Port Moresby

Pot Moresby

The capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea, serving as the gateway and cultural heart of the country. Home to the National Museum, Parliament House, and excellent dining and accommodation options reflecting PNG's diverse heritage.

Things to do

• National Museum & Art Gallery — Explore Papua New Guinea's most comprehensive collection of indigenous artifacts, traditional masks, and contemporary Pacific art housed in a striking modernist building.
• Parliament House — Tour the iconic building overlooking Waigani with its distinctive design inspired by traditional PNG architecture and views across the city.
• Bomana War Cemetery — Visit this solemn memorial to over 3,700 Commonwealth soldiers who died in the Pacific campaign during World War II, set in carefully maintained gardens.
• Varirata National Park — Hike through rainforest trails offering panoramic views of Port Moresby and opportunities to spot native birds and butterflies just 40 minutes from the city center.
• PNG National Botanic Gardens — Wander through landscaped gardens featuring native orchids, palms, and tropical plants with walking paths that provide peaceful respite from the city.
• Ela Beach — Relax at Port Moresby's most popular beach offering swimming, water sports, and seafood restaurants with ocean views.

Food to try

• Mumu — A traditional earth oven feast featuring slow-cooked pork, chicken, or fish layered with taro, yams, and vegetables wrapped in banana leaves.
• Sago and Fish — A staple combination pairing starchy sago palm preparation with freshly caught local fish, often served grilled or in coconut broth.
• Buai (Betel Nut) — A stimulating nut preparation wrapped in pepper leaf and lime, deeply embedded in PNG culture and widely available at markets, though habit-forming.
• Kokoda — Diced raw fish or seafood marinated in coconut milk, lime juice, and chili peppers, a refreshing dish available at beachside restaurants.
• Taro and Coconut — Starchy taro root boiled and served in rich coconut cream sauce, a comforting staple at local establishments and family restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Tok Pisin greeting — Learning basic greetings in Tok Pisin, such as 'Gutpela moning' (good morning), shows respect and is appreciated by locals despite English being widely spoken.
• Avoid displays of wealth — Keep jewelry, cameras, and valuables discreet or concealed as petty theft occurs in crowded areas; exercise particular caution after dark and in informal settlements.
• Dress modestly and appropriately — Wear long pants and covered shoulders, especially when visiting cultural sites or local communities, as revealing clothing may be considered disrespectful.
• Understand tribal diversity — Port Moresby is home to numerous ethnic groups and language speakers; locals take pride in their individual clan and provincial heritage, so avoid generalizing about PNG culture.

Nearby

• Village Craft Market (Central) — 1 km
• Freedom Square (Central) — 1 km
• Papua New Guinea National Museum (Central) — 1 km
• Hanuabada Village (National Capital District) — 1 km