Suva is the capital and largest city of Fiji, a tropical island nation in the South Pacific. Suva is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and religions, with a rich history and a lively atmosphere. Suva offers a variety of attractions and activities for travellers of all interests and budgets, from historical and cultural sights to adventurous and relaxing activities, from local cuisine to international fare, from hotels to resorts.
Whether you are looking for a cultural immersion, a nature escape, or an adventure thrill, Suva has something for you. In this Suva travel guide, we will show you how to experience the culture, nature, and adventure of Fiji's capital.
What to See in Suva
Suva has a lot to offer for travellers who are interested in the history and culture of Fiji. Here are some of the top attractions to see in Suva:
- Suva City Library: This is the oldest building in Suva, dating back to 1909. It was originally the Carnegie Library, funded by the American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. It is now a public library and a cultural centre, hosting exhibitions, events, and workshops. The library has a collection of books, newspapers, magazines, and archives, as well as a children's section and a computer lab. The library is open from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is free.
- Fiji Museum: This is the national museum of Fiji, located in the Thurston Gardens, a botanical garden in the heart of Suva. The museum showcases the history, culture, and art of Fiji, from the prehistoric times to the present day. The museum has a collection of artefacts, such as pottery, weapons, tools, jewellery, costumes, and musical instruments, as well as paintings, sculptures, and photographs. The museum also has a gift shop and a café. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Admission is FJ$10 for adults, FJ$5 for children, and FJ$25 for families.
- Parliament of Fiji: This is the seat of the legislative branch of the government of Fiji, located on the Ratu Sukuna Road. The parliament building is a modern and elegant structure, with a dome-shaped roof and a flagpole. The parliament consists of 51 members, elected by the people of Fiji for a four-year term. The parliament is open to the public on weekdays, from 9 am to 4 pm. Visitors can observe the parliamentary sessions, take a guided tour, or attend a public hearing. Admission is free, but visitors need to register in advance and follow the dress code and security rules.
- Sacred Heart Cathedral: This is the largest and most prominent Catholic church in Fiji, located on the Pratt Street. The cathedral was built in 1902, in the Gothic Revival style, with stained glass windows, marble altars, and a pipe organ. The cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Suva, and the venue for many religious and cultural events. The cathedral is open daily, from 6 am to 6 pm. Admission is free, but visitors need to respect the sacredness of the place and dress modestly.
- Suva Municipal Market: This is the largest and busiest market in Suva, located on the Rodwell Road. The market is a colourful and lively place, where you can find a variety of fresh and local produce, such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, flowers, and seafood. The market is also a great place to interact with the friendly and cheerful vendors and shoppers, and learn about the Fijian culture and cuisine. The market is open from Monday to Saturday, from 6 am to 6 pm. Admission is free, but bargaining is expected.
What to Do in Suva
Suva has a lot to offer for travellers who are looking for adventure and relaxation. Here are some of the top activities to do in Suva:
- Colo-i-Suva Forest Park: This is a natural reserve and a recreational park, located about 10 km from Suva. The park covers an area of 2.5 square km, and features a lush rainforest, with native trees, ferns, orchids, and birds. The park has several hiking trails, picnic areas, and swimming spots, such as waterfalls and pools. The park is a popular place for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and families. The park is open daily, from 8 am to 5 pm. Admission is FJ$5 for adults, FJ$2 for children, and FJ$10 for vehicles.
- Zip Fiji: This is an adventure company that offers zip-lining tours in the Namosi Highlands, about 40 km from Suva. The zip-lining course consists of 16 zip lines, ranging from 80 to 160 meters in length, and reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h. The zip-lining tour takes you through the scenic and rugged landscape, with views of the mountains, valleys, rivers, and waterfalls. The zip-lining tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and includes safety equipment, training, and guides. The zip-lining tour is available daily, from 9 am to 4 pm. The price is FJ$199 per person, and includes transportation, lunch, and refreshments.
- Pure Fiji Spa: This is a spa and wellness centre, located on the Karsanji Street. The spa offers a range of treatments and services, such as massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and hair care, using natural and organic products made from local ingredients, such as coconut, sugar cane, pineapple, and papaya. The spa also has a boutique, where you can buy the products and gift sets. The spa is a relaxing and rejuvenating place, where you can pamper yourself and enjoy the Fijian hospitality. The spa is open from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 6 pm. The prices vary depending on the treatment and service, but start from FJ$35.
Where to Eat in Suva
Suva has a lot to offer for travellers who are looking for a culinary experience. Here are some of the top places to eat in Suva:
- Governors: This is a fine dining restaurant, located in the Grand Pacific Hotel, a historic and luxurious hotel on the Victoria Parade. The restaurant serves contemporary and fusion cuisine, with influences from the Pacific, Asia, and Europe. The restaurant has a sophisticated and elegant ambience, with a view of the harbour and the gardens. The restaurant is open daily, from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm. The prices are high, but the quality and service are worth it.
- Ashiyana: This is a casual and cozy restaurant, located on the Cumming Street. The restaurant serves authentic and delicious Indian cuisine, with a variety of dishes, such as curries, tandoori, biryanis, naan, and roti. The restaurant also has a vegetarian and vegan menu, as well as a buffet option. The restaurant is open daily, from 11 am to 10 pm. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous.
- Daikoku: This is a fun and lively restaurant, located on the Victoria Parade. The restaurant serves Japanese cuisine, with a focus on teppanyaki, a style of cooking where the chef prepares the food on a hot iron plate in front of the guests. The restaurant also has a sushi bar, a sake bar, and a karaoke room. The restaurant is open daily, from 11:30 am to 2 pm, and from 6 pm to 10 pm. The prices are moderate, and the entertainment is guaranteed.
Where to Stay in Suva
Suva has a lot to offer for travellers who are looking for a comfortable and convenient accommodation. Here are some of the top places to stay in Suva:
- Holiday Inn Suva: This is a four-star hotel, located on the Victoria Parade, overlooking the harbour. The hotel has 130 rooms and suites, with modern amenities, such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, and minibar. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a pool, a gym, a business centre, and a conference room. The hotel is close to the city centre, the museum, and the market. The hotel is open 24/7. The price is FJ$300 per night, and includes breakfast and parking.
- City Private Hotel: This is a two-star hotel, located on the Pratt Street, near the cathedral. The hotel has 22 rooms, with basic amenities, such as fan, Wi-Fi, TV, and fridge. The hotel also has a shared kitchen, a lounge, a laundry, and a tour desk. The hotel is close to the bus station, the library, and the market. The hotel is open 24/7. The price is FJ$50 per night, and includes breakfast and parking.
- Raintree Lodge: This is a eco-friendly lodge, located on the Princes Road, near the forest park. The lodge has 18 rooms, with rustic amenities, such as fan, Wi-Fi, TV, and balcony. The lodge also has a restaurant, a bar, a pool, a library, and a games room. The lodge is close to the forest park, the zip-lining, and the spa. The lodge is open 24/7. The price is FJ$100 per night, and includes breakfast and parking.
How to Get to Suva
Suva is easy to reach from anywhere in Fiji, as it is the main transportation hub of the country. Here are some of the main ways to get to Suva:
- By plane: Suva has an international airport, called Nausori International Airport, located about 20 km from the city centre. The airport has flights to and from several destinations, such as Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa, and Vanuatu. The airport also has domestic flights to and from other islands of Fiji, such as Nadi, Savusavu, Taveuni, and Labasa. The airport has a terminal, a lounge, a café, a shop, and a taxi rank. The airport is open 24/7. The price of the flight depends on the destination, the airline, and the season, but starts from FJ$100 one way.
- By bus: Suva has a central bus station, located on the Rodwell Road, near the market. The bus station has buses to and from all over Fiji, such as Nadi, Lautoka, Sigatoka, Rakiraki, and Korovou. The buses are cheap, frequent, and comfortable, with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and TV. The buses also stop at various towns, villages, and attractions along the way. The bus station has a terminal, a ticket office, a café, a shop, and a taxi rank. The bus station is open daily, from 6 am to 6 pm. The price of the bus depends on the destination, the company, and the distance, but starts from FJ$10 one way.
- By taxi: Suva has a lot of taxis, which are easy to find and hail on the streets, or at the airport, the bus station, the hotels, or the attractions. The taxis are convenient, fast, and flexible, as they can take you anywhere in and around Suva. The taxis are metered, but you can also negotiate the fare in advance. The taxis are open 24/7. The price of the taxi depends on the destination, the traffic, and the time, but starts from FJ$5 one way.
Conclusion
Suva is a vibrant and diverse city, where you can experience the culture, nature, and adventure of Fiji. Suva has something for everyone, whether you are looking for history, culture, nature, adventure, food, or relaxation. Suva is a great place to visit, and a great place to start your exploration of Fiji. If you want to learn more about Suva, or book your trip to Suva, visit Tripoto, the ultimate travel platform. Tripoto is your one-stop destination for all your travel needs, from planning, booking, sharing, and discovering. Tripoto is the best way to travel.