Best places to visit in Old Goa?

Here's a complete guide to the best places in Old Goa — all walkable from each other once you arrive:

1. Basilica of Bom Jesus ⭐ 4.5 (68K+ reviews) The crown jewel of Old Goa and one of India's finest UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Built in 1605, it houses the preserved remains of St. Francis Xavier in a stunning silver casket. The unplastered laterite exterior contrasts beautifully with the ornate gold Baroque interior. Don't rush through this one. Open 9 AM–5 PM (Sundays from 11 AM).

2. Sé Cathedral ⭐ 4.5 Asia's largest church and another UNESCO site. Built in the early 17th century, it's home to the famous Golden Bell — said to be the largest bell in Goa. The scale of the building is genuinely awe-inspiring. Opens early at 7:30 AM, making it ideal for a peaceful morning visit before crowds arrive.

3. Church of St. Francis of Assisi ⭐ 4.5 Right next to Sé Cathedral. The blend of Manueline and Baroque architecture is unique — the interior woodwork and painted panels are among the most detailed in Old Goa. Note: closed on Sundays.

4. Archaeological Museum of Goa ⭐ 4.3 Housed in the old convent adjoining St. Francis of Assisi. Displays Hindu sculptures from the 4th–19th century, Portuguese governors' portraits, colonial coins, and a model of a 16th-century Portuguese ship. A great way to contextualise everything you're seeing. Closed on Fridays.

5. St. Cajetan Church ⭐ 4.6 Slightly off the main cluster but very worth the detour — it's modelled on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, built in 1651 by Italian friars. The interior dome is stunning and it's far less crowded than the other churches. A hidden gem.

6. St. Augustine Tower ⭐ 4.5 The dramatic ruins of a 46-metre belfry tower on Holy Hill, all that remains of a massive 17th-century Augustinian church complex. Free entry, atmospheric, and excellent for photography — especially in the late afternoon light. A must for history buffs.

7. Chapel of St. Catherine ⭐ 4.4 The oldest church in Old Goa, originally built in 1510 by Afonso de Albuquerque to mark the Portuguese conquest. Quiet, rarely crowded, and deeply atmospheric. Easy to combine with the main cluster.

Practical tip: Start at Sé Cathedral (7:30 AM), then walk to St. Francis of Assisi + Archaeological Museum, cross the road to Basilica of Bom Jesus, and finish the afternoon at St. Augustine Tower on Holy Hill. St. Cajetan is a short detour on your way in or out. The entire area can be covered comfortably in a half-day.