Goa's third-largest town, Mapusa is situated around 13 km from Panaji. It is primarily known for its vibrant Friday Market. Attracting visitors from across the state, the market offers much, including fresh and dried fish, spices, cashews, fruits and vegetables, incense and even souvenirs. This is also a great place to sample local Goan culinary fare such as spicy sausages. The Church of Our Lady of Miracles, around 2 km from the market area, is worth a visit if you happen to be in Mapusa.

Also known as St Jerome's, the church dates back to 1594 and has been rebuilt several times. After a fire razed it during the liberation of Goa from the hands of the Portuguese in 1961, the church was reconstructed. One of the most famous shrines of the region is Shree Dev Bodgeshwar Sansthan of Lord Bodgeshwar. It is located on the city's outskirts amid rice fields and draws thousands of devotees for its annual jatra (procession). In the heart of the city is Maruti Temple, which was constructed in 1840s with Lord Hanuman as the presiding deity. Mapusa makes for a great stopover when visitors are heading to the beaches of Calangute, Baga, Candolim and Anjuna.