Goa’s shoreline may steal the spotlight, but its true soul lives in its heritage homes, slow cafés, hidden markets, and artist enclaves. This coastal haven is not just about the surf and sand—it’s a deeply layered destination where art, architecture, and local life come alive for those who seek it.

Nestled in Assagao, one of North Goa’s most culturally rich villages, The Yellow House, Goa – IHCL SeleQtions is a boutique stay that reflects the spirit of Goa beyond the beach. With charming Portuguese architecture, a serene atmosphere, and curated access to Goa’s creative hubs, this heritage hotel offers an immersive base for experience-driven travelers.

Long before Goa became a beach lover’s paradise, it was shaped by over four centuries of Portuguese influence—an era that still echoes in its chapels, colonial homes, and cobblestone alleys.

A short drive from the hotel brings you to Fontainhas, Goa’s Latin Quarter, where the pastel-toned buildings, wrought-iron balconies, and azulejo tiles tell timeless stories. Closer still, the sleepy lanes of Assagao reveal restored Goan bungalows, some of which now function as boutiques, cafés, or private residences.

Guests at The Yellow House don’t just witness Portuguese architecture in Goa—they live within it. The hotel’s design thoughtfully revives the aesthetics of old Goan homes, complete with vaulted ceilings, patterned tiles, and shaded verandas, offering guests a window into Goa’s elegant past.

Beyond its laid-back vibe, Goa is experiencing a quiet artistic renaissance—and Assagao is right at its heart. Home to a growing number of contemporary art galleries and studios, this village has become a gathering point for artists, curators, and creative nomads.

Some must-visit Goa art galleries near The Yellow House include:

- Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts (Panaji): A dynamic space with exhibitions, workshops, and an on-site café. - The Cube Gallery (Moira): A minimalist, white-cube space showcasing contemporary Indian art. - The Project Café & Subodh Kerkar’s Museum of Goa: A colorful, engaging space where art, food, and thought-provoking installations collide.

With The Yellow House as your base, you’re never far from Goa’s thriving art scene. Whether it’s an afternoon in a sunlit gallery or a spontaneous studio visit, offbeat things to do in Goa are always just around the corner.

While tourists flock to the beach shacks, the real magic unfolds in Goa’s bustling village markets, age-old bakeries, and leafy trails. Here are a few places to visit in Goa that capture the local rhythm:

- Friday Mapusa Market: A sensory overload of spices, textiles, pottery, and local produce. - Goan Bakeries: Stop by traditional bakeries for fresh pão (bread), coconut-filled bebinca, and melt-in-the-mouth pastries. - Spice Plantations & Village Trails: Experience a guided walk through the countryside, where cashew trees and pepper vines grow in abundance.

The Yellow House’s concierge team helps guests uncover these hidden corners. From organizing heritage walks to arranging offbeat things to do in Goa, each day becomes an invitation to explore authentically.

There’s a quieter, deeper Goa that only a few travelers discover. If you’re looking to step away from the usual, here are some unique experiences easily accessible from The Yellow House:

- Feni Distillery Tour: Learn the art of making Goa’s iconic spirit with tastings included. - Pottery Workshops: Spend a few peaceful hours molding clay at a local studio. - Book Cafés & Jazz Nights: Browse indie books, sip on cold brews, or stumble into an acoustic evening tucked into a village corner. - Organic Bazaars: Find handmade, sustainable, and local products at weekend community markets.

These offbeat things to do in Goa open up a version of the destination few get to see—and staying at The Yellow House means you’re perfectly placed to experience them all.

- Design: A loving restoration of a heritage home, with interiors that feature classic Goan-Portuguese elements—arched windows, Mangalore tile roofs, and antique woodwork. - Location: Tucked into Assagao village, The Yellow House offers walkable access to art galleries, design studios, and historic homes, while being just a short drive from bustling beaches. - Atmosphere: Tranquil, intimate, and soulfully styled—ideal for travelers looking to connect with Goa’s creative and cultural side. - Hospitality: With warm, personalized service and a concierge that curates everything from art trails to tasting sessions, your stay is elevated at every touchpoint.

Goa’s real treasures lie just a few steps beyond the beach. Whether it's wandering down a heritage lane, admiring an art installation, or sipping local Feni under the stars, these experiences leave a lasting impression.

And at The Yellow House, Goa – IHCL SeleQtions, every element—from its heritage design to its thoughtful location—invites you to see Goa with new eyes. This isn’t just a hotel; it’s a gateway to the island’s cultural heartbeat.

Book your stay and uncover the side of Goa that only locals and lovers of art and heritage truly know.