The capital of Samoa is a small city known for its colorful marketplace, souvenir shopping and relaxed and hospitable locals.
Apia is a laidback island city where the locals are friendly, the food is fresh and the shopping is the best in Samoa. The capital is relatively small and most locals get around on foot. Many hotels and restaurants are located in downtown, with the markets, museums and central business district all within a short distance.
Apia is often the first stop on a trip to Samoa, as the airport is here and it’s easy to move on to other destinations on the island of Upolu. It’s worth spending a few days in Apia to get a feel for the culture – and shop. The food market in Apia sees families sell locally grown produce such as bananas, taro and coconut. Sample traditional dishes such as Lu’au, made from taro leaves and coconut cream. A flea market in the old market building on Beach Road has traditional hand-made Samoan products. Pick up sarongs, carvings, bowls and woven mats made in nearby villages.
The dining scene is a mix of traditional and international cuisine. Try fresh seafood and tropical fruit in small restaurants run by locals, or book a table at one of the many restaurants run by expats. There’s a strong presence of German, French, Japanese, Chinese and Italian influences from international visitors who came and never left.
Stroll around the Mulinu’u district, which is the old ceremonial capital. Many of the buildings here are old wooden colonial-style buildings, including the Old Courthouse, which now houses the Museum of Samoa.
At night, attend one of the Fia Fia shows. There are a number of venues around town, so take your pick. The Fia Fia’s are a showcase of traditional dancing, singing and drumming. There’s also the chance to enjoy a traditional banquet, often included in the price of a ticket.
Many come to Samoa for the beautiful beaches and warm waters, and the capital is no exception. Rent a snorkel and head out in the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, which has coral and fish.
When it’s time to move on, book a tour from one of the many operators in town, then catch a boat, plane or bus to another patch of Samoan paradise.
Top hotels in Apia
Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
Taumeasina Island Resort
4.5 out of 5
Beach Road, Apia
£179
per night
Jan 30 - Jan 31
This Apia hotel is on the beach, 1.2 mi (2 km) from Apia Park, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Faleata Golf Course and National Parliament. Papaseea Sliding Rocks ...…This Apia hotel is on the beach, 1.2 mi (2 km) from Apia Park, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Faleata Golf Course and National Parliament. Papaseea Sliding Rocks ...WWW…
4.3/5Excellent! (228 reviews)
"This is my second time staying here, it’s a lovely property with a modern feel. Sure there are certain aspects the hotel need to work on, but you’re In the islands! You’re on island time and on a island vibe. Would recommend to others."…""This is my second time staying here, it’s a lovely property with a modern feel. Sure there are certain aspects the hotel need to work on, but you’re In the islands! You’re on island time and on a island vibe. Would recommend to others."WWW…"
Situated by the sea, this luxury hotel is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Apia Park and 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. Faleata Golf Course and Papaseea ...…Situated by the sea, this luxury hotel is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Apia Park and 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. Faleata Golf Course and Papaseea ...WWW…
4.1/5Very Good! (225 reviews)
"The hotel had a nice laid back atmosphere. The staff were friendly and helpful and the location was convenient"…""The hotel had a nice laid back atmosphere. The staff were friendly and helpful and the location was convenient"WWW…"
This family-friendly Apia hotel is located in the entertainment district, within 3 mi (5 km) of National Parliament and Apia Park. Papaseea Sliding Rocks and ...…This family-friendly Apia hotel is located in the entertainment district, within 3 mi (5 km) of National Parliament and Apia Park. Papaseea Sliding Rocks and ...WWW…
4/5Very Good! (321 reviews)
"Super friendly staff and very clean and modern room. Nice pool area and relaxing environment."…""Super friendly staff and very clean and modern room. Nice pool area and relaxing environment."WWW…"
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Return to Paradise Beach during your travels in Matautu? Discover the area's restaurants or seek out the snorkelling spots.
This tour includes two excursions within O le Pupu Pu’e, Samoa’s largest national park and a visit to the Aganoa Black Sand Beach - all just across the island from Apia. We begin with an 800m walk through beautiful tropical rainforest to the amazing Ma Tree with its buttress roots that extend out for metres in all directions.
On this Full Day Tour you will journey an ancient, hidden, high mountain trail. Descend 2,000ft to the magnificent south coast. Experience rainforest, giant ferns, lofty grazing country and remote plantations. Take a rest under a huge and historical a’oa (banyan) tree.
On this Half Day Tour you will take a hike then a refreshing swim in a magnificent Volcanic Crater Lake. Lake Lanoto’o is one of only two locations in Samoa to be designated as a ‘Wetland of International Importance’ under the RAMSAR convention.
Spoil yourself on a secluded beach with a private scuba guide and a world beneath the waves teeming with corals and tropical fish. This pair of dives gives you the chance to absorb the impressive natural beauty of a hidden bay and the vibrant undersea world held within.
Visit: Le Manumea Hotel, The Cross Island Road, Apia, Samoa Buffet Dinner & Floorshow at Le Manumea Hotel, Vailima Dinner: 7.30pm Show: 8.00pm an hour and a half of cultural performances that include Action Songs, Ava Ceremony, Chanting, Legends, Fir
Tour Samoa Full Day Island Tour of Apia, Upolu, Samoa
£68
Itinerary - Pick up from hotel or designated location. - Highlight Tour of downtown Apia. ~ Cruise through Apia with stopovers at; ~ Apia markets (Fugalei, Flea & Fish markets) ~ Catholic Cathedral ~ A quick coffee stop - Tour of RLSS museum.
