12 BEST Things To Do In Nadi, Fiji
Nadi, Fiji is the location of the largest airport for international travel in Fiji, meaning many travelers begin their Fiji travel adventures in Nadi before heading to their beautiful resorts or one of Fiji’s 300 islands. While Nadi may not be your final destination, it is a wonderful place to have some fun for a day or two!
Why Nadi?
Nadi is located on Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu. Nadi is home to the island’s main international airport, meaning that many people begin their Fiji adventure in Nadi! Nadi itself is a great location to visit with many resorts nearby, great food, kind locals, and unique experiences. Take a look at a few of the best things to do in Nadi to make great memories on your Fiji Vacation.
Things To Do in Nadi
Walk the Garden of the Sleeping Giant
The Garden of The Sleeping Giant gets its name from the mountain that, from a distance, looks like it has the outline of a sleeping giant! The garden itself is a large property with incredible landscaping. The gardens are the handiwork of Richard Burr, an American author, who had a love for Orchids. This garden was originally his private collection that he chose to open to the public. The gardens have over 2000 varieties of orchids! Throughout the gardens are pathways that take you through different scenes including a rainforest, a lily pond, a swing area, and even a lookout point (for a more strenuous walk). End your peaceful loop back at the pavilion by resting in the chairs and cooling off with a delicious tropical fruit drink, included in your price of admission!
Pro Tip: Bring your bug spray! This area is gets very humid but is largely shaded (with the exception being the lookout path). They do offer umbrellas that you can use throughout your walk to help with the shading.
Take A Mud Bath at Sabeto Hot Springs
Just up the (dirt) road from the Garden of the Sleeping Giant are the Sabeto Hot Springs! The beautiful grounds include a changing area and a kind Fijian guide to walk you through mud bath and the 5 different pools. Begin with slathering warm mud all over your body. They say this mud includes antibiotic properties and other minerals beneficial to skin – you will leave feeling younger AND looking younger! 😉 After letting the mud dry you will enter into the first hot pool to rinse it off. There are a total of 5 pools to go through, and you can stay in each as long as you’d like (or bear!).
While the water was relaxing, but we couldn’t stay in the pools for very long since it was a hot day! At the end you can pay extra to add in a massage to make this the ultimate relaxing spa-like experience in nature!
Pro tip: Don’t wear your favorite swimsuit in case it gets a little stained from the mud – dark colored swimsuits are the safest!
Buy Fresh, Local Fruit From the Namaka Market
The Namaka Market is located in the heart of Nadi in a large open-air building lined with tables of fresh, local items: fruit, vegetables, herbs, some baked goods, and even some seafood items! The store owners are so friendly and helpful as you look for the best items that ripen at the time you are looking for. Check out the bananas for easy snacks as you explore the rest of the island!
Pro Tip: Make sure to bring cash!
Buy Some Souvenirs From The Handicraft Market
The Handicraft Market in Nadi is just down the street from the Namaka Market, so it is easy to visit both right after another. The Handicraft Market has booths of items that make wonderful souvenirs! If you are looking for something special to bring home as memorabilia or for loved ones, this is your one-stop-shop to buy them!
Pro Tip: Try out a little negotiating with the shop owners to get the best price!
Visit The Beautiful Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple
You can’t miss this colorful Hindu temple in the center of Nadi! Not far from the Handicraft Market and Namaka Market, this is a quick stop to see more of another dominant culture in Fiji! There is a small admission fee to enter, and a guide will show you the grounds and share some information about the temple and religion. You can take pictures outside the temple, but pictures are not allowed on the inside which is filled with beautiful artwork! The temple itself is small so you won’t need to spend much time here.
Pro Tip: Wear modest clothing to enter the temple. If you are not wearing clothing that goes below the knee they will provide you a sarong to wear!
Walk The Streets and Visit Some Shops
While you are in Nadi it is fun to walk the streets and check out the stores. Along the way you might find some fun restaurants or shops to stop at!
Pro Tip: The Fijian people are very friendly! Don’t be afraid to say hi to people you pass on the street!
Head to Port Denarau For Some Fun and Food
Port Denarau is a small island that was made (literally – it is a man-made island) with tourism in mind! However, don’t let “island” fool you; Port Denarau is easily accessible by car vai causeway and only 15 minutes from Nadi Airport. The entire area is upscale with nice accommodations, a golf course, a shopping center, and some incredible restaurants.
At Port Denarau also has a marina where many of the tours and ferries dock. Head to the Marina to find a fun day trip to the nearby islands!
Pro Tip: Finding food around Nadi can be a little difficult. Port Denarau is the easiest place to find a variety of food options in one location. Be prepared to pay for parking with cash!
Play a Round of Golf At Port Denarau
Denarau Golf and Raquet Club has a beautiful golf course that caters to all skill levels! This is a great activity that allows you to enjoy the Fijian sun and weather away from the “normal” activities.
Pro Tip: Not an experienced golfer? Join one of their golf classes! The Golf Club has clubs to rent so you don’t need to worry about packing your own.
Take a Guided Tour
There are a variety of great tours and excursions in Nadi and around Nadi! Many tours offer day trips to the nearby Mamanuca Islands for excursions.
Other tours offer a combination pass to go to the mud baths, Garden of the Sleeping Giant, Markets, and Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple. These are great especially if you are not renting a car in Nadi.
You should also keep an eye out for village tours. These tours give you more of a view into the history and current culture/lifestyle of Fijians on the island!
Pro Tip: It is helpful to book these in advance as many of the top-rated tours will fill up! Many tours will arrange transportation to pick you up from your hotel or resort if you are staying within a certain distance.
Take A Boat To Cloud 9
For a unique experience, check out Cloud 9! Cloud 9 is only accessible by boat as it, well, is floating in the middle of the ocean! This hip spot has a pizzeria, cocktail bar, DJs, day beds, and incredible 360 views! Spend your day eating, drinking, swimming, dancing, and relaxing in one of the few floating bars/pizzerias in the world!
Pro Tip: You do need to make a reservation/booking ahead of time. Book directly from Cloud 9 instead of through a third-party site. You can book here.
Visit Natadola Beach
There are not many great beaches near Nadi, but Natadola is a great option. Located an hour away from the airport, several resorts are on this sandy beach. The water is warm and there are great spots to swim and snorkel. They also have really great views!
Pro Tip: This is not the best place to relax as you will find the local villagers are very persistent in getting you to buy their products or services – horse rides on the beach, massages, a snorkel tour, coconuts, or shells. Be prepared to buy what you want and have clear “no’s” to what you don’t!
Drive Down to Sigatoka Sand Dunes
An hour from Nadi in the other direction is the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park. This is famously known as a spot that the Fiji 7’s Rugby Team will work out (watch an incredible video about their Sand Dunes training here).
The sand dunes are a contrast to the usually lush and green landscape of Fiji. The national park is smaller than 1 square mile with some walking trails that take about 1-2 hours. You can learn more about Fiji’s history, experience new landscapes, and learn about the archeological finds from this area.
Pro Tip: Bring a sun hat or sunscreen as there isn’t much shade!
