The Top Sights, Activities and Attractions in Nuku’alofa
How should you spend your time in the capital of Tonga? What are the sights, the experiences and the “must-dos”? Nuku’alofa is a city of royal palaces, majestic churches, bustling markets and the base for some of Tonga’s top water activities. Swimming with whales, snorkelling and scuba diving can all be done here. Or you could escape the decision-making and just get an island massage. Check out some of your options in this list of things to do in Nuku’alofa!
1. Check Out the Talamahu Market
Well worth a look, the central Talamahu Market has an awesome array of arts and crafts filling just about every available space of this market building. See intricately woven baskets, Tongan clothing, tapa-cloth paintings, carved jewellery, carved ornaments and so much more, as you wander around this hub of culture. You can even get personalised souvenirs. On top of that, the market has a huge fresh produce section, where visitors can admire the pyramids and woven baskets full of tropical produce! The market is open from around 8 am until around 5 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Location: Salote Road, Nuku’alofa city centre.
(c) tongapocketguide.com2. Take a Photo of the Royal Palace
Standing proud on the waterfront of Tonga’s capital, the Royal Palace is a symbol of Tonga’s monarchy to the rest of the world. In which case, you might as well get a good photo of it! Although the palace grounds are not open to visitors, you can get good views of its Victorian-inspired architecture from the waterfront parks on the west and east sides of the palace – better from the west side. Plus, this activity is one of the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Nuku’alofa!
Location: Corner of Vaha’akolo and Vuna Roads, Nuku’alofa city centre.
© TongaPocketGuide.com3. Check Out the Royal Tombs
Another attraction that’s hard to miss while walking around Nuku’alofa, yet still worth paying attention to, is the Royal Tombs. Standing in the centre of a huge fenced-off park, the tombs feature grand statues of Tonga’s royal figures of the past. Although the Royal Tombs are not open to the public, visitors can admire the grand statues and tombs of royals buried here since 1893 from afar. Check out the 10 Historical Sites in Tongatapu & Nuku’alofa for more like this.
Location: Seen from Meteialona Road, Vaha’akolo Road and Taufa’ahau Road, Nuku’alofa city centre.
© TongaPocketGuide.com4. Browse the Langafonua Handicrafts Centre
Additionally to the crafts market mentioned above, we recommend browsing the Langafonua Handicrafts Centre! All of the crafts are uniquely handcrafted by local women. Admire traditional tapa paintings, woven bags, carved Tongan jewellery, woven table mats, bowls, fans, coasters, wooden carvings and the list goes on and on! We also list this as one of the 10 Best Luxury Experiences in Nuku’alofa.
Location: Taufa’ahau Road (next to Friends Cafe), Nuku’alofa city centre.
(c) tongapocketguide.com5. Learn About Tongan Traditions at Ancient Tonga
Tonga is a nation with a rich island culture, which can be difficult to fully appreciate especially if you’re only visiting Nuku’alofa – that’s unless you visit Ancient Tonga! The cultural centre offers “Half” and “Full Culture Tours” revolving around Tongan arts, crafts, dance and food. The interactive tour begins with preparing a traditional cooking method called an “umu“, where you’ll learn to husk and grate a coconut and prepare lu by wrapping meat and coconut cream in leaves. While the umu is cooking, take a guided tour of a private museum and stop by various stations that showcase the arts, fashion, food and drink of the islands. On the Full Culture Tour, the experience concludes with feasting on the fruit of your labour; the now-cooked umu. Find out more about the tours in the 10 Best Cultural Activities in Tonga.
Location: Tamakautonga Road, Popua, Nuku’alofa.
© TongaPocketGuide.com6. Take a Tour of Tongatapu
If you haven’t already, be sure to explore Tongatapu! At only 260 km² (100 mi²), the island is easy enough to travel around in a day by either renting a car or taking a guided tour. Visit highlights like the limestone ‘Anahulu Caves, the impressive Mapua ‘a Vaea Blowholes, the historical Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Triliton, the bizarre Tsunami Rock, the beautiful Hufangalupe Natural Land Bridge and Beach and much more, by checking out the sights listed in the 50 Best Things to Do in Tongatapu.
Location: Car rentals are available to pick up or get delivered in Nuku’alofa – see the link above for details. Guided tours typically depart from Nuku’alofa offering accommodation transfers. Find out more about each tour in the 10 Best Island Day Trips from Nuku’alofa.
© TongaPocketGuide.com7. Swim with Humpback Whales
Available from July to October, snorkelling with majestic humpback whales is a beautiful experience. Witnessing these gentle giants, after they have made the 3,000 mi (4,850 km) journey from Antarctica to calve and breed is humbling and unforgettable. Join one of the whale swimming tours from Nuku’alofa for a chance to watch and swim with humpbacks, as well as visit Tongatapu’s surrounding uninhabited islands for a picnic lunch. Check out your tour options in the 5 Best Whale Swim Tours in Tongatapu & Nuku’alofa.
Location: Trips depart from Faua Wharf, Vuna Road, Ma’ufanga, Nuku’alofa.
(c) tongapocketguide.com8. Learn Something New at the Tonga National Museum
Admire all sorts of ancient Tongan tools, from stone anchors to wooden headrests, and get a fascinating insight into the way that Tongans lived hundreds of years ago at the Tonga National Museum. Too many visitors miss this treasure trove – mainly because the museum is not easy to find. However, those who discover it usually get a sense that they’ve found something special. The museum has a very affordable fee and guided tours are provided by passionate and knowledgeable guides at no extra cost. Alternatively, you can walk around the hall self-guided thanks to the information displays.
Location: Upstairs in Queen Salote Memorial Hall, Taufa’ahau Road (opposite the Lulutai Airlines office), Nuku’alofa city centre.
© TongaPocketGuide.com9. Craft Your Own Tongan Souvenir at Tina’s Workshop
Tina’s Workshop is a three-hour handicraft workshop to make your own Tongan sei (flower hairpiece) or tapa notebook! Immerse in the local culture, learn a new skill and have heaps of fun along the way in this interactive workshop. The experience typically includes a traditionally cooked umu lunch, which you’ll watch being prepared at the beginning of the workshop, and then get to enjoy for lunch. And if the workshop goes over three hours, your hosts usually don’t mind, as their passion is keeping Tonga’s art culture alive! Learn more about the experience in Where to Learn Tongan Handicrafts.
Location: Fehoko Oceanic Arts Studio, Tamakautonga Road, Popua, Nuku’alofa.
© TongaPocketGuide.com10. Head Out on a Snorkelling Excursion
Discover Tonga’s amazing array of corals and tropical fish on a snorkelling trip from Nuku’alofa. Snorkelling tours take travellers to the off-shore islands harbouring coral bommies and reefs some 20-30 minutes away. All of the snorkelling gear will be provided, including a mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit if needed, so simply enjoy the boat journey and discover the amazing underwater world. Find out more about snorkelling trips to the likes of ‘Atata and Pangaimotu Islands in The Best Snorkel & Scuba Dive Tours in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.
Location: Trips depart from Faua Wharf, Vuna Road, Ma’ufanga, Nuku’alofa.
© TongaPocketGuide.com11. Enjoy an Island Day Trip to Pangaimotu
Just about the only tourism-related activity that you can do on a Sunday, which is also amazing to do any day of the week, is a day trip to one of the idyllic off-shore islands of Tongatapu. For instance, take a day trip to Pangaimotu Island! Also known as King’s Island, Pangaimotu is your quintessential tropical island where you can spend the day snorkelling at the reef, walking on the beach, and finding yourself a shady spot to relax under a coconut tree (watch your head)! Snorkelling gear is available to rent for a small fee. Bring your own lunch, water and any other supplies you may need.
Boat transfers only operate when there are at least 10 people booked, so it’s best to book ahead for weekday visits. On Sundays, the boat departs from Faua Wharf at 11 am and 12 pm and returns at 4 pm and 5/6 pm. We also recommend this in the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Nuku’alofa. Plus, see more island day trips in our 10 Best Island Day Trips from Nuku’alofa.
Location: Boats depart from Faua Wharf, just behind the Ngutulei Restaurant and the fish market, Vuna Road (opposite Davina House), Ma’ufanga, Nuku’alofa.
© Pixabay12. Relax with an Island Massage
Experience the blissfulness of the South Pacific Islands at one of the indulgent day spas of Nuku’alofa. Island Glow offers a range of island-style facials, massages, body wraps, and more using their own sumptuous spa products. Additionally, Nuku’alofa has no lack of beauty parlours offering indulgent facials and foot spas, as well as lash and wax treatments. Learn more about each day spa in The 5 Best Spas in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.
Location: Nuku’alofa city centre. See the link above for recommendations and their locations.
© TongaPocketGuide.com13. See the Sights by Bike
A fun and independent way to experience Nuku’alofa is on two wheels! ANT Bicycles hires out quality mountain bikes to enjoy a casual peddle around town and the surrounding villages and experience Tonga at a much more natural pace. Pack and picnic and see where to road takes you, stopping by Nuku’alofa’s tranquil parks and waterfront spaces. Alternatively, we have some longer adventures listed in The Best Cycling Routes in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.
Location: ANT Bicycles is located at 26 Railway Road, Mangaia, Nuku’alofa (close to the city centre). Learn more about bike rentals in Where to Rent Bicycles in Tonga.
© TongaPocketGuide.com14. Scuba Dive Among Caves and Corals
Tonga’s underwater world presents an array of exciting sights for divers. Among the 170 marine species in Tonga’s waters, certified divers have the chance to see sea turtles, tuna, marlin, manta rays and whale sharks, all to the song of humpback whales in the right months! Explore caves created by volcanic activity near ‘Eua Island, explore coral reefs around Tongatapu, and enjoy the views from waters that are crystal clear. Compare dive operators with The Best Snorkel & Scuba Dive Tours in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.
Location: Trips depart from Faua Wharf, Vuna Road, Ma’ufanga, Nuku’alofa.
© Tonga Ministry of Tourism15. Eat Out at Nuku’alofa’s Restaurants
Yes, even eating out in Nuku’alofa is an experience worth mentioning! Try fabulous local staples, such as ota ika (raw fish marinated in coconut cream) and lu (meat and coconut cream wrapped in taro leaves). Alternatively, European and Asian food is also readily available and done well. Just head to the 20 Best Restaurants in Nuku’alofa to check out our top recommendations!
Location: All over Nuku’alofa! See the link above for recommendations and their locations.
© TongaPocketGuide.com16. Experience a Sunday Church Service
With 99% of Tonga’s population being devout Christians, sampling a slice of life at one of the Sunday church services is an amazing way to experience the culture. Tongan church halls boom with harmonious singing and the sound of brass instruments played by local school children. It’s an excellent free way to spend a Sunday morning (or afternoon) in Nuku’alofa. Check out the 5 Best Churches in Nuku’alofa to Experience as a Visitor for more recommended churches to visit.
Location: All over Nuku’alofa! See the link above for recommendations and their locations.
© TongaPocketGuide.com17. Get Some Retail Therapy
After perusing the handicrafts markets, if you still have shopping fever, rest assured that Nuku’alofa has plenty more to offer in the way of boutiques and local designers. Browse locally designed dresses, shirts and accessories at Eiko-san Clothing, pick up Tongan spa products and homeware at Joy’s Gift Shop or scout out Koko Designs‘ cute coconut soap gift shop on the outskirts of town. See more local designers and boutiques in The Guide to Shopping in Tonga + The Best Places to Shop.
Location: All over Nuku’alofa! See recommendations and their locations in the link above, as well as in Where to Buy the Best Souvenirs in Tonga.
© TongaPocketGuide.com18. Buy Tongan Crafts Fully Personalised
Once you inevitably fall in love with Tonga’s unique handicrafts, treat yourself to the extra special souvenir of a fully customised gift. For instance, commission a personalised photo frame of your travels from Pink Gator Designs or a shell/pearl/coconut necklace from Treasure Island. Learn more about these shops and more in Where to Buy the Best Souvenirs in Tonga.
Location: Pink Gator – Painituu’ua Road, Haveluloto, Nuku’alofa. Treasure Island – Upstairs of Talamahu Market, Salote Road, Nuku’alofa.
© TongaPocketGuide.com19. Check Out Tu’i Mata Moana Fish Market and Fair
On the waterfront along Vuna Road, on the east side of Nuku’alofa, there are a couple more markets that many travellers miss! At Faua Wharf, check out the tables of tropical fish, wrapped-up crabs, bags of squid, oysters, seaweed and much more at the Tu’i Mata Moana Fish Market. Further along the wharf, you’ll also find the Tu’i Mata Moana Fair with an abundance of barbecued meals and local drinks like ‘otai for sale. Although both markets are open throughout the week, the best time to go is on a Saturday morning. Learn more about these markets in the 5 Best Markets in Tonga.
Location: Faua Wharf, Vuna Road, Ma’ufanga, Nuku’alofa.
© TongaPocketGuide.com20. Experience a Tongan Feast and Cultural Show
Another aspect of the Tongan culture is feasts, which are renowned across the South Pacific for their sheer scale and diversity! Umu buffets and cultural floor shows typically take place on Wednesday and Friday nights at Tongatapu’s resorts, such as Oholei Beach Resort which offers transfers from Nuku’alofa. Meanwhile, in Nuku’alofa, Ancient Tonga hosts monthly buffets followed by traditional Tongan dancing on a Friday night (that’s if they have the minimum required numbers, so be sure to pre-book). Learn much more about these captivating shows and dining experiences in the 10 Best Cultural Shows in Tonga.
Location: See the link above for recommendations and their locations. Some shows offer transfers from Nuku’alofa.
© TongaPocketGuide.com21. Have a Foodie Experience at the Tupu’Anga Cafe
For some downtime combined with a Tongan foodie experience, head to Tupu’Anga Cafe. The cafe roasts its own coffee beans and is known across the island of Tongatapu for its irresistible Tongan snack, manioke (cassava) chips! Treat yourself to Tongan-inspired treats, such as cassava cake, papaya scones, lu pie and much more! Tours of the factory are also available, while there’s also a children’s playground should you be travelling with youngsters. See more experiences like this in the 10 Best Foodie Experiences in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.
Location: Towards the southern end of Umusi Road, Umusi, Nuku’alofa.
© TongaPocketGuide.com22. Drink and Be Merry at the Waterfront Bars
Meet the super-friendly locals and relax with your mates in one of Nuku’alofa’s vibrant watering holes. Nuku’alofa has a fun bar scene where you can try Tongan beers, refreshing cocktails and fresh coconut water. Some of your choices include dancing the night away at the city-centre Reload Bar or listening to live music and watching the sun go down from Billfish Bar & Restaurant. Or how about enjoying the nautical theme and dancing at Nauti Ruby’s? It’s one of the 10 Adult-Only Activities in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.
Location: All over Nuku’alofa! See recommendations and their locations in the 5 Best Bars in Nuku’alofa.
© TongaPocketGuide.com23. Have a Picnic at Popua Park
Nuku’alofa might not have stunning beaches like the rest of Tonga, but it does have an attractive recreational area with a story. What used to be an area that was only ventured to dump rubbish (apparently you could smell the stench all the way along the waterfront), Popua Park was transformed into a recreational haven. Check out the flower gardens, play on the beach volleyball court, let the kids loose at the playground, and have a picnic in the picnic areas. For more family-friendly experiences, check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Nuku’alofa with Kids.
Location: East along Vuna Road, Popua (approximately 3.6 km/2.2 mi from the Tourist Information Fale).
© TongaPocketGuide.com24. Taste the National Drink During a Faikava
Kava is an integral part of the Tongan lifestyle, typically drunk by men who drink in kava circles known as faikava. Apart from learning about and trying kava at Ancient Tonga (see above), visitors will need to ask around locally for faikava. Otherwise, some Nuku’alofa guesthouses put on kava nights on request, such as Toni’s Guesthouse. If you’re joining a faikava on a more casual basis (not part of a guided tour), it’s customary to bring some cash (TOP$50) or kava to contribute. Learn more about aspects of the Tongan culture in The Guide to the Tongan Culture and Traditions.
Location: All over Tongatapu! Inquire with your accommodation host to arrange the best faikava to attend.
© TongaPocketGuide.com25. Try Traditional Tongan Food and Snacks
Eating Tongan cuisine is all part of the cultural experience of visiting Nuku’alofa! Tongan staples like lu sipi, ika loloi, ota ika and much more can be sampled in restaurants like Mum’s Cafe. Otherwise, there are plenty of roadside market stalls selling Tongan snacks, such as along Vuna Road on the way to Faua Wharf where you can pick up sweet treats like topai and fai kakai! For more recommendations, check out The Top Cheap Eats in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu, while more information about Tongan food can be found in the 10 Unique Foods in Tonga You Have to Try.
Location: Mum’s Cafe – Corner of Fatafehi and Laifone Roads. Roadside stalls – Running along Vuna Road on the east side of the Royal Palace.
© TongaPocketGuide.com26. Experience Nuku’alofa’s Fabulous Bakeries
Whether you’re looking for breakfast, road trip snacks or fresh bread for a picnic, Tongatapu can certainly provide with its wealth of fabulous bakeries. Try a coconut and chocolate cake for two (or just to yourself if you’re feeling that way) at Ini’s Cakes, grab some silkily glazed doughnuts from Agape Donuts, or fresh bread, cupcakes, full cakes and more from A Cowley & Sons.
Location: Ini’s Cakes – Taufa’ahau Village. Agape Donuts – Wellington Road. A Cowley & Sons – Corner of Fasi-Moe-Afi Road and Salote Road. All in Nuku’alofa.
© TongaPocketGuide.com27. Sample Local Beers, Juices and Cocktails
Tonga is home to its own array of drinks, such as beers from Pacific Brewing Co., coffee from Kingdom Koffie and fruit drinks like ‘otai. Try some of these local beverages at one of the many bars, cafes and markets found across the island between the resort bars and the vibrant bars and nightclubs in Nuku’alofa. See where to go in The Ultimate Guide to the Nightlife on Tongatapu, as well as what drinks to try in the 10 Drinks in Tonga You Have to Try.
Location: All around Nuku’alofa! Check out the links above for recommendations and their locations.
© TongaPocketGuide.com28. Get a Tongan-Inspired Tattoo
The South Pacific is renowned for its Polynesian artwork and intricate tattooing. Get a special souvenir to commemorate your trip to Tonga by getting a Tongan-inspired tattoo! Nuku’alofa is home to two highly-praised tattoo studios, Happy Sailor Tattoo and Kaila Tattoo. The former offers free design consultations from international tattoo artists, while the latter specialises in traditional Tongan styles.
Location: Happy Sailor Tattoo – 1-4 Taumoepeau Building, corner Salote and Fatafehi Road, Nuku’alofa. Kaila Tattoo – Vuna Road, Touliki, Nuku’alofa.
© TongaPocketGuide.com29. Join a Fitness Class
Have a pumping start to your day and experience the Tongan energy at one of Tongatapu’s fitness classes. While there are a number of classes you could join, particularly across Nuku’alofa, a popular one in Tonga is Zumba! We love the Zumba class held at the Apifo’ou College every Monday, Wednesday and Friday bright and early at 5:30 am!
Location: Apifo’ou College, Alaivahamama’o Bypass (the turn-off between Salote Road and Umusi Road), Nuku’alofa.
© TongaPocketGuide.com30. Admire Colonial Architecture and Churches on a Self-Guided Walking Tour
Last but certainly not least is to simply enjoy the pleasure of walking around Nuku’alofa and admiring its vibrant architecture. From the Tongan fale-inspired Visitor Information Centre, walk down Vuna Road to see the grand Treasury Building and its colonial-inspired architecture. Adjacent to the Royal Tombs is the Centennial Church, Free Church of Tonga – one of the most impressive churches in Nuku’alofa which stands its mighty ground despite having been closed due to cyclone damage for some years. Get a full walking itinerary of Nuku’alofa’s architectural sights in A Self-Guided Day Trip Around Nuku’alofa: One Day Itinerary.
Location: All over Nuku’alofa! See the link above for a walking self-guided itinerary including the locations of these sights.
© TongaPocketGuide.comMore Things to Do in Nuku’alofa
That’s it for our list of the best things to do in Nuku’alofa, but it’s by no means the end of our advice! Learn more about planning the perfect trip to the capital in the following guides:
- Nuku’alofa Transport: 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Nuku’alofa
- The Food Guide to Nuku’alofa: Places to Eat & Food Tours
- Where to Stay in Nuku’alofa: The Best Accommodations
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Nuku’alofa.
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