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Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu
Flag of Vanuatu Capital of Vanuatu

Port Vila

Port Vila is the capital and largest city of Vanuatu, situated on the picturesque island of Efate in Shefa Province. This Pacific gem serves as the country's primary hub for culture, commerce, and tourism.

Photo: Phillip Capper from Wellington, New Zealand (CC BY 2.0)

Quick facts

Population
44,039 (city, 2009)
Currency
Vanuatu vatu (VUV)
Language
Bislama, English, French
Timezone
+11 (UTC+11)
Local time now
07:58:55

Hotels in Port Vila

Port Vila offers a range of hotel accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. From the Grand Hotel & Casino to the beachfront Iririki Island Resort, visitors can find hotels throughout the city center and surrounding areas. See all hotels →

City Lodge
90 m from centre
Grand Hotel & Casino
135 m from centre
Central Inn
282 m from centre

Airports in Port Vila

We're still gathering airports listings for Port Vila — check back soon.

Car Hire in Port Vila

Port Vila offers several car rental companies to help you explore Vanuatu at your own pace. Major providers including Avis, Hertz, and Budget operate in the city, alongside local options like On Wheels and World car rentals. See all car hire →

Avis
560 m from centre
Hertz
599 m from centre
Budget
696 m from centre
On Wheels
850 m from centre

Things to Do in Port Vila

Port Vila offers a diverse range of activities for visitors, from underwater adventures at Tranquillity Dive to cultural exploration at Musée National de Vanuatu and the Archives Nationales et Bibliotheque Nationale de Vanuatu. You can also wander through the historic Quartier Chinois and visit the World War Memorial to experience the city's unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. See all things to do →

Tranquillity Dive
479 m from centre
Musée National de Vanuatu
498 m from centre
Archives Nationales et Bibliotheque Nationale de Vanuatu
510 m from centre
Quartier Chinois
564 m from centre
World War Memorial
622 m from centre
ANZAC
625 m from centre

Restaurants in Port Vila

Port Vila offers a variety of dining experiences to suit different tastes and cuisines. From casual eateries like Ice Noodles Restaurant and Chill Restaurant to establishments such as Cuisina Filipino, Le Cafe du Village, and Seaview, visitors can find options across the city's restaurant scene. See all restaurants →

Cuisina Filipino
87 m from centre
Ice Noodles Restaurant
97 m from centre
Chill Restaurant
fish;seafood;pasta;steak_house;chicken · 134 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Port Vila

We're still gathering swimming pools listings for Port Vila — check back soon.

Spas in Port Vila

We're still gathering spas listings for Port Vila — check back soon.

Nightlife in Port Vila

Port Vila offers a vibrant nightlife scene with several venues to choose from. Popular spots include Club Lit, Club Vanuatu, Voodoo Bar and Nightclub, Imperial, and Planet 107, providing options for an evening out in Vanuatu's capital city. See all nightlife →

Club Lit
117 m from centre
Club Vanuatu
373 m from centre
Voodoo Bar and Nightclub
635 m from centre

Bars in Port Vila

Port Vila offers a variety of bars and nakamals where you can experience local culture and hospitality. Popular spots include Lava Lounge, Seaside 12 Window Nakamal, Seaside Greenlight nakamal, Jif Isaac nakamal, and Jifs Nakamal. See all bars →

Lava Lounge
92 m from centre
Seaside 12 Window Nakamal
514 m from centre
Seaside Greenlight nakamal
572 m from centre

Cafes in Port Vila

We're still gathering cafes listings for Port Vila — check back soon.

Shopping in Port Vila

Port Vila offers a variety of shopping options for visitors and locals alike. From established retailers like Carrie Shopping and Uncle Bills LTD to specialty stores such as Tanna Russet, you'll find diverse shopping experiences throughout the capital. See all shopping →

Carrie Shopping
465 m from centre
Tanna Russet
1.4 km from centre
Uncle Bills LTD
2.4 km from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Port Vila

Port Vila offers several natural spaces where visitors can experience the island's flora and coastal environment. Parks such as Parc de l'Indépendance, Seawall Park, Parc Saralana, and Vila Mall Park provide opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and connect with the local landscape. See all nature & wildlife →

Parc de l'Indépendance
247 m from centre
area
342 m from centre
Seawall Park
383 m from centre
Parc Saralana
551 m from centre
VILA MALL PARK
805 m from centre
propose park
973 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Port Vila has a tropical climate typical of the South Pacific, with warm weather year-round. The region experiences seasonal variation, with wetter months bringing higher humidity and rainfall to the island.

Interesting Facts About Port Vila — Weird & Wonderful

  • Port Vila is home to 49,034 residents as of the 2020 census, representing 16.3% of Vanuatu's entire population.
  • The city is located on Efate, an island in Shefa Province that serves as the geographical heart of Vanuatu.
  • As Vanuatu's largest city, Port Vila is the country's primary centre for economic and administrative activity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Port Vila

What currency is used in Port Vila?

The Vanuatu Vatu (VUV) is the official currency used in Port Vila and throughout Vanuatu.

What language is spoken in Port Vila?

Bislama is the principal language spoken in Port Vila, alongside English and French.

Which island is Port Vila located on?

Port Vila is situated on the island of Efate, in Shefa Province, which is part of Vanuatu's main island group.

How big is Port Vila?

Port Vila is Vanuatu's largest city and capital, with a population of 49,034 as of the 2020 census.

What is the time zone in Port Vila?

Port Vila operates on Pacific/Efate time, which is UTC+11 year-round.

What region is Vanuatu in?

Vanuatu is located in Oceania, in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia and north of New Zealand.

Map of Port Vila

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