The everlasting confusion of choosing between North Goa and South Goa is like the conundrum of a lifetime. Which is better and why? These are some common questions that we all face while we plan a trip to the pocket-sized state of India. It is no surprise that most gangs of friends end up in a brainstorming discussion when the topic is North Goa vs South Goa and rightly so, for each region of Goa has its unique charm. Let’s analyse the main differences between North Goa and South Goa and choose which one is better for a dazzling trip this year.

About North Goa And South Goa

Experience a peaceful yet thrilling journey with some of the most beautiful places in North Goa and South Goa

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If you are looking for beaches in North Goa or South Goa, you will find both South Goa and North Goa are quite pleasant for planning holidays and enjoyable for tropical weather. However, travelling to South Goa is better because the weather is less humid than in North Goa. The total North Goa to South Goa distance is 72 km by road.

Best Time To Visit Goa: The best time is between October to April.
Budget:

  • North Goa: INR 10,000 3N/4D (budget stay)
  • South Goa: INR 20,000 for 3N/4D (luxurious stay)

Must Read: Summer In Goa

Best Experiences In North Goa And South Goa

Step into the sun-kissed beaches, soulful breeze, vibrant nightlife, mouth-watering seafood and casinos; you name it and Goa has it. So many things to do in such a small town, but have you decided where to enjoy all these delights? Let’s begin the battle of North Goa vs South Goa.

  • Beaches Of North Goa VS South Goa
  • Heritage Places Of North Goa And South Goa
  • Shopping Piazza Of North Goa And South Goa
  • Exquisite Cuisine Of North Goa And South Goa
  • Nightlife In North Goa And South Goa
  • Nightlife In North Goa And South Goa
  • Sightseeing In Goa
  • Casinos In South Goa And North Goa
  • Stay Options In North Goa And South Goa

Beaches Of North Goa VS South Goa

The wonderful beachside and flamboyant parties are the first ones to follow when travelling to India’s hippest city, Goa. Scroll down to analyse the difference between the North Goa beaches and the beaches of South Goa and get a comparative understanding of North Goa vs South Goa.

North Goa – Electrifying Vibes And Happening Beaches

The most famous beach of Goa known for Sunburn

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The party animals will be delighted visiting Baga Beach, Vagator Beach, Anjuna Beach and Calangute Beach which are some of the best places to visit in North Goa. Enjoy the jazzy parties, watersports and street food when at the popular beaches of North Goa. As they are famous, the beaches of this part of the town are a bit crowded.

South Goa – Soul Soothing Secluded Beaches

Sit back and relax in the pristine beaches of South Goa such as Palolem Beach, Butterfly Beach, and Majorda Beach

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You can relax at the quiet and pristine beaches of this edge with your partner unlike at the North Goa beaches. Some of the famous beaches in South Goa are Palolem Baech, Butterfly Beach, Majorda Beach where you can enjoy exquisite delicacies at the most elite restaurants. Explore the virgin sand of Tiswadi Island which is one of the best beaches in South Goa with your beloved for a perfect romantic weekend getaway.

Suggested Read: Christmas Celebration In Goa 


Goa Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle


Heritage Places In South Goa And North Goa

Other than the famous golden beaches, Goa is known for catholic buildings with beautiful architecture. The Portuguese style adapted by the convents and the churches commemorates the past of Goa. We are sure, you must be curious to know which part has a more prolific layout of the buildings. Battle of North Goa vs South Goa will be tricky this time.

North Goa – Lesser Explored Attractions

Visit some of the most famous and beautiful churches in Goa and feel as if you are in a Portuguese colony.

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The famous church buildings of North Goa are built amidst picturesque surroundings which make them even more special for the tourists. After entering these artistic monuments you will feel as if you are in a Portuguese colony. Some of the best places to visit in North Goa are  Church of St. Catherine, St. Antony’s Church and the Church of St. Lawrence.

South Goa – Famed Tourist Spots

Prepare yourself to be overwhelmed by the vaulted interiors of some of the most beautiful churches in Goa and experience peace that cannot be replicated

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These are very similar to the churches mentioned above, but are newer than the North Goan churches. The vaulted interiors of these buildings overwhelms the visitors by their sheer grandeur. Some of the famous churches are Rachol Seminary, Our Lady of Hope Church, Velim Church and Three Kings Church and these are some of the best places to visit in South Goa. South Goa VS North Goa is much more famous for the tourist attractions.

Suggested Read: 3 Days In Goa

Shopping Piazza In North Goa And South Goa

The three words define the Goan markets- cheap, stylish and original. The sense of hippie culture and the noise of ‘buy one get one free’ tempts you to shop from these fabulous marketplaces. Where can you find the better or genuine ones might be your question? Well, let’s explore and see the comparison between the two sides of Goa.

North Goa – Best Markets For Budget Shopping

The famous flea markets of North Goa sell everything from clothes to jewelltry and are definitely be on your places to visit in Goa

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Flea markets of North Goa sells clothes, jewellery and souvenirs for hard core shoppers and bargainers. The markets are a wonderful blend of Tibetan, Kashmiri and Gujarati trinkets, bed covers, wooden craft and much more; the list is endless. While crashing the beguiling beaches of North Goa, a visit to Anjuna market, Arpora market and Maposa market are some of the best places in North Goa which should be on your list.

South Goa – Goa’s Most Exclusive Collections

On the lookout for less crowded markets? When on a tour of South Goa, make sure to visit the Palolem Market, Colem Market, and Caculo Market.

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You don’t need to sing ‘Saturday Saturday’ song as the flea markets of South Goa have something special in its bag everyday. They are less crowded which makes you enhance your bargaining skills. When on a South Goa tour,  hit the Palolem market, Colem market and Caculo market are some of the best places to go shopping in South Goa and shop till your pockets weep.

P.S – Act like a local to get better deals at these markets!

Suggested Read: Famous Beaches In Goa 

Exquisite Cuisine Of North Goa And South Goa

How can we forget the food after spending the entire day in shopping? The exquisite delicacies of Goan cuisine with loads of pepper and seafood cannot be missed in this list of differentiation. South Goa vs North Goa battle will take a lip-smacking turn at this point!

North Goa – Goan Street Food Treats

From delicious street fruits to some of the freshest fruits you have ever eaten, Goa has it all. Introduce yourself to some of the most delicious food and cuisines in India.

Radosław Botev

For the street food lovers, North Goa is a stairway to heaven. There are a whole lot of beach shacks and hotels serving delicious and piquant Goan cuisine. Intoxicate yourself a little with Goa’s special Kaju drink, feni. Try out Fellini’s Pizza and Matsya Freestyle Kitchen for calzones and seafood.

South Goa – Spoiling Gourmet Delights

Indulge in some of Goa's most delicious and scrumptious foods and relish the mouthwatering delights on the sunbeds.

Jhuma Datta for Wikimedia Commons

South Goa serves scrumptious food that will leave you asking for more. Relish the mouthwatering delights with a lot of energetic crowd basking on the sunbeds. Try some delicacies in the feni production part of Goa from Martin’s Corner and The Village Square that will soothe your taste buds.

Suggested Read:  New Year In Goa On A Budget

Nightlife In North Goa And South Goa

The most happening place in India invites guests from all around the world to party hard at the sun-kissed beaches. No matter where you are in Goa, the melodies and the flickering lights will woo you to party hard.

North Goa – Party Animal’s Paradise

Paradise for party lovers, North Goa makes nights brighter than the days. So hit the dance floors or Cafe Mamo's and have the time of your life in North Goa

Vyacheslav Argenberg for Wikimedia Commons

The never ending beach parties of North Goa make night brighter than the days. Most of the young janta groove to the music of the famous DJ’s with flashy disco lights. Hit the dance floors of Cafe Mamo’s and Tito’s club which are some of the best places to visit in North Goa at night with your buddies.

South Goa – Hub Of Lounge Evenings

Craving some elite parties everywhere? South Goa may be the perfect destination for you. Engage in lively parties waiting for you in Silent Noise Club and Leopard Valley.

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Are you craving for some elite parties on your roadside? Well, South Goa is the right choice for you my friend. Under the shed of your luxurious resort, there is a lively party waiting for you. Visit Silent Noise Club and Leopard Valley and tell us how it feels to be a part of it. Nightlife in Goa is somehow the same in every part of the town whether it be North Goa or South Goa, but South Goa has a sense of class unlike North Goa.

Suggested Read: Hotels In Goa Near Calangute Beach 

Sightseeing In Goa 

The rave city can take you through the famous forts and wildlife sanctuaries that were featured in many Bollywood movies. Thinking about standing on the same place where your superstar was shot and clicking pictures? Yeah, we know you want to live that moment without even thinking for a second. Well, let us sort those famous locations in South Goa and North Goa for you.

North Goa – Adventure Traveler’s Favorite – Come & Explore The Jungles

The famous Dil Chahta Hai fort in North Goa

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The famous forts such as Fort Aguada and Chapora Fort are the perfect ones to make memories for lifetime. Adore the view of the awe-inspiring sea, facing the forts. If this is not enough then dare to click pictures with some Bengal tigers at Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary which are some of the best places for sightseeing in North Goa. 

South Goa – Casual Tourist’s Pick – Come & Meet The Dolphins

The beautiful playing dolphins in Goa

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Scared of tigers and want to take good luck home? Then Dolphin sighting will be the ultimate experience for you in South Goa sightseeing. Fill your phone memory taking snaps at Cabo De Gama and Rachol Fort while in this part of the town. If you have that nerve to spot tigers then visit Codigo Wildlife Sanctuary with your family for a day.

Suggested Read: New Year Party In Goa

Casinos In South Goa And North Goa

You need to try your luck at the ‘Las Vegas of India’. Are you thinking, is it even worth tagging this name? Then, go find out for yourself and let us know if it’s true or not. Will give you some options to decide where to try your hand.

North Goa – Gambling Aboard The Cruise

The best casinos of North Goa

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Hear out loud the thunderous music with spinning wheels of  Casino Palms, Casino Carnival and Crown Casino. Try your hand at Blackjack and Rummy with ice-cold drinks at any Goan casinos. Along with the regular casinos North Goa has many aboard luxury liners for a perfect date at one of the best places in North Goa.

South Goa – Baccarat & Roulette At Luxe Casinos

The best casinos in South Goa

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A fairly recent development, the casino culture has developed in South Goa because of the great inflow of foreign tourists. Check out Casino Pearl, Casino Pride and The Zuri White Sands and indulge in a gambling session with amazing music by the famous DJ’s from all parts of the country.

Suggested Read: Villas In South Goa

Stay Options In North Goa And South Goa

Are you facing problems to choose a stay option while traveling to Goa? Not anymore, choose your favourite lodging according to your taste and budget. This last and final point of differentiation will clearly define which part is more suitable for you. The last 2 minutes of North Goa vs South Goa.

North Goa – Buzzing resorts in the heart of Goa

The beach shacks of North Goa

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North Goa offers you a variety of affordable beach shacks and hotels to spend your trip on a budget. Not very luxurious but we can assure you the view and the food will blow your mind away. Book Naked Space Boutique Hotel, Casa Vagator, S2 Beach Shack and Calamari Beach Shack near your favourite beaches which are considered as one of the best places in North Goa for a stay. 

South Goa – Serene Nests To Kick Back And Unwind

The luxurious hotels of South Goa

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If you cannot compromise on the luxury, then South Goa is highly recommended. Take ease at the jacuzzi and spa of these lavish hotels and even the shacks for your perfect tour to Goa. We would suggest staying at The HQ, The Nest and BeachHutBookingwhich are some of the best places to stay in South Goa. 

Suggested Read:  Waterfalls In Goa 

Download the infographic to save your time :)

North Goa Vs South Goa Inforgraphic

How to Reach Goa

Airport in Goa

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By Air: Dabolim Airport lies just 26 kilometers from the state’s capital, Panjim
By Train: The main railway station are Madgaon and Vasco-Da-Gama.
By Road: Goa has a number of public as well as private bus operators, which offer options for intracity and inter-city conveyance.

Further Read:  Resorts In North Goa 

The debate of North Goa VS South Goa will go on forever but one thing is for sure that Goa needs to be visited, isn’t it? So, plan your trip to Goa and end the battle of North Goa vs South Goa soon. Hey! don’t forget to resolve other’s dilemmas by sharing!

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Frequently Asked Questions About North Goa Vs South Goa

Which is the best beach in North Goa?

Calangute beach is one of the best beaches in Goa and the most sought-after beach in North Goa. The beach encompasses white-sandy shores and azure waters. There are also an array of fun activities to partake in Calangute beach, including kayaking, sailing, wind-surfing, water-skiing, shopping, etc.

What are some fun things to do in North Goa?

There are a plethora of exciting things to do in North Goa, some of which are as follows:
1. Sightseeing
2. Scuba diving
3. Snorkeling
4. Kayaking
5. Trekking
6. Shopping

Name the best beaches in South Goa?

South Goa is brimming with mesmerizing beaches and captivating landscapes. The toasted beaches and glistening waters of South Goa, offer a rejuvenating time to visitors. Some of the top beaches in South Goa include:
1. Colva Beach
2. Agonda Beach
3. Palolem Beach
4. Benaulim Beach
5. Mobor Beach

What are the best places to explore in North Goa?

Some of the best places to explore in North Goa are as follows:
1. Fort Aguada
2. Mandrem Beach
3. Chapora Fort
4. Calangute Beach
5. Sinquerim Beach
6. Candolim Beach
7. Mapusa Market

Which place is better North or South Goa?

Both North and South Goa are amazing. In this blog is all the information about the experiences in North and South Goa, one can take a look and decide which suits them best.

Which beach is best in Goa for family?

Sinquerim, Baga, Calangute, Colva and Palolem are some of the best beaches in Goa for families.

Which is the best area to stay in Goa?

If one wants to enjoy the happening parties and touristy vibes of Goa, then Calangute or Baga are good areas to stay in Goa. If one is looking for peaceful vibes and a relaxed stay by the beach, then Colva and Palolem are a good choice.

Which is the most beautiful beach in Goa?

Arambol is one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa.

What can I do in South Goa?

Some of the best things to do in South Goa are:
1. Water Skiing
2. Parasailing
3. Beach Camping
4. Bat Island Trip
5. Butterfly Beach Hiking

What is the best time to visit Goa?

The best time to visit Goa is in between the months of November to March. The sun isn’t too hot during these months and it is the best time to be out at the beaches exploring and having fun.

What are the best things to buy in Goa?

Cashew Nuts and Feni are the two things that one can buy in Goa.

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