North Goa Or South Goa – Complete Comparison between Paradise

This is an epic question, I think from the time people had started going to Goa. It has been generations now and the question still stands straight before every Goa Trip – “North Goa or South Goa, what to choose?”. We have taken this attempt to put the answer into simple and short words. So, lets begin…

1.  Beaches – North Goa Vs South Goa

North Goa – Happening beaches & Party paradise

If the party animal in you roaring inside, you will be delighted visiting Anjuna Beach , Baga Beach, Vagator Beach, and Calangute Beach(which I don’t recommend) for sure. Enjoy the jazzy parties, watersports and street food when at north Goa beaches. The beaches of this part of the town are a bit crowded and happening.

South Goa – Pristine and Soul soothing

If you are the one looking for ultimate relaxation, you have to be at south Goa beaches. Some of the famous beaches of South Goa are Palolem Baech, Butterfly Beach, Majorda Beach where you can enjoy exquisite delicacies at the most elite restaurants. These beaches are more or less secluded. If you are with your partner and looking for noting but each other, this place will suit you most.

2.  Heritage Places - South Goa Vs North Goa

North Goa – Lesser explored & Beautiful

There are quite a few heritage places that one must visit. They give you an outlook of Portuguese culture. Few famous attractions are Church of St. Catherine, St. Antony’s Church and Church of St. Lawrence. The famous church buildings of North Goa are built amidst picturesque surroundings that make them even more special for the tourists. Tourist that visit north Goa quite often do not come to visit these amazing monuments, as they are only in the party mood. We strongly recommend you to take a visit here.

South Goa – Most visited tourist spots

People who visit south Goa are of different temperament. They often love to visit monuments and old structures. This being a reason that the heritage places here are more famous ones. There are very similar to the churches mentioned in north, but are newer churches as compared. The interiors of these buildings overwhelms the visitors by their sheer grandeur. Some of the famous churches are Rachol Seminary, Our Lady of Hope Church, Velim Church and Three Kings Church.

3.  Wow Shopping! - North Goa Vs South Goa

North Goa – Shop Till you Drop

Who has not heard about the flea market and Saturday market of North Goa?. North Goa sells clothes, jewellery and souvenirs for hard core shoppers and bargainers. The markets are a wonderful blend of Tibetan, Kashmiri and Hippie trinkets, Bongs, wooden craft and much more. A visit to Anjuna market, Arpora market and Maposa market is a must if you are around.

South Goa – Shop till you weep

This is a market for exclusive stuff. You wont find cheap stuff, rather whatever you buy will be of a class. You can try your luck on bargaining but, lesser are the chances. If you are in south Goa, be ready to shop expensive. Palolem market, Colem market and Caculo market and shop till your pockets weep.

4.  Food -  North Goa Vs South Goa

North Goa – Yummy Street food & Budget treats

For the street food lovers, North Goa is the destination. There are a whole lot of beach shacks and restaurants serving delicious and authentic Goan cuisine. Food here is cheap yet yummy and filling. You can try fish thali almost anywhere here. Try out Fat Fish, Fellini’s Pizza, Fisherman wraf and Matsya Freestyle Kitchen which we recommend.

South Goa – Elite gourmet delights & Expensive dinners

Though expensive, South Goa serves delighting food that will leave you asking for more. Relish the mouthwatering delights with a lot of energetic crowd basking on the sunbeds. Hungry Shark, Uncles Shack, Martin’s Corner and The Village Square are the few that we recommend when you are here in south.

5.  Nightlife  - North Goa And South Goa

North Goa – Never ending parties

Here night is brighter than the day. Most of the youth groove to the music of famous DJ’s with flashy disco lights. Hit the dance floors of curlies, Clun Cubana, Cafe Mamo’s and Tito’s club with your buddies. Have a rocking evening.

South Goa – Hub of lounge evenings

Are you now above parties and crowded venues. You are at the right place, Some well known elite parties happen here. Under the shed of your luxurious resort, there is always a lively party waiting for you. Visit the Leelas, Silent Noise Club and Leopard Valley and tell us how it feels to be a part of south Goa class.

6.  Sightseeing – North Goa Vs South Goa

North Goa – For Adventure traveler

This is only after the happening party, if you get up to see all this. There are forts such as Fort Aguada and Chapora Fort where you can click pictures for lifetime memories. Also see some Bengal tigers at Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary if you like adventure over parties.

South Goa – For Casual Tourist

South Goa is for tourists who will want silence and solitude. They are done with tigers in the past, so now something new is calling them. Dolphins seems to be a good idea. Doesn’t it?. Also Fill your phone memory taking snaps at Cabo De Gama and Rachol Fort while in this part of the Goa.

7.  Casinos – North Goa Vs South Goa

North Goa – Gambling aboard the cruise

Can you gamble all night. Pick your lady luck and reach the best of casinos in North Goa. Hear out loud the thunderous music with spinning wheels of Casino Palms, Casino Carnival and Crown Casino. Along with the regular casinos if you head towards mandovi river you can find some best casinos aboard luxury liners.

South Goa – Luxury casinos

The casino culture in South Goa has developed a lot in recent times. Though it is an expensive affair here, still you can find some elite and rich casinos here. Do check out Casino Pearl, Casino Pride and The Zuri White Sands, indulge in a gambling session with amazing music by the famous DJ’s. try your luck.

8.  Accommodation - North Goa and South Goa

North Goa – Buzzing resorts and cheap options too

You will never need more money to stay in North Goa. There are variety of affordable beach shacks and hotels to spend your trip on a budget. Don’t go by the price dear friend. The view and the food will blow your mind away. If you are with a group there are plenty of apartment options too. You can find a decent accommodation in any given budget. Book Naked Space Boutique Hotel, Casa Vagator, The park Inn, Casablanca and  Calamari Beach Shack. Do try Marquis beach resort & Alcobes which are recent additions to the list and are best near your favourite beaches.

South Goa – Get pampered & Unwind

We have a friend who just cannot compromise on the luxury – we call him NAWAB. So south Goa is for the Nawab in you. The lavish and posh hotels here will always have jacuzzi and spa, The staff will be always around you for your smallest need, above all you will have a dedicated staff on the beach shack too. as we mentioned, nawabs are never without attention. We would suggest staying at The HQ, The Nest, Leelas, Mayfair and many more.

9.  Trip Cost – North Goa Vs South Goa

North Goa –  Small hole in Pocket

It is not at all expensive. Best suits solo travelers and people in group. The average trip cost comes to Rs. 10000 Per person for a 4 days trip excluding transport.  You may do it for less too.

South Goa – Heavy on Pocket

South Goa is an expensive affair. Average trip cost will never be less than Rs. 20000 per person for a 4 days trip.  It is best for people who look to unwind on a luxury holiday. You can do this trip for less but it will hamper your luxuries. 

10.  Weather in Goa – North Goa Vs South Goa

North Goa – Slightly more Humid

It has tropical weather. Slightly more humid than south Goa.

South Goa -  Slightly more pleasant

though South Goa also has tropical climate, still the humidity is low. You will find the weather comparatively pleasant.

Now decide as per your requirement, company and Budget and head to a suitable side of Goa. Incase you don’t like the particular side, just drive down 1.5 hours to reach the opposite side. This post is just for your curiosity. For me personally, Goa is beyond words where north or south doesn’t matter much.

                     So when are you coming here next?