Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea: Self-Guided Walking Tour

Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, is a vibrant gateway to one of the world’s most culturally diverse island nations. Located along the coast of the Gulf of Papua, the city combines tropical landscapes, ocean views, growing urban development, and access to remarkable natural environments. Neywo offers a free audio guide for Port Moresby with 5 narrated places, available in 11 languages.

Key sights in Port Moresby

St. Mary’s Cathedral

The cathedral’s light blue façade and white tower beside the main entrance create a striking colour contrast. Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, it is an important Catholic landmark in the city. The tower rises beside the entrance rather than directly above it, giving the building its distinctive profile. Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral in May 1984, adding a notable moment to its history.

Port Moresby overview

Port Moresby stretches along the Coral Sea on the southwestern coast of the Papuan Peninsula and is also known as Pot Mosbi, Pom City, or simply Moresby. The site became a trading centre in the second half of the nineteenth century and had been inhabited for centuries by the Motu and Koitabu peoples, who remain the traditional landowners and are represented by the Motu Koita Assembly. During the Second World War, the city was a major objective for Japanese forces in 1942 and 1943, serving as a staging point and air base in efforts to cut off Australia from Southeast Asia and the Americas. Its population grew from 364,145 in the 2011 census to 756,754 in the 2024 census, making it a primate city whose influence far exceeds that of other urban centres in Papua New Guinea. The former Territory of Papua, an Australian administration that covered the southeast, helps explain the political setting from which modern Papua New Guinea emerged.

Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery

Situated in Waigani, the museum is one of Papua New Guinea’s most important cultural destinations. Known as the PNG National Museum and Art Gallery, it serves as the country’s national museum. Its collections are organised into three main areas: traditional art of Papua New Guinea, contemporary artistic production, and objects linked to the New Guinea Campaign during the Pacific War.

Hohola Mosque

Located in the National Capital District, Hohola Mosque is a significant Sunni Muslim place of worship. It is recognised as the first mosque established in Papua New Guinea, marking an early presence of Islam in the country. The mosque’s importance extends beyond its building, reflecting the broader history of Muslim communities in the nation.

Jacksons International Airport

Also referred to as Port Moresby International Airport, the airport lies about eight kilometres from the capital. It is the largest and busiest airport in Papua New Guinea. The facility replaced the original airport that once stood in what is now the suburb of Waigani; the old airstrip remained visible until the 1990s, after which later construction left no trace of it.

Explore Port Moresby with Neywo

Download the Neywo app to enjoy a free, self‑guided audio experience of Port Moresby. As you reach each of the five narrated places, the app plays the story of that site, allowing you to explore at your own pace—no group, no schedule. The guide is available in 11 languages and covers the highlights described above, giving you a richer understanding of the city’s heritage, culture, and key landmarks. Whether you are strolling past St. Mary’s Cathedral, visiting the national museum, or passing Hohola Mosque, Neywo tells you what you’re seeing, right when you see it.