• Don't miss out on the old city.
• See the islands that are just across the river. It only takes a couple of minutes to cross on the car ferry, and on the other side there are unpopulated fields of high marsh grass, sweeping views and utter peacefulness.
• Miramar Beach - A lovely golden beach of soft sand girdled with palm trees. The main beach outside of state-capital Panaji. The usual hangout for urbanites from Panjim and around, and also for 'desi' (domestic, Indian) tourists visiting the region. Try the fast-food of both Goan origin (D'Silva's) and Mid-East shwarma-based food (on the beachside stalls). Nice playground for kids, including a giant fish made of cement.
• Dona Paula A beach outside Panaji and beyond Miramar. This is where so many Bollywood (Hindi) films have been shot. No wonder it is hyped up among Hindi film audiences. Scenic. In fair weather, a boat service connects this point with Vasco da Gama.

By Air

The nearest airport is at Dabolim, 30 km away.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Karmali (IR station code : KRMI), about 10 km to the east, but many trains do not stop there. A more convenient railhead is Madgaon Junction, 35 km to the south. From the railway station, taxis and buses go to Panaji, but if you are carrying only a backpack, motorcycle taxis are a bargain, plus you get to ride on the pillion seat! Be sure to fix fares before the ride.

By bus

Buses connect Panjim with many cities in Karnataka and Maharashtra, most ply overnight.

By car

• NH-17 (National Highway-17) passes through Panaji. (This is the route buses will take while coming down from Bombay). The route is scenic, but narrow and risky along part of the journey, so driving down it is not recommended unless you are used to Indian roads.

• NH-4A connects to the NH-17 from Panaji. This is the main highway connecting Goa with the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

• Hotel Mandovi packs in a surprising amount of interesting reading material, specially books related to Goa, in its limited space.
• Broadway Book Centre boasts of the "largest bookshop in Goa" (approx 5000 square feet) and also some good prices.
• Singbal Bookstall, tel. 2425747. Near the Panjim Church
• Book World, tel. 2421857.
• Jeevit Bookshop, tel. 2438638. Religious books.
• Velha Goa Galeria and De Goa Ceramics, for local hand-painted ceramics.
• 18th June Road Night Market

Some of the best food in the world is found in this calm and breezy capital city.

• Try out the native Vindaloo curry with fish or chicken. It's hot!

There are lots of places in Goa where one can find a bar and restaurant. There's one around every corner of the every road.