Mapusa Market is a charming shopping spot built in 1960, earning its title as Goa’s first planned market. This place is a tourist magnet and a busy hub of local vendors. People come from all the nearby villagers to show off their goodies here. The market is open almost daily, but the week’s grand finale happens on Friday mornings when the traditional market goes all out. When you step into this market, you’re diving into three main areas, with a total of 164 shops, but some of these shops have been split up, so now there are a whopping 173 of them to go around. This is the place to explore if you want a natural feel for Goan culture, art, and food.
Mapusa Market Famous For
Mapusa Market is well known for its various products – vegetables and fruits, spices, garments, accessories, handicrafts, souvenirs, and many others. The market is a shopping paradise for traditional Goan wear, such as kunbi sarees, embroidered dresses, and bright beach wear. The market is known for garments, textiles, leather products, jewellery, shoes and bags, and household utensils, including wooden carvings, pottery, and brass. Dishes like fish curry, vindaloo, xacuti, and bebinca are traditional Goan cuisines in many food stalls and restaurants.
The market is equally renowned for its fish and seafood section. It is possible to observe fishermen delivering the caught fish and watch the real bargaining between the fish sellers and the owners of shops.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Mapusa
History Of Mapusa Market
The Mapusa Market was established in 1960, and to this day, it is the oldest and premier public market in Goa. It was intended for the dropping and picking up of merchandise, with gaps between rows of shops facing each other. The plan comprised various lanes to accommodate various trades, such as the Jewelers’ lane, the clothes merchants’ lane, etc.
The final row was for fish, which one could take home after shopping and circling the store. Since then, the market has expanded to the point where it has become a significant site for tourism, and it is home to small traders who travel from neighbouring villages to conduct their businesses.
Restaurants In Mapusa Market
Mapusa Market is a paradise for foodies, with numerous food stalls and restaurants serving Goan delicacies such as fish curry, vindaloo, xacuti, and bebinca. Some of the most notable restaurants in Mapusa Market include Navtara Veg Restaurant, Reis Corner, and Cafe S. F Xavier. Navtara Veg Restaurant provides an extensive menu of vegetarian food products, while Reis Corner is a highly recommended restaurant for aquatic cuisine products. Cafe S. F Xavier is known for its coffee and other beverages.
If you plan your next trip to Goa, try the Culinary Delights at one of these restaurants.
Suggested Read: Markets In Goa
What To Shop
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You will find everything in this market, from fresh fruits grown within the region to pottery to sausages. This market is particularly famous for spices, marinated pork sausages, strings of Goan homemade chouriço, cashew nut shops, and fenny stores. Seedless tamarind, pickles, vegetables, coir mats, and ropes are also sold here. Smuggling goods are also sold here. Here, you can purchase Goan sweets such as Chana Doce and Dodola, cakes, wearables such as clothes and jewellery, bouquets of fresh flowers, homemade wines and more. The stores are divided into categories depending on the kind of product they are selling.
There is one fish market, and fresh and dried fish are available. These include stalls selling foods, clothes, ornaments, and antique and souvenir specialities. Even during festive occasions, there are tribals and gipsies from Rajasthan and Gujarat who patronize hand-made bags, chunky jewellery, shawls and other beautiful accessories. It is not only the people living in the local areas but also the market that is among the favourite shopping destinations for tourists. The market is very contrasting in its atmosphere with the Anjuna market, which still keeps the hippie. After shopping, you should take a detour to any restaurants here and taste the authentic Goan cuisine. The market tends to close early in the morning after the sunset.
Best Time To Visit and How To Reach
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Ideally, Mapusa Market is best visited early in the morning when the crowds are thin and the sun is not scorching. It operates throughout the week, including Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evening, and Saturday morning, but closes on Sunday. However, Friday morning is their busiest time since it is the day of the traditional market. However, if one wants to feel the market’s vibrancy, the best time is in the morning, specifically Friday morning.
Mapusa is easily accessible by road transport. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Mapusa, or travel in your own car, which is much easier. The closest airport is the Mopa Airport, which is approximately 20 km away from Mapusa city.
Further Read: Street Food In Goa
Are you eager to explore the magical Mapusa Market? It’s time to plan a trip to Goa and immerse yourself in the vibrant local scene! With breathtaking beaches and lively marketplaces, Goa truly caters to all tastes. Don’t wait any longer—start planning your unforgettable vacation to Goa right now!
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Cover Image Source: Akhil Chandran for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Mapusa Market
Is bargaining allowed in Mapusa Market?
Bargaining is prevalent at Mapusa Market, particularly for foodstuff, second-hand clothes, arts and tourists’ nick-knacks. Lenders, for instance, will list very high amounts at first, assuming that people will haggle. If something requires it, do not hesitate to negotiate with the sellers politely and aim to get the best deal possible. However, for items such as fruits and vegetables or any items of perishable nature, the prices remain more or less constant.
Should I source souvenirs from Mapusa Market?
Yes, Mapusa Market is a good place to buy souvenirs. Many specialities bring out the spirit of the place: Goan crafts, accessories, jewellery, pottery, local clothing, furnishing articles and many other items. Do not miss the spices sold on the market that give true Goan taste and Goan flavour to carry home.
Are there any special occasions or celebrations majorly conducted at the Mapusa Market?
Mapusa Market per se does not organize or host events/festivals but, it does get lively during certain Goan festivals such as Shigmo – the Goan Carnival, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Christmas. At these times, the market is usually decorated and has various products related to festivals – decorations, confectioneries, and festival costumes.
In which language do people talk at Mapusa Market?
Mapusa Market is in India. The main languages used by the people include Konkani, Hindi and English. Overall, most of the vendors are understanding and can hold a simple English conversation, which is good for bargaining with tourists. It is also important to learn a few words in Hindi or Konkani languages as well is useful at times.
Are there any scooter or bicycle rental outlets available around Mapusa Market?
Yes, some scooters or bicycles can be hired from many rental services in Mapusa town. It can be useful after visiting the market to go sightseeing in the town and its vicinity on a rented bicycle. Also, to meet the above requirements, make sure you have a valid driver's license and ensure you wear a helmet when riding.
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