Apia Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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 NZ$188 per night from 27 May to 28 May
NZ$188
includes taxes & fees
27 May - 28 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Apia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Falemataaga – The Museum of Samoa and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (351 reviews)
"Awesome place to stay."

Reviewed on 18 May 2025

Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel & Bungalows
Taumeasina Island Resort
Taumeasina Island Resort
4.5 out of 5
Beach Road, Apia
The price is NZ$476 per night from 4 Jun to 5 Jun
NZ$476
includes taxes & fees
4 June - 5 June
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Apia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (558 reviews)
"Staff very friendly, and check in team were welcoming"

Reviewed on 15 May 2025

Taumeasina Island Resort
Tanoa Tusitala Hotel
Tanoa Tusitala Hotel
4 out of 5
Beach Road Sogi, Apia
The price is NZ$218 per night from 31 May to 1 Jun
NZ$218
includes taxes & fees
31 May - 1 June
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Apia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (636 reviews)
"The workers"

Reviewed on 17 May 2025

Tanoa Tusitala 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.
Cozy 2- Bedroom Haven
Cozy 2- Bedroom Haven
Samoa
Stay at this vacation home in Apia. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and Apia Park are located nearby.
Cozy 2- Bedroom Haven
Cheerful modern Villa with outdoor pool only 5 minutes to Apia!
Cheerful modern Villa with outdoor pool only 5 minutes to Apia!
Apia
Stay at this vacation home in Apia. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Apia Park and Robert Louis Stevenson Museum are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Great Family Vibe!
"Really enjoyed staying at this Air B'n'B. It was spacious, clean and i really liked that our room had our own bathroom and space sothat we could relax away from the kids, The pool was a great feature too"

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2025

Cheerful modern Villa with outdoor pool only 5 minutes to Apia!
Spacious 3 BDRM family holiday home, 10min to town, AC available!
Spacious 3 BDRM family holiday home, 10min to town, AC available!
Apia
Stay at this vacation home in Apia. Enjoy a garden, an in-room coffeemaker, and climate control. Popular attractions Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and Apia Park ...
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!
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

Activities

Reviews of Apia

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
49
5 - Excellent 30%
4 - Good
83
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
31
3 - Okay 19%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

It’s ok but too dirty, too cramped and needs life.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Though I wasn’t born here, Samoa will always be home to me. I was raised the strict Samoan way so it’s always a pleasure to be witnessing the life my parents were raised. Customer Service is really appalling from females at some places.

3/5 - Okay

Sina

Needs to improve overall look in town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beating city

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Apia is Apia n don’t compare Apia to NZ or Australia I love Samoa where I was born n I will keep on going back to my home land I live one kilometre from Lalomanu beach but always stay at Mellenia hotel before I go to my village

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Apart from the terrible weather since we arrived that cause flooding in some areas of the city. Apia is a beautiful city that have a variety of shops, good hotels and some restaurants that have island food on their menu. Nice city for travelers 

Cities near Apia