When you’re in Goa, it’s easy to get swept up in the tourist buzz. But there’s a different rhythm to the place if you know where to look. Living in Goa is about more than stunning beaches and nightlife. It’s about slow mornings, fresh food, afternoon naps, and casual evenings with friends. Whether you’re visiting or thinking about buying a home in Goa, here are a few things you should try to become a true local.
Morning Chai and a Bread Bangle
Every Goan morning begins with one thing—a hot cup of chai. Whether it’s made at home or picked up from a small local tea stall, this beverage is sacred. And what’s tea without something to go with it? Goans often pair it with pão (soft white bread) or the famous bread bangles called kankonn. These crusty, chewy rings are sold door-to-door by the local poder (breadman), honking his horn as he goes around the neighbourhood.
Add a side of mirchi bhaji or boiled chana masala, and you’ve got the perfect start to the day. If you’re looking for the best time to visit Goa, try early mornings in the cooler months as they’re calm, breezy, and beautifully quiet.
Trip to the Local Fish Market
Goans don’t rush their mornings. After chai, it’s time to head out for groceries or the day’s freshest catch. Where do they go? Bustling markets like Mapusa and Panjim, or straight to the fish vendors lining the roadside. Ever tried bargaining over sungta (prawns), bangde (mackerel), or tisreo (clams)? It’s practically a morning ritual. If you’re exploring places to visit in Goa, don’t skip the local markets as they offer a raw, unfiltered slice of Goan life.
Doing chores here isn’t a grind. It’s social, loud, and oddly relaxing. It’s also when you see the real Goa, which has no filters, just people living their day. People-watching and wandering the markets make for some of the most enjoyable things to do in Goa.
Xit Kodi: The Heart of Lunch
Ask any Goan what’s for lunch, and you’ll likely hear the words Xit Kodi (rice and curry). Usually made with fish, sometimes chicken or prawns, it’s the staple that most Goans look forward to each day. It’s often served with a side of kismoor (dry shrimp salad), bhaji, and a wedge of lime.
Food isn’t just food here; it’s a love language. Whether you’ve lived here for years or are still considering a home in Goa, make time for a easy-going, home-cooked Goan lunch. That’s when the real soul of the day kicks in.
Afternoon Nap or a Walk by the Beach
Here’s where the laid back Goan way of life comes into play. After lunch, most locals take a short nap. Shops close, traffic reduces, and the world seems to pause. Life in Goa moves to a natural cadence, and that Donparchi nhid (Afternoon nap) is a key part of it, making it one of the most local things to do in Goa.
If you’re not one for naps, locals also enjoy a walk by the beach or a casual game of football. Miramar, Dona Paula, or Caranzalem have excellent beaches that see people strolling or kids kicking around a ball as the sun begins to dip. If you’re searching for things to do in Goa that aren’t just touristy, this is it.
Evenings with a Drink and Good Company
As the sun sets, it’s time to relax. Some head to their favourite bar, and Goa has no shortage of them. From beach shacks to roadside taverns, locals unwind with a chilled beer, feni, or whisky. Others just pour a drink at home and sit on the balcony with some chorizo (Goan sausages) or cutlet pão.
Drinking here isn’t just about the alcohol—it’s about winding down and catching up. If you’re visiting or planning a home in Goa, don’t miss this tranquil end to the day.
To really know Goa, you’ve got to live it like the locals do. Skip the rush, the tight itineraries, and the tourist trail. Wake up lazily. Eat well. Nap in the afternoon. Chat with the fish vendor. Go for a sunset walk. Whether you’re here on holiday or thinking of staying longer, these things to do in Goa show the real experience.
And if you’re looking for a home in Goa where you can experince this pace of life every day, Panjim is the ideal pick. With its mix of serenity and culture, it’s the ideal place to fully embrace Goan life. Satt Adhar’s Skyline Harmony brings luxury and comfort to this already vibrant lifestyle, making it the perfect base for living in Goa like a local.
