Location: Apia
Top Things to do in Apia
Countries
The 10 Best Shopping in Apia, Upolu
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. Mailelani Samoa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Mailelani “from Heaven” in Samoa, is an expression of the abundant blessing we, Polynesians, have enjoyed for generations.Mailelani body care naturally is crafted with Cold Pressed Organic Suau’u Popo (coconut oil) and plenty of other fresh exotic ingredients.Mailelani is a friend to nature and committed to sustainable development, A Heavenly Treasure to indulge your skin.You can find Mailelani Samoa off Cross Island Road a couple minutes from town. Situated in Papauta amongst tropical gardens, birds singing and a cafe to shade from the hot sun and enjoy a touch of Paradise.
2. The Vanya Taule'alo Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
The Vanya Taule'alo Gallery is 4 minutes outside of Apia. We exhibit and sell contemporary and traditional Samoan art works and handcrafts. We source our artworks and handcrafts and gifts from Samoa and the Pacific. All items selected are created by reputable artists and artisans. We can send purchases overseas if wanted.
3. Eveni Carruthers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Eveni Carruthers, the trading name of I.H.Carruthers Ltd with at least 86 years in business in Samoa, has stood the test of time as a family company with the current management team led by a fourth generation of since the founder. Irving " Eveni" Carruthers of Vailima first established I.H.Carruthers Ltd in Samoa as a cocoa and copra merchant in 1929. Irving Carruthers was the son of Richard Irving Hetherington Carruthers, a Scotsman from Melbourne who first came to Samoa as a lawyer for Robert Louis Stevenson in the 1890s. The I.H.Carruthers trading empire was set up by integrating a network of trading stations throughout Samoa which were serviced by inter-island schooners. During the 1950s and up to the early 1970s I.H Carruthers had practically a trading station in every village in Upolu, Manono and Savaii when the company was one of the main merchants trading in cocoa and copra for export. Maintaining a close connection of the company to the village communities and supporting their social and cultural activities is rooted in the long association of the company with village communities since the 1950s. It now operates a Modern Department Store (7750 sqft) in Apia with branches in Faleolo Airport, Salelologa Savaii and a franchise store in American Samoa.
Reviewed By NZTraveller1980 - Auckland, New Zealand
Great store with everything you need, beautiful elei design clothing for all sizes and all ages - sports gear, jewellery and souvenirs, everything you need on a shopping trip in Samoa. Great service too and air conditioning is a bonus.
4. Janet's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Janet’s, one of Samoa’s best known cultural retailers, has opened at the landmark Tanoa Tusitala Hotel in Samoa. Located in the hotel lobby across reception and open 7 days a week, Janet's offers guests cultural gifts for the entire family as well as convenience items making things easy during your stay at Tanoa Tusitala Hotel.
5. Plantation House Samoa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Over twenty years of exceptional Pacific design for home, living and personal adornment. Never short on beautiful gifts and handprinted elei textiles. Plantation House Samoa is a must-visit for any traveller looking to source unique mementos of their Samoa experience.
6. Tiapapata Art Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Z2393VBvanessak
We came to Tiapapata Art Centre one very hot afternoon for a meal and were very pleasantly surprised. The home cooked food was delicious! My sweet tooth loved the homemade cakes and ice creams... and the view was amazing. In fact, the food was so good that we frequented this place during our stay in Apia.... The beautiful art work is well worth a look. There are some incredibly beautiful pieces for purchase and the art centre offers classes and support to many budding artists and students in the local and international community. The hosts, Steve and Wendy go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. Thank you so much for making our holiday to Samoa so memorable. We will never forget your kindness and your delicious sasalapa ice cream. If you are holidaying in Apia, Tiapapata Art Centre should be a part of your itinerary.
7. Pacific Jewell Gift Shop & Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
8. EFKS Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By glw1312 - Ocean Grove, Australia
Visited today and really enjoyed my time. We were welcomed warmly as we arrived and given an explanation of the art school. It is only 10 tala per person - you can explore yourself or be given a guided tour for this price. Definitely do the tour. Our guide was wonderful, explained the cultural significance of all the artwork and we got to learn about Samoan culture and folklore. She also answered all our questions about the art school and the Samoan culture and was so lovely and friendly. You can also watch the students as they create their amazing artworks.
9. Fugalei Market
10. Old Apia Market
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 209 reviews
If you’re willing to fight the crowds at this flea market in a shed, you may find some interesting Samoan handicrafts or mats, and you can even watch works-in-progress.
Reviewed By 731wayneh - Pottsville, Australia
Attending this market you get the real feel of Samoa, a great place to purchase a bargain and have a good laugh with the locals, who are always friendly.
