Apia Travel Guide

City Capital city of Samoa with cultural landmarks

Apia’s waterfront market, ferry hub and Vailima’s Stevenson estate anchor visits; expect tuna sold from ice bins, church services that set the rhythm, and short drives to waterfalls and coastal pools.

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Costs
Mid-range: $80-$150/day
Hotels, dining and excursions are moderately priced; imports raise costs.
Safety
Very safe with low violent crime
Petty theft is rare; respect cultural norms and local laws.
Best Time
Best months: May-October (dry season)
Drier, cooler weather ideal for beaches and festivals.
In This Guide
Time
—
Weather
—
Population
40,407
Infrastructure & Convenience
Taxis, buses, ferries, English widely spoken, shops and ATMs in town.
Popularity
Attracts cruise visitors, cultural tourists, and Pacific travelers.
Known For
Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, central harbour, craft markets, Samoan culture (fa'a Samoa), churches, festivals, local seafood, historic buildings, cruise calls, whale watching (seasonal)
Apia is home to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum at Vailima, the author's former Samoan residence.

Why Visit Apia? #

Apia combines Pacific island life with colonial history and lively markets, making it a compact capital worth visiting. Stroll Mulinu’u for historic government sites and head toward Vailima for the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum; food stalls sell oka and palusami, and evening kava (ava) ceremonies showcase Faʻa Samoa traditions. Short drives take you from waterfront markets to rainforest fringes, so culture and nature sit close together.

Top Things to Do in Apia

All Attractions ›
Papapapaitai Falls
1
Papapapaitai Falls
Scenic waterfall plunging into coastal gorge in Samoa
Waterfall
Upolu
2
Upolu
Main Samoan island hosting the capital, Apia
Island
Manono Island
3
Manono Island
Small Samoan island with traditional village life
Island
Apolima
4
Apolima
Small Samoan island with volcanic origins
Island
Nuʻulopa
5
Nuʻulopa
Tiny uninhabited Samoan islet and bird conservation area
Island
Nuʻutele
6
Nuʻutele
Uninhabited Samoan volcanic island, dramatic cliffs and reefs
Island
Namua
7
Namua
Small Samoan island popular for snorkeling and beaches
Island
8
National Soccer Stadium, Apia
Multiuse stadium in Apia hosting national football matches
Stadium
Don't Miss
  • Robert Louis Stevenson Museum (Vailima) - Historic home of the writer with period furnishings and shaded gardens.
  • Apia Market - Daily market selling fresh produce, handicrafts, and samoan snacks near the waterfront.
  • Palolo Deep Marine Reserve - Protected marine area ideal for snorkeling and spotting reef fish.
Hidden Gems
  • Piula Cave Pool - Cool freshwater pool at Piula monastery, set in a limestone cave.
  • Togitogiga Waterfalls - Short hike to falls with swimming pools set among shaded forest.
  • Papaseea Sliding Rocks - Natural rock slides and pools popular with locals for cooling off afternoons.
Day Trips
  • Lalomanu Beach - Drive to Lalomanu for palm-fringed beach and clear snorkeling waters.
  • Ferry to Savai'i - Ferry to Savai'i offers day trips to volcanic craters and black-sand beaches.

Best Time to Visit Apia #

Visit Apia in Samoa during the dry season (May-October) for sunnier, cooler weather and calm seas ideal for beaches and hikes. Avoid the wet/cyclone season (Nov-Apr) when heavy rains and cyclone risk can disrupt travel.

Dry Season
May - October · 23-28°C (73-82°F)
Cooler breezes, lower humidity and calm seas-perfect for beaches, snorkeling, and hiking inland without constant rain; crowds small and travel reliable.
Wet Season
November - April · 25-31°C (77-88°F)
Hot, humid days with frequent heavy showers and thunderstorms; lush scenery but higher insect activity and disrupted ferry schedules and cancellations common.
Cyclone Season
December - April · 25-31°C (77-88°F)
Peak cyclone risk brings dangerous storms, flooded roads, and travel cancellations; plan contingency time and travel insurance if visiting during these months.

Best Time to Visit Apia #

Climate
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

Weather

2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.7h daylight

February

Weather

2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

March

Weather

2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

April

Weather

2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.7h daylight

May

Weather

1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.4h daylight

June

Weather

1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.2h daylight

July

Weather

1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

August

Weather

2.1
UV Index
Extreme
11.6h daylight

September

Weather

2.4
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

October

Weather

2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

November

Weather

2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

December

Weather

2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

How to Get to Apia

By Air
By Train & Bus

How to Get Around Apia #

Apia’s central area is quite walkable - many sights, shops and restaurants sit along Beach Road and nearby streets. Public buses run across Upolu and are very affordable; taxis and rental cars are easy to find. For island hops, ferries run from Mulifanua to Savai’i and are the main vehicle/passenger link between the islands.

Where to Stay in Apia #

Budget
Central Apia - $30-80/night
Apia has a solid range of budget guesthouses and simple hotels close to the waterfront and markets. Options are plentiful compared to rural areas.
Mid-Range
Central Apia / Mulinu'u - $90-180/night
Apia's mid-range hotels offer comfortable rooms, on-site dining, and convenient access to markets, ferry terminals, and cultural sites - a good base for exploring Upolu.
Luxury
Beachfront / Apia outskirts - $200+/night
Apia and nearby coastal resorts offer several high-end options with beachfront settings, spa services, and resort facilities suited to travelers seeking comfort and relaxation.

Where to Eat in Apia #

Local food
Fresh seafood, morning markets and family-run stalls shape Apia dining - expect ono oka, coconut-rich stews and grilled fish served with taro or breadfruit.
  • Apia Fish Market (Fagatogo Market) - Morning fish market; fresh caught seafood stalls
  • Paddles (Taumeasina Island Resort) - Resort restaurant with local seafood focus
  • Coconuts Restaurant & Bar - Beachfront grills, salads and cocktails
Markets & street food
Markets and roadside stalls are where locals eat - grab grilled reef fish, boiled taro or fresh fruit and watch sellers prepare plates on the spot.
  • Fagatogo Market - Produce, grilled fish and snack stalls
  • Apia Saturday Market - Weekend crafts plus local prepared foods
  • Roadside fish/BBQ stalls - Simple grilled fish and side dishes
Resort & hotel dining
Hotels and resorts around Apia mix Samoan flavours with international dishes - easy options for polished meals, seafood and ocean views.
  • Tanoa Tusitala Hotel (hotel restaurant) - Hotel dining with Pacific and international options
  • Taumeasina Island Resort - restaurants - Oceanfront dining with island flavours
  • Scenic Matavai Resort - restaurant - Calm coastal setting; mixed menus

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Apia's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Chinese
Burger
Pizza
Indian
Italian
Chicken
Sandwich
Thai
Juice
Pasta
Wings
Hot Dog
Seafood
American
Ice Cream
Fried Chicken

Nightlife in Apia #

Apia has the liveliest evening scene in Samoa, concentrated in hotel bars and a few pubs where locals and visitors gather. You’ll also find occasional live-music nights and small beachfront bars; the scene is relaxed rather than club-focused.

Shopping in Apia #

Apia is the best place in Samoa for shopping - the central market (Maketi Fou) sells fresh produce, tapa, woven items and carved souvenirs. There are also small craft stalls and a handful of shops along Beach Road and in the town center for clothing and basic gifts.

Nearby Cities #

Vailima, Samoa
3 km away
Afega
10 km away
Lufilufi
Lufilufi
19 km away
Leulumoega
Leulumoega
21 km away
Samamea
28 km away
Mulifanua
29 km away
Vailoa
59 km away
Safotu
Safotu
81 km away