Imagine a place where the green landscapes of Goa meet the charm of an old village. Welcome to Assagao, a peaceful paradise in the northern part of Goa. Think about walking through narrow streets lined with old Portuguese-style houses, each telling stories from long ago.

Assagao offers an unforgettable trip through its beautiful landscapes and rich heritage. Imagine exploring hidden paths, visiting old churches, and enjoying tasty dishes at small local cafes. Let the timeless charm of Assagao pull you in.

Picture your friends sharing amazing photos of their Assagao adventures on social media, while you’re just scrolling through your phone. Don’t let the fear of missing out get to you. Ready to discover the magic of Assagao yourself?

Here are the top 10 things you must do when you visit this hidden gem. Pack your bags, plan your trip, and get ready to dive into the wonders of Assagao, Goa. Your adventure is waiting!

1. Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, built in 1605, is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture. This red-brick cathedral houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier, a renowned missionary. As you step inside, you'll be awed by the spacious interior adorned with golden hues, marble floors, and inlaid gems. The beautifully decorated altar takes centre stage, while the burial chamber of St. Francis Xavier, located on the right, features a coffin made of sterling silver. Don't forget to check out the art gallery on the second floor, showcasing works by local Goan artists.

• Top nearby attractions: Se Cathedral, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Archaeological Museum
• Best time to visit: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (visit during the morning hours to avoid crowds)
• Photography: Permitted inside the church, without the use of flash
• Drive time from The Hosteller Goa, Candolim: Approximately 40 minutes (23.1 km) by car

Basilica of Bom Jesus | Credits : Basilica of Bom Jesus, Instagram

2. Savour local flavours at Vinayak Family Restaurant

Tucked away in the heart of Assagao, Vinayak Family Restaurant is a hidden gem that offers an authentic Goan dining experience. This cosy eatery is known for its delectable dishes, such as the tangy chicken tandoori and the chilli chicken dry. The warm hospitality and homely atmosphere make it a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Don't miss out on their signature mushroom soup.

• Top nearby attractions: St. Michael's Church, Mapusa Market, Calizz Designer Boutique
• Best time to visit: Open daily from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
• Must-try dishes: Chili chicken dry, Green peas mushroom masala
• Drive time from The Hosteller Goa, Candolim: Approximately 22 minutes (9.4 km) by car
  

Vinayak Family Restaurant | Credits : Rahul Parthan Ravish, Instagram

3. Embark on a heritage walk through Assagao

Discover the rich history and architectural wonders of Assagao on a guided heritage walk. Begin your journey at the centuries-old St. Michael's Church, known for its stunning Portuguese-style façade and intricate baroque interiors. As you wander through the narrow lanes, you'll come across beautifully preserved traditional Goan houses, each with its own unique character and story. Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights into the village's past and present, making this an enriching experience for history and culture enthusiasts.

• Top nearby attractions: Mapusa Market, Calizz Designer Boutique, Villa Blanche Bistro
• Best time to visit: November to February
• Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours
• Drive time from The Hosteller Goa, Candolim: Approximately 21 minutes (8.1 km) by car
  

Assagao | Credits : Soul Travelling, Instagram

4. Explore the quaint village of Siolim

Just a short drive from Assagao lies the charming village of Siolim, known for its laid-back vibe and picturesque surroundings. Visit the beautiful St. Anthony's Church, which dates back to the 17th century and features a unique blend of Portuguese and Goan architectural styles. Take a stroll along the Siolim Bridge, which offers stunning views of the Chapora River and the lush green landscape. Don't forget to sample some delicious Goan street food at the nearby Siolim Market, where you'll find an array of local delicacies like pav bhaji, choris pao, and ros omelette.

• Top nearby attractions: Chapora Fort, Morjim Beach, Ashvek Vintage World
• Best time to visit: November to February
• Must-try street food: Shawarma, pani puri, and vada pav
• Drive time from The Hosteller Goa, Candolim: Approximately 32 minutes (12.6 km) by car

Village of Siolim | Credits : Delen Fernandes, Instagram

5. Indulge at Villa Blanche Bistro

If you're looking for a peaceful dining experience away from the commercial noise of Goa's holiday paradise, head to Villa Blanche Bistro. This quaint eatery, tucked away in a quiet village, offers a delightful array of Italian and German delicacies. You can visit them on Sundays to savour their breakfast menu and were thoroughly impressed by the mouthwatering dishes they had to offer. It's the perfect spot to relax and indulge in some culinary delights.

• Top nearby attractions: Anjuna Beach, Chapora Fort, St. Michael's Church
• Best time to visit: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM
• Must-try dishes: Goan prawn curry, and apple pie with cinnamon ice cream
• Drive time from The Hosteller Goa, Candolim: Approximately 1 hour (42 km) by car

Villa Blanche Bistro | Credits : Digvijay, Instagram

6. Find inner peace at Purple Valley

While it may seem unusual to associate yoga with Goa, Purple Valley offers just that. This retreat features a large open area dedicated to meditation and reflection, allowing you to reconnect with yourself. They offer accommodation and Cafe/restaurant that serves organic and vegetarian, providing an opportunity to experience life from an ascetic's perspective.

• Top nearby attractions: Anjuna Beach, Chapora Fort, Vagator Beach
• Best time to visit: Open year-round, visit during the cooler months (November to February) for a more comfortable experience
• Yoga styles offered: Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin, and Restorative yoga
• Drive time from The Hosteller Goa, Candolim: Approximately 26 minutes (11.1 km) by car
  

Purple Valley | Credits : Purple Valley Yoga Centre, Instagram

7. Discover the architectural gem of St. Cajetan's Church

St. Cajetan's Church is one of the 23 churches built by the Portuguese in Bardez. This architectural masterpiece greets visitors with its rich history and stunning beauty. Take a moment to appreciate the intricate details and craftsmanship that went into creating this magnificent structure.

• Top nearby attractions: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Church of St. Francis of Assisi
• Best time to visit: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Photography: Permitted inside the church, without the use of flash
• Drive time from The Hosteller Goa, Candolim: Approximately 26 minutes (11.9 km) by car

St. Cajetan's Church | Credits : Sonam, Instagram

8. Mingle with artists at Project Café

Project Café has gained a reputation for attracting some of the country's most renowned artists to the small village of Assagao. This unique space serves as a café, retail store, and art gallery all in one. It has become a hub for writers, painters, musicians, and other creative minds, earning its title as the "artists' parliament of India." If you're lucky, you might even have the chance to meet an artist you've always admired.

• Top nearby attractions: Anjuna Flea Market, Chapora Fort, St. Michael's Church
• Best time to visit: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM
• Must-try dishes: Avocado toast, Buddha bowl, and homemade vegan ice cream
• Drive time from The Hosteller Goa, Candolim: Approximately 25 minutes (10.8 km) by car

Project Café | Credits : The Project Café Goa, Instagram

9. Explore the vibrant Mapusa Municipal Market

No visit to Assagao is complete without experiencing the lively Mapusa Municipal Market. Held every Friday, this market is a riot of colours, sounds, and aromas. You'll find everything from fresh produce and spices to handicrafts and traditional Goan souvenirs. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere and interact with friendly locals as you browse through the stalls. Don't forget to sample some of the delicious street food on offer, such as the famous Goan fish curry or the sweet and crispy bebinca.

• Top nearby attractions: St. Jerome's Church, Bodgeshwar Temple, Mapusa Municipal Garden
• Best time to visit: Friday mornings, when the market is at its liveliest
• Must-try street food: Pav bhaji, bhel puri, and Goan chorizo pao
• Drive time from The Hosteller Goa, Candolim: Approximately 26 minutes (9.9 km) by car

Mapusa Municipal Market | Credits : Lipun Sahoo, Instagram

10. Discover the ancient art of Azulejos at Velha Goa Galeria

Step into the fascinating world of Azulejos, the traditional Portuguese art of hand-painted ceramic tiles, at Velha Goa Galeria in Assagao. This charming gallery and workshop is dedicated to preserving and promoting this centuries-old craft, which has become an integral part of Goan architecture and design. Take a guided tour of the gallery to learn about the history and techniques of Azulejo making, and marvel at the intricate patterns and vibrant colours of the tiles on display. You can even try your hand at painting your own Azulejo tile under the guidance of skilled artisans, creating a unique souvenir to take home with you.

• Top nearby attractions: St. Michael's Church, Calizz Designer Boutique, Villa Blanche Bistro
• Timings: 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM & then reopens from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
• Workshops: Azulejo painting workshops available upon request
• Drive time from The Hosteller Goa, Candolim: Approximately 31 minutes (12.5 km) by car

Azulejos at Velha Goa Galeria | Credits: BohemianBongGirl, Instagram

Conclusion

After a day of exploring the wonders of Assagao, Goa, why not retreat to a place that complements your adventure perfectly? Whether you’ve spent the day discovering Assagao’s hidden trails, visiting ancient churches, or indulging in local cuisine, Bam Goa Assagao that provides the perfect setting to unwind and share your experiences with fellow travellers. Let this be your home away from home, offering both relaxation and a touch of Goan vitality.

Bam Goa, Assagao – is the newest addition to Bam Stays. Located in the heart of Assagao, this hotel offers upscale amenities including a pool table room, café, infinity pool, and bar. Just 5 minutes from Vagator Beach, it’s the ideal escape for a refined yet relaxed stay.