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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, located on the island of Efate in Shefa Province. This vibrant Pacific island city serves as the country's main 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
20:34:49

Hotels in Port Vila

Port Vila offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, from centrally located hotels like City Lodge and Central Inn to beachfront properties such as Iririki Island Resort. The Grand Hotel & Casino and The Spotsmens Hotel provide additional choices for travellers exploring Vanuatu's capital city. 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 hire options to help you explore Vanuatu at your own pace. Major providers including Avis, Hertz, and Budget operate in the city, alongside local agencies 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 exploration at Tranquillity Dive to cultural attractions like the Musée National de Vanuatu and Quartier Chinois. History enthusiasts can visit the World War Memorial, while those interested in heritage can explore the Archives Nationales et Bibliotheque Nationale de Vanuatu. 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 diverse dining scene with restaurants catering to various tastes. From Cuisina Filipino and Ice Noodles Restaurant to waterfront venues like Seaview and Le Cafe du Village, the capital provides options for both casual meals and relaxed dining experiences. 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 popular venues dotting the capital. From Club Lit and Club Vanuatu to Voodoo Bar and Nightclub, Imperial, and Planet 107, there are plenty of options for evening entertainment in this tropical destination. 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 visitors can experience local culture and hospitality. From Lava Lounge to the Seaside venues and traditional nakamals like Jif Isaac and Jifs Nakamal, there are plenty of options to enjoy a drink in the capital. 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 range of shopping options for visitors and residents alike. Local shops such as Carrie Shopping, Tanna Russet, and Uncle Bills LTD provide convenient places to browse and purchase goods in 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 region's wildlife and outdoor beauty. Parks like Parc de l'Indépendance, Seawall Park, and Parc Saralana provide opportunities to connect with nature in the heart of the capital. 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 enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The city experiences a wet season with higher rainfall and humidity, while the dry season brings more comfortable conditions. Trade winds help moderate temperatures throughout the year.

Interesting Facts About Port Vila — Weird & Wonderful

  • Port Vila is home to nearly one-sixth of Vanuatu's total population, making it the country's dominant urban centre.
  • The city is situated on Efate island, which is part of Shefa Province.
  • According to the 2020 census, Port Vila's population was 49,034 residents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Port Vila

What is the currency used in Port Vila?

Port Vila uses the Vanuatu Vatu as its official currency.

What language is spoken in Port Vila?

Multiple languages are spoken in Port Vila, including Bislama, English, and French, reflecting Vanuatu's diverse linguistic heritage.

Is Port Vila the capital of Vanuatu?

Yes, Port Vila is the capital and largest city of Vanuatu, representing about 16.3% of the country's population.

Where is Port Vila located?

Port Vila is located on Efate island in Shefa Province, in the Pacific region of Oceania.

How large is Port Vila?

Port Vila is Vanuatu's largest city, with a population of 49,034 according to the 2020 census.

Map of Port Vila

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors