Hidden Gems In Goa: Best Places To Stay At, Eat, Visit & Repeat

Agonda Paradise is located in Agonda, Cancona. It has a beach resort restaurant serving multiple cuisines like Thai, Chinese, and Continental. All their pinewood-built AC cottages have a garden and sea view which can be great for those who are looking for a scenic place to read or enjoy good music. The rooms have all the basic facilities available, but there is nothing new about them. The location, which is right on the beach, is their prime seller factor. 

Price: Starts at INR 3,022 per night (approx.)

Google Rating: 4.2/5

XOXO Hostel isn’t just any hostel—it’s a mini Goa experience all under one roof! With Bollywood and Techno nights, game nights, live jams, pool parties, and even flea market shopping, you might not feel the need to leave! Tucked away in the woods, the hostel offers 4 and 6 bed dorm rooms along with premium and deluxe private rooms. Plus, you’re just 10 minutes away from all the main beaches and restaurants. 

LBB Tip: If you book directly with them, they will provide special offers on drinks.

Price: Starts at INR 788 per night, per person (approx.)

Google Rating: 4/5

If you want to feel at home away from home, check into Rofino's cottages without giving a second thought. Known for their top-notch hospitality, they make sure every guest leaves happy. Located in a peaceful part of Guirim in North Goa, it’s a great spot to escape the congestion. Baga, Anjuna, and Vagator beaches are a short 15- to 22-minute drive away, while the iconic Dear Zindagi coconut tree road is just 9 minutes away.

Price: Starts at INR 1,200 per night (approx.)

Google Rating: 4.9/5

Looking for the cosiest stay in Goa? Look no further than Lazydaze. Being Superhosts on Airbnb, their properties are pure Instagram gold. From chic studio rooms to luxe villas, they offer 25 stunning apartments to choose from. Personally, I’m obsessed with their loft escape in Siolim, a spacious 1 BHK with a dreamy canopy bed accessible by stairs. They’ve got all the essentials covered, from kitchen basics to an iron.

Price: Starts at INR 5,710 per night

Google Rating: 5/5

Pro-Tip: Best beach resorts in Goa

Greenr Cafe is more than just a plant-based restaurant, it’s a community for those who believe in ecological values. With a growing network of hubs across the country, they offer delicious, plant-forward meals. Located in Fontainhas, Goa, it’s the perfect spot to grab a bite after wandering through the colourful Goan houses. Their ragi nachos are finger-licking delicious and all the drinks are worth trying. They also host fun events like natural dyeing workshops, community coffee festivals, and dialogue projects.

Zomato Rating: 4.5/5

Timings: Mon-Sun, 9 AM to 10 PM

While Babka, a multi-roaster coffee shop in Anjuna, is already pretty popular among Goa locals, it deserves a spot on every tourist’s itinerary. The place looks right out of a Emily in Paris world because, wow, everything from French decor to delicious tarts and cinnamon rolls couldn't be left unexplored. Their orange and carrot cake is a crowd favourite, while they serve only house-blend coffee. You can also purchase coffee beans to not miss out when you are back, and while you are at it, don't forget to check out their illustrated notebooks and cute tote bags!

Zomato Rating: 3.9/5

Timings: Tue-Sun, 9 AM to 6:30 PM

Pro-Tip: Best dessert parlours in Goa

A part of Zuri Hotels & Resorts, the Waterfall Cafe will give you a slice of luxury the very second you step in. This multi-cuisine space is in Varca, which is as beautiful as the South Goa. The name is a little clickbaity because the waterfall is not anywhere near the dining area, but somewhere else inside the hotel. However, you can take in the beauty and enjoy the fact that it's by the pool. 

LBB Tip: If you are staying at Zuri, you will also get direct access to the Varca beach.

Google Rating: 4.2/5

Timings: 24/7 open

If you want a panoramic view of the stunning shoreline while enjoying delectable food, Salud is the place to be. It offers the most power-packed, don't-wanna-go-home nightlife through talented musicians and artists. So, bookmark this place if going wild while keeping your mouth full with delicious food is what you have planned for yourself!

Google Rating: 3.9/5

Timings: Mon-Sun, 9:30 AM to 12:30 AM

Fazenda Cazulo is a family-owned Feni brand from Goa that believes in providing the most memorable Floating Feni experience. It is operational throughout the rainy season. Dip your feet in the cool water and savour the flavours of their Cashew, Coconut, and Dukshiri Feni, all while nibbling on Goan snacks and sandwiches. It's INR 3,000 per person if 2 people in total are joining, INR 2,800 for up to 4, and INR 2,000 per person if five or more people are joining.

Google Rating: 4.7/5

Timings: Mon-Sat, 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM 

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At Sinquerim Beach, you’ll find Devil’s Finger, a hidden sea arch that every sightseer should add to their list. This rocky natural formation offers a peaceful escape from the otherwise bustling North Goa. To reach it, you’ll need to take a 10 to 15 minute trek, during which you can soak in the tropical vegetation and scenic beach views. Trust me, reserving your sunset time for this gem is going to be worth it!

Pro-Tip: Check out the best beaches in North Goa here

Everyone knows about Dudhsagar Falls, but have you heard of Kesarval Springs? This lesser-known waterfall in a tropical forest doesn’t require any risky hiking, making it a perfect monsoon-season getaway. That’s when I visited, and let me tell you, it’s a sight to behold when the water is in full flow. Since the area is pretty secluded, it’s best to visit with a group, especially before dusk.

Pro-Tip: Here are other waterfalls you can visit during the monsoon season

When you think of Goa, hardly anything above beaches and forts comes to mind, but this state is home to much more. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature lover’s paradise, offering diverse wildlife and breathtaking views of Dudhsagar Falls. While it is rare for someone to spot the wildlife, the peace and preservation that travelling in the forest brings will make you fall in love with nature even more. Many companies like Gobananas and BanBanjara provide jeep safari, so make sure to do your research before going there. 

Pro-Tip: Wildlife sanctuaries in and around Goa

Arambol Beach is truly one-of-a-kind, especially if you’re in the mood for a natural spa day. After a short hike into the jungle, you’ll discover a hot spring where you can relax in warm water and indulge in a rejuvenating mud bath. The clay here, often referred to as ‘Multani Mitti,’ is said to have cleansing properties, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and glowing. Once you're done, check out the nearby Hippie’s Market, where you can enjoy live music, local snacks, and unique treasures from the flea market!

Pro-Tip: Must-visit flea markets in North Goa