Wondering how to plan a 5 days trip to Goa? Be it a family holiday, vaction with friends, honeymoon or couples, Goa packs the punch for all kind of travelers.
With a Goa 5 Days trip, you can actually explore most side of this tropical paradise sandwitched between Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats.
If you have never been to Goa yet and saw its pictures or videos on social media, we will take you to the virtual 5 days trip to Goa from the comfort of your couch.
Also explore our 5 days Goa tour itinerary to book your vacation
5 Days in Goa: A Guide To Plan Your Perfect Trip
- Is 5 Days Enough to Explore Goa?
- North Goa Vs. South Goa
- Places in Goa to Cover in 5 Days Trip
- In Which Part of Goa the Airport is Located?
- International Airport in Goa for Commute
- Perfect 4N/5D Itinerary of Goa
What Are The Highlights of Goa Tourism You Should Cover in 5 Days?
Although, tourism in Goa revolves mostly around 2 aspects – the beaches (adventure sports, casinos, cruises) and parties – there are an array of offbeat experiences in Goa includes historical attractions (churchs and cathedrals), nature and eco-tourism. The kind of experience you are seeking is what will decide what to cover during your 5 days trip to Goa.
We have tried to cover most of them.
Tourist Places in Goa to Cover in 5 Days Trip (From North to South)
Day 1 – Panjim and Old Goa
Day 2 – Best of North Goa Sightseeing
Day 3 – Best of South Goa Sightseeing
Day 4 – Leisure Day in Goa
Day 5 – Off to Airport
1st Day in Goa: Arrival at Panjim and Old Goa Exploration
Highlights
- Cobbled pathways
- Colonial structures
Pro Tip: Arrive Early in Panjim to have a full day sightseeing control of Old Goa.
Morning
Make Panjim the capital of Goa your base camp. The old Goa is situated 30 kilometers (approx.). Explore historical landmarks like churches, temples. Moreover, if you are on a shopping spree, you will find plenty of shopping markets in the heart of Panjim and Old Goa as well.
Afternoon
A combined trip to Panjim and Old Goa will give you the real authentic taste of Goa. You can explore the white-washed churches, beautiful beaches and hop on the rented scooter. A few of the best places to visit in Old Goa include the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of St Francis of Assisi, which has still retained the original charm of Portuguese architecture.
Evening
Later in the evening, head to the Museum of Christian Art, followed by satiating your hunger at River Aisle. Indulge in some authentic Goan meals like local Goan bread.
End your day by returning to the hotel at Panjim and retire for an overnight sleep.
Distance from Dabolim Airport to Panjim: 29 kilometers (approx.)
Travel Time: 45 minutes (approx.)
2nd Day in Goa: North Goa Trip to Bask in the Beaches and Enjoy Nightlife
Highlights
- Beach hopping
- Hike to Chapora Fort
- Mapusa Market shopping
- Enjoy nightlife
Pro Tip: Waking up early will allow you to enjoy the maximum sightseeing fun on the 2nd day!
Morning
Wake up with a delicious breakfast at the Panjim hotel and reserve your day to explore the oh-so-amazing North Goa today. Drive towards North Goa via tuk-tuk, bus, or private cab. This part of Goa is, however, a bit crowded, but it is worth every hype.
Once you reach North Goa, indulge in watersports at Vagator Beach, Baga Beach, and Calangute Beach. These beaches are among the top places to visit in Goa for couples and families alike. If you are lucky, you might spot dolphins also, which is just a matter of luck!
Afternoon
Once you are done with sand-sational vibes, make your way to the Chapora Fort on an easy hike. You will get Goa’s spectacular view and discover the vantage point from the fort where the Dil Chahta Hai movie was shot. Proceed to Mapusa Market to unleash your bargaining skills to buy Goan handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and art items.
Evening and Night
Fix your hunger pangs in the evening, followed by a sundowner to a Greek-themed restaurant, Thalassa. Combine your delicacies with some mocktail or wine. Although, you will find tons of restaurants or pubs or bars dotted around the streets of North Goa because that is what North Goa is known best for!
Pro Tip: If you are looking for offbeat experience in North Goa, head to Sahakari Spice Plantation, spread across 130-acres of lush plantation growing spices, herbs & trees with resident elephants & a basic restaurant.
Distance from Panjim to North Goa: 23 kilometers (approx.)
Travel Time: 40 minutes (approx.)
Note: Book your accommodation in North Goa in advance to skip the last-minute hassle.
3rd Day in Goa: South Goa Trip for Seclusion Lovers
Highlights
- The mystical and magical side of Goa
- Romantic strolls amidst the sands
- Hike to the Cabo De Rama Fort
Pro Tip: Cover as much as sightseeings today by waking up early in the morning!
Morning
You should be ready to explore the best places to visit in South Goa on the 3rd day of your trip to Goa. This side of Goa is mystical, magical and is best for those who love to cut from the noisy and chaotic North Goa.
South Goa is the place where honeymooners and foreigners flourish the most. Start your morning with a hearty meal and set out to explore the first stop at Salaulim Dam to enjoy the bird-watching excursion.
Afternoon
Make your way to the Cabo De Rama Fort, which is sandwiched between Agonda and Cavelossim Beach. Attached to the fort is the Cabo De Rama Beach, where you can take romantic strolls amidst the sands.
Take some cool photos here to envy your social media game. Moreover, a St. Antonio Church is located near the fort, which could be your afternoon highlight.
Evening
Reserve your evening for the full beach fun at Palolem Beach with an exciting range of watersports. This beach in South Goa is much more secluded than any other mainstream beaches of North Goa because only a handful of tourists (that too, international travelers) come here for rejuvenation. Take advantage of the awesome beach shacks and enjoy a well-spent evening with your special one.
Distance from North Goa to South Goa: 70 kilometers (approx.)
Travel Time: 3 hours (approx.)
Note: Don’t forget to book your accommodation in advance to dodge any last-minute booking problems.
Pro tip: If you are looking for an offbeat experience, head out to Dudhsagar Falls. You might need at least half a day to do this.
4th Day in Goa: Full Leisure Day
Highlights
- Explore Goa like a local
- Unwind at the turquoise beaches
- Good food with good views
Pro Tip: Don’t booze in a public area; otherwise, you will be penalized or in trouble.
Do you know the best things to do in Goa that are free of cost? Yeah! You can indulge in photography around the pristine blue beaches, play beach games, make sandcastles, and become a local Goan for one day!
A full leisure day on your Goa trip would be best enjoyed if you hire a scooty and wander in and around the vicinity of South Goa. Indulge in beach lazing, unwind at the themed restaurants while saving the beer or mocktail. Combine the different sets of things to do in South Goa on your 4th day of your trip to Goa.
Later, an overnight stay in the hotel followed with a sumptuous dinner.
5th Day in Goa: Say Goodbye to Goa
Highlights
- Lip-smacking breakfast
Pro Tip: Plan your sightseeing accordingly with your flight timings. Reach the airport 2-3 hours prior to your flight.
The sunshine capital of India, Goa, has many avatars, from beaches to nightlife combined with historical landmarks. Unparalleled fun is guaranteed on a trip to Goa with your near or dear ones. After a lip-smacking breakfast, pack your bags, complete the check-in formalities, and if you want, explore a few South Goa’s attractions before you arrive at the airport to board your flight back home.
Distance from South Goa to Dabolim Airport: 58 kilometers (approx.)
Travel Time: 1.5 hours (approx.)
Wrapping Up
That’s it, folks! Ain’t we have made it easy for you to explore the best of India’s party capital on a 5 day trip to Goa?
Explore our collection of Goa packages to plan your vacation
Goa Trip Cost for 5 Days
The average cost of 5 days Goa tour package is approx INR 13,000 to 16,000 per person. However, the budget of Goa trip will vary considerably depending on the choice of your hotels (budget/premium/luxury) and mode of transportation (private/state transportation).
Things to Know Before Visiting Goa
International Airport in Goa for Commute
The Dabolim Airport is the sole international airport in Goa. It is well-connected with major domestic destinations, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Ahmedabad.
North Goa Vs. South Goa: Explained in A Quick Turnaround Time
LOUD Party Scenes: north goa
- If you want to shake your booty on the rhythm of flashy disco lights, visit North Goa as it is the mecca of loud parties.
SILENT Party Scenes: SOUTH goa
- Head to Palolem Beach and its nearby party places to spin your legs on the headphone parties while grooving on trance, retro, and techno music.
Seclusion and Tranquility
- North Goa has a huge tourist influx, and budget tourists make North Goa their base camp. Thanks to the affordable homestay, and guest house options.
- On the flip side, South Goa is more expensive than North Goa in terms of accommodation. South Goa is where foreigners used to come to laze around the sands and turquoise water.s
Sun-Kissed Beaches Affair
- Beaches in North Goa are good and pristine, but mass tourism is heavy.
- South Goa has white sandy beaches laden with palm-fringed trees along with exclusive beach shacks and private beaches.
Also check: Goa Itinerary for 3 nights 4 days
Akshay Negi
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