The Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Stay in North Goa

Where to stay in North Goa? This is the first question that pops up in your head once you have made up your mind about exploring the ‘wild and fun’ side of Goa. Some of the most popular beaches of Goa such as Baga and Anjuna are located in this part.

North Goa is the best place to stay in Goa if you want to truly experience the nightlife of Goa. Ranging from hostels to budget hotels and luxurious resorts, there is no dearth of accommodation options in North Goa. Your choice of stay in North Goa would depend on what you are looking to do here.

I am here to help you choose the best place to stay in North Goa depending on your needs as a traveller. Goa is one of my favourite travel destinations and I visit the place quite often.  In the current blog, I will be giving you my recommendations for the best budget stays, based on my personal experience.

Based on my frequent visits, I would recommend the above budget properties for staying in North Goa. 

Where to stay in North Goa?

North Goa is synonymous with “FUN GOA.” If you are travelling to Goa for the first time, I would recommend you stay in this part of the state. With great nightlife, numerous options for adventurous activities and lip-smacking food, it is among the favourites of all youngsters. 

Another reason why North Goa is popular among youngsters is the availability of budget accommodation options. North Goa has some great options for budget travellers. 

If you are the person who likes to stay away from the crowds, you should stay in South Goa. Find out the best budget stays in South Goa in my other blog.

Before I go into the details about the best places to stay in North Goa, here is a brief overview:

There are many reasons to choose North Goa for your Goa trip. These are some of the top reasons. Pin this image to your Pinterest board for later reference.

Best place to stay in North Goa near Beach

Goa is well known for its beaches. Some of Goa’s best-known beaches are located in North Goa. From the fun Baga to cool Arambol, the beaches in North Goa have a lot to offer to its visitors. 

Some of you might have heard of a  beach and would like to stay near it. Below are my recommendations for the best places to stay in North Goa near popular beaches.

Where to stay near Arambol Beach?

Arambol Beach is one of the most alluring beaches in North Goa. It is unexplored and is a good option for people seeking solitude. With some great markets, this is one of the best beaches in Goa for hippie and bohemian crowds.

Apart from good food and the beach also hosts some of the most gripping night parties and rave parties. Here are my recommendations for the best place to stay near Arambol Beach.

• Om Ganesh Naik Guest House – The Guest House is close to both Querim and Arambol Beach. The place is cozy and not very crowded with tourists. This is one of the best budget options for travellers wanting to stay in Arambol. Prices start at 800 INR per person. 
• Happy Panda Hostel – If you are a solo traveller, looking to meet like-minded people, this is the place. This hostel is a great place to meet backpackers. Prices start at 341 INR per person. 

Where to stay near Morjim Beach?

The Morjim beach is best known as the home to olive ridley sea turtles. The beach is pristine and a great place for all kind of travellers seeking solitude including families and couples. 

These are some of the best places to stay near Morjim Beach.

• Casablanca Morjim – This hotel is run by a Russian couple at a pretty serene location near Morjim beach. The ambience is lovely and the food is an added advantage. Although continental food is good, don’t expect to get Goan food here. Prices start at 1100 INR for two people. 
• La Vega Resort – This is actually a guest house located quite close to Morjim beach. It’s a great place for families.  Prices start at 1000 INR for two people. 

Where to Stay near Baga and Calangute Beach?

Baga beach is full of life and has a greater number of visitors compared to other beaches. Apart from its nightlife, the beach is celebrated for its food with some well-known clubs such as Tito’s, Britto’s and Mambos.

Calangute is flooded with visitors and is Goa’s most commercialised beach, There are shacks, eating joints and clubs everywhere. Drinks, scrumptious food, night parties, psychedelic music – you name it, Calangute has it all. This beach is also great for shopping. 

Baga and Calangute beaches are located right next to each other and have a number of water sports activities. If you want to explore the party and fun side of Goa, there is no better place than these two. These are some of the best affordable budget stay options:

• Celebration Apartment 201– This is the perfect place if you are a group of friends or family. You can book the entire place for yourself.  The place accommodates 5 people and is very clean. It is located at about 3 km from Baga Beach. Prices start at 4000 INR for the entire apartment. 
• Joe and Marietta’s Guesthouse– If you want to stay near Calangute Beach, this is the perfect place. Despite being near Calangute, this stay is relatively calm and secure. I would suggest this stay for all kinds of travellers- groups, couples and family. This is one of the few stays in Calangute that are suitable for a family as well. Prices start at 1150 INR for two people. 
• Joaquina’s Guest House – The guest house is a pretty decent one. It is a decent staying option for families, groups and solo travellers. Prices start at 1180 INR for two people.
• Aerostel Goa– If you are looking for a hostel near Calangute Beach, this is a pretty good option. Prices start at 575 INR per person.

Baga beach is the hotspot of all adventure and nightlife of Goa. Subsequently, it is also one of the most crowded beaches.

Where to stay near Vagator Beach?

 Vagator Beach is one of the most appealing and spectacular beaches of Goa. It is divided into two beaches – Big Vagator and Little Vagator ( also known as Ozran Beach). The Ozran beach is more secluded and at the far end of this beach, you will find a sculpture of Shiva Face which is carved into the rocks.

For all the adventure lovers, water sport activities are considerably cheaper here. This is one of my favourite beaches in North Goa. I would recommend the following stays near Vagator Beach:

• Paapi Chulo Hostel – This is another great hostel for budget travellers. The hostel is located in close proximity to Orzan Beach and Vagator beach. I particularly loved the hosts and the staff as they were really helpful and fun. Strongly recommended for groups and solo travellers. Prices start at 389 INR per person. 
• Dreams Hostel – Located very near to Vagator Beach, this hostel is a great place for solo travellers. The common area is absolutely wonderful and you can make and connect with other travellers from around the world. Prices start at 450 INR per person. 
• Jackies Daynite – This is another great budget option near Vagator Beach. Reaching Chapora fort is pretty easy from here. Prices start at 1000 INR for two people.

Where to stay near Anjuna Beach?

Anjuna is one of the most happening beaches of Goa and it offers both peace and fun. Anjuna is a great place for parties shopping and delicious food.  

I would recommend the following stay near Anjuna beach:

• The Banyan Soul – Although located in Anjuna, this is a pretty serene place. With clean and tidy rooms, the place is perfect to spend some quality time with your loved one. Prices start at 1452 INR for two people. 
• The Nest by Hostelogy – This property is a hostel as well as a guest house. The best part about this place is its location. The place is located at a very serene spot near Anjuna Beach. The staff is really commendable. Prices start at 745 INR for two people. 
• The Yuppie Hippie Female Hostel – Located in Anjuna, this hostel is for women only. Therefore, if you are comfortable with the idea of mixed dorms, or wish to stay in an all-women space, this is the perfect option. Prices start at 600 INR per person. 

Best place to stay in North Goa: By Type of Traveller

If your idea of Goa is buzzing beaches, all-night parties, water sports and bohemian street shopping, North Goa is the place where you should stay.

North Goa has no dearth of accommodations. From beach shacks to luxurious resorts. You will find everything here. There are so many options that sometimes it becomes difficult to choose one. This is what I am here to help you with.

I will provide you with some of the best and affordable accommodation options in Goa. I say best because I have stayed in these places myself.

Where to stay in North Goa for Backpackers & Solo Travellers?

If you are a solo traveller travelling to Goa, all by yourself, there are two things that you would be concerned about- accessibility and safety. Personally, I would suggest you stay in one of the backpacker hostels in Goa. Not only are these cheaper, but they also help you meet fellow travellers from around the world.

There are a number of hostels in North Goa but most of them are in the Bardez subdistrict. Hostels near the Anjuna beach and more so near Vagator are the best. If you want to enjoy some hippie vibe choose a hostel near Arambol beach in Pernem.

I would recommend the following places:

• Happy Panda Hostel – This is a great place near Arambol beach where you can meet backpackers. Prices start at 341 INR per person. 
• Dreams Hostel – Located very near to Vagator Beach, this hostel is a great place for solo travellers. The common area is absolutely wonderful and you can make and connect with other travellers from around the world. Prices start at 450 INR per person. 
• Paapi Chulo Hostel – This is another great hostel for budget travellers. The hostel is located in close proximity to Orzan Beach and Vagator beach. I particularly loved the hosts and the staff as they were really helpful and fun. Strongly recommended for groups and solo travellers. Prices start at 389 INR per person. 
• The Yuppie Hippie Female Hostel – This hostel is for women only. Therefore, if you are comfortable with the idea of mixed dorms, or wish to stay in an all-women space, this is the perfect option. Prices start at 600 INR per person.

Where to stay in North Goa with Friends?

North Goa is the best when you visit with friends. If you have a list of places you want to visit with your friends, put North Goa right on top.  When travelling to Goa with friends, I suggest you stay at Baga, Calangute or Vagator. These places are the best when it comes to nightlife, food and adventure activities.

If you are a large group; you can book an entire house. If not, guest houses and hotels are available at affordable prices.

Here are some of the properties, I would highly recommend staying in North Goa with friends:

• Joe and Marietta’s Guesthouse– If you want to stay near Calangute Beach, this is the perfect place. Despite being near Calangute, this stay I relatively calm and secure. Prices start at 1150 INR for two people. 
• Celebration Apartment 201– This is the perfect place if you are a group of friends or family. You can book the entire place for yourself.  The place accommodates 5 people and is very clean. It is located at about 3 km from Baga Beach. Prices start at 4000 INR for the entire apartment. 

Where to stay in North Goa with Family?

North Goa is known for its wild parties and youngster crowds. Therefore, there are only a few places that are suitable to stay with families especially during the peak season. If you are planning a quiet trip to Goa with family, I suggest you stay in South Goa.

 However, if you are keen on staying in North Goa, you should either stay somewhere in Panjim. Panjim is centrally located and you can access the best of both North and south Goa from here.

These are my top recommendations for the best places to stay in North Goa with Family:

• Joe and Marietta’s Guesthouse–  Despite being near Calangute, this stay I relatively calm and secure. This is one of the few stays in Calangute that are suitable for a family. Prices start at 1150 INR for two people. 
• La Vega Resort – This is actually a guest house located quite close to Morjim beach. It’s a great place for families.  Prices start at 1000 INR for two people. 
• OYO Home 9355 Exotic Stay: This is a budget hotel located in Panjim. This is a great option if you are looking for a budget stay with family. Prices start at 933 INR for two people. 

Where to stay in North Goa for Couple?

If you are visiting Goa with your significant other, ideally, I would recommend you to stay in South Goa. In south Goa, you would be able to spend more quality time with each other.  However, if that is not what you are looking for and you are in Goa for some fun, go ahead and book a stay in North Goa.

Here are my recommendations for the best place to stay in North Goa for Couple:

• Casablanca Morjim – This hotel is run by a Russian couple at a pretty serene location. Prices start at 1100 INR for two people. 
• The Banyan Soul – Although located in Anjuna, this is a pretty serene place. With clean and tidy rooms, the place is perfect to spend some quality time with your loved one. Prices start at 1452 INR for two people. 

North Goa is a great place for all kinds of travellers- solo, couple and groups. You can find a number of budget stay options here.

Best Area to stay North Goa

In order to understand North Goa, I believe that you should know a little bit about this place. North Goa is one of the two districts of the state of Goa. It’s a huge district that comprises of several other subdistricts.

As a traveller, you will be interested in staying in only three of them. These are Pernem. Bardez and Tiswadi. This is because these are the ones that have the beaches and other attractions.

As I pointed out above, where to stay in North Goa will depend on what exactly are you looking for from your Goan holiday. Let’s take a look at the areas in North Goa and what do they offer to a visitor.

Best Accommodation Options in Permen

Pernem is the northernmost part of North Goa and is famous for its temples, quaint beaches and wonderful nature trails. I would recommend you to stay here if you are the kind of person that quietly loves to watch a sunset by the beach.

Pernem would also interest travellers who want to go in for yoga or alternative therapies. The beaches here too are very quiet and have a hippy vibe especially Arambol. Look out for those drum circles and bohemian markets. 

Pernem is one of my favourite places to stay in North Goa.  Based on my personal experience, I would recommend the following places to stay in Pernem:

• Om Ganesh Naik Guest House – The Guest House is close to Querim and Arambol Beach. The place is cozy and not very crowded with tourists. This is one of the best budget options for travellers wanting to stay in Arambol. Prices start at 800 INR per person. 
• Happy Panda Hostel – If you are a solo traveller, looking to meet like-minded people, this is the place. This hostel near Arambol beach is a great place to meet backpackers. Prices start at 341 INR per person. 
• Casablanca Morjim – This hotel is run by a Russian couple at a pretty serene location near Morjim beach. The ambience is lovely and the food is an added advantage. Although continental food is good, don’t expect to get Goan food here. Prices start at 1100 INR for two people. 

Best Accommodation Options in Bardez

Immediately south of the Pernem district is Bardez. This is where you would want to stay if you want to Party all night- be it a moonlit beach party or at one of its clubs.

Bardez is Goa’s most popular tourist destination and the heart of Goa’s famous (or infamous) nightlife. Baga and Calangute areas of Bardez are the busiest places to stay in North Goa. There are a number of hostels, resorts, and hotels in this area. This is the best place to stay in goa for nightlife.

Bardez is a great place to stay if you are travelling to goa with your friends and all you want to do is have some fun. There are a number of well-known beaches in this area including Anjuna, Baga, Vagator and Calangute.

Here are my top recommendations for budget accommodation options in  the area: 

• Joe and Marietta’s Guesthouse– If you want to stay near Calangute Beach, this is the perfect place. Despite being near Calangute, this stay is relatively calm and secure. I would suggest this stay for all kind of travellers- group, couple and family. This is one of the few stays in Calangute that are suitable for a family as well. Prices start at 1150 INR for two people. 
• Celebration Apartment 201– This is the perfect place if you are a group of friends or family. You can book the entire place for yourself.  The place accommodates 5 people and is very clean. It is located at about 3 km from Baga Beach. Prices start at 4000 INR for the entire apartment. 
• Dreams Hostel – Located very near to Vagator Beach, this hostel is a great place for solo travellers. The common area is absolutely wonderful and you can make and connect with other travellers from around the world. Prices start at 450 INR per person. 
• Paapi Chulo Hostel – This is another great hostel for budget travellers. The hostel is located in close proximity to Orzan Beach and Vagator beach. I particularly loved the hosts and the staff as they were really helpful and fun. Strongly recommended for groups and solo travellers. Prices start at 389 INR per person. 
• Jackies Daynite – This is another great budget option near Vagator Beach. Reaching Chapora fort is pretty easy from here. Prices start at 1000 INR for two people. 
• The Banyan Soul – Although located in Anjuna, this is a pretty serene place. With clean and tidy rooms, the place is perfect to spend some quality time with your loved one. Prices start at 1452 INR for two people. 

Located in Candolim area of Bardez, Fort Aguada is a well-preserved 17th-century Portuguese fort. It lies next to Sinquerim Beach.

Best Accommodation Options in Tiswadi

The Tiswadi district or Ilas de Goa is a part of Goa famous for its Portuguese history. Old Goa, Latin quarters is a fun place to explore if you wish to explore something other than Goa’s beaches.

Other than the capital Panjim, Tiswadi is home to a number of small villages.

The very first time I visited Goa, I stayed in Panjim. It turned out to be a very convenient place to explore Goa. It is almost the centre point. Therefore, Panjim is the best place to stay in Goa to cover all places.  This can be a good base point.

Here are my top recommendations for the best places to stay in Tiswadi:

• OYO Home 9355 Exotic Stay: This is a budget hotel located in Panjim. This is a great option if you are looking for a budget stay with your family. Prices start at 933 INR for two people. 
• Shalom 3: You can book this entire apartment which can house a maximum of 4 people. The place can be a little difficult to find, so I suggest you connect to the host before reaching. He will help you out with the directions. Prices start at 1250 INR for the entire apartment. 

Budget Tips for Booking a Stay in North Goa

North Goa is one of the busiest travel destinations in India. The place attracts thousands of visitors from all around the world.

Here are a few tips that will help you book a decent budget stay in North Goa:

1. Book Early – You need to book well in advance if you are planning to visit during the peak tourist season. This is especially important if you are planning to stay in a hostel or in busy places like Baga or Calangute.
2. Call the property – Call the property at least a day before your arrival.  That way not only will they keep your stay ready but you will also get a last-minute confirmation and there won’t be any hassles. 
3. Avoid the weekends – Avoid visiting Goa on the weekends. Not only will the prices be inflated but the beaches will be too crowded. 
4. Avoid the Christmas time – Avoid the time between Christmas and new year is the busiest time in North Goa. The beaches are full, the resorts, hotels and hostels are jam-packed. The accommodation prices and more than double.
5. Carry a valid ID Card –  Make sure you carry a  valid Identification card. You might be denied a room if you don’t produce one. Foreign nationals are required to produce a passport while Indians can also use their Aadhar Card.

I hope this blog helped you with finding a suitable option for your visit to North Goa. If you have questions, feel free to ask below in the comments section, I would be happy to help. 

Happy Wayfaring 🙂