Unforgettable Fun: 15 Best Places To Visit In Goa With Friends

There are plenty of places to visit in Goa with friends, and mind you; these are not restricted to the spectacular Goan beaches alone! The land of sand & waters is known to entice youngsters with water sports, stirring late-night parties, and relaxing blue beaches. Goa is indeed a fantastic destination for a splendid vacation with friends. We’ve tried to strike a perfect balance among the chosen places to do justice to all kinds of people. Here’s a list of some of the best places to visit in Goa with friends. Here we go!

Best Places To Visit In Goa With Friends

Cafes

Cafes in Goa add the cherry on top to a quintessential Goan trip and a laid-back, cosy and relaxing lifestyle. Goa will never disappoint you if you’re a foodie, as the state has everything to offer you in all cuisines. You name it, cafes and restaurants will get it ready for you. Cafes in Goa are known to serve the best treats and hot-piping European dishes. Here’s a list of some of the best places to visit in Goa with friends.

1. Cafe Chocolatti

Cafe Chocolatti is a perfect destination for those with a sweet tooth. It has the best treats to satisfy your cravings amidst the buzzing lanes of Goa. Being an extension of the cafe owner’s house, it offers a relaxed and elegant ambience to travellers. Visitors often look after its exotic range of homemade chocolates, waffles, cookies and brownies. Good authentic food is all you’ll get in return from Cafe Chocolatti.

Notable Things:

• Their strawberry jam is a show-stealer.
• Greenery all around to have a peaceful walk.
• One of the best breakfast places in Goa with a range of homemade chocolates and sandwiches. 

Timings: 9 am – 7 pm (Closed on Sundays)

Location: 409A, Fort Aguada Rd, Candolim, Bardez, Goa 403515

2. Baba Au Rhum

This place is one of the best restaurants in Goa that has managed to attract tourists and travellers through its wholesome smoothies and customised English breakfast options. You’ll have so many options to choose from that it’s certain you will be spoiled selecting their entrees, burgers, pizzas, salads and desserts. Additionally, you’re bound to feel energetic here owing to their peppy in-house music and extremely relaxing seating arrangement overlooking the evergreen fields.

Notable Things:

• The ambience is to die for and is perfectly suitable for a visit with friends.
• The cafe also serves delicious vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes. 
• Their English breakfast platter and Eggs Benedict are some of the most loved breakfast options.

Timings: 9:00 am – 05:00 pm & 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Closed on Thursdays)

Location: House No. 1054, Sim Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa 403509

3. Central Perk Cafe

Central Perk. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Yes, you guessed it right!

It’s undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Goa with friends, acing the ‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S’ theme in Goa itself. The indoor setting invokes a sense of nostalgia for all the episodes and characters of the famous American sitcom – F.R.I.E.N.D.S. The orange couch takes you back in time and lets you have hours and hours of conversations with your beloved friends, with some delectable beverages, of course!

Notable Things:

• They serve an amazing range of mouth-watering portions of pasta and pizzas. 
• The cafe is equipped with a TV wherein you can re-watch some episodes of F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

Timings: 9 am – 12 am

Location: House No: 624/A, Plot No: 33 Opp: HDFC Bank, La Citadel Colony, Dona Paula, Goa 403002

4. Cafe Bodega

Are you looking for some freshly baked cakes, waffles, pizzas, sandwiches, pancakes, sizzling salads and other lip-smacking delicacies? 

The pretentiously artistic Cafe Bodega has got you covered, located on a hill and in the middle of a shopping tour in Panjim. The impressive art gallery and exhibits make the place even more memorable and fun with friends. We would recommend you try their desserts and authentic Goan dishes.  

Notable Things:

• Fast service with a delicious menu.
• Pleasant ambience with an art gallery to view.
• Red Velvet Cupcake and Eggs Benedict with Salmon is a must-try here.

Timings: 10 am – 6:30 pm (Closed on Sundays)

Location: 63/C-8, Sunaparanta Centre For The Arts, near Lar De Estudantes, Altinho, Panaji, Goa 403001

Beaches

Goa is home to a bounty of beaches with soothing waves, glittery sands and swaying palms. It would be a crime to be in Goa and not visit these phenomenal beaches with friends. Luxurious shacks and resorts accompany most beaches to offer you relaxing accommodations in this coastal destination.

5. Baga Beach

One of the most happening places to visit in Goa with friends is undoubtedly, the Baga beach, which offers you everything from clubs, bars, and fine dining restaurants to fantastic nightlife in Goa. The Baga beach is renowned for its nightlife, with plenty of clubs like Cafe Mambo, Cavala, and Capetown Cafe nearby. It’s quite a bubbly beach and one of the mandatory places to visit in Goa for youngsters. 

Notable Things:

• Nightlife at Baga Beach is its major attraction. 
• Island trips and Dolphin-spotting tours are common here.
• Shopaholics would love to visit the Tibetan Market nearby.
• Enjoy playing games and relishing drinks with friends in the indoor snow park at the beach.

6. Calangute Beach

And the ‘Queen of Beaches’ is here to steal the limelight. You’ll find sunshine galore and wavy seas everywhere in Goa, but the crowd here is peculiar. It’s one of the best beaches in North Goa which has a crowded stretch with thatched-roof shacks to enjoy the sands and plan some exciting activities at the beach. You can also try adventurous water sports like sailing, snorkelling, banana boat rides, etc., at Calangute Beach. Chit-chatting with your friends whilst sunbathing on the lounge chairs is one of the most common chores here.

Notable Things:

• Experience exhilarating water sports activities.
• Beach shacks here are some of the best places to visit in Goa for youngsters.
• The immaculate St. Alex Church with an Indian-style cupola architecture is nearby.
• Shop nearby for silver jewellery, wooden handicrafts, seashell necklaces and more!

7. Candolim Beach

Accommodation is never a problem as the vast stretch of cafes and beach shacks take good care of every tourist. Candolim Beach is comparatively less crowded than Baga Beach and Calangute Beach and, thus, is less noisy, with calming waves and a spectacular sunset view. Pictures clicked at Candolim encompass a rainbow of colours, incorporating the essence of mother nature. It’s one of the best places to visit in Goa with friends and have a restful yet entertaining stay.

Notable Things:

• Comparatively quieter yet entertaining.
• The sunset view at Candolim Beach is one of a kind in Goa.
• Parasailing, water skiing, and banana boat rides are the most popular water sports activities here.

Pubs

With some of the biggest and most polished bars, clubs and pubs, Goa is well known as the party city of the country. The chic and modern, luxurious pubs are one of the best places to visit in Goa with friends. Vacationers and frequent party-goers are always on a hunt to visit the best pubs, and here’s a list of some of the eminent pubs in Goa.

8. The Black Sheep Bistro

The Black Sheep Bistro is certainly one of the most highly-rated pubs in Goa, with amazing nightlife and an impressive range of wines. They have a beautifully decorated restaurant which is perfect for having a blast with your friends. Their speciality is to take traditional dishes to a whole new level with innovation, giving the visitors a delicious modern eating experience. The subtle lighting, along with the dark wooden flooring, sets a distinct party mood with friends.

Notable Things:

• You’re served elite cuisines that make use of fresh ingredients.
• Chocolate glazed chicken and quail eggs in kismur butter are a must-try here.
• They are well known for serving an extensive array of wines, cocktails and beers.

Timings: 12 pm – 4 pm & 7 pm – 11 pm

Location: The Black Sheep Bistro 1st Floor, Villa Braganca, Dr Braganza Pereira Rd, above Fab India Store, Panaji, Goa 403001 

9. Cafe Mojo Pub and Bistro

Cafe Mojo is located in the heart of Goa – Panjim City – which is famous for its bustling nightlife. Typically, Cafe Mojo is an English pub that exhibits a Goan essence to savour an authentic local experience. Guests have the leisure to pour their own drinks and pay per ml rather than per glass, which is usually the case in other pubs. The groovy music performances and DJ nights lend a cosy ambience to this pub—indeed, one of the best places to visit in Goa for youngsters. 

Notable Things:

• Cafe Mojo is India’s first e-pub.
• Visitors need to pay per ml rather than per glass. 
• Susegado is their signature cocktail, having a huge fan base.
• Calamari Recheado and Chicken Cafreal are a must-try here.

Timings: 11 am – 5 am

Location: Menezes Braganca Rd, near Apple Corner, Ozari, Panaji, Goa 403001

10. Soro – The Village Pub

Soro – The Village Pub is an old-world paradise, as the name suggests. They serve a superb range of fusion dishes along with different types of alcohol that perfectly complement the vibe and mood of the pub. It’s one of the best places to visit in Goa at night (especially from Thursday – Saturday), and thus, reserving a table here would be a good idea. This groovy old-school pub in Assagao is undoubtedly one of Goa’s best places to visit with friends. 

Notable Things:

• The fusion dishes served here are a show-stealer.
• The homely and rustic ambience is its key attraction.
• There’s a live band for guests every Friday and Salsa Nights every Sunday.

Timings: 6 pm – 2 am

Location: Badem junction, Siolim Rd, North Goa, Assagao, Goa 403507

11. Club Cubana

Craving for some maddening party experience in the party capital of the country?

Club Cubana is one of the best party places in Goa for you and your friends, with luxurious amenities and an exhilarating party ambience. The club is located on a hilltop, and thus you can capture the phenomenal panoramic views of the landscapes and beaches surrounding the club at night. The party atmosphere here is to die for, as the club is frequently visited by international musicians, celebrities, and tourists.

Notable Things: 

• There’s a special reserved area for ladies alone. 
• The club offers unlimited drinks under its cover charge.
• Guests love to visit the pub for its neon-lit, multi-level dance floors.

Timings: 9:30 pm – 3:30 am (Closed on Tuesdays)

Location: Aguada – Siolim Rd, Arpora, Goa 403507

Time-worthy Destinations

Some places in Goa are just mesmerising. There isn’t really a category to place these in. You’re likely to have a wonderful time with your friends here. Some of the best places to visit in Goa for youngsters are:

12. Butterfly Beach

Who says South Goa is not as attractive as its northern equivalent? Well, this secluded, beautiful place is here to let you nurture the beauty of South Goa. Being a demanding tourist spot, there’s no doubt that Goa has numerous hidden gems that are yet to be popular, and one such precious jewel is Butterfly Beach. It’s one of the best places to visit in Goa with friends for hiking, as piles of boulders and sands surround it. 

Notable Things:

• It’s often fun to hike with friends over distances in the dense forest.
• Take a drone shot to savour the flawless butterfly stretch of the beach.
• Ensure to carry food, sanitary, and other necessary supplies as there aren’t many nearby resources.

13. Cola Beach

This serene beach located in South Goa has fewer visitors as it is a hidden gem embellished with mesmerising volcanic boulders and giant forested hills. The Goan skies appear magical after the sunset with a swirl of vibrant colours. It is the perfect choice to escape from the crowded beaches of Goa and enjoy the hills with some food and drinks. 

Also, ensure not to confuse Cola Beach with Colva Beach. They are quite the opposite!

Notable Things:

• Kayaking and fishing are allowed.
• Visiting the Emerald Lagoon or Blue Lagoon with friends is a must.
• The sunsets here are all the more remarkable due to their unique landscape.

14. Harvalem Waterfalls

Harvalem Waterfalls is one of the most time-worthy places to visit, especially during the monsoons. It’s an awe-inspiring sight for visitors during the rains as the whitish waterfall gushes noisily through the rough terrain. It is one of the best waterfalls in Goa, surrounded by several other tourist attractions like the Harvalem Caves, the Rudreshwar Temple and Carambolim Lake. A group of friends can easily swim and relax in cold waters as the falls make a distinct plunge pool at the bottom.

Notable Things:

• Spectacularly lush, rich greenery surrounds the falls.
• The falls pave the way to a plunge pool at the bottom to relax.
• The Carambolim Lake nearby has a lot to offer to nature lovers, owing to its rich ecological diversity.

Location: Rudreshwar Colony, Sanquelim, Goa 403505

15. Chapora Fort

This majestic ancient laterite fort is located on the Chapora River and provides picturesque views of its surroundings and sunsets. Great historic battles were once fought here, and thus, you’ll observe secret tunnels in the fort among the irregularly shaped walls. The beaches of Chapora, namely, Anjuna and Vagator are close to the river, wherein you can spend an enjoyable evening with friends.

Notable Things:

• Sunset sky views are the best over the peninsula.
• The fort is famous as the ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ (a popular Bollywood movie) was shot here.
• This fort has a great history due to its strategic importance during the Portuguese and Maratha rule.

Timings: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm

Location: Chapora Fort Trail, Vagator, Goa 403509