Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, is a city where Pacific culture meets urban hustle amidst dramatic coastal scenery. It’s the main entry point to the country, but also an intriguing destination in its own right, blending lush botanical gardens, rich indigenous history, and a lively harborside scene. Port Moresby's colorful streets reveal a unique story at every turn, making it a fascinating stop for travelers looking to experience authentic Melanesian culture and urban Papua New Guinean life.
Highlights in Port Moresby include the National Museum and Art Gallery, home to a treasure trove of artifacts, masks, and carvings from the nation’s hundreds of ethnic groups. The Port Moresby Nature Park provides a serene escape with pathways lined by indigenous flora and close-up encounters with tree kangaroos, cassowaries, and exotic birds. History buffs can pay their respects at the Bomana War Cemetery or explore WWII relics at Ela Beach while soaking up the city’s mix of colonial and modern architecture.
As a multicultural hub, daily life in Port Moresby pulses with markets such as Boroko and Gordons, brimming with handcrafted wares and tropical produce. Local festivals, like the Hiri Moale Festival, bring the city to life with traditional music, vibrant costumes, and canoe races celebrating the Motu-Koitabu people. While the city maintains a frontier edge, there’s a growing coffee scene and waterfront venues where you can watch fishing boats glide past. Hospitality ranges from international hotels to locally run guesthouses.
Travelers should plan for a mix of taxis, hotel shuttles, and organized tours; walking between neighborhoods is often impractical due to distances and safety considerations. Dining ranges from casual flavors at street barbecue stalls to international restaurants, with fresh seafood and sweet papayas featuring prominently. Top times to visit are the dry months from May to October, when humidity is lower and many local events are held.
Highlights in Port Moresby include the National Museum and Art Gallery, home to a treasure trove of artifacts, masks, and carvings from the nation’s hundreds of ethnic groups. The Port Moresby Nature Park provides a serene escape with pathways lined by indigenous flora and close-up encounters with tree kangaroos, cassowaries, and exotic birds. History buffs can pay their respects at the Bomana War Cemetery or explore WWII relics at Ela Beach while soaking up the city’s mix of colonial and modern architecture.
As a multicultural hub, daily life in Port Moresby pulses with markets such as Boroko and Gordons, brimming with handcrafted wares and tropical produce. Local festivals, like the Hiri Moale Festival, bring the city to life with traditional music, vibrant costumes, and canoe races celebrating the Motu-Koitabu people. While the city maintains a frontier edge, there’s a growing coffee scene and waterfront venues where you can watch fishing boats glide past. Hospitality ranges from international hotels to locally run guesthouses.
Travelers should plan for a mix of taxis, hotel shuttles, and organized tours; walking between neighborhoods is often impractical due to distances and safety considerations. Dining ranges from casual flavors at street barbecue stalls to international restaurants, with fresh seafood and sweet papayas featuring prominently. Top times to visit are the dry months from May to October, when humidity is lower and many local events are held.
Expected Weekly Budget
$900–$1400 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Wander through the Port Moresby Nature Park
- Browse artifacts at the National Museum and Art Gallery
- Take a guided walk along Ela Beach
- Shop for crafts and produce at Gordons Market
- Reflect at the Bomana War Cemetery
- Discover PNG’s coffee scene in local cafés
- Attend the Hiri Moale Festival if timing allows
- Explore WWII historical sites with a knowledgeable local guide
Notable Sites
- Port Moresby Nature Park
- National Museum and Art Gallery
- Bomana War Cemetery
- Ela Beach
- St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral
- Parliament Haus
- Loloata Island (for day trips)
- Adventure Park PNG
General Advice
Port Moresby is both a practical base for exploring Papua New Guinea and a destination worth discovering on its own. Advance planning improves your stay, especially for arranging local tours, guides, and accommodations—upscale options are generally in secured areas or resorts. English is widely spoken, and the vibe is friendly but informal. Tap water is not considered safe to drink, so always buy bottled water. If you’re seeking to visit outlying islands or rural areas, tour operators in Port Moresby can help coordinate onward travel.
Security & Safety
While much of Port Moresby is welcoming, general crime rates are higher compared to many regional cities—especially at night or in less-trafficked neighborhoods. Stick to well-lit, busy areas, use registered taxis or hotel-arranged transport, and avoid traveling alone after dark. Use hotel safes for valuables, don’t display expensive electronics or jewelry, and respect local advice regarding safe and unsafe zones. Always keep your wits about you and ask your hotel for updated safety information before venturing out.
Travel Tips
- Book accommodations in advance and consider hotels with reliable security.
- Carry small denominations of cash—ATMs are not always available in markets.
- Use organized tours or hotel transportation to move between major attractions.
- Bring insect repellent and use sun protection—the tropical sun is strong.
- Bottled water is essential; avoid drinking from the tap.
- Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting cultural sites.
- Markets can be crowded—watch your belongings and take minimal valuables.
- Traffic can be unpredictable, so allow extra time when heading to the airport.
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Traveler Comments
Visited in February 2024
We spent three days in Port Moresby before heading to the Highlands and honestly, I was surprised by how much there is to do. The Nature Park was really well-kept and my daughter loved the cassowaries. Security was a bit of a concern, so we mostly stuck with organized tours, but felt pretty safe that way.
Stayed in January 2024
As a solo traveler, I appreciated the friendliness of everyone at my hotel. The National Museum was a highlight—so many fascinating masks! It’s not the easiest city to get around without a guide, but taxis were reliable.
Traveled here in December 2023
Spent a week for work and managed to explore after hours. Ela Beach is perfect for an evening stroll, and the local markets are absolutely bursting with energy and colors. I wish there were more trendy cafes, but the coffee is really good!
Visited in May 2024
Visited with my family—my sons enjoyed the Port Moresby Nature Park and Adventure Park PNG. We got great views at Parliament Haus. We felt safe in the main areas, though we didn’t venture out at night.
Traveled here in October 2023
The city’s energy is unique, but I found it a bit challenging to navigate independently. Highlights were the botanical gardens and the Motuan food at the local restaurant our guide recommended. Wouldn’t call it relaxing, but definitely interesting.
Stayed in March 2024
Port Moresby is unlike anywhere I've been. Absolutely loved seeing the Hiri Moale Festival—such vibrant dancing and crazy-good outriggers. Security presence was noticeable but made us feel comfortable.
Visited in August 2023
Did a day trip to Loloata Island and snorkeled with incredible fish—easy to arrange from the city. The local produce at Boroko Market was so fresh, especially the pineapples! Not a walking city, but taxis were easy.
Traveled here in November 2023
Honestly, the WWII sites were the big draw for me and they didn’t disappoint. Learned so much at the museum and Bomana War Cemetery. Food was simple but tasty, mostly seafood and spicy stews.
Visited in April 2024
We traveled as a couple and had a blast—especially impressed with the birdlife at the nature park. Our hotel had a great pool, which was a lifesaver in the heat. Security is something to be aware of, but locals were welcoming and helped with directions.
Went in July 2023
Attended a conference and squeezed in some sightseeing. The atmosphere was busy and lively, especially around the harborside. Traffic is nuts, so definitely plan for extra travel time.
Visited in June 2024
We were blown away by the culture—the traditional masks, the music, and the Hiri Moale Festival were spectacular. The coffee here surprised me—so good! The mix of old and new architecture kept things visually interesting.
Stayed in September 2023
Went with a group tour and felt it was the right choice. Our guide knew where to go (and where not to), which made a big difference. Don’t miss Parliament Haus—it’s a cool spot for photos.
Traveled here in May 2024
My partner and I enjoyed the morning markets and the strong sense of local pride. We didn’t always feel super comfortable venturing out after dark, but we had no actual issues. The fruit here is unbelievably fresh!
Visited in March 2024
Port Moresby is lively but a bit overwhelming. Lots of traffic and not many walkable areas. That said, the National Museum is a must, and the food at Gordons Market is cheap and delicious.
Visited in May 2024
Had an amazing guided day around the nature park and Adventure Park PNG. My teenage daughters loved feeding the birds. Service everywhere was excellent, and staff at our hotel helped with every detail.
Traveled here in December 2023
Ela Beach was really pretty at sunset, and I enjoyed talking with some of the local fishermen. Traffic jams were a thing, but it gave us an excuse to try local snacks from street vendors. Glad we hired a car service.
Visited in February 2024
We had a wonderful time joining a local walking tour and learning about PNG’s history at the war cemetery. My husband bought beautiful wood carvings at the craft market. Security was tight in tourist areas, which let us relax more.
Visited in January 2024
Loved the blend of Melanesian cultures on display everywhere. Parliament Haus is impressive, and the cathedral nearby is worth a look. It was hot during our stay, so hats and water are essentials!
Stayed in September 2023
I travel for wildlife, and the Port Moresby Nature Park was a treat. Birdwatching opportunities are top-notch. Just wish there were more evening options for solo travelers.
Traveled here in August 2023
Really enjoyed browsing the busy markets and sampling betel nut (just once!). The mix of cultures is fascinating and I loved hearing so many different languages. I found hotel staff super helpful in organizing safe taxis.
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