Nightlife in Nuku’alofa, Tonga
Tonga knows how to party! If you don’t believe us, then just head to the city centre or the waterfront of Nuku’alofa on a Friday/Saturday night to see the capital come alive with merry drinkers and dancers. Nuku’alofa’s bar scene can be experienced along the waterfront of Vuna Road, as well as right in the heart of the city. Meet the friendly locals and relax with your mates while trying Tongan beers and refreshing cocktails. Some of the bars also serve up hearty meals in “Tongan-style” portions, so rest assured, you’ll hardly go hungry. Check out some of our top recommended nighttime jaunts in this list of the best bars in Nuku’alofa!
While you’re here, you might also be interested in the Top Cheap Eats in Nuku’alofa, as well as The Adult-Only Guide to Nuku’alofa.
1. Nauti Ruby’s Bar & Nightclub
Drink like a sailor and hang out with the yachties at Nauti Ruby’s Bar, sometimes seen as “Nauti Rubi’s”. The nautical-themed bar at Faua Wharf on the waterfront serves up meals like steaks and seafood in “Tongan portions” along with creative cocktails, Tongan beers and fresh coconuts. Later into the night, the bar turns on party mode with music and dancing into the early hours.
Location: Faua Wharf, Vuna Road
2. Reload Bar
Your city centre offering of great drinks, great music and a great atmosphere is at the Reload Bar. Located opposite the Friends Cafe, Reload Bar is a popular place to hang out with mates after dinner and meet the locals. They serve up a good selection of beers, which you can tackle as a pint, jug or a tower, as well as cocktails and spirits. Throughout the week, Reload puts on themed nights, from karaoke nights to ladies night to reggae nights to oldies nights to salsa nights, and the list goes on!
Location: Tafa’ahau Road, City Centre
3. Billfish Bar & Restaurant
An open-air bar on the waterfront, Billfish Bar & Restaurant is an awesome place to catch the game, relax with friends or listen to live music. Head over to the bar decorated in trophy billfish for their wide selection of beers, wines and spirits. Or how about treating yourself to one of their famous oversized burgers, like the “Jucy Lucy”? Later into the evening, there’s often live music or an in-house DJ playing tunes well into the night! The restaurant also features in our 5 Best Restaurants in Nuku’alofa.
Location: Vuna Road, opposite Faua Wharf
4. Vuna Restaurant & Bar
Boasting an awesome waterfront location on the west side of town (the west side of the Royal Palace), Vuna Restaurant & Bar is well worth considering for your night out. Enjoy the relaxed ambience in their awesome beer garden decorated with Tongan carvings and sails. Inside, you can watch the big game on the big screen projector or indulge in some of the restaurant’s seafood canapes and platters. Happy hour is 5pm to 7pm (sometimes until 9am on Fridays and Saturdays).
Location: Vuna Road, west side of the Royal Palace next to Little Italy
5. Ngutulei Bar & Restaurant
Another effortlessly fun bar on the waterfront at Faua Wharf, Ngutulei Bar & Restaurant knows how to give you a good time. You can hardly miss the bright lights of the bar’s sign shining from the wharf, where you can sip on beers, take shots of whisky or get your dose of bourbon and cola while watching the latest game. Otherwise, Ngutulei serves up giant portions of burgers and steaks! Learn more about the food in Tonga in 6 Unique Foods in Tonga You Have to Try.
Location: Faua Wharf, Vuna Road
More About Bars in Nuku’alofa
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Tonga 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 Tonga. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Tonga’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.