What are the best things to do in Apia?
Top picks in Apia include Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, Falemata'aga - Museum of Samoa, The fish market, Clock tower. See the full list and itinerary on this Apia travel guide.
🇼🇸 Samoa travel guide
Oceania · Polynesia
Apia Travel Guide
Things to do in Apia — Harbour capital of Samoa on Upolu's north coast
Why visit Apia
Apia is Samoa's lively harbour capital — waterfront markets, Robert Louis Stevenson’s hillside museum, and easy access to waterfalls and village beaches across Upolu. Sundays are quiet and church-centred; the rest of the week mixes Polynesian hospitality with a compact city base for island exploring.
Apia is a stop in Samoa, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, Falemata'aga - Museum of Samoa, The fish market instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 70–160 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: May–October for drier weather and calmer seas. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
May–October for drier weather and calmer seas
Weather
Tropical — warm and humid year-round; wetter November–April
Airport
Faleolo International (APW), about 35–45 minutes west of Apia
Getting around
Buses and taxis cover town; hire a car for waterfalls and south-coast beaches
Experiences
Things to do in Apia
1
Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
2
Falemata'aga - Museum of Samoa
3
The fish market
4
Clock tower
5
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
6
Apia Samoa Temple
7
Apia Park
Budget travel
Free things to do in Apia
The fish market
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Apia Samoa Temple
Apia Park
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Apia itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
- Visit Falemata'aga - Museum of Samoa
- Visit The fish market
- Eat at Amanis Restaurant
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Clock tower
- Visit Immaculate Conception Cathedral
- Visit Apia Samoa Temple
- Eat at Burger Bills
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Apia Park
- Eat at The Curry House Restaurant
Budget
Apia trip cost
Budget
USD 30–55
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 70–160
per person / day
Luxury
USD 185–305+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Apia, Samoa. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Apia
Estimated total (USD)
$2,390
≈ $1,195 per person · $341 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $115/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Apia mid-range ground costs (budget 30–55 · mid 70–160 · luxury 185–305+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
Amanis Restaurant
Delicious local food by the scoop for takeaway or eat-in.
Burger Bills
Serves hefty portions of well seasoned fish and chips, fried chicken and chips and cheeseburgers. It's a challenge to finish the jumbo sized
The Curry House Restaurant
Arguably the most authentic Indian cuisine in Apia.
Kokobanana Bar & Grill
Premier steakhouse with impressive seafood too. Try the lobster.
Italiano Cafe
The Italiano Café on the beach road, halfway between the tourist office and Aggie Grey's has decent pizzas for $18/27/36 (small/med/large).
Marketi Fou
The main produce market in Apia. Operates 6 days a week with a few additional traders on Saturdays. A great selection of local food and exot
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$
Samoan Outrigger Hotel
A prime choice for medical students doing their electives at the local hospital. Run by a Danish man and his Samoan wife. Clean and friendly
- $
Hotel Elisa
Has a restaurant & bar, a meeting room for business travellers and a swimming pool.
- $
Hotel Millenia Samoa
Very nice, air-conditioned rooms and friendly staff. May be slightly expensive for backpackers but reasonably priced for couples. Inclusive
Hotel Tanoa Tusitala
Completely rebuilt hotel after the former Hotel Tusitala was destroyed by fire. Good quality, spacious rooms in large grounds. Has a main sw
- $
Le Alaimoana Hotel
Somewhat overpriced hotel for what you get. Convenient for visitors to Apia's large UN headquarters but a short taxi ride ($3) to town if yo
Shopping
- Flea market
- Fresh produce market
- Fish Market
Nightlife
- Le Well
- Cocktails On the Rocks
- RSA Club
- The Edge Marina View
Museums & culture
- Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
- Falemata'aga - Museum of Samoa
- Immaculate Conception Cathedral
- Apia Samoa Temple
Local foods to try
- Palusami
- Oka (raw fish)
- Umu feast dishes
- Cocoa and tropical fruit
Travel tips
- Dress modestly in villages and on Sundays
- Carry cash for markets and outer beaches
- Book harbour and island day trips through hotels when seas are calm
In pictures
Apia gallery
Photos: Stephen Glauser uploaded to Wikimedia Commons by Teinesavaii, fearlessRich, Thomas Andrew (1855-1939) — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Apia travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Apia?
May–October for drier weather and calmer seas.
How many days do I need in Apia?
Plan at least 3 days in Apia for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Apia?
Popular stays in Apia include Samoan Outrigger Hotel, Hotel Elisa, Hotel Millenia Samoa. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Apia cost?
On the ground in Apia (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 30–55 per person per day, mid-range about 70–160, and luxury about 185–305+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Apia, Samoa. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
