What are the best things to do in Port-Vila?
Top picks in Port-Vila include National Museum of Vanuatu, Evergreen Cascades Waterfall, Hideaway Island, Honeymoon Beach. See the full list and itinerary on this Port-Vila travel guide.
Why visit Port-Vila
Travel guide for Port-Vila, Vanuatu — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Port-Vila is a stop in Vanuatu, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise National Museum of Vanuatu, Evergreen Cascades Waterfall, Hideaway Island instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 90–200 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The warmer, drier months for the outdoors. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The warmer, drier months for the outdoors
Weather
Mild to tropical, with plenty of sunshine
Experiences
Things to do in Port-Vila
1
National Museum of Vanuatu
2
Evergreen Cascades Waterfall
3
Hideaway Island
4
Honeymoon Beach
5
Independence Park, Port Vila
Budget travel
Free things to do in Port-Vila
Evergreen Cascades Waterfall
Honeymoon Beach
Independence Park, Port Vila
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Port-Vila itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit National Museum of Vanuatu
- Visit Evergreen Cascades Waterfall
- Visit Hideaway Island
- Eat at Family Restaurant
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Honeymoon Beach
- Visit Independence Park, Port Vila
- Eat at Kai Vanua
Budget
Port-Vila trip cost
Budget
USD 40–70
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 90–200
per person / day
Luxury
USD 230–380+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Port-Vila, Vanuatu. 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 Port-Vila
Estimated total (USD)
$2,705
≈ $1,353 per person · $386 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $145/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Port-Vila mid-range ground costs (budget 40–70 · mid 90–200 · luxury 230–380+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Family Restaurant
Hunanese home cooking by Chinese for Chinese that doesn't pull its punches on the chillies. Try the braised hongshao pork belly (Chairman Ma
Kai Vanua
Possibly the only sit-down restaurant in all of Vanuatu that serves a (slightly jazzed up) version of actual Ni-Vanuatu food in a lovely, ru
Three Pigs
Casual garden restaurant that serves up the best tacos in Vanuatu, although this is admittedly not a terribly lofty bar. 500 VT tacos and 10
L'Houstalet
Likely the most famous restaurant in Vanuatu, l'Houstalet has been serving up an eclectic menu of "French Pacific" cuisine since 1973. The s
Stonegrill
Often ranked as Port Vila's top restaurant, the concept here is simple: steaks of premium Vanuatu beef that you grill to your liking on a si
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $
MG Cocomo Resort
Beachfront, restaurant and bar, BBQ, outdoor pool, kayaks, fishing rods, beach volleyball court, playground and trampoline.
Mangoes Resort
Bungalows and apartments with balconies, outdoor pool. Mangoes Restaurant serves organic produce, local seafood, Santo beef and sweet treats
Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu
Vanuatu's largest hotel, in a 1970s-vintage concrete block. Day Spa, nine-hole golf course, two swimming pools, kids club, tennis courts, ka
Erakor Island Resort
Based on an island in the lagoon. Great snorkeling, but the bungalows have seen better days. A free ferry takes you to and from the island.
Ramada Resort Port Vila
Opened 2017, this is the newest of Port Vila's large resorts, with a private beach, three restaurants and a large pool. Walking distance to
Shopping
- Au Bon Marché Numbatu
- Tana Russet Plaza
- Port Vila Market
Nightlife
- Beach Bar
Museums & culture
- National Museum of Vanuatu
In pictures
Port-Vila gallery
Photos: Phillip Capper from Wellington, New Zealand, Steffen Wurzel, Torbenbrinker, Gérard Janot — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Port-Vila travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Port-Vila?
The warmer, drier months for the outdoors.
How many days do I need in Port-Vila?
Plan at least 2 days in Port-Vila for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Port-Vila?
Popular stays in Port-Vila include MG Cocomo Resort, Mangoes Resort, Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Port-Vila cost?
On the ground in Port-Vila (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 40–70 per person per day, mid-range about 90–200, and luxury about 230–380+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Port-Vila, Vanuatu. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
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