Panaji

Travel Guide

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

Low-rise and laid-back, this characterful riverside city has a distinct European flavor 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 color.

Be sure to climb up Altinho Hill to enjoy the views of the city and get your bearings. The surrounding neighborhood, 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 kilometers) 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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Fontainhas

Historic sites and restaurants are notable features of Fontainhas. You might consider a stop by Maruti Temple while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Fontainhas
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Altinho

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

Altinho
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Electricity Colony

When in Electricity Colony, you can plan a visit to Mahalaxmi Temple and Jama Masjid, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Electricity Colony
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Campal

While visiting Campal, you might make a stop by sights like 18th June Road and Campal Gardens.

Campal
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Ilhas

Ilhas might not have many top sights, but Mandovi River and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Ilhas
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NIO Colony

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in NIO Colony and surrounding area, you can visit Dona Paula Beach and Caranzalem Beach.

NIO Colony
Grand Hyatt Goa

Grand Hyatt Goa

5 out of 5
Goa University, Panaji, Goa
The price is P7,067 per night from Aug 8 to Aug 9
P7,067
P8,340 total
Aug 8 - Aug 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Panaji. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (495 reviews)
"Awesome experience!"

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Grand Hyatt Goa
Goa Marriott Resort & Spa

Goa Marriott Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
Miramar Beach, Panaji, Goa
The price is P7,656 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P7,656
P9,034 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Panaji. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (446 reviews)
"Great property and awesome breakfast"

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

Goa Marriott Resort & Spa
Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage, Goa

Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage, Goa

5 out of 5
Vainguinim Beach, Dona Paula, Panaji, Goa
The price is P8,180 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P8,180
P9,652 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Panaji. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (217 reviews)
"everything was just perfect i will definately come back to this property"

Reviewed on Apr 23, 2025

Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage, 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.
La Maison by Dia Hotels and Homes

La Maison by Dia Hotels and Homes

2.5 out of 5
5/158 Mala, Panaji, GA
Stay at this aparthotel in Panaji. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Deltin Royale Casino and Candolim Beach are located ...
6/10 (1 review)
"Cozy rooms, no face towels, Reception desk kept on calling us because they did not have a reservation number. Very annoying. No parking available, no dining available"

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

La Maison by Dia Hotels and Homes
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 WiFi, 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 Mar 25, 2025

Beach Paradise Miramar Goa
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 WiFi, 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.

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