Vanuatu’s 83 islands are home to more than 100 distinct Ni-Vanuatu ethnolinguistic and cultural groups. With more than 15% of the nation’s 300,000-strong population living in the capital Port Vila on Efate, it’s a true melting pot of Ni-Vanuatu traditions. Here are three unmissable cultural experiences. 

Explore cultural traditions at the Vanuatu Cultural Centre

Get the ultimate primer on Vanuatu’s history and traditions at Port Vila’s Vanuatu Cultural Centre, which houses a bounty of traditional artefacts ranging from prehistoric pottery used by the first people to settle these islands over 3000 years ago to handmade outrigger canoes still used today. The sandroing (sand drawing) demonstrations hosted here daily are a highlight. This artistic form of communication originated in the central islands east of Efate and is still practised today, but the cultural centre (open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm) is the easiest place to see this mesmerising tradition. Don’t miss the museum shop featuring hardwood carvings, woven bags and other items made by artists across the archipelago.  

Sample local dishes at Port Vila’s Main Market

Vanuatu’s colourful markets are excellent places to immerse in local life. Port Vila’s Main Market buzzes at lunchtime, when locals head to its food stalls for a quick budget feed. At the rear (oceanside) of the market, vendors serve up hearty servings of fish and beef curry with rice, root vegetables and salad for about 500-1000VT. At the front (streetside) of the market, ‘mamas’ sells pre-prepared dishes including laplap (the pudding-like national dish made from grated root vegetables and coconut) topped with fish, chicken or octopus, and tuluk (grated cassava wrapped around spiced meat, usually beef or pork). You can also try snacks such as homebaked chips made from banana, taro and sweet potato as well as nangai nuts, a buttery nut that’s roasted or boiled and served on skewers. Bring cash.

Visit a cultural village

Efate is home to several recreated kastom (custom) ‘villages’ operated by Ni-Vanuatu communities to showcase cultural traditions. A 20-minute drive from Port Vila, Pepeyo Cultural and Educational Tour is operated by a Futuna island community based in Efate. Surrounded by tropical greenery, the open-air venue has a new shaded seating area that opened in 2026. During the one-hour experience, visitors are guided through traditions spanning from animal-trapping to herbal medicine preparation. There’s also kastom dancing, a firewalking demonstration and a music performance. If you’re not visiting other islands during your trip, the cultural tour offers a great taste of the rich traditions practised across the archipelago.    

Written by Sarah Reid