680 Night Market
Held bi-weekly near the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge in Airai, the 680 Night Market is where the whole island comes to eat, dance, and exhale. The air smells of charcoal smoke, coconut water, and grilled fish — and the energy is infectious from the moment you step out of the car.
A Feast That Reflects All of Palau
Organised by the Palau Visitors Authority, the market draws local restaurateurs and home cooks who set up stalls offering a vivid cross-section of the island's multicultural pantry: Micronesian BBQ, Japanese-influenced dishes, Filipino street food, deep-fried squid, and even wood-fired pizza. Wash it all down with fresh coconut water served over ice — the unofficial drink of the evening.
The food lineup mirrors Palau's layered history — Japanese, Filipino, and Pacific Islander influences all jostling deliciously on a single paper plate. Taro dishes, skewered meats, and fried banana donuts (tama) are among the most beloved bites to seek out.
More Than Just Food
The 680 Night Market doubles as a community celebration. Local singers, live bands, and traditional dancers take the stage throughout the evening, turning the open-air site into something between a village square and a music festival. There is no admission fee, which means the crowd is genuinely local — families, teenagers, elders — not a curated tourist experience.
The market is timed to coincide with local pay weeks, which guarantees authentic, high-energy attendance. If you happen to be in Palau around Christmas, the market expands further with community competitions and a large decorated tree at the centre of the grounds.
Getting There & Practical Tips
The market sits near the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge in Airai, just a 10-minute drive from Koror's downtown. If you don't have a vehicle, the Palau Visitors Authority runs shuttle taxis from the main hotels for a small fee — so there is genuinely no excuse to miss it.
Arrive hungry and bring small bills. The stalls move fast and the most popular items — especially the BBQ pork and grilled fish — sell out before the music ends.
680 Night Market on video
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