Famously known as ‘the orient’s pearl’, Goa has been a beach paradise for all Indians and foreigners who want to soak the sun all day. Every corner of Goa is bustling with Portuguese remnants, from architecture to its canopy; the state has always attracted travellers worldwide. Apart from its beautiful beaches, tourist spots and fantastic wine and dining scenes, Goa is also known for its numerous shopping centres. Mapusa is the oldest and most renowned among all. This lively market is the crown jewel of Goa’s shopping scene. Read on to learn more about this bustling shopping hub.
See also: Anjuna flea market: Explore the vibrant Goan market
Mapusa Market: Location
This old market is located in North Goa and can be reached at
Mapusa Market,
Municipal Market, Mupasa.
Goa- 403507
Mapusa Market: How to reach?
By Bus: Goa has many local road transportation options allowing tourists to navigate the city easily. Buses are the most preferred option. One can reach Mapusa by hailing a bus. The tickets are as cheap as Rs 10 and go up to Rs 20.
By Taxi/Cab: For vehicles, one may hire a car or a bike to reach the market. Since the market is very congested and has narrow lanes, finding parking spaces can take time and effort. People can park bikes at empty corners.
Mapusa Market: An overview
Mapusa Market was established in 1960, making it Goa’s first and oldest public market. Such was the impact of the market that the locals got to develop an entire town surrounding the market as it became the city’s hub for shopping back in the day. Mapusa comprises two Konkani words, ‘map’ and ‘sa’, which means a measure to fill up. This northern Goa market is systematically divided into three blocks-each bustling with various shops. The market has around 174 shops. Each lane has allotted space for a particular stall, and the nature of the products sold segregates every zone.
Mapusa Market: Things to buy
There is no limit to the kind of products one can find in Mapusa Market. The local Goan vendors bring in fresh fruits and vegetables to sell at the market. They also sell fresh meat such as sausages, spiced pork and other poultry products. Fish lovers will love this market as the local fishermen sell recently captured fish like Modso and Chonak. Tourists also love the wide range of different spices they sell. Other food items sold are pickles, jams, seedless tamarind and dried mango slices.
Goa is also known for its sweets, and in the Mapusa market, one will find shops that sell Chana Doce, cakes, Dodola and Bebinca to try and devour. It also has various wine and beer shops. Along with edible items, the market has a considerable collection of straw hats, caps, sunglasses, funky printed t-shirts, and flowy dresses for the ladies. For home decor, one may shop at antique furniture shops that sell carpets, chairs, candle stands, tables, decorative wooden items etc.
During the peak holiday season, the market is filled with Rajasthani vendors that sell traditional accessories, bags, chappals and designer shawls. One must be ready to engage in a bargaining battle as the sellers always ask for inflated prices.
Fridays hold a unique bazaar as the vendors showcase their latest items to be purchased. As the market dies down after sunset, the tourists can explore different Goan restaurants that line up the roads to try delicious local food and snacks.
Source: Pinterest
Mapusa Market: Must-visit stores and restaurants
Since the market is filled with mostly flea stalls, visit the Munna Bhai Cloth Store or Welcome store (shop no. 76-77) to check out their cloth collection. M/S Deepak shop (shop no. 25) has a good supply of kids’ wear.
J.K Store (shop no. 7) will cover all your general needs. It is a well-stocked general store. One can buy toiletries, food, and other necessary household items.
Dining options:
After all the shopping, the need to eat and drink intensifies, and the Mapusa Market has many small and big eateries to explore. Visit Cafe S.F Xavier in Shop 141 on Mapusa Market Road. They serve delicious coffees and other beverages along with nibbles. Cremeux is a well-known bakery serving cakes, pastries and other desserts.
Hotel Le Jardin and the Unique Restaurant and Bar are good eateries that tourists must try. To try local delicacies like fish or chicken at a lower price, sneak into the lane near the Alankar Movie Hall. The whole street is filled with roadside stalls serving hot snacks.
Mapusa Market: Timings
The market starts functioning at around 9 am and goes on till sunset. The market is open all day every day of the week. But Fridays are noteworthy as the vendors bring fresh meat and fruits/vegetables from their farms to be sold at the unique Friday Bazaar. The crowd gets extra dense during this day.
Mapusa Market: Nearby tourist spots
While the Mapusa Market is a special attraction, there are many other unique places for tourists to visit nearby. These include:
- Shri Devi Bodgeshwar Sansthan Temple– This beautiful religious temple is just 0.8 km from the market. It has a huge parking space and is free of cost.
- Saint Alex Church– The church was built in 1741 and is one of the oldest churches in North Goa. Its opening hours are 9 AM-8:30 PM. The church also holds a choir and other services to enjoy. The beautiful white architecture also makes for a perfect photography spot.
- Vagator Beach– Locals and travellers love this peaceful and serene beach. Soak in the warm sun or dip in the calm seawater. There are water activities options and small stalls for shopping.
FAQs
What are the payment options that work in the Mapusa Market?
Local street shopkeepers only ask for cash, so it is better to carry some when shopping here. Bigger stores do accept credit/debit cards for a minimum bill of Rs 500. The market has ATMs as well.
What to shop for in the Mapusa Market?
The market's main attraction is Goan items like minced pork, sausages and dried fish. Goan handicrafts, jewellery and pottery are famous too. Try the local sweets and candies, and spices as well.
