Nadi, Fiji: travel guide
Fiji's main gateway on western Viti Levu, with temples and hot springs
Fiji's tourism gateway on western Viti Levu, home to the international airport, Sri Siva Subramaniya temple, Sabeto hot springs and jumping-off point for the Mamanuca and Yasawa island cruises.
About Nadi
Nadi is the town most visitors pass through on arriving in Fiji, set on the west coast of Viti Levu beside the international airport. It is more than a transit stop, with a colourful Hindu temple, a busy town centre and the surrounding hills and coast to explore.
Things to do in Nadi include visiting the Sri Siva Subramaniya temple, soaking in the Sabeto hot springs and mud pools, and shopping at the markets for local crafts and produce. Many travellers use it as the jumping-off point for the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands by boat.
Nadi suits anyone beginning or ending a Fiji trip and those wanting a taste of everyday Fijian and Indo-Fijian life. Fiji is generally most comfortable in the drier months, roughly May to October.
- Country
- Fiji
- Currency
- FJD
- Time zone
- Pacific/Fiji
- Nearest airport
- NAN
Last updated
Top places to visit in Nadi
Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple
hindu temple · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · entry $5 (≈ ₹210)
The largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere, a colourful Dravidian-style temple at the south end of Nadi's main street with intricately painted ceilings; a working place of worship (no photos inside).
Nadi Municipal Market
produce market · 3.9 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A bustling covered produce market where farmers sell tropical fruit, kava (yaqona), spices and handicrafts; a good spot to sample local life.
Garden of the Sleeping Giant
botanical garden · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · entry $22 (≈ ₹930)
Landscaped rainforest gardens at the foot of the Sabeto (Sleeping Giant) mountains, home to more than 2,000 varieties of orchids along shaded boardwalk trails.
Sabeto Hot Springs & Mud Pool
hot spring · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · entry $20 (≈ ₹850)
Traditional thermal mud baths and hot springs in the Sabeto Valley where visitors coat themselves in warm mineral mud, rinse in hot pools and relax; a classic Fijian day-trip experience.
Momi Bay Gun Battery
wwii site · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · entry $12 (≈ ₹510)
A restored WWII coastal gun emplacement on a headland south of Nadi with two naval guns and sweeping views over Momi Bay and the reef.
Wailoaloa Beach
city beach · 3.7 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A long, grey-sand beach on Nadi Bay popular for sunset views over the Mamanuca islands, horse rides and casual beach bars; the closest beach to Nadi town.
Viseisei Village
village · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
One of Fiji's oldest villages, traditionally regarded as the first landing place of Fijian ancestors; visited on cultural tours with a chief's welcome and handicraft stalls.
Things to do
- Nadi Temple, Market & Handicraft Tour Tour · 3 h · from FJD 75 per person
- Sabeto Mud Pool & Garden of the Sleeping Giant Tour Tour · 4 h · from FJD 120 per person
Day trips and tours
- Nadi Highlights: Temple, Mud Pools & Garden 7 h · from FJD 160
Where to stay in Nadi
- Wailoaloa Beach about FJD 150 per night
Beachfront backpacker and mid-range strip near the airport, great for sunsets and a last night before flying.
- Martintar about FJD 180 per night
Central Nadi area with restaurants, bars and easy airport access.
Hotels
- Tanoa International Hotel 4-star · FJD 220 to FJD 380 per night
- Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel 3-star · FJD 45 to FJD 260 per night
- Tokatoka Resort Hotel 3.5-star · FJD 180 to FJD 320 per night
- Bamboo Backpackers 2-star · FJD 35 to FJD 120 per night
Where to eat
- Bulaccino Cafe Cafe, Western · about FJD 20 per person
- Saffron Tandoori Restaurant Indian, North Indian · about FJD 35 per person
- Daikoku Nadi Japanese, Teppanyaki · about FJD 55 per person
- Tu's Place Fijian, Indian · about FJD 18 per person
- Mama's Pizza Inn Pizza, Italian · about FJD 25 per person
Getting to Nadi
Airport: Nadi (NAN)
Getting around
- Bus
- Car Rental Self
- Taxi
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Sword-seller / "name carver" scam
Nadi town streets & markets
A friendly man strikes up conversation, asks your name, then quickly carves it into a wooden sword or mask and demands a high price for the "gift".
How to avoid it: Politely decline and do not give your name or accept any item; walk away firmly.
Overpriced "duty-free" hard sell
Nadi town duty-free shops
High-pressure electronics and jewellery shops quote inflated prices and discourage comparison.
How to avoid it: Compare prices, insist on printed receipts and warranties, and never feel pressured to buy.
More in Fiji
Frequently asked questions about Nadi
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Nadi?
- The highest-rated places in our Nadi guide are Sabeto Hot Springs & Mud Pool, Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, Momi Bay Gun Battery, Garden of the Sleeping Giant, Nadi Municipal Market.
- Where should I stay in Nadi?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Nadi: Wailoaloa Beach, Martintar.
- How do I get around Nadi?
- Ways to get around Nadi covered in our guide: City bus, Self-drive car, Taxi, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Nadi?
- Scams reported to us for Nadi include Sword-seller / "name carver" scam; Overpriced "duty-free" hard sell. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Nadi?
- The nearest airport to Nadi has the code NAN.