Things to Do in Port Vila

Port Vila sits on the southwestern coast of Efate Island, serving as Vanuatu's vibrant capital and main gateway to this South Pacific archipelago. The city manages to balance its role as a commercial hub with genuine Melanesian charm - you'll find bustling markets selling lap lap (the national dish) alongside duty-free shops, and traditional string bands playing near waterfront cafes. The harbor forms the heart of the city, where cruise ships dock next to local fishing boats, and the surrounding hills are dotted with both luxury resorts and local villages where life moves at a distinctly island pace. What makes Port Vila particularly appealing is how walkable and manageable it feels, despite being a capital city. You can easily stroll from the central market to the waterfront restaurants, then up to the cultural center, all while getting a genuine sense of ni-Vanuatu life. The city also serves as an excellent base for day trips to some of Vanuatu's most famous attractions, including active volcanoes and blue holes, though there's honestly enough cultural richness and natural beauty right in and around Port Vila to keep you busy for several days.

Port Vila's dining scene reflects its Pacific crossroads location, with excellent French-influenced cuisine (a legacy of colonial times), fresh seafood, and authentic ni-Vanuatu dishes alongside international options. The waterfront restaurants generally offer the best atmosphere and freshest seafood, while the area around the market has more affordable local eateries where you can try lap lap, coconut crab, and other traditional dishes. French bakeries scattered around town serve genuinely good croissants and pastries, and several restaurants specialize in locally-caught fish prepared with tropical fruits and vegetables. Prices range from very reasonable at local spots (2,000-4,000 vatu for meals) to moderate at waterfront restaurants (4,000-8,000 vatu), with wine and imported items commanding higher prices due to shipping costs.

Port Vila enjoys a tropical climate that's pleasant year-round, though the dry season from May through October offers the most consistently comfortable weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. This period also coincides with cooler trade winds that make outdoor activities more enjoyable. The wet season (November through April) brings higher temperatures, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms, but it's also when the landscape is most lush and green. Cyclone season technically runs from November to April, though direct hits on Port Vila are relatively rare. For the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder months of April-May or September-October.