House (Opp Tato’s Cafe)
2. Barefoot: the home store
Especially for expats, Barefoot is a great place to get things for the home. Think of it as a less commercial Fab India. The items are more hand picked and although Indian fashioned, they are modern and up to date with current trends. The bedding is soft and has really cute designs. Great vases, silverware, and china sets. There are a few clothing options. If you’re looking for a home redesign, look here for big mirrors and lighting fixtures. They will help you with delivery. Located near the petrol pump by Subway.
Location: 31 Janeiro Rd
3. Orchid Boutique
This is your girly boutique. It’s not exactly my style, and although they are high heels they aren’t ones that are high quality and my feet just can’t handle the cheap ones! There are a lot of cute party dresses though so it’s worth a look! They carry new lines and change out lines often so maybe next time I go in I’ll see more items I like.
Location: Opposite the post office
4. Singbal’s Book House
It’s trendy to read, FYI. This is the biggest book shop in Panjim that carries international books and magazines. You can pick up India Vogue or the newest Twilight book (or whatever everyone’s into right now?). I recently got The Fault in our Stars there and didn’t think it was all that! They have all the popular “backpacking India” books like Shantaram and White Tiger and guide books or language books. If you live here and can prepay, they will order books for you that you can’t find on flipkart and amazon.in.
Location: Communidade Building, Church Square
5. Sacha’s Shop
This place is so cute! This shop carries all kinds of awesome clothes and jewelry. Some is made by local designers and some is antique. It’s like a flea market. They’ve been featured in Vogue and are the trendiest shop in Panjim. Recently they started carrying one of our favorites, Tia & Tan.
Location: E526 Swami Vivekananda Road | Opp the Old Passport Office
6. Baba’s Wood Café
I’ve already told you about this place in my Panjim food guide. They sell some furniture and artwork in the shop here. Lately I’ve seen outdoor furniture like lawn chairs and umbrellas.
Location: Mala 49 (Fontainhas)
PS: For more tips on Goa check out my 170-page e-book, Insider’s Guide to Goa. After five years of living in Goa, I am confident this book is the most comprehensive, up-to-date guide to Goa plus it has all my secrets inside. Click here to buy it now.
in Vatican city,i felt the architecture was a bit like that in panjim..
Yes, I can totally see that!! Great point.
Can’t wait to go shopping when I get to India…I’m trying not to fill up my suitcase!
– Ava
beck daily
You have to save at least half your suitcase for shopping!!
Dear Rachel,
thanks for the insight on the nice places to visit in Goa.
But, you see, some parts of the article felt a little bit offensive towards the people here (or maybe it’s just the language I have misunderstood, in that case really sorry :) ).
Well, I hope you’ll continue sharing these nice stuff.
:)
Hey – I just reread this and don’t see one thing that could be considered offensive to people who live here, unless you think promoting beautiful shops to help the people who live here make money is offensive?
Thank you Rachel! I plan to check out a few of your suggested venues in Panjim. Btw, I live on the outskirts of the city and didn’t know these exist :D In case you’re a fan of linen, don’t miss browsing through the Linen Shoppe – a quaint little store in one of the by lanes of Campal.