Rain or moonshine, North Goa stays awake at night

The rains do not seem to have hampered nightlife in North Goa with tourists still able to enjoy Bollywood beats well into the early morning despite raindrops drumming upon the roofs.

It is past 10 pm; Roshan and his girlfriend are feasting on dinner as they discuss plans for the rest of the night. “We come to Goa to party at night. What else is there to do in the rains?” they ask.

Though room occupancy is low, a high number of upper class and middle class domestic tourists are opting for rooms or apartments in Assagao, which until now, was better known for its high-end restaurants.

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“The flow is very quiet during the week, but picks up momentum from Friday onwards, and that is the time all these night places come back to life,” says taxi driver, Ulhas, as he waits to take his clients to a late-night party spot.

Mango Tree, in Vagator is one such place, apart from the restaurants along Chapora Street, where the footfalls of tourists can be gauged through the year. And on Saturday, July 5, 2025, it was close to full.

“Most of our clients come to enjoy their drinks with a few nibbles. We do not get many orders for meals as such, it’s more of burgers, pizzas or sandwiches. Our clients prefer cocktails, and if there are no parties around, tend to hang out till we close,” admits Vid who waits tables.

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Nightlife in Anjuna and Vagator begins past 10 pm with most guests opting to come out around that time.

“Instead of staying in hotels, a lot of youngsters coming during the weekend, stay in the second homes built by their parents or in homestays around Assagao,” notes Ulhas as he sips teafrom a roadside tea vendor.

Rooms in Assagao, observes Ulhas, are not as expensive as many would imagine. Distinctively designed and clean, each room is available for around Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 a night.

Despite the demand for bikes, cars too are sought-after during the rains and with that, one sees an increase of accidents, especially at night, and early morning as drunk driving is common and goes unchecked.

“Rooms in Assagao are sought by couples and small families. People still come with their small children, and travel by motorcycle during the rains. Motorcyclesare the best form of convenience even for the moneyed,” thinks Ulhas.

Despite the demand for bikes, cars too are sought-after during the rains and with that, one sees an increase of accidents, especially at night, and early morning as drunk driving is common and goes unchecked.

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“Instead of waiting at junctions, cops should be around bars and restaurants at night to deter drinking and driving. At least then, people will be cautious,” argues Ramesh, as he joins Ulhas for a cup of tea.

Nightlife plays out not only in Anjuna and Vagator, but extends right up to Arambolwith restaurants in Morjim catering to guests and late night parties, discreetly organised in Arambol.

Nightlife plays out not only in Anjuna and Vagator, but extends right up to Arambol with restaurants in Morjim catering to guests and late night parties.

Most such places normally wind up just before dawn. “We sleep through the morning, and after we wake up, start packing up to leave. Goa is a nice place to unwind after a busy week,” admits Shireen.

“We do have locals from the South, who come during the weekends and like others, they party hard till early morning,” observes a barman from ChaporaStreet.

For many, North Goa is a home that is awake at night, irrespective of what the law says. As many believe, there is nothing wrong in partying hard after working harder.