Old Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage site with several churches, convents, and cathedrals built during the Portuguese colonial era. Visit the Se Cathedral, the largest church in Asia, and the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier. The Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery is also worth exploring for its exhibits on Portuguese India.
Located in Loutolim, Ancestral Goa is an open-air museum showcasing Goan rural life. Wander around the huts, farmhouses, and temples set in a pretty parkland. They are surrounded by lush gardens, a small lake, and a koi pond. The museum also features the centuries-old art of brewing feni, a cashew liquor, and Goan cuisine. A must-do activity is swinging on the giant Indian swings.
If you have more time, visit the Museum of Christian Art in Old Goa, which displays artifacts and paintings related to the history of Christianity in Goa. Alternatively, explore Fontainhas, the Latin Quarter of Panaji, and marvel at the colorful Portuguese-style houses. If you have less time, skip Ancestral Goa and spend a leisurely afternoon at a beach of your choice. Make sure to check the beach shacks or eateries in advance for opening/closing times as they follow different schedules, usually depending on the demand.