23 BEST Things to Do in Nadi 🌞 [2024]

What are the Must-Dos in Nadi?

Welcome to Fiji! As soon as you step off the plane at Nadi International Airport, you’ll be greeted by smiling locals calling Bula! The multi-cultural city of Nadi is a great introduction to Fiji, especially for its cultural side with the sounds, tastes and smells of the city centre with a bustling shopping and foodie scene. Nadi should, at the very least, be checked out before leaving for your holiday in Fiji. Alternatively, Nadi makes a great base for those with limited time in Fiji, especially if you are on a limited budget. In proximity to the city are lush tropical gardens, adventure activities such as ziplining and quad biking, Fijian villages and much more! Check out how you could be spending your time in and around Nadi with this list of things to do in Nadi!

While you’re planning your stay in Nadi, make sure to check out The Complete Guide to Nadi, as well as the 10 Best Hotels in Nadi, for more advice!

1. Experience All of the Highlights on a Nadi Day Tour

The first thing to note about the best things to do in Nadi is that most can be done with the convenience, expertise and pure pleasure of one of the local tour operators! That’s right, tour operators like Uniquely Fiji offer amazing day trips from Nadi, either exploring highlights like the Sabeto Mud Pools and The Garden of the Sleeping Giant in half a day or taking a full day to explore the surrounding regions like the Coral Coast (more on that later in this list). What’s more, tour companies like Uniquely Fiji are 100% locally owned and operated, giving you the real “Bula!” experience. Check out more Nadi day tours in the 10 BEST Day Tours from Nadi.

Location: Uniquely Fiji offers accommodation pick-ups. See their full tour offering at uniquelyfijitransfers.com.

2. Relax, Drink, Snorkel and Enjoy Wood-Fired Pizza at the Cloud 9 Floating Bar

One of the most iconic and unique bars in Fiji, Cloud 9 is a floating bar in the Mamanuca Islands – just a short boat journey from Nadi’s Port Denarau Marina. Boat trips depart daily to take keen sun-seekers and cocktail-sippers to this floating pizza bar which serves up wood-fired pizzas, as well as drinks from all over the world. Hire snorkelling gear to explore the coral reef below or simply kick back on one of the two levels with day beds. Plan your excursion to the floating pizzeria at cloud9.com.fj.

Location: Boats depart from Port Denarau Marina (approximately 7km/4.3 miles from downtown Nadi). Check out Getting to Cloud 9 on cloud9.com.fj for more details including schedules.

3. Check Out the Local Food Markets

A great way to mingle with the locals and try some super fresh produce is at the local farmers and food markets in Nadi. It’s a true Fiji experience! There are several food markets to choose from in Nadi, one being the Nadi Market, which is located on Market Road just behind the bus station in central Nadi. Another one is the less-crowded Namaka Food Market along the Queens Road near Nadi International Airport. Here, you’ll get to taste some of the sweetest pineapples and the most flavoursome bananas. For more activities like this, check out the 10 Best Foodie Experiences in Nadi.

Location: Nadi Market – Market Road, Nadi Town. Namaka Food Market – Queens Road, Namaka.

4. Have a Soak in the Sabeto Mud Pools

A short drive out of Nadi is the Sabeto Mud Pools. Lather yourself in thick mud and let it dry on your skin before soaking in natural hot spring water. While the treatment is meant to work wonders for your skin, the whole muddy experience will definitely appeal to your childish side! The complex is run by the local village, where authentic Fijian food and souvenirs are on sale too, as well as massage services. It’s the perfect way to experience “Fiji time“. Either drive, take a taxi or take one of the many scheduled tours visiting the gardens, including with Uniquely Fiji, Valentine Tours Fiji and Iconic Tours Fiji.

Location: 9km (5 miles) north of Nadi Airport on Wailoko Road.

5. Explore the Garden of the Sleeping Giant

Down the same Nadi backroads as the Sebato Mud Pools, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant is a wonderful place to immerse in Fiji’s nature. The garden full of orchids and flowing plants lies in a valley below a mountain said to look like a sleeping giant. Follow the short walk around a tranquil tropical forest full of birds, skinks and other wildlife, as well as fish ponds. At the end of your walk, relax in the garden with a complimentary fruit drink. Either drive, take a taxi or take one of the many scheduled tours visiting the gardens, including with Uniquely Fiji, Valentine Tours Fiji and Iconic Tours Fiji.

Location: 6.5km (4 miles) north of Nadi Airport on Wailoko Road.

6. Visit the Sivu Subramaniya Swamy Temple

Fiji is considered to be a melting pot of cultures and religions. One impressive example of this is at the Sivu Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Nadi Town. The colourful exterior of the temple is an amazing photo opportunity with intricate sculptural details. Once inside, you will see many pictorial displays of Hindu lords and goddesses. Ask for a flyer at the reception desk before entering the temple to get information about all the sights of the temple. The temple has a small entrance fee, shoes must be taken off before entering and clothes should cover below the knees. Sarongs are provided if needed.

Location: The corner of Queens Road and Nadi Road in Nadi Town.

7. Pick Up Some Souvenirs at the Nadi Handicraft Market

For a cultural shopping experience and a bit of retail therapy, check out the Nadi Handicraft Market. Selling all sorts of trinkets, jewellery, clothing accessories and more, the Handicraft Market is a good place to pick up something authentic for friends, family or yourself (however, there will be some items that you can pick out in any souvenir store but usually they are pretty obvious). Take the time to chat with the stallholders and practice the art of haggling! The market is open Mondays to Saturdays from 8 am until the early afternoon. Learn more about souvenir shopping in the 11 Amazing Fijian Souvenirs for Family & Friends.

Location: Koroivolu Avenue, Nadi Town.

8. Take a Scenic Flight Over the Islands

An extra special way to spend some time in Nadi is in the air on a scenic helicopter flight. Departing from Nadi Airport or Denarau Marina, with accommodation pick-up included, scenic flights in Nadi allow you to see the stunning islands of Fiji from the most marvellous aerial perspective. Learn more about Nadi’s scenic flights in the 5 Breathtaking Scenic Flights by Helicopter in Fiji. Plus, check out more activities like this one in our 10 Best Luxury Experiences in Nadi.

Location: Most flights depart from Nadi Airport. You can learn more in The Guide to Helicopter Tours in Fiji.

9. Grab Some Delicious Food

Eating out in the cities of Fiji has to be done at least once when visiting Fiji. Not only will you find some great Fijian, Indo-Fijian, Chinese and Thai food, but it will be incredibly cheaper than what you will find in resorts. Foodies in Fiji should definitely spend some time wandering the streets of Nadi sampling the local flavours. Find out more in The Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants in Nadi!

Location: See the above link for specific locations.

10. Take a Day Trip to Denarau Island

Less than a 10-minute drive from Nadi is a whole new world. Denarau Island is the polished tourist hotspot of Viti Levu, with 5-star resorts, a golf course, a whole town with shops and restaurants and a marina with more activities and island cruises than you’ll know what to do with. Denarau provides a huge contrast to the shopping experiences in Nadi, so if you’re looking for something a little different, check out this tourist hotspot. Check out our 15 Best Things to Do in Denarau Island and more day trip ideas from The Best Day Trips from Nadi.

Location: Denarau, approximately 6km (3.7 miles) from Nadi Town.

11. Zipline Through Nadi’s Rainforests

Yes, even adventure can be found in Nadi! There are two fantastic ziplining companies just a quick drive from Nadi, Zip Fiji (more info on Viator and Klook) and Sleeping Giant Zipline, offering a great mix of nature and adrenaline. Zip over tropical forest canopies or in a valley of caves and canyons! These tours are not just about the ziplining, they often take you to wonderful hidden gems such as caves, waterfalls and beautiful forests. It’s a great half-day out for all types of adventurous travellers. Find out more in our 5 Best Zipline Tours in Fiji or check out more family-friendly experiences like this in our 10 Things to Do in Nadi with Kids.

Location: Zipline companies offer pick-ups from Nadi and Denarau accommodations.

12. Visit a Fijian Village

Fiji’s indigenous culture and traditions are something to add to the “must-do” list when in Fiji. While Fijian village visits can be experienced just about any way in Fiji, Nadi has a few tours taking visitors to experience traditions like the “kava ceremony”. It’s likely that you’ll watch a “meke” cultural performance, and end the tour with a “lovo” meal prepared in an underground oven. There are a few customs to remember when visiting a Fijian village, which we go over in our Guide to Village Etiquette. You have many options for village tours from Nadi, so we’ve listed the best in the 10 Best Village Tours in Fiji.

Location: Tours offer pick-ups from Nadi and Denarau accommodations.

13. Go Quad Biking

Exploring Nadi is fun but it’s more fun on a quad bike! Choose from tours with Go Dirty Tours Fiji that take you through Nadi’s countryside, visit Fijian villages, stop by highlights such as the Sabeto Mud Pools or get well and truly off the beaten track in the mountains overlooking Nadi, Denarau and the Mamanuca Islands. All you need is a full driver’s license and the guides at Go Dirty Tours will take you on a thrill ride to remember.

Location: Tours offer pick-ups from Nadi and Denarau accommodations.

14. Indulge in a Spa Treatment

Experience true Fiji time and relax with a soothing spa treatment in Nadi. The Island Surf Beauty & Spa offers free Nadi pick-up to get to one of their two spas – one at Wailoaloa Beach and one at Denarau. Many resorts and hotels have their own spa too, so check out the 10 Best Resorts in Nadi to see what’s available and book yourself an appointment for an hour or two of bliss. See more activities like this in our 10 Adults-Only Activities in Nadi.

Location: Island Surf Beaty & Spa – 10 Denarau Road, Nadi.

15. Do a Sailing Excursion to the Islands

You probably came to Fiji to experience its gorgeous beaches and archipelago of islands. Did you know you can take day trips to such straight from Nadi? There are many day trip island excursions to choose from in the Denarau area, just a short drive from Nadi. If you don’t have your own transport, most island day trips can include transfers from Nadi. Snorkelling gear, lunch and cultural demonstrations are usually included, but each day trip has its own unique charms. Discover them for yourself from the 10 Best Island Day Trips in Fiji. Additionally, check out similar couple-centric activities in our 10 Romantic Things to Do in Nadi.

Location: Tours depart from Port Denarau Marina with pick-up from Nadi included.

16. Take a Fijian Cooking Class

Appeal to your foodie side and engage with the local culture in a Fijian cooking class. You have a couple of great options around Nadi. Join a tour like the Great Taste of Fiji tour with Tourist Transport Fiji and discover the remote village of Navilawa in Koroyanitu National Heritage Park. The tour includes access to scenic walking trails, as well as a Fijian cooking lesson and hotel pick-up.

Location: Nadi accommodation pick-ups are available.

17. Catch a Fijian Show

Welcome to Fiji Broadway! That’s right, Nadi is also home to a fantastic cultural centre, Vou Hub Fiji, with a lively calendar of theatre-style performances and interactive experiences like the acclaimed “Cannibals Chase” horror maze. Their signature show is the “Fiji Untold” show performed in a 450-seat big-top tent. Be captivated by the story of Fiji through the song and dance of an internationally toured group. Find out more about Vou Hub Fiji on Viator and Klook.

Location: Lot 13 Magelevu, Denarau, Nadi. Transfers from Nadi accommodations are available.

18. Skydive Over the Islands

Skydiving experiences operate out of Denarau Island, offering pick-ups from Nadi! Jump from either 8,000ft or 14,000ft (2,500-4,300m). Record the whole experience with a hand-cam or your own dedicated cameraman! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of freefalling at 200km/h (125m/h) with views of coral reefs, turquoise waters and stunning islands. If your budget will allow, there’s even the option to skydive onto an outer island, and then stay at an island resort! What an entrance! Learn more about the experience in The Best Places to Do Skydiving in Fiji.

Location: Denarau. Tour operators provide transfers from Nadi.

19. Check Out the Best Beaches in Nadi

Admittedly, Nadi isn’t renowned for its beaches like elsewhere in Fiji, but if you don’t have the time and/or the dough to take a full-day trip to more glorious beaches, what are your options? Wailoaloa Beach is a popular choice, lined with budget-friendly resorts boasting various restaurants that welcome visitors. Half an hour north of Nadi, on the way to Lautoka, is the crescent stretch of sand of Saweni Beach. Alternatively, one hour south of Nadi is the sweeping sands of Natadola Beach on the Coral Coast.

Location: Wailoaloa Beach – Wailoaloa Road, Nadi. Saweni Beach – Just off the Queens Road from the village of Lauwaki. Find the beach access road just past The Fiji Orchid accommodation (approximately 20 km/12.4 miles from Nadi). Natadola Beach – Take the turn-off to the InterContinental Resort from the Queens Road (approximately 50 km/31 miles from Nadi).

20. Experience a Famous Nadi Night Out

Want to experience how they party in Fiji? The Martintar suburb of Nadi city is a nightlife hotspot of not only Nadi but Fiji as a whole. Most of Nadi’s best bars and nightclubs are bunched together in this lively side of town. Find out more about Nadi’s nightclubs, as well as bars for a casual cocktail, in The Ultimate Guide to Nightlife in Nadi.

Location: See the link about for bar locations.

21. Catch Some Pacific Whoppers on a Fishing Charter

Enjoy the peace and serenity out on the water while dabbling in reef or game fishing in the Fiji islands. Private and shared fishing charters are easy to organise with your waterfront resort or jump on a tour with one of the 9 Best Fishing Trips from Denarau, just a short drive or transfer from Nadi. You and your party will have the expertise of a local fishing guide complete with high-tech equipment, so coming back empty-handed is never really an issue.

Location: Denarau Marina. See how to get to Denarau in our Denarau Transport Guide.

22. Take a Day Tour to the Coral Coast, the Islands and More!

Nadi makes an excellent base for hitting all the highlights of Fiji. Day tours can take you as far as the Coral Coast where you can explore the heritage and natural wonders of this stunning area of Viti Levu. Boat trips from Wailoaloa Beach near Nadi allow you to spend the day in the Mamanuca Islands for snorkelling, beachcombing and more! Your list of day tours from Nadi seems rather endless, so head on over to our 10 Best Day Tours from Nadi for inspiration.

Location: See the above link for specific locations.

23. Spend the Day by the Pool

We’re definitely not judging if all you want to do is spend the day soaking in the tropical Fijian sun and cooling off in the pool. Many Fiji holidays are built on doing just that for one straight week! While we definitely think that this list of the best things to do in Nadi will give you the most enriching experience of Nadi possible, you can be forgiven for spending a day simply embracing “Fiji time“. We list many accommodations with swimming pools in the 10 Best Resorts in Nadi and 10 Best Hotels in Nadi, so book yourself a room!

Location: See the links above for locations.

More Must-Dos and Things to Do in Nadi

That’s it for our list of the best things to do in Nadi, but it is by no means the end of our recommendations! Check out the following for more ways to enjoy Fiji’s most vibrant city:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Nadi.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Laura via our contact page