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Locrawl

Apia

Apia is the capital of Samoa. It is on the northern coast of the island of Upolu and has a population of 42,000 (2021). As with most Pacific Island capitals, Apia is a little shabby and run down. Reasonably small in size and with few obvious attractions, Apia is very useful as a stop-off point for first-time visitors to get their bearings, plan travel around the island of Upolu, organise accommodation on the beach, and recover from jet lag. Most of Samoa's highlights are outside the town, although many are within a very short drive.

See
8
Do
2
Eat
13
Drink
4
Buy
3

8 places match

  1. See

    Apia Samoa Temple

    The Latter Day Saints church west of Apia was opened in 1983 and is with its 75-metre high spire another place of worship that's also a remarkable landmark. Like other LDS Church temples, only members in good standing may enter, but anyone can walk the grounds.

  2. See

    Clock tower

    Built as a war memorial, the clock tower is regarded as the central point of the city.

  3. See

    Falemata'aga - Museum of Samoa

    The country's national museum is housed in an over-hundred-year old colonial building that was once a German school. Among other things the museum has Lapita pottery and stone adze heads, used by the early settlers to the islands; a good selection of historical photos; information about tattoos, and examples of Samoan birds.

    Mon-Fri 10:00-16:30Entry is free though donations are welcome

  4. See

    Immaculate Conception Cathedral

    Catholic cathedral and one of the bigger buildings in the town, also its cupols and ornaments sets it apart from the rest of the city's buildings. It was finished in the mid-19th century, badly damaged in the 2009 earthquake, and reopened after renovation and extension in 2014.

  5. See

    Mulinu'u peninsula

    Holds the parliament house, the law and titles court, the historic observatory, and many important tombs.

  6. See

    Robert Louis Stevenson Museum

    This house was built by RLS, the author most known for Treasure Island and Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, during the final years of his life, which he spent in Apia. It was said to be the only place that he or his wife ever truly called home. Although none of his most famous works were written here, he did write some short stories here, including "The Bottle Imp", which he wrote specifically for the Samoans and Pacific Islanders. The Samoan translation of this story became the first work of literature to be written into Samoan (excluding the Bible) and the only work by Stevenson to be translated into Samoan within his lifetime. The house is now a very well-kept museum with a good collection of items either originally from the home or equivalents.

    Mon-Fri 09:00-16:00, Sat 09:00-12:00$15

  7. See

    Robert Louis Stevenson's grave

    Located at the top of Mount Vaea overlooking the home, it is best visited in the early morning. As long as there has not been a lot of rain the longer and shallower path takes about an hour and is an easy walk. The steep path downhill is an option if it has been dry recently. Take water. From the grave, there are good views to the east and across the Pacific. There is no charge to climb to the grave.

  8. See

    The fish market

    This is when the locals go to buy fish for the special meal of the week, Sunday tonai.

    Sun from 06:00