Saturday Night Market In Arpora, North Goa

Goa is not only about beaches.  The churches, bars, casinos and of course the flea markets.  The largest and most popular being the Saturday Night Market which is held every Saturday night, obviously.

The market is held on foothills of Arpora sprawling and seems to be expending more to the top of the hills every year.  Currently this market can be divided into three parts namely, The lower, middle and the upper fields, each having its own distinct character.  The market is not only about shopping.  It is a great place for socializing where entire Goa flocks every week to meet up with friends and socialize.  There are live musical performances by local and international guest artists next to an open bar.  In addition, there are food stall serving foods from different parts of the world and India.  Local artists along with few international one who come to Goa every year sell designer clothes, handcrafted jewelry and other fashion accessories. 

The entry to the market is free and so is the car parking.  The entire place has good police presence to control the traffic and maintain law and order.  This makes place extremely safe for those who are paranoid about safety.  The fair or flea market is open to public at dusk but real action starts after 10 pm.  It is not unusual to see a small traffic jam at 1 am created by incoming traffic.  The official closing time is  2 am but the place stays open until 4 am. 

How to reach Saturday Night Market, Arpora?

There is no public transport available during night time so it is advisable to arrange for a transport to reach the market.  Most of the people including tourists in Goa rent scooters, motorbike or car that are available at every corner. Rent one or hire a taxi for the night.  The market is located on Baga – Calangute – Arpora road going towards Siolim.  The notable landmark nearby are Club Cabana and Hilton resort. Please check the Google map for the exact location marker.

What To Expect There?

As soon as you enter the lower ground, there is a parking for two wheelers (Scooters, bicycle and motorcycles) while cars are directed to park on hills on the left.  After parking one can enter through one of the three gates.  After crossing security check one can experience  a cacophony of sound created by somewhat pushy shopkeepers, live band playing music and ravelers walking around. Like other places in India, one can feel that there is an order in this chaos too and soon you would be in sync with the rhythm of the surrounding.  The lower ground is full of Indian shops selling tea, spices, leather goods, trinkets, t shirts, sarongs, shawls, musical instruments, incense sticks, perfumes, wooden carved figurines and other souvenirs.  Expect to bargain a lot before buying anything.  Although most people are happy to listen to free concert and sip some beer while dancing the night away.  This level also has bank ATM and first aid post.

The middle level is where people congregate and mingle around food stalls and bars.  The gastronomy seems to be the high point for this level.  Here you can find food stall of local restaurants such as Thalassa, Punjabi Grill, Baba Au Rhum sharing place with international food stall from China, Thailand, USA, Mexico, Georgia, Russia, and other parts of Europe.  There is also a small bar along with dance floor.  There are community table where you can sit and eat food after buying from any other nearby food stall.

The upper level has few international designers who setup their temporary shops near the end of the hilltop.  There is also another bar with dance floor named Boutique House Bar famous for its cocktails and low key techno music.

The night market is so popular that another imitation named Saturday Night Bazaar has sprung up near 23 Restaurant close to Arpora junction.  It has similar shops and operates on Saturday nights.  In addition, one can also visit Macky’s Friday night market on Marinha Dourada road or famous Anjuna flea market held during daytime every Wednesday.

Popularity Rating Of Saturday Night Market