4-Day Budget-Friendly Goa Itinerary: Beaches, Culture, and Cuisine

Day 1: Beach and Market

Calangute, North Goa, India on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Infantaria Calangute

Enjoy a budget-friendly breakfast with freshly baked pastries and Goan coffee at this popular local cafe, open from 7:30am to 11am.
INR200, 1h0m

9:30am

Calangute Beach

Relax on the popular Calangute Beach, known for its golden sands and lively atmosphere. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Vinayak Family Restaurant

Taste authentic Goan thali and seafood dishes at this affordable eatery near Calangute beach, open till 3pm.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Anjuna Flea Market

Browse through colorful stalls selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and clothes at this lively market open on Wednesdays, but weekends have smaller stalls open until late afternoon.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Chapora Fort

Walk to Chapora Fort for panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and Vagator Beach. The fort is free to enter and is open till sunset.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Souza Lobo, Calangute

Dine at this well-known budget-friendly beachfront restaurant serving Goan and Indian dishes, open until 11pm.
INR400, 1h30m

Day 2: Heritage and Culture

Old Goa, India on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mum’s Kitchen, Panaji

Start your day with traditional Goan breakfast in Panaji, open from 7:30am to 11am, for an authentic taste of the region.
INR250, 1h0m

9:30am

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for the baroque architecture and the tomb of St. Francis Xavier, open 9am-6pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:15am

Se Cathedral

Explore one of the largest churches in Asia with stunning Gothic architecture located near the Basilica, open till 6pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Venite Bar and Restaurant, Panaji

Enjoy inexpensive Goan and Portuguese dishes at one of the oldest eateries in Panaji, open till 3pm.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Fontainhas Latin Quarter Walk

Stroll through the charming old Latin Quarter with colorful Portuguese-style houses and quaint cafes. Ideal for photography and culture soaking.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Sunset Cruise on Mandovi River

Take a budget-friendly Mandovi river cruise offering sunset views and live music. Tickets cost around INR 300 and operate from 5pm to 7pm.
INR300, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf, Panaji

Try fresh Goan seafood and traditional dishes at this popular spot offering budget-friendly options, open until 11pm.
INR450, 1h30m

Day 3: South Goa Relaxation

Palolem Beach, South Goa, India on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Art Resort Café, Palolem

Enjoy fresh fruit bowls, coffee, and Goan breakfast items with a seaside vibe, open from 7:30am.
INR200, 1h0m

9:30am

Palolem Beach

Spend your morning relaxing at this crescent-shaped, clean, and calm beach known for its laid-back atmosphere and water sports options.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Magic Italy Palolem

A budget-friendly restaurant offering delicious pizza and Italian food with good views of the beach, open till 3pm.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Cabo de Rama Fort

Explore this historical fort with breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea; it’s free and ideal for light hiking and history lovers.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Explore Agonda Beach

Enjoy a peaceful sunset at this quieter beach near Palolem known for its pristine sands and fewer crowds.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dropadi, Agonda

Savor budget-friendly traditional Goan and seafood dishes at this popular local spot open till 10pm.
INR350, 1h30m

Day 4: City and Departure

Panaji, Goa, India on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Bodega, Panaji

Breakfast in a cozy café known for fresh pastries and coffee, open from 7am to 11am.
INR200, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Goa State Museum

Discover Goa’s rich history, culture, and art at a low-cost museum open 9am to 5pm except Mondays.
INR50, 2h0m

11:30am

Stroll around Miramar Beach

Take a relaxed walk along this clean beach close to Panaji before departure, perfect for final photos and calm vibes.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ritz Classic, Panaji

Famous for their seafood thali and affordable prices, this local restaurant is a great budget lunch spot before heading home.
INR400, 1h0m