With its enchanting cultural diversity, natural beauty, and colorful festivals, India has its fair share of unmissable destinations. However, we can safely say that Goa shines the brightest in terms of nightlife. It’s a very popular beach holiday spot, with free-spirited travelers consistently being entranced by its glorious coastline, laid-back lifestyle, bohemian atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife.
The locals love to party, almost as much as the energetic backpackers who flock here every autumn. With the vast array of clubs and bars on offer, there’s more than enough variety to satisfy all tastes and ages.
From easy-going beach bars to pumping nightclubs, and charming cafes, we’ve compiled a list of the most lively party destinations in Goa to help you get the most out of your Indian getaway. After all, who wouldn’t want their trip to be unforgettable, full of nights you can’t remember? Let’s get into it.
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Café Lilliput
Just a stone’s throw from Anjuna Beach’s idyllic sandy shores is the laidback and inviting Café Liliput. A two-story beachside bar complete with scenic sea views, fruity cocktails, and first-rate entertainment, what more could you ask for?
Its become a bit of a Goa institution, with its history dating back three decades, and the venue playing host to international as well as local techno DJs and blues musicians. While its unforgettable views and friendly staff create an easy-going atmosphere, it really comes to life at night, with an energetic crowd of locals and tourists creating the perfect blend.
All in all, it’s an undeniable part of the cultural heartbeat of Goa, making it more than worthy of repeat visits, and the ideal place to unwind after a day spent shopping at the nearby Anjuna Flea Market.
Rating: 4/5
Address: Anjuna Beach, Monteiro Vaddo, Flea, Market Rd, Anjuna, Goa 403509, India
Contact: P. +91 96579 62708
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 am to 6 am
Cape Town Café
Cape Town Café is an upscale nightclub situated on the notorious Tito’s lane, one of Goa’s most cosmopolitan areas, where you’re likely to find a slew of trendy bars and clubs.
Boasting an outdoor area, and a discotheque that hosts international DJs, it’s one of the most famous clubs in Goa, and a great place to let loose. Naturally, there’s an excellent variety of drinks and cuisine on offer, with the cocktails being particularly popular, and they also cater to sports fans with their wide range of LCD TVs.
Best of all, its service is faultlessly friendly, which creates a homely atmosphere and makes it a stellar choice for a night on the town.
Rating: 4.3/5
Address: Titos Lane, Baga Calangute, Goa, India 403516
Contact: P. +91 98233 07104
Opening hours: Open Daily, 6 pm to 4 am
HillTop Goa
HillTop might just be one of the most iconic nightclubs in all of Goa. Initially founded as a restaurant in 1976, this open-air venue is well known for drawing large, global audiences to its trance music events, and hosts weekly parties on Sundays. Its New Years’ Eve raves are especially popular and have been known to last several days.
What’s more, it hosts the Goa Collective Bazaar on Fridays, which is an endearing flea market, where you’ll be greeted with 100s of stalls selling local produce and crafts. Best of all, it’s less than a mile away from the beach. Needless to say, if you’re looking for a psychedelic party experience complete with neon lights, and pumping trance or techno music, HillTop is the place to be.
Rating: 4.5/5
Address: Ozran Beach Road, Near St. Michael’s School, Vagator, Goa 403509, India
Contact: P. +91 70380 66665
Opening hours: Fridays and Sundays, 4 pm to 3 am
Soro, The Village Pub
Soro, The Village Pub is a buzzing nightlife hotspot in the laidback Assagao village near Baga Beach in North Goa, that’s become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Housed inside a rustic villa, with graffiti-adorned walls, a stylish interior, and charming outdoor seating options, it’s a great place to kick back and relax with a game of pool, or lose yourself to some live music.
The pub is open daily throughout the year, with Salsa events taking place every Sunday, and the venue being especially packed from Thursday night onwards. The food is delicious to boot, with a variety of fusion dishes as well as beguiling cocktails on offer. We particularly recommend the prawn wafers.
Rating: 4.2/5
Address: Badem junction, Siolim Rd, North Goa, Assagao, Goa 403507, India
Contact: P. +91 98819 34440
Opening hours: Open Daily, 6 pm to 2 am
LPK Waterfront
Situated on the picturesque Candolim Riverfront near the Bank of India in Nerul, LPK is arguably Goa’s most exotic party destination. Featuring an upmarket interior, along with lush terracotta sculptures and a historic church as its backdrop, its name, which stands for Love, Passion, Karma, perfectly encapsulates its ambiance.
It’s a Goan nightlife highlight for many, with the nightclub hosting an excellent selection of DJs playing a mixture of house, trance, and Bollywood music, in addition to a large dance floor. Plus, there’s a great selection of drinks as well as meals available, and you can even walk on the riverbank if you want to take a little break from the festivities. That being said, they do charge an entrance fee, so it’s best to be prepared if you’re planning to visit.
Rating: 4/5
Address: Opposite Bank of India, Verem – Nerul Rd, Nerul, Goa 403114, India
Contact: P. +91 93267 33295
Opening hours: Open Daily, 9:30 pm to 4 am
Thalassa
As Goa’s most coveted destination for alfresco dining, it comes as no surprise that Thalassa serves spectacular food and drinks. Not only does this Greek tavern in Small Vagator offer a chic minimalistic white interior, with glorious sea views, but it also has a bubbly atmosphere.
Located on the northernmost tip of Vagator, it’s the ideal place for a relaxed night out, thanks to its serene lounge music playlist, live DJs, and palm-tree-shaded outdoor seating. As a bonus, you’ll even find traditional Greek dance performances, including the Sirtaki as well as Zorba styles, and fire shows on offer.
Menu highlights include the Vegetable Moussaka, consisting of potatoes, eggplant, spinach, and mushrooms topped with Béchamel, red sauce, and cheese, and the fried Feta Saganki. But they also have a complete list of local spirits, wines, and even craft cocktails.
Rating: 4.3/5
Address: 301/1, Vaddy, Siolim, Goa 403517, India
Contact: P. +91 98500 33537
Opening hours: Open Daily, 8:30 am to 1 am
Petisco
From the charming brick and wood interior to the lively atmosphere, and delectable cocktails, Petisco is a truly unforgettable Goan nightlife highlight. Spread out over three floors, you’ll find everything from live music to gourmet dishes utilizing local produce on offer.
If you decide to visit, don’t miss the chance to sample some of the aforementioned mixed drinks. The Fanhattan, which is a Manhattan, but with local feni, is particularly memorable, as is the Jungle Bird, which is a dark rum mix.
Their Portuguese-inspired menu is just as tantalizing, and it’s beautifully plated. We highly recommend trying out the oven-roasted chonak, and pan-fried mackerel, but you can rest assured that there are plenty of other delectable dishes to savor.
Rating: 4.6/5
Address: Souza Towers, Dr RS Rd, Opposite Municipal Garden, Altinho, Panaji, Goa 403521, India
Contact: P. +91 80105 21438
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12 pm to 1 am
Miguel’s Bar
Miguel’s Bar is a slick, art deco watering hole located in a heritage building in the heart of Goa’s Latin Quarter. It’s become quite a popular spot on Goa’s nightlife map, being frequented by locals and international tourists alike, thanks to its flawless cocktails and delicious appetizers.
Adding to this, the venue has an open kitchen which allows seeing your drinks and Konkan-Portuguese fusion dishes being prepared right in front of your eyes. Naturally, the staff is very welcoming, and there is a wide selection of signature cocktails on offer.
Some of our favorites include the jalapeno-infused, vodka-based Punho Luta Mexicano, and the Espresso Martini, but we can confidently say that there’s a drink to satisfy every taste here. Everything considered, visiting is an absolute must if you’re thinking about traveling to Goa, with the venue offering an incredible blend of nightlife and upscale dining.
Rating: 4.6/5
Address: H No 111 Bento Miguel, Old Patto Bridge, Panaji, Goa 403001, India
Contact: P. +91 91122 22584
Opening hours: Open Daily Except for Tuesdays, 1 to 3 pm, 6 pm to 12 am
Cafe Mambo
This lively club is located just off the iconic Baga beach, right down Tito’s Lane, and is known as a place where people and cultures come together. This traditional Goan bar has a great selection of alcoholic drinks and offers free entry for women.
Café Mambo is one of Baga beach’s main hangouts and the party starts at 6 pm every night. You can enjoy local bar snacks before kicking off you’re heels and heading to the dance floor for a night of Indian and international DJ music until the early hours.
Café Mambo is open until 4 am, every night of the week, and hosts regular performers and shows to keep visitors entertained. Mambos is a starting and ending point for any good night out in Baga Beach and a must-visit if you’re in the area with a taste for a late finish.
Rating: 4.6/5
Address: Titos Lane, Baga Beach, Goa, 403516, India
Contact: P +91 98227 65002
Opening hours: Open Daily, 6 pm to 4 am
Is alcohol illegal in India?
States like Goa might have a party reputation but religious laws and customs govern alcohol from state to state, and it’s actually illegal to consume it in Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Lakshadweep, while there’s a partial ban in some districts of Manipur. Some Indians will choose not to drink for personal or religious regions, but this doesn’t mean they will condemn foreigners who choose to do so, as long as the law permits it. It is, however, frowned upon and sometimes punishable by the law to drink in the streets, act drunk and disorderly or get aggressive as a result of alcohol consumption.
What age can you buy alcohol in India?
Many states have a legal drinking age of 21 in India, however, in Sikkim, Rajasthan, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Puducherry locals and foreigners can purchase alcohol from the age of 18. This is why these places attract a younger, gap-year backpacker crowd. In Haryana and Punjab, you must be 25 to drink and buy alcohol, while it’s completely prohibited in Gujarat and Bihar.
Where is the best nightlife in India?
Goa is one of the best places to party in India, with its laid-back coastal vibes and diverse hippie community. However, Mumbai and Delhi are brimming with underrated nightlife spots and the locals sure know how to party. Mumbai is known as the “City of Dreams” or the “City of Lights” and there are plenty of clubs and late-night bars to enjoy. While Delhi is where you want to go for alternative nightlife beyond nightclubs with cozy lounges, pubs, and live music performances.