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Port Moresby combines Papua New Guinea’s coastal scenery, Motu-Koita heritage, wildlife, museums and Pacific history with distinctive urban experiences.

A Pacific Capital by the Gulf

Port Moresby occupies a series of dry hills and bays on the shore of the Gulf of Papua, where the city’s urban districts meet mangrove-fringed inlets, coral reefs and open water. As the capital of Papua New Guinea, it is the country’s principal centre of government, business and international connection, yet its identity is also shaped by the Motu and Koitabu communities whose villages and traditions predate the modern city. The coastline gives Port Moresby a spacious, tropical character, with Ela Beach, Walter Bay and the seafront around the National Parliament providing important points of orientation.

Culture, History and Wildlife

Port Moresby offers a useful introduction to the country’s extraordinary cultural diversity. The National Museum and Art Gallery presents artefacts from across Papua New Guinea, while the nearby University of Papua New Guinea and local cultural institutions add an educational dimension. At Port Moresby Nature Park, native plants and animals provide an accessible glimpse of the country’s remarkable biodiversity, including species associated with the wider New Guinea region. Historic traces are found in the old administrative quarter, at Paga Hill and in the surrounding wartime landscape, while the Bomana War Cemetery commemorates those who died during the Pacific campaigns.

Exploring the City

Port Moresby is not a conventional walking city: distances between districts can be considerable, roads are busy, and visitors generally arrange transport rather than wander far from established destinations. Its appeal lies in combining coastal views, museums, markets, gardens and community history with access to the Gulf of Papua and the dramatic landscapes beyond the capital. Contemporary shopping centres and restaurants sit alongside places such as Koki Market, where craft traditions and maritime life remain visible, giving the city a layered character that is best understood through planned, locally informed exploration.

When is the best time to visit Port Moresby?

Best: July–September · 29–30°C

30° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: 24.7°C, High: 30°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 140 mm, High: 200 mm J

30° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: 24.7°C, High: 30°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 150 mm, High: 210 mm F

30° Temperature Range for MarchLow: 24.5°C, High: 30°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 160 mm, High: 220 mm M

30° Temperature Range for AprilLow: 24.3°C, High: 29.8°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 170 mm, High: 230 mm A

29° Temperature Range for MayLow: 23.7°C, High: 29.1°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 170 mm, High: 230 mm M

28° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 22.9°C, High: 28.3°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 160 mm, High: 220 mm J

Best 29° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 22.5°C, High: 28.9°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 140 mm, High: 200 mm J

Best 30° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 22.7°C, High: 29.6°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 130 mm, High: 190 mm A

Best 30° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 23.1°C, High: 29.9°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 130 mm, High: 190 mm S

30° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 23.6°C, High: 30.1°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 130 mm, High: 190 mm O

30° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: 24.2°C, High: 30.1°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 140 mm, High: 200 mm N

30° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: 24.6°C, High: 30°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 140 mm, High: 200 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January	30	170
February	30	180
March	30	190
April	30	200
May	29	200
June	28	190
July (best)	29	170
August (best)	30	160
September (best)	30	160
October	30	160
November	30	170
December	30	170

Getting to and around Port Moresby

How to get there

Jacksons International Airport, officially Port Moresby International Airport, is the country’s principal international gateway and lies in the eastern part of the capital. It handles international services and domestic connections to destinations across Papua New Guinea, although routes and schedules can change. Port Moresby is also linked by road to nearby settlements and the Central Province, but there is no passenger railway serving the city and no regular intercity coach network comparable with those in many larger countries. Travellers arriving by sea should distinguish commercial port facilities from visitor-oriented ferry services, which are limited. Organised transfers are advisable from the airport, particularly for first-time visitors.

Transportation

Port Moresby is spread across hills, bays and suburban districts, so most visitors use a pre-arranged car, hotel transfer, reputable taxi or guided vehicle rather than relying on walking between attractions. Walking can be practical within individual compounds, waterfront areas and selected commercial centres, but distances, heat, road conditions and security considerations make long urban walks unsuitable in many places. Public buses and privately operated local services exist, yet routes and operating conditions may be difficult for unfamiliar visitors to navigate. Hire cars require careful consideration of driving conditions and local advice. Travel during daylight and allow additional time for traffic.

Best attractions in Port Moresby

Port Moresby’s principal attractions reveal both the natural setting of the capital and the cultural breadth of Papua New Guinea. The National Museum and Art Gallery introduces visitors to the country’s regional art, ceremonial objects, canoes and archaeological heritage, while Port Moresby Nature Park combines botanical gardens with enclosures for native wildlife such as birds of paradise and tree kangaroos. At Koki Market, the waterfront setting and trade in crafts and seafood provide a window onto Motu-Koitabu connections with the sea, though visits are best made with local guidance. Ela Beach offers a familiar coastal landmark and views across Walter Bay, while the hilltop Parliament House presents a powerful contemporary expression of national identity. Outside the central districts, Bomana War Cemetery commemorates the Pacific War, and the Adventure Park area provides organised outdoor recreation. These sites are dispersed, making planned transport more practical than spontaneous walking.

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Best landmarks in Port Moresby

Port Moresby’s landmarks include civic buildings, memorials, religious sites and coastal places that express the capital’s layered history. Parliament House in Waigani is the city’s most recognisable modern symbol of national government, incorporating forms inspired by Papua New Guinean artistic and architectural traditions. The National Museum and Art Gallery is significant not only for its collections but also for its role in presenting the country’s cultural diversity. Ela Beach and Walter Bay form a historic coastal edge, while Paga Hill provides a prominent geographical reference above the harbour and central districts. The Catholic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is an important religious landmark in the city, and the Anglican St Martin’s Church reflects the colonial and missionary history of the capital. At Bomana, outside the built-up centre, the carefully maintained war cemetery is a solemn memorial to Allied service personnel who died in the New Guinea campaign.

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Best restaurants in Port Moresby

Port Moresby’s dining scene reflects the capital’s international population, coastal setting and connections with Papua New Guinea’s provinces. Menus at established hotels and restaurants commonly combine familiar international cooking with seafood, tropical fruit and local ingredients, while traditional foods may include root crops such as sweet potato, taro and cassava, greens, sago and fish. Kokoda, a dish of raw fish cured in citrus and mixed with coconut and vegetables, is associated with the Pacific and is widely encountered in Papua New Guinea, though preparation varies. Alongside formal restaurants, cafés and takeaway counters, markets such as Koki provide a more everyday view of local produce and food trading. Dining venues are concentrated around established commercial and hotel areas, including Waigani, Boroko and the waterfront, rather than forming one compact restaurant quarter. Hygiene, refrigeration and water practices are worth considering when choosing informal food.

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Best bars in Port Moresby

Port Moresby’s evening life is concentrated in established hotels, restaurants, private clubs and commercial districts rather than in a large, walkable nightlife quarter. Hotel bars and lounges provide the most predictable settings for drinks, conversation and occasional live entertainment, while selected restaurants and venues around Waigani, Boroko and the waterfront host social evenings. Organised cultural performances, music events and community programmes can offer a more locally grounded alternative to clubbing, although schedules are changeable. Night-time movement requires more planning than in many tourist capitals: use pre-arranged transport, remain with companions and follow current advice from accommodation staff. Visitors should also respect local expectations around public behaviour and alcohol, avoiding visibly intoxicated conduct and isolated streets after dark. The result is an evening scene that is social but comparatively contained, with safety and logistics shaping the experience.

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Best nightclubs in Port Moresby

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Best shops in Port Moresby

Shopping in Port Moresby ranges from modern commercial centres to markets where craft, food and everyday goods are traded. Vision City Mega Mall in Waigani is one of the capital’s principal contemporary retail complexes, while Boroko and other established commercial areas combine shops, services and cafés. Koki Market offers a more distinctive waterfront experience, with local produce, seafood and handicrafts, although visitors should take advice on timing and security. Craft shopping can include woven bilums, carved objects, shell jewellery and other products whose styles vary between Papua New Guinea’s many cultural regions; buyers should ask about provenance and avoid purchasing protected wildlife products or archaeological material. Supermarkets and shopping centres are useful for practical supplies, whereas markets provide a closer connection with local commerce. Prices, stock and opening patterns can change, so independent traders and smaller stalls should be approached with patience and respectful bargaining.

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Port Moresby essentials

Currency and Payment

Papua New Guinea uses the kina, abbreviated PGK. Cards are accepted by many established hotels, larger shops, restaurants and commercial centres in Port Moresby, while smaller traders, markets and informal services generally require cash. ATMs are available in the city, particularly around banks and major shopping centres, but international visitors should not rely on a single machine or assume uninterrupted service. Carry modest amounts of kina securely for everyday purchases and retain receipts for larger transactions. Foreign currency exchange is available through banks and authorised providers; avoid informal exchange arrangements and check current charges with the card issuer or bank.

Safety

Visitors should take a planned, locally informed approach to personal safety in Port Moresby. Use reputable accommodation, registered or pre-arranged transport and established shopping and sightseeing venues, and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas, especially after dark. Keep phones, cameras and cash discreet, secure bags in vehicles and remain alert in crowded public places. Local security advice can change between districts, so hotel staff, tour providers or trusted local contacts are useful sources of current guidance. Do not stray from organised routes near informal settlements or isolated coastal areas, and treat beach and sea conditions with care.

Emergency Situations

Papua New Guinea commonly uses 111 for ambulance services, 112 for police and 110 for fire, although international visitors should confirm the numbers and procedures with their accommodation on arrival because access and response arrangements can vary. In an emergency, give a clear location, landmark and contact number, and ask hotel or tour staff to assist with communication where necessary. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly advisable, as complex treatment may require transfer to another facility or country. Keep copies of passport, insurance and essential medical information separately from the originals.

Do's and Don'ts

Dress modestly away from resort-style or hotel settings, and ask permission before photographing people, homes, villages, ceremonies or cultural objects. Follow instructions at museums, memorials, churches and community sites, and never handle artefacts without permission. Tipping is not generally governed by a universal rule, though a modest gratuity may be appreciated for good service when appropriate. Avoid displaying large amounts of money, discussing sensitive political or tribal matters casually, or assuming that customs are identical across Papua New Guinea’s many cultural groups. At markets, bargain courteously only where it is clearly customary and pay agreed prices promptly.

Local Tips

Use the central waterfront and Ela Beach as orientation points, then plan separate outings to the National Museum, Port Moresby Nature Park, Koki and the Parliament area rather than attempting to cover the city on foot. Koki and other markets offer insight into local craft and seafood trading, but conditions and opening patterns can vary, so confirm arrangements locally. The dry season is often more comfortable for outdoor sightseeing, while tropical showers can still occur. Build flexibility into every itinerary: traffic, security procedures, weather and changes to domestic travel can affect plans more than distances on a map suggest.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Gutpela dei	[goot-peh-lah day]
Goodbye	Gutbai	[goot-bye]
Yes	Yes	[yes]
No	Nogat	[noh-gaht]
Please/You're welcome	Plis	[plees]
Thank you	Tangkyu	[tang-kyoo]
Excuse me/Sorry	Sori	[soh-ree]
How are you?	Yu stap gutpela?	[yoo stap goot-peh-lah]
Fine. And you?	Mi stap gutpela. Na yu?	[mee stap goot-peh-lah. nah yoo]
Do you speak English?	Yu save toktok long Inglish?	[yoo sah-veh tohk-tohk long in-gleesh]
I don't understand	Mi nogat save	[mee noh-gaht sah-veh]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	Mi laik lukim menu, plis	[mee like look-eem meh-noo, plees]
I don't eat meat	Mi nogat kaik kaukau	[mee noh-gaht kah-ee kow-kow]
Cheers!	Cheeeers!	[chee-eeers]
I would like to pay, please	Mi laik baim, plis	[mee like bah-eem, plees]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	Help!	[help]
Go away!	Go long we!	[go long way]
Call the Police!	Kolim Polis!	[koh-leem poh-lees]
Call a doctor!	Kolim dokta!	[koh-leem dohk-tah]
I'm lost	Mi lusim rot	[mee loo-seem roht]
I'm ill	Mi sik	[mee seek]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	Mi laik baim...	[mee like bah-eem]
I'm just looking	Mi tasol lukim	[mee tah-sol look-eem]
How much is it?	Em inap long moni?	[ehm ee-nahp long moh-nee]
That's too expensive	Em tru long moni	[ehm troo long moh-nee]
Can you lower the price?	Yu inap kisim daun moni?	[yoo ee-nahp kee-seem daun moh-nee]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	Em taim nau?	[ehm tah-eem now]
It's one o'clock	Em iwan o'klok	[ehm ee-wahn oh-klok]
Half past (10)	Haf pasten	[hahf pahs-tehn]
Morning	Monin	[moh-neen]
Afternoon	Apinun	[ah-pee-noon]
Evening	Evenin	[ee-veh-neen]
Yesterday	Dei las	[day lahs]
Today	Dei nau	[day now]
Tomorrow	Dei bihain	[day bee-hine]
1	Wan	[wahn]
2	Tu	[too]
3	Tri	[tree]
4	Fo	[foh]
5	Faiv	[fah-eve]
6	Sikis	[see-kees]
7	Seven	[seh-vehn]
8	Eit	[ate]
9	Nain	[nine]
10	Ten	[tehn]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	Em i stap long...	[ehm ee stap long]
What's the address?	Wanem address?	[wah-nehm address]
Can you show me (on the map)?	Yu inap soim mi (long map)?	[yoo ee-nahp soy-mee mee long map]
When's the next (bus)?	Wanem taim bus inap kam?	[wah-nehm tah-eem bus ee-nahp kahm]
A ticket (to ....)	Wan tiket (long ....)	[wah-n tee-keht long]

History of Port Moresby

Motu and Koitabu Foundations

The Port Moresby area is the traditional home of Motu and Koitabu communities, whose settlements and maritime culture developed around the shores and inland plains of the Gulf of Papua. Motu people were known for the hiri, a long-distance trading voyage in large sailing canoes that connected coastal communities with the Gulf’s western shores. Trade in pottery and sago helped establish networks across the region, while villages, gardens and mangrove waterways shaped local life. These traditions remain important to the cultural identity of the capital, even though modern development has transformed much of the coast and hinterland.

British New Guinea and Port Moresby

A permanent colonial settlement was established at Port Moresby in 1873 by Captain John Moresby, who named the harbour after his father, Admiral Fairfax Moresby. The area became part of the British protectorate of New Guinea in 1884 and was later administered through the territory of Papua. Government offices, a port, churches and commercial buildings gradually formed the core of the emerging town. Colonial administration brought new systems of land control, labour and education, but it operated within and often disrupted the established societies of the Motu and Koitabu peoples.

Australian Administration and Urban Growth

In 1906, Papua became an Australian external territory, and Port Moresby developed as its administrative capital. Roads, public buildings and communications expanded during the twentieth century, while migration from other parts of Papua and New Guinea increased the town’s social diversity. The city’s dry coastal climate and hilltop setting influenced its spread, with government and residential districts extending beyond the original waterfront. In 1949, Papua and the former mandated territory of New Guinea were placed under a single Australian administration, creating the territorial framework that preceded the independent state.

War in the Pacific

Port Moresby became a major Allied base during the Second World War because of its position on the approaches to northern Australia and the New Guinea front. Japanese forces sought to isolate the city in 1942, but the advance was halted during the Kokoda campaign and the Battle of the Coral Sea. Airfields, hospitals, supply facilities and military roads altered the city and its surroundings, while Papua New Guinean carriers and labourers played a crucial, often under-recognised role in supporting Allied operations. Bomana War Cemetery, outside the central city, is a lasting memorial to the campaign.

Toward Independence

After the war, Port Moresby resumed its role as the administrative and political centre of the territory. Education, public services and urban infrastructure expanded, although development remained uneven and colonial inequalities persisted. Constitutional change gathered pace in the 1960s and early 1970s, with Papua New Guinean political leadership becoming increasingly prominent. Papua New Guinea achieved self-government in 1973 and independence from Australia on 16 September 1975, with Port Moresby becoming the capital of the new nation. The city’s government precinct and Parliament House are closely associated with this transition.

The Contemporary Capital

Since independence, Port Moresby has grown as the centre of national government, commerce, education and international diplomacy. Expansion has brought new suburbs, offices, shopping centres and transport demands, alongside continuing challenges involving housing, infrastructure, inequality and public safety. The capital also hosts people from every province, making it one of Papua New Guinea’s most culturally varied urban spaces. Contemporary Port Moresby is therefore both a national administrative hub and a meeting place where Motu-Koitabu heritage, colonial and wartime history, and the country’s modern aspirations intersect.

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Free Port Moresby Travel Guide & Mobile App

A Pacific Capital by the Gulf

Culture, History and Wildlife

Exploring the City

When is the best time to visit Port Moresby?

Getting to and around Port Moresby

How to get there

Transportation

Best attractions in Port Moresby

Remembrance Park

Coronation Park Port Moresby

Lahara Park

syo parkplace

Best landmarks in Port Moresby

Vision City Mega Mall

Port Moresby Nature Park

Jacksons Airport. -Port Moresby

Sir John Guise Stadium

Explore Port Moresby on the map

Best hotels in Port Moresby

Best restaurants in Port Moresby

Dynasty Seafood Restaurant

Daikoku Japanese Steak House

Edge Cafe Port Moresby

Fu Gui

Best bars in Port Moresby

Jackson's Bar Restaurant & Gaming

Alibi Bar & Grill

Port Terrace Restaurant & Bar

Ozzie’s Bar

Best nightclubs in Port Moresby

The Gold Club

Club Illusion PNG

BlackOut Night Club

Club Regal

Best shops in Port Moresby

Stop N Shop Harbour City

Jack's of PNG

Unity Mall & Supermarket

Cool Stuf Ltd / Smart Shopper Ltd