Places to visit in Nuku'alofa

THE 30 BEST Things to Do in Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Places to Visit in Nuku'alofa

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Talamahu Markets, Free Church of Tonga, Ports of Call Tours, Churches & Cathedrals.
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Top Attractions in Nuku'alofa

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveller reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.


What travellers are saying

  • Gill
    49 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I went to this market a few times during my stay in Nuku’alofa. It’s open everyday except Sunday. It closes around 4.30pm. One day there was a cruise ship in town so I was disappointed that many stall holders were missing but other than that each other time I found what I needed. It’s extra hot inside so take a fan or buy one there. Produce very reasonable and take small dollar amounts ($2 notes & $1 coins for fruit etc) to make purchasing easy. I made sure I split my purchases up between vendors as I believe they all deserve customers not just the big main ones. I took my own fabric carry bag as unfortunately Tonga is terrible with plastic waste and plastic bags of every size are encouraged so I tried to decline with each purchase. In the front inside area, There is a large section of Tongan cultural items like bone & mother of pearl carvings, carved wooden pieces, Tapa cloth & other woven items. Beware some are plastic that look like bone but the price reflects that. If you’re not price savvy & haven’t already looked in other shops elsewhere you might find that will charge you $15 for a key ring that you can buy for $5 in other shops in town! But then you might find a bone carving for $20 when it’s $30 elsewhere. Around the outer stalls outside there are many Chinese shops with imported goods. Here you can buy all the normal things you’d expect to get in a $2 shop or junkie type place. Not very good quality & lots of knock offs. But some is very over priced so buyer research is good. You can also buy toiletries, shoes, underwear & fabric. Lots to choose from! Malo means thank you so use that word when you can. The more Tongan words you can use the better experience I think you will have if you don’t just want to be a tourist.
    Written 4 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • travelbob1
    New Windsor, NY1,135 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Despite the damaged suffered this church building stands as a wonderful example of architecture and design. Looking beyond the damage one can see the elements that made this a center of community and religion.
    Across the street is the royal cemetery.
    Written 21 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JulieJewels4444
    Long Beach, CA96 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was wonderful to attend Easter service with the king and queen. The singing was beautiful. It was fun to see everyone dressed up in traditional clothes. Lovely experience.
    Written 7 May 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AURELIO L
    ANDRIA ITALY1,117 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    even if it s impossible to goinside the i suggest to have a tour of the town,and to stop five minutes to see the kingdomkoffie from outside,it s one of the things that you have not miss in this town
    Written 16 November 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jocablebay
    Wellington, New Zealand218 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Quirky thing to spot when out driving to see the sights.
    The pigs are totally engrossed in touring under the rocks and scoffing what they find - assume little crabs etc.
    Written 1 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Scott G
    Washington DC, DC450 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    A nice spot for a couple of pictures when in Nuku'alofa. You cannot get close up to the tombs, however, it is a touch of Tongan heritage that is an easy visit.
    Written 18 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Richard F
    Louisville, KY7,369 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a huge palace for the King and can be seen right from the cruise ship dock. Unfortunately, you can not go in and tour. You can only view from outside the big iron fence. Not a very spectacular structure as you would imagine. The grounds are not much more that grass fields.
    Written 1 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • warwickconway
    Adelaide, Australia490 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Friends is a great place to see clearly priced options for different trips. They happily confirm boat trips etc., and tried again when they couldn’t get through the first time to make a booking for me. No issues with any of the excursions I took.
    Written 2 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anthony S
    Brisbane, Australia1,862 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This church was open and is most pleasant inside. There are some stained glass windows but very plain. The church appears to be open most of the time and is a contemplative space.
    Written 18 April 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bob H
    84 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sadly totally underwhelming. There is little to see inside which is so disappointing for a country that has such a vibrant and colorful history. We were lucky entry is free in May, but if what we saw was the collection then it would be criminal to charge entry. Do not be put off btw if the door is closed! We saw the sole staff member sleeping inside and knocked loudly and were let in.
    Written 6 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Richard F
    Louisville, KY7,369 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This church is located a short walk from the cruise dock. There are several other attractions nearby like the Royal Tombs. We stopped for a quick look inside and were impressed by the wood carvings and the structure of the ceiling.
    Written 1 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • warwickconway
    Adelaide, Australia490 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Originally built to commemorate soldiers from World War 1, the Cenotaph in Nuku’alofa is in a nice location near the waterfront and the Royal Palace.
    Written 5 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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