Apia

Travel Guide
Apia featuring signage and tropical scenes
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.

Hotel Millenia Samoa
Hotel Millenia Samoa
3 out of 5
Mulinu'u Road, Sogi, Apia
The price is ¥10,674 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
¥10,674
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Apia. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a children's pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (346 reviews)
"We did have a silent night until the cleaners make noises but we told them it’s too noises outside while we try to take a nap but they answered back with nonsense behavior but my husband told her that he will inform the manager but she said go ahead. Poor service and unpleasant people need to hired ..."

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2024

Hotel Millenia Samoa
Taumeasina Island Resort
Taumeasina Island Resort
4.5 out of 5
Beach Road, Apia
The price is ¥40,697 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
¥40,697
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Apia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (383 reviews)
"First class establishment."

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2024

Taumeasina Island Resort
Tanoa Tusitala Hotel
Tanoa Tusitala Hotel
4 out of 5
Beach Road Sogi, Apia
The price is ¥21,709 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
¥21,709
per night
Apr 4 - Apr 5
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 and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (441 reviews)
"Convenient accommodation for all activities in Apia. Lovely staff who were very helpful."

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2024

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.
Breeze Studio-1 Vailima Free-WiFi, Netflix, Aircon, Cozy
Breeze Studio-1 Vailima Free-WiFi, Netflix, Aircon, Cozy
Apia
Stay at this apartment in Apia. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and Apia Park are located nearby. ...
Breeze Studio-1 Vailima Free-WiFi, Netflix, Aircon, Cozy
Highland Hideaway above Apia nestled in your own private little valley
Highland Hideaway above Apia nestled in your own private little valley
Apia
Stay at this vacation home in Apia. Enjoy onsite parking, a balcony, and 3 bathrooms. Popular attractions Faleata Golf Course and Papaseea Sliding Rocks are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Hideaway
"The best place we have stayed in, in Samoa. Beautiful home and grounds. Plenty of room for a big group. House was clean and had everything that you need, like you were in your own home. Tim was helpful and went out of his way to make our trip memorable. Thank you for having us, will definitely look ..."

Reviewed on Jan 21, 2024

Highland Hideaway above Apia nestled in your own private little valley
Tropical Escape, Lelata | 3BR, A/C, Netflix-WiFi
Tropical Escape, Lelata | 3BR, A/C, Netflix-WiFi
Apia
Stay at this vacation home in Apia. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Apia Park and Falemataaga – The Museum of Samoa are located ...
Tropical Escape, Lelata | 3BR, A/C, Netflix-WiFi
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

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
22
" "5 - Excellent 43.13725490196079%
4 - Good
27
" "4 - Good 52.94117647058823%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 3.9215686274509802%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

JAPG
Oct 27, 2019

The Polynesian show at the Sails restaurant up the road was really worth it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 1, 2019

I love it.

4/5 - Good

Jackie
Jul 14, 2019

Everything was great except for booking experience. Expedia should have notify us about the different dates between the U.S. and Apia. Unfortunately, we booked according to U.S. dates. This resulted to the hotel kicking us out a day early.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 13, 2019

Bannana fritter ice cream at the Tip Top ice cream shop was really good!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 30, 2019

its beautiful

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Apr 27, 2019

Apia is