Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±

Maketi fou (new market) scenE

Getty Images/Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½± Images

Maketi Fou

Top choice in Apia


Abuzz with local merchants, shoppers, loiterers and men slamming it down over games of mu (Samoan checkers), this 24-hour market is a must-see shopping and social experience. Though primarily a produce market, pretty much everything is sold here. Souvenir hunters will find siapo (decorated bark cloth), woodcarvings, coconut-shell jewellery, lava-lava (wraparound sarongs) and T-shirts. A cold niu (drinking coconut) will give you strength to shop on, despite the oppressive humidity of the place.

The ambience is somewhat enlivened by the fume-ridden chaos of the adjacent bus station.


Contact

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions

Nearby Apia attractions

1. Flea Market

0.34 MILES

Down on the waterfront, this steamy labyrinth is packed with small stalls selling craftwork, clothing and souvenirs. Don’t bother to test your bargaining…

2. Fish Market

0.35 MILES

A scramble takes place here at the crack of dawn every Sunday to snag the freshest catches for the post-church to’ona’i (Sunday lunch). Unsurprisingly,…

3. Immaculate Conception Cathedral

0.39 MILES

Looming over the harbour, this lofty cathedral is breathtakingly beautiful. Originally constructed in 1884, the building was recently rebuilt at an…

4. Government House

0.42 MILES

While Government House isn't a thrilling landmark in itself (though the giant, modern rendition of a fale roof atop it is cause for a snapshot), it's…

5. Samoa Cultural Village

0.42 MILES

Though this 'village' is open every weekday, it's the interactive sessions that are an absolute must. Knowledgable and extremely affable hosts take…

6. Falemata'aga

0.65 MILES

The German-era school building houses an enchanting collection of artefacts and displays focusing on four themes: history, culture, Pacific and…

7. Mormon Temple

0.8 MILES

One of the most impressive buildings in Samoa is this massive temple taking up 1736 sq metres on the western approach to town. Completed in 2005 after a…

8. Vaiala Beach

1.16 MILES

The closest beach to Apia town, immediately east of the harbour. The currents can be strong, so take care and avoid the area marked by buoys where there’s…