Under $100: Panaji, Goa

Getting around Goa is a simple and affordable task, especially in the town of Panaji. Start the day by heading to the nearest hotel or shop renting scooters and plunk down $5 to have it at your beck and call for the day.

From there, you’ll want to go ahead and take a trip to Miramar Beach to take in the spectacular views. Spend an hour or two here enjoying the breeze then head back to the city for some breakfast.

© Rainer Klotz | Dreamstime

The Waterfront Terrace and Bar is located close by and offers great Indian and Western breakfast options, from eggs to croissants. A meal here will only run you around $10 per person.

Afterward, head to the center of town and visit Fontainhas, a colorful street known for its Portuguese architecture and plentiful array of shops to explore. The nearby Goa State Museum is also a must-see as it holds more than 8,000 artifacts from stone sculptures to rare coins on display. Both of these sites are free to visit.

For lunch, you’ll want to have a taste of Viva Panjim, a little side-street eatery offering traditional Goan dishes at great prices. A meal here will run you around $10–15 per person.

© Suronin | Dreamstime

Spend the afternoon taking in the sights including the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and the Tomb of St. Francis Xavier. Both of these structures are magnificient to behold and open to the public, so it won’t cost you a dime to visit and explore.

In the evening, head to Mum’s Kitchen for one of the best dinners in Goa. They also serve a wonderful selection of alcohol, so expect to drop around $20 to $30 for a meal here.