Apia Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Apia which includes signage, street scenes and a city
Apia which includes tropical scenes and signage
Apia featuring flowers, street scenes and a city
Apia featuring general coastal views, a bay or harbour and rocky coastline
Apia featuring a memorial and signage

The capital of Samoa is a small city known for its colourful 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.

Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel & Bungalows
Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel & Bungalows
5 out of 5
Main Beach Road, Apia
The price is £133 per night from 5 Jul to 6 Jul
£133
5 Jul - 6 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Apia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Falemataaga – The Museum of Samoa and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (383 reviews)
"The hotel must have been having supply issues with some items such as shampoo and body wash. Was difficult to get replacements. Not enough pool towels. This may be due to guests not returning them to the pool area and taking them to their rooms, but there was always a shortage. Not always a consistent ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel & Bungalows
Taumeasina Island Resort
Taumeasina Island Resort
4.5 out of 5
Beach Road, Apia
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Apia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (578 reviews)
"Lovely resort but too expensive compared to other hotels - pool was great - food was OK - but wouldnt recommed massage as she had long nails and husband left with sore calf muscle which was fixed at the next resort"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Taumeasina Island Resort
Taufusi Hotel
Taufusi Hotel
3 out of 5
Vaitele St, Apia, Upolu
The price is £73 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
£73
19 Jul - 20 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Apia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Fugalei Fresh Produce Market and Immaculate ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (7 reviews)
"Everything was perfect see you next time"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Taufusi Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fugalei Motel
Fugalei Motel
3.5 out of 5
Fugalei, Street, Apia
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Apia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Fugalei Fresh Produce Market and Flea Market ...
Fugalei Motel
Spacious 3 BDRM family holiday home, 10min to town, AC available!
Spacious 3 BDRM family holiday home, 10min to town, AC available!
Apia, Apia
Stay at this holiday home in Apia. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and Vailima ...
Up country gem
"Quiet and safe, except for roosters, haha! We enjoyed being at this place. A land phone line could come in handy, but we utilized BlueSky. We enjoyed evenings watching the sunset. Either car rental or taxi is affordable easy and necessary since you are out of town a ways. Great accommodation for ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2019

Spacious 3 BDRM family holiday home, 10min to town, AC available!
Cozy 2- Bedroom Haven
Cozy 2- Bedroom Haven
Samoa, Upolu
Stay at this holiday home in Apia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and Apia Park ...
Cozy 2- Bedroom Haven
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Apia

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 25%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A nice city but make sure to travel around the whole island to discover the real natural unspoilt beauty of this fabulous country!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Very dirty, empty cans, bottles and platic cups by the road, in the rivers and along the coast.

Cities near Apia