Port Moresby Travel Guide 2026 – Visiting PNG’s Capital City
Port Moresby (known locally as “POM”) is the capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea. For most international visitors, it is the entry point to the country via Jacksons International Airport (POM), and often serves as a transit hub before traveling to more remote destinations. While Port Moresby has a reputation for high crime rates, it also offers genuine attractions, improving infrastructure, and a fascinating urban culture that reflects PNG’s extraordinary diversity. This guide helps you make the most of your time in Port Moresby in 2026.
Getting to Port Moresby
Jacksons International Airport handles all international arrivals to Port Moresby. On arrival:
- Clear immigration – have your PNG visa, passport, and arrival card ready. Check our PNG entry requirements guide before travel.
- Collect baggage and clear customs
- Use pre-arranged hotel transport or reputable taxi services only – do not hail taxis outside the terminal from unofficial operators
- Many hotels in Port Moresby offer complimentary airport transfers – arrange this in advance
Getting Around Port Moresby
- Taxis: Use hotel-arranged taxis or call reputable companies (Capital Taxis, City Taxi). Always agree on the fare before getting in.
- Ride apps: Digicel’s POMtaxi app operates in Port Moresby – more reliable than flagging taxis on the street
- Hotel shuttles: Many hotels offer transport services between key business and tourist areas
- PMVs (Public Motor Vehicles): Very cheap but not recommended for tourists due to safety concerns, particularly after dark
- Car hire: Available at the airport – Avis, Budget, and local companies. Traffic can be intense; local knowledge helps.
Where to Stay in Port Moresby
Luxury
- Hilton Port Moresby: 5-star hotel in the heart of the city with excellent security, restaurants, pool, and spa
- Stanley Hotel: Boutique luxury in the Waigani area, popular with business travelers
Mid-Range
- Holiday Inn Express Port Moresby: Good value, central location, reliable and safe
- Airways Hotel: Convenient location near the airport, popular transit option
Safety in Port Moresby
Port Moresby has a high crime rate. Take these precautions:
- Do not walk alone at night in any area of the city
- Keep valuables (phones, cameras, bags) out of sight in public
- Use hotel-arranged transport for all journeys
- Avoid isolated areas and unlit streets even during the day
- The Ela Beach area and waterfront are generally safer and more tourist-friendly during daylight hours
- Shopping malls (Vision City, Harbour City) have security and are relatively safe during opening hours
Top Attractions in Port Moresby
National Museum and Art Gallery
Located in Waigani, Port Moresby’s National Museum is the best introduction to PNG’s extraordinary cultural heritage. The collection includes traditional artifacts, ceremonial masks, war canoes, musical instruments, and exhibits on PNG’s natural history. Entry is inexpensive and the museum offers guided tours. A must-visit for understanding the country you are traveling through.
Papua New Guinea Parliament House
An architectural landmark, PNG’s Parliament House in Waigani is designed in the style of a traditional Maprik spirit house (haus tambaran), with stunning modern artwork inside. Guided tours are sometimes available – check with your hotel or the Parliament’s public relations office.
Varirata National Park
Located approximately 45 minutes from Port Moresby, Varirata National Park is the closest birdwatching destination to the capital. Several species of Birds of Paradise can be observed here, along with magnificent views of the surrounding coastline and mountains. Arrange transport through your hotel and visit at dawn for the best birdwatching.
Ela Beach
Port Moresby’s main waterfront area is a pleasant place for a daytime walk, with good views of the harbor, seaside restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere. The beach itself is not ideal for swimming (water quality and safety concerns) but the area is one of the more pleasant public spaces in the city.
Vision City Mega Mall
Port Moresby’s largest shopping center offers a wide range of shops, food courts, cinema, and a relaxed, air-conditioned environment. Good for picking up supplies, local handicrafts, and experiencing urban PNG life in a safer environment.
Bomana War Cemetery
Maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Bomana Cemetery is the resting place of over 3,000 Allied service personnel from the World War II Pacific campaign. A moving and beautifully maintained memorial site, easy to reach from the city center.
Food and Dining
Port Moresby’s dining scene reflects PNG’s multicultural character:
- Hotel restaurants: Most reliable for food quality and safety – Hilton, Stanley, and Airways Hotel restaurants are consistently good
- Crowne Plaza Waterfront: The best seafood restaurant in Port Moresby with excellent harbor views
- Paradise Private Hospital Café: Popular with expats for safe, reliable Western food
- Local markets: Fresh tropical fruits (including excellent PNG coffee) are available at city markets – worth visiting during daylight with a local guide
Port Moresby as a Transit Hub
Many travelers spend only 1-2 nights in Port Moresby before continuing to other PNG destinations. If transiting through POM:
- Book accommodation close to the airport (Airways Hotel is ideal for transit stays)
- Allow 2-3 hours for domestic flight connections due to check-in and security times
- Domestic terminals are separate from international terminals at Jacksons Airport
- Stock up on cash and medications in Port Moresby before heading to remote areas
Practical Information
- Currency exchange: Available at the airport and major banks in the city center
- ATMs: Available at BSP Bank, ANZ, and major supermarkets. Withdraw what you need here before heading to remote areas.
- Medical: Paradise Private Hospital and Port Moresby General Hospital are the main facilities
- Embassy locations: Most foreign embassies and high commissions are located in the Waigani and Korobosea areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Port Moresby safe for tourists in 2026?
Port Moresby requires a high level of caution. Crime rates are elevated, particularly after dark. However, travelers staying in reputable hotels, using hotel-arranged transport, and following security advice can visit safely. Many expats live and work in Port Moresby without incident by following sensible precautions.
How long should I spend in Port Moresby?
Most visitors spend 1-2 days in Port Moresby, either transiting to other PNG destinations or seeing the city’s main attractions. For the museum, Parliament House, and a trip to Varirata National Park, 2 full days is adequate.
Do I need a visa to enter Port Moresby?
Yes – standard PNG visa requirements apply to all entry points, including Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby. See our complete PNG visa guide and confirm processing times before booking your trip.
