1. Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

Overlooking Panaji’s main square is the iconic Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, built in 1541. The impressive double flight of stairs leading up to the church was added in 1871. The Baroque splendour of the main altar and the two transept altars is in sharp contrast to the otherwise simple interior.

2. Sé Cathedral

Ordered by the government in Portugal to build a church worthy of their mighty empire, Francis Coutinho (Viceroy, 1561–1564) envisaged a magnificent cathedral that would be the largest in Asia. The result is the Renaissance-style Sé Cathedral. Its façade was flanked by two square bell towers, only one of which survives. In it hangs the Golden Bell, known for its melodic tones. The interior features a gilded high altar, dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria, with panel paintings depicting scenes from her life.

Altar of a chapel at Sé Cathedral

3. Fontainhas

The capital’s oldest and most colourful district, Fontainhas is known for preserving the ambience of colonial times. Street names such as Rua 31 de Janeira (31st January Road) signify Portugal’s independence from Spain, while 18th June Road commemorates the end of Portuguese rule in Goa. Look out for colour-washed houses and azulejo street signs.

A street in Fontainhas flanked by brightly coloured Indo-Portuguese houses

4. Goa State Museum

EDC Complex, Patto • 0832 243 8006 • Open 10am–6pm Mon–Sat

Established in 1977, this museum preserves Goa’s rich history. It houses a collection of pre-colonial artifacts, including statues, sati stones, carvings from ravaged Hindu temples, as well as some Christian icons. Look out for the furniture used by the Portuguese.

5. Cabo Raj Niwas

In 1760, this building became the official residence of the viceroys – until 1918. Extensive renovations have transformed the original Islamic structure into the colonial building it is today, with a sloping tiled roof, wide wooden verandahs and cast-iron pillars. The Ashoka Chakra, the emblem of the Indian government, has replaced the Portuguese viceroys’ coat of arms above the entrance.

6. Museum of Christian Art

Convent of Santa Monica, Velha Goa • 0832 228 5299 • Open 9:30am–5pm Mon–Sat

Asia’s first Museum of Christian Art was established in 1991 by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and the Gulbenkian Foundation of Portugal. The impressive collection includes 17th- and 18th-century religious objects such as silver and ivory ornaments, ornate clerical robes, processional crosses and holy water sprinklers.

7. Dona Paula

About 7 km (4 miles) southwest of Panaji, Dona Paula is located near the headland dividing the estuaries of the Zuari and Mandovi rivers. According to legend, it is named after a viceroy’s daughter who, it is believed, jumped into the sea when she wasn’t allowed to marry a local fisherman. The jetty offers views of Fort Aguada, across the bay, and is especially beautiful during sunset. Jet skis are available for rent, and visitors can also take a ferry ride to Vasco da Gama harbour.

8. Miramar Beach

Panaji’s nearest beach, Miramar is about 3 km (2 miles) west. Named Porta de Gaspar Dias by the Portuguese, this beach is a busy spot especially during the evenings. Several food trucks and shacks offer streetside snacks here.

Popular sands of Miramar Beach

9. Basilica de Bom Jesus

Built by the Jesuits in 1594, this church is home to the world-famous mausoleum of Francis Xavier, Goa’s patron saint.

10. Indian Customs & Central Excise Museum

Avenida Dom João de Castro, Ozari, Panaji • 0982 366 5719 • Open 9:30am–5pm Tue–Sun

Housed in a striking blue heritage building, this museum offers an insight into the history of the customs and excise departments in India. The museum has four galleries, which showcase an array of seized goods and antiques. On display are items such as the gilded idol of Jambala that was smuggled into India from Nepal.