Location: Apia
Top Things to do in Apia
The 8 Best Things to Do in Apia, Samoa
Old world and new collide in Apia, Samoa's harborside capital. Traditional Samoan houses and buildings stand side by side with 19th century colonial churches and official buildings as well as late 20th century multistory structures. The central clock tower is surrounded by shops and markets, as well as nightlife in various bars and nightclubs. Vaiala beach offers snorkeling opportunities. The final resting place of writer Robert Louis Stevenson, Apia still houses his former home, now a museum.
Restaurants in Apia
1. Samoa Cultural Village
Overall Ratings
5 based on 236 reviews
Discover Samoa's age-old culture and traditions in a fun and interactive way at the Samoa Cultural Village on Beach Road in the heart of Apia. Fa'a Samoa - the Samoan Way! Samoa is a traditional Polynesian society with Fa'a Samoa playing a vital role in village and community life. Samoans are proud of their strong Fa'a Samoa - which means 'the Samoan Way'. It is the essence of the Samoan culture and dictates how Samoans are meant to behave and their obligations to their elders, superiors, family, community, church and the environment. There are over 362 nu'u or villages in Samoa with a total of 18,00 matais (chiefs). Churches of various denominations feature in every village while meeting houses and open fales or homes encircle the malae or village green. Fa'a Samoa has a strong focus on welcoming visitors making Samoans friendly and hospitable hosts. However, Samoans expect their guests to observe and respect local customs. For a quick insight into Samoa's culture and traditions, visit the Samoa Cultural Village today.
Reviewed By SE s
Only place for tourists to experience local culture. This is in the city centre. This closed on holidays and weekends you had to be here on a working day!
2. Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
Reviewed By Genset5 - NSW
This was on my list of To-Do's. So glad we went inside. It is situated across the road from the tourist information centre in Apia so very easy to find. Photos do not do it justice.. I am not religious so generally do not go into churches but so glad that we went in and had a look. Absolutely stunning.
3. Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 944 reviews
This was the poet's home for the last few years of his life and his burial site.
Reviewed By Kim N - Dunedin, New Zealand
What a magical place to spend a couple of hours. We had an outstanding guide who really told a terrific story. The grounds are spectacular and bring a sense of calm and peacefulness. Might be nice to take a picnic with you.
4. Palolo Deep Marine Reserve
Overall Ratings
4 based on 348 reviews
Reviewed By Kristina C - Wakefield, Rhode Island
Amazing snorkeling, swim out 800meters to drop off and just swim along to the right of the drop off. See beautiful different colour coral, lots of fish, we saw a turtle. It was just such a great day trip.
5. Papaseea Sliding Rock
Overall Ratings
4 based on 479 reviews
You may want to try this again and again once you've experienced the thrill of skimming the 16-foot waterfall down this natural rock slide.
Reviewed By David P - Sydney, Australia
We had a lot of fun here. I've read a lot of the reviews and it is clear that it is at its best when it is wet season. First off, there are a lot of stairs to go down (and come up!) so you need to be reasonably fit and active. When we got down to the bottom, my heart was in my mouth as it was a pretty big waterfall that we saw first (to the right). Fortunately, that's not the one that you slide on.
Before we went down the steps, our guide Tai told us that some local boys had just gone down, so to follow their lead. He was last down the stairs as nearly had a heart attack as the local boys were sliding down on all fours! For the newer person, it is much better to go down on your bum! You first do a very small (1.5 metre) slide into a pool - good practice. Then you may have to confront some fears is it looks pretty scary from the top of the second slide. The local boys were great and pointed the best way to slide. I was a bit worried about a rock jutting out near the bottom, but that was taken out of the equation because your momentum makes you fly over the top of it!
The water is not really deep (another reason to go own on your bottom), but it was deep enough to be safe when we visited. There's a bit of a climb back up, so again you need to be up for that. There were a few more slides, but they involved more bruises than we wanted to endure. We had a blast, and as quickly as we could we climbed back to have another go. Just for info in case you are interested, I'm 54, my wife 48, daughter 15 and son 12 and we all did it and enjoyed it a lot. So age is no limit! Have a go - you know you want to!
6. Papapapaitai Falls
Overall Ratings
4 based on 299 reviews
You don't need to pronounce the name to appreciate these spectacular falls that plunge 500 feet into a volcanic crater, surrounded by a lush rain forest.
Reviewed By SE s
This is a beautiful waterfall.The driver stopped so I could have a good look.A good photo op.You can see this on your island tour.
7. Baha'i House of Worship, Tiapapata, Samoa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By NZMDProf - Nelson-Tasman Region, New Zealand
Even for the non-religious, this temple and grounds are well worth a visit. The grounds are lovingly manicured and the staff hospitable (one of the gardeners showed us around). The Baha'i faith embraces all religions and encourages harmony between them - laudable today as ever.
8. Tafa Tafa Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By Emma V - North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
This place is amazing! Had such a laugh! Very welcoming. Eat traditional Samoan cuisine and sleep in the beach Fales! Loved it!
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