Panaji Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Panaji featuring street scenes
Panaji featuring street scenes and tropical scenes
Panaji featuring a river or creek and boating
Panaji which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Panaji

Low-rise and laid-back, this characterful riverside city has a distinct European flavour and a range of Indo-Portuguese architecture.

Goa’s capital, Panaji, is still commonly referred to by its Portuguese name, Panjim, and the legacy of its old colonial rulers doesn’t end there. Aesthetically, it is reminiscent of Portugal with ample green spaces, whitewashed churches and atmospheric old colonial quarters.

Panaji was a small and sleepy riverfront village up until the mid-19th century, when it replaced Old Goa as the capital of Portuguese India. Most of its development was orchestrated by its Portuguese rulers and the wide streets, neat layout and Portuguese-inspired architecture all act as evidence of this. Look for pastel-painted classic colonial buildings which have been given a characteristic Goan injection of colour.

Be sure to climb up Altinho Hill to enjoy the views of the city and get your bearings. The surrounding neighbourhood, known as Altinho, is worth wandering about. Seek out interesting old buildings including the sprawling Bishop’s Palace, the 17th-century Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and the Secretariat Building, the one-time home of Portuguese viceroys. The labyrinthine heritage quarter of Fontainhas and Sao Tome also has clusters of colonial architecture, while monuments like the Mahalaxmi Temple act as reminders of its Hindu heritage.

Don’t forget to sample traditional Goan cuisine while here. Be sure to try much-loved local staples, such as piri piri shrimp or sorpotel, which is a spicy pork and offal stew.

Panjim can also make a great base for exploring Old Goa, which is located just 5.6 miles (9 kilometres) from the city. The once-thriving and grand colonial capital was abandoned in the 19th century after several bouts of plague struck its inhabitants. Other worthwhile excursions include boat trips to the nearby picturesque islands, such as Chorão and Divar, and to the popular Miramar Beach.

Some of the best times of the year to visit Panaji are between late October and early April when temperatures are warm but pleasant. The nearest airport is in Dabolim, which is about a 40-minute drive from Panaji. The city is also connected by bus to many other major Indian centers, including Mumbai, Mangalore and Bangalore. Much of Panaji is walkable, but should you need to go further, local bus services and auto-rickshaws can help.

Where to stay in Panaji

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Altinho

5/5(1 area review)

Altinho is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and Jama Masjid.

Altinho
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Fontainhas

Historical sites and restaurants are notable features of Fontainhas. You might consider stopping by Maruti Temple while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Fontainhas
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Ilhas

Ilhas might not have many top sights, but Mandovi River and Deltin Royale Casino are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Ilhas
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NIO Colony

When in NIO Colony, you can plan a visit to Dona Paula Beach and Caranzalem Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

NIO Colony
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Electricity Colony

Electricity Colony might not have many top sights, but Jama Masjid and 18th June Road are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Electricity Colony
Grand Hyatt Goa
Grand Hyatt Goa
5 out of 5
Goa University, Panaji, Goa
The price is £122 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
£122
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Panaji. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (492 reviews)
"Beautiful property and amazing staff! Enjoyed our stay!"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Grand Hyatt Goa
Goa Marriott Resort & Spa
Goa Marriott Resort & Spa
5 out of 5
Miramar Beach, Panaji, Goa
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £134 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
£134
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Panaji. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (444 reviews)
"Great property and awesome breakfast"

Reviewed on 10 Jun 2025

Goa Marriott Resort & Spa
Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, Goa
Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, Goa
5 out of 5
Vainguinim Beach, Panaji, Goa
The price is £95 per night from 3 Jul to 4 Jul
£95
3 Jul - 4 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Panaji. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (206 reviews)
"All great"

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, Goa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beach Paradise Miramar Goa
Beach Paradise Miramar Goa
3 out of 5
Dr Jack de Sequeira Rd, opposite Caranzalem Beach Road,, Panaji, GA
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Panaji. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Deltin Royale Casino and Candolim Beach are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Location was great and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2025

Beach Paradise Miramar Goa
Miramar Beach-side 3BHK Fully Furnished Apartment
Miramar Beach-side 3BHK Fully Furnished Apartment
Panaji
Stay at this apartment in Panaji. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Deltin Royale Casino and Candolim Beach are located ...
Miramar Beach-side 3BHK Fully Furnished Apartment
Rosastays Panjim Goa
Rosastays Panjim Goa
3.5 out of 5
No. 522, Firguem Bhat Palem, Siridao Beach, Palem, Panaji, Goa
Stay at this 3.5-star beach villa in Panaji. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Deltin Royale Casino and Bambolim Beach are ...
Rosastays Panjim Goa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Panaji

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
9
5 - Excellent 39%
4 - Good
11
4 - Good 48%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Tony,Brighton

An interesting place for a day's walk about but then you need to go further afield. A few interesting bars around the municipal gardens but you have to hunt for them. The Fisherman's Warf next to the hotel is good for a meal and/or a drink.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Visit to wine shops and cashew outlets a must do

3/5 - Okay

Vanessa

Lots of construction activity with new roads and bridges

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

the casino the cruise the excellent food very freindly people and the nice hot weather

Cities near Panaji