21 BEST Things to do in Nadi, Fiji

1. Visit Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple

This temple is so neat and it’s located right in Nadi.

Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple in Nadi is the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere, and it’s just gorgeous! It is very colorful and the paintings on the roof on the inside are incredible. It’s definitely one of the most unique things to do in Nadi that I would personally recommend.

This temple is one of the many Hindu temples in Fiji. In fact, Hinduism is the second most popular religion in Fuji due to all of the immigrants from India. By visiting the temple, you’ll get to experience a small part of this culture for yourself.

The temple costs $5 FJD for the entry fee and enforces a strict dress code. Women must have their knees covered, but don’t worry if you’re wearing shorts as they will provide a shawl you can tie around your waist (this is what happened when I visited.) You’ll be asked to remove your shoes to visit the temple and to only take photos outside of the temple. However, you are allowed to enter the inside of the temple – just no pictures.

Me and my mom and the temple.

You can explore the entire temple in only 20 minutes or so, but it is beautiful and you’ll want to take some photos, so allow a little more time.

Many day tours of Nadi include a visit to this temple as well as stops at many of the other attractions in Nadi. But if you want, you can simply hire a taxi driver to take you directly from your hotel. It is only a 10-minute drive from Wailoaloa Beach or 15 minutes from Port Denarau.

2. Visit the Fiji Culture Village

Posing with the village “chief” at the Fiji Culture Village.

There is simply no point in visiting a new country unless you try to learn about their culture. From Nadi, you can easily visit villages or go on a cultural tour.

I went on an evening cultural night tour to the Fiji Culture Village where I learned all about village life. I also watched traditional dancing (including fire dancers), tried Kava, ate a Lovo meal – and if you don’t know what these things are then you really should go for yourself!

The experience starts with a tour around a traditional Fijian village where you’ll learn all about traditional ways of life. We saw somebody make fire by rubbing sticks together, met the village “chief, learned how to basketweave, and so much more. It was super educational, but also super fun and even the children in our tour group seemed to enjoy it.

After the village tour we watched our dinner be prepared from the “earth oven” – a traditional way of cooking food here in Fiji called a “Lovo.” Then, it was time to eat!

The dinner consisted of a huge buffet with fish, chicken, beef, and pretty all of the sides you can imagine! It honestly was really great food, I was impressed and so was my mom (who is not usually easily impressed when it comes to food.)

After dishing out our food, we ate it while watching a dinner show. There were singers, dancers, a Kava ceremony, and even fire dancers! The show was interactive and I even ended up getting on stage to learn some Fijian dance moves.

The fire dancers were very talented.

The entire experience lasted about 4 hours. The Fiji Culture Village and includes hotel pick up and drop off for both Nadi and Denarau hotels.

There is so much to learn about the way people of Fiji once lived and the way they live today. It’s also great to watch traditional dances and listen to songs. But for me, the highlight of experiencing a new culture is trying new food!

I highly recommend the evening cultural tour at the Fiji Culture Village, it’s an entertaining and fun night out!

Note: The Fiji Culture Village is not a real Fijian Village where people live – it is a presentation for entertainment and educational purposes. If you want to experience a true Fijian Village you can join this tour instead. However, it is still a really fun experience and I honestly learned a lot. I would totally do it again.

For more information, check out my blog all about my experience at the Fiji Culture Village!

3. Buy all of your souvenirs

Nadi is the cheapest and best place to do any shopping!

The main street in Nadi has tons of shopping! Here you can load up on souvenirs or just do some shopping for new clothing. “Bula shirts” are Fijian-style “Hawaiian shirts” and they are typical souvenirs that tourists buy. Plus, they are nice shirts and cheap!

I picked up 2 gorgeous flower-print sarongs for $20 FJD!

The Nadi Handicraft Market is another excellent place to stock up on souvenirs. Although most of the huts sell similar items, it is a good place to find a deal and buy a few things to bring back with you.

If you’re heading out to another area in Fiji such as an island or the Pacific Coast, it is best to do all of your shopping in Nadi as it will be much cheaper!

4. Walk the Garden of the Sleeping Giant

The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is one of the best things to do in Nadi!

The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is a beautiful orchid garden just on the outskirts of Nadi. This garden has tons of different orchids on display along with many other flowers and trees.

You’ll walk along a path through all the flowers until you reach a lily pond. Here, you’ll be sure to be entertained by the dozens of frogs hopping about. If you continue further, you can wander the trails through the native trees and around the property a bit.

Can you spot all of the frogs?!

It’s a serene garden and a nice way to relax in Fiji that is different than the beach!

Entrance to the Sleeping Giant Garden is $17 FJD and it includes a fresh fruit juice at the end. You could explore the garden in 30 minutes if you wanted, or take hours – it is totally up to you! I spent about an hour there in total and to me, that was enough.

The reason this garden is called the “Sleeping Giant” is because of the mountain behind it. If you look at the mountain from the right angle, it looks like a giant laying down sleeping!

For those looking for a challenging hike, you can actually climb this mountain. It takes about 5 hours (return) to climb and offers incredible panoramic views.

Just like the temple, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant is often included on day tours of Nadi, but you can also just hire a taxi to take you. From Nadi Airport, the garden is only about a 20-minute drive.

Tip* If you are you going to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, only a two-minute drive down the road is the mud baths (more on them below!) If you hire a driver, ask them to take you here as well!

5. Spend an Afternoon at Port Denarau/Denarau Island

There are lots of tasty restaurants in Port Denarau offering a marina view!

Only a few minutes from Nadi is Denarau Island, an area with fancy hotels and plenty of honeymoon resorts. It’s where the ferries to the islands leave from. Right at the port here, there are lots of shops and restaurants to have a look at.

I recommend having lunch at Port Denarau as the view of the harbor is simply gorgeous. These restaurants are known to be pricey, but I found lots of lunch deals as well as midday deals on drinks that were very reasonable.

Choose a restaurant on the waterfront and enjoy your meal with a view!

For dinner, this could be a great spot to enjoy the sunset near Nadi.

6. Go on an Island Day Trip

South Sea Island is a popular day trip from Nadi.

While in Fiji, you need to visit at least one tiny remote island! Sure, the main island of Viti Levu where Nadi is located is technically an island too, but I’m talking about a tiny island with no roads – just white sandy beaches and crystal clear water.

Many people choose to spend a few nights on one of these tiny islands in Fiji, however, that is very pricey. So if you’re on a budget, the best alternative is to stay in Nadi and take a day trip out to an island!

From Nadi, there are various different tours to different islands. The most popular are South Sea Island (pictured above), Robinson Crusoe, and Malamala Beach Club.

I went on the South Sea Island tour from Nadi and had a blast. It was great to get away and relax for the day on the beach!

Expect to pay between $100-$250 FJD for an island day trip from Nadi. The price range is so large due to the distance of the island, if lunch is included, if alcohol is included, and if other activities such as snorkeling are included.

7. Cruise and Snorkel Day Trip

When you’re in Fiji you just have to go snorkeling at least once!

If a day trip out to an island doesn’t sound too exciting, then maybe a full day of cruising would suit you better! Instead of simply visiting just one island, there are plenty of day trips from Nadi that take you out cruising from one island to the next with stops for snorkeling in between.

This day trip is better suited to those who want to snorkel and explore. However, it is less desirable for anyone who gets seasick and doesn’t want to spend a full day on a boat.

Most cruise and snorkel day trips depart from Port Denarau (only a few minutes from Nadi), but some will even pick you up from your hotel in and around Nadi. A day trip from Nadi to the Mamanuca Islands on this sailboat is very popular. Visiting the Yasawa Islands is also popular, but more commonly done on overnight cruises due to the longer distance from Viti Levu.

Heading out to one (or multiple) islands and enjoying island life is definitely one of the best things to do from Nadi, especially since it’s super easy and accessible to book. Leaving Nadi is the only way to experience the most beautiful beaches Fiji has to offer.

Want more time exploring the islands? Book a multi-day cruise! Yhere isthis one particular 3-night cruise that although costs $900 USD, includes 4 days of cruising and activities, all of your meals, and accommodation right on the boat.

8. Go skydiving

Just look at the view! Photo Credit: Skydive Fiji

The thing I love most about skydiving is that it is a scenic flight experience and thrill activity all in one! I’ve been skydiving twice in my life, and Daniel actually solo skydives as a hobby – so we are big advocates of skydiving.

Skydiving is one of the most exciting adventure activities you can do in Nadi.

The truth is, if you’ve never been skydiving before then maybe it is time you do so! Sure, it sounds scary, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s totally worth it!

Skydiving in Fiji isn’t cheap though and you can expect to pay over $200 USD for a jump. You can choose between a 13,000 ft drop and a 14,000 ft drop, with the latter being the most expensive. The plane departs from Nadi, so this is another great activity if you’re staying in and around Nadi and Denarau.

9. Drink and Chill at Wailoaloa Beach

This is the best in Nadi where you can find plenty of lively restaurants and bars.

Wailoaloa Beach is one of the nicest beaches in Nadi. Here, there are many small hotels and restaurants stretched out along the beach. I actually stayed at the Smugglers Cove right on Wailoaloa Beach and loved it (a really nice affordable hotel) so I spent a lot of time in the area.

One thing I enjoyed about this beach was how vibrant it was. Every night of the week one of the restaurants would be offering some sort of show or entertainment. There were also plenty of meal and drink specials. It was a place to enjoy the sun during the day by a hotel pool or in the ocean, and a place to socialize and drink in the evening.

Personally, I think Wailoaloa Beach is the best place to stay in Nadi, and at the bottom of this blog, I’ve recommended a few great hotels located there.

Hot Tip: If you’re on a tight budget in Fiji, Wailoaloa is an area with plenty of affordable hotels and even a hostel! Check out my blog about budget-saving tips in Fiji for more ways to save some money on your trip.

10. Enjoy Happy Hour Cocktails from a Rooftop Bar

Me, enjoying the sunset from Club 57 & Bistro

This is one of those hidden gems in Nadi, Fiji that I just happened to stumble on when I was there last.

While you’re at Wailoaloa Beach, don’t just enjoy the view from the ground level, you can actually visit a rooftop bar on top of the Ramada hotel that is actually open to the public! Club 57 & Bistro offers some of the best views in all of Nadi.

From this rooftop bar, you’ll have the best seat in the house during sunset. You’ll get to see the entire coastline. And the best part? They have a daily happy hour right when the sunsets – bonus!

This bar also serves some food and hosts live music or other special events from time to time.

Hot Tip: The Ramada is a beautiful hotel and somewhere you should consider for a stay in Nadi. Check prices and availability here.

11. Visit Natadola Beach

Natadola Beach, Fiji

Natadola Beach is known as the nicest beach on all of Viti Levu. In fact, many people say it is nicer than any of the beaches on the remote islands too! It is huge, has pristine white sand, and the water is crystal clear. It is definitely one of the best beaches to visit while you’re in Fiji!

Natadola is located about an hour’s drive from Nadi. For this reason, it is very easy to visit on a day trip with a taxi or even rent a car and drive yourself.

Natadola Beach is free to visit. However, if you want a lounge chair and umbrella, you’ll have to negotiate a price with a vendor or buy something from one of the beachside restaurants.

Note: It is a beautiful beach, but do be warned, it is busy and lots of vendors walk up and down trying to sell things.

12. Relax at the Sabeto Mud Pool and Hot Springs

Mud Pool and hot springs are the most popular attraction in Nadi, Fiji!

If you’ve done any research about Fiji at all you’ve probably come across the Sabeto Mud Pool and Hot Springs – it’s easily one of the most popular things to do in Nadi (and likely in all of Fiji!) Here, tourists cover themselves in natural mud before washing off and relaxing in the hot springs.

The mud actually does make your skin feel really soft! And then relaxing in the hot springs afterward is perfect.

The mud pools are located right next to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. In fact, you can enjoy views of the Sleeping Giant mountain right from the pools! Lots of multi-day tours of Nadi visit both the Garden of the Sleeping Giant and Mud pools one after the other. Otherwise, you can just get a taxi there and pay the $15 FJD entrance fee if you don’t want to visit on a tour.

13. Visit Kula Eco Park

The Kula Adventure Park is also a wildlife sanctuary.

This is one activity that I highly recommend for families in Nadi. Kula Adventure Park offers all sorts of activities to keep the little ones entertained. Now, I’m going to be honest, I didn’t go. Adventure Parks aren’t usually my thing, so I skipped it this time. But I’ve heard from lots of people with kids that it is a great way to spend a day while in Fiji and it is sure to tire the kids out.

At Kula Adventure Park there are waterslides, canopy adventures including ziplining and parks, walking trails and canopy walks, as well as interactive animal experiences. Yup, they have it all!

Kula Adventure Park’s fees change depending on what activities and experiences you want to have. You can also purchase an experience that includes transport from Nadi and Denarau hotels as well as a local village tour! You’ll also get to experience a Kava ceremony (more info on that next in this blog.)

14. Attend a Kava Ceremony

Me, at a Kava ceremony offered by a hotel in Nadi, Fiji.

Kava is a muddy-looking drink that is very traditional to drink in Fiji. It is made from the root of the Kava plant and ground up and mixed with cold water. In villages, it is still very common to drink, but for tourists, attending a Kava ceremony is a must-do activity in Fiji!

Do beware, Kava acts like alcohol in the sense that it is a depressant and will make anybody who drinks enough feel very relaxed or even “high.” Traditionally in Fiji, Kava was drunk instead of alcohol at celebrations.

I tried Kava a few different times while I was in Fiji. Often, hotels offer traditional Kava ceremonies once or twice a week. The Fiji Culture Village also does a Kava ceremony. Although I had fair few sips each time, I did not really feel any effects of it. I do think you need to drink quite a lot to get that “high” feeling they talk about.

Kava quite literally tastes like muddy water. Although that doesn’t sound overly appealing, the actual traditional ceremony is really the fun of it all. You must clap before and after drinking the Kava and receiving it from the chief.

Trust me, it’s a worthwhile experience while you’re in Nadi!

15. Go an on ATV/Quad Tour

woohoo!!!!

Riding an ATV is one of those activities that is often overlooked by travelers in Fiji. From Nadi, you can join a highly-rated ATV tour!

The best thing about ATV tours from Nadi is that they are an adrenaline-filled activity, but also very scenic. You’ll ride through the gorgeous jungle and up into the hills where you’ll get stunning views of the ocean and surrounding islands.

ATV tours in Nadi aren’t cheap though and you can expect to pay upwards of $150 USD per person. With that said, lots of people say it is a highlight of their trip in Fiji!

16. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise

Just look at that gorgeous sunset!

Like I was saying before, Nadi is very close to Port Denarau which makes it the perfect place for jumping on a boat tour for a couple of hours. To me, one of the best boat tours from Nadi is a sunset dinner cruise.

Not only are these cruises super affordable considering they include dinner, but they are a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours in the evening. If you’re visiting Fiji for your honeymoon, then this is the perfect romantic activity!

Oftentimes in Fiji, your days will be full of beaches and activities, and then you’ll have nothing to do at night. This sunset cruise is the perfect thing to do in Nadi as the sun starts to go down!

It is the best seat in the house to enjoy a beautiful sunset!

17. Visit the Nadi Produce Market

Look at that fresh fruit!

In Nadi, there is a huge fruit and vegetable market – the Nadi Produce Market! You can go here to have a look around and even buy some fruit to have as a snack!

The largest fruit and vegetable market in Nadi can be found on Google maps. It is in central Nadi and easy to visit if you’re staying in Nadi by taxi.

Even if you don’t plan on buying much, it’s a vibrant and exciting place to visit in Nadi. You’ll be able to speak to the locals and see where they often shop.

18. Go River Tubing

River tubing is easily one of the best, and most adventurous, things to do in Fiji! Photo Credit: River Tubing Fiji

Fiji isn’t all about the ocean, in fact, there are plenty of rivers around too! From Nadi, you can choose from a range of river adventures to get the adrenaline pumping.

One of the most popular activities in Nadi is river-tubing. On the Navua River, you can join a tour that will have you floating down the river in a tube. This particular tour also includes hotel pick-up, lunch, and a village visit! It’s one of the most popular tours from Nadi since it includes so many unique experiences.

19. Go ziplining

Nadi is the epicenter for adventure activities in Fiji!

Haven’t had enough of an adrenaline rush yet? Well then, it’s time for ziplining through the Fijian jungle!

Not far from Nadi is a pretty crazy zipline experience. This particular zipline experience includes 16 different ziplines that stretch over 3 miles! The entire experience lasts for a couple of hours and includes a cave visit. Hotel pick-up and drop-off is also included.

It’s a really exciting half-day activity and easily one of the best things to do in Nadi for adventure lovers.

20. Go Fishing

Me, catching a fish when I went on a deep-sea charter in Australia (I didn’t get the chance to go in Fiji this time around.)

Deep-sea and game fishing is another unique experience you can have in Fiji. With the right gear and guide, you can catch some seriously big (and impressive) fish!

Some of the fish you might just get lucky enough to catch include marlin, mahi-mahi, tuna, walu, and more. Some of the fish are catch and release, while others you can actually take home with you and ask your hotel to cook up!

From Nadi, you can join this private fishing charter, You can choose between half and full-day options.

21. Drink Fresh Coconuts

Buying fresh coconut water on the roadside in Nadi!

Coconuts are everywhere in Fiji! Therefore, they are cheap and easy to buy. I drank a ton of fresh coconut juice while in Fiji. Not only is it delicious, but it’s hydrating too which saved me on some of the hottest and most humid days.

You can buy fresh coconut juice pretty much anywhere. From restaurants, hotels, vendors on the side of the road, markets, or even at the beach. Expect to only pay a couple of dollars. For the freshest coconuts, they will cut into them right in front of you, and then just stick a straw in and you’re good to go!

Related Read: If you love visiting cities when you travel, be sure to make the trip to Fiji’s capital city, Suva! There are lots of interesting things to do in Suva that are worth checking out.

Where to Stay in Nadi, Fiji

The ocean view from our room at Smugglers Cove hotel at Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi.

If you truly want to experience all of the best things to do in Nadi then you’re going to need a couple of days. So, I recommend booking a hotel in Nadi for a least 2-3 nights and exploring all this vibrant city has to offer!

Here are some great options for where to stay in Nadi to suit all different budgets:

Bamboo Backpackers – Low Budget

This is one of the only backpacker hostels in Fiji, and as such, it is often very busy and full of people to meet. You can get a dorm for very cheap or even a budget private room. Don’t expect anything fancy though, or even air conditioning for that matter. But do expect a social atmosphere with cheap drinks. It is also right on Wailoaloa Beach which to me, it’s the perfect location!

You can check prices and book Bamboo Backpackers on Booking.com or Hostelworld.

Smugglers Cove – Mid-range Budget

Smugglers Cove is where I stayed and it was clean, comfortable, and had everything you’d expect from a value hotel. Some rooms are pricier than others offering ocean views, while you can also get a dorm bed for very cheap. They have a nice clean pool, a delicious restaurant, and beautiful cocktails. This is a great option if you’re budget-conscious but still want a comfortable stay.

Ramada – Luxury

I heard so many great things about the Ramada on Wailoaloa Beach, but couldn’t bring myself to spend the money. I did, however, visit the rooftop bar and enjoy the incredible views. They have gorgeous pools, restaurants, and some very luxurious (and expensive!) rooms to offer. It is the perfect place to stay in Nadi if you want a relaxing stay with all the bells and whistles.

For our favorite hotels in Fiji, check out our blog that is a complete guide to where to stay in Fiji! It has details about all of the different areas to stay as well as the best hotels!

Before you go…

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy Nadi, Fiji as much as I did!

There are so many things to do in Nadi, Fiji you’re guaranteed to have a good time! If I forgot anything that you recommend to do in Nadi, be sure to tell me in the comments!

Don’t forget to check out all of our blogs about Fiji, there are a ton of guides and useful tips (such as Fiji budget-saving tips!)

-Bailey