Also called Madgaon, Margao, the cultural capital of Goa, is its second largest city. Unlike the bustling beaches of North Goa, Margao is where time-worn Portuguese mansions sit cheek-to-jowl with bustling fish markets, and where a lazy siesta and a spirited evening are equally celebrated. Unlike Goa’s postcard-perfect beaches, Margao offers you a more nuanced slice of Goan life—equal parts charm and chaos.
If you’re in the sunshine state, add these Margao-only experiences to your bucket list. The Municipal Market If you want to understand Margao, start where life is the loudest—the Margao Municipal Market. It’s a sensory overload of colour and aroma, with vendors selling everything from fresh fish to spices.
You’ll find kokum, the sour-sweet essence of Goan cuisine, piled high in baskets. Don’t miss the pao (Goan bread) stalls (pick up a few for snacking on the go). Portuguese Mansions and Churches Head to Borda or the Comba neighbourhoods, where age-old mansions with manicured gardens, tiny windows and colonial charm are perfect for daydreaming about life in the 18th century.
The Church of the Holy Spirit, with its dazzling white facade and Baroque interiors, is another must-see. Built in the 1600s, this church is Margao’s heart, and trust me, even if you’re not religious, you’ll feel a quiet kind of awe stepping inside. Colva BeachMargao might not have beaches within its limits, but it’s the perfect launchpad for some of Goa’s quieter shores.
In jus.
