FJ
Suva
Fiji’s lively, green capital, with museums, markets and rainforest on its doorstep
Fiji’s lively, green capital, with museums, markets and rainforest on its doorstep
The national museum’s highlight is Ratu Finau, a double-hulled canoe. Exhibits cover Lapita pottery, Fijian culture and indentured labour.
Photo: Matthias Süßen, CC BY-SA 3.0
The botanical gardens around the museum have big old trees, flowering plants and a colony of fruit bats.
Photo: Matthias Süßen, CC BY-SA 3.0
Opened in 1914 and restored a century later, this white colonial hotel faces Albert Park and the sea. Its terrace is a classic spot for a sunset drink.
Photo: Matthias Süßen, CC BY-SA 3.0
About 20 minutes from the centre, trails lead through rainforest to natural pools and small waterfalls, with endemic birds.
Leave valuables behind; petty theft has been reported.
Photo: Tucoxn, CC BY-SA 3.0
Try kokoda (raw fish in coconut milk and lime), lovo (food cooked in an earth oven) and Indo-Fijian curries and roti.
The Suva Municipal Market is busy with produce and snacks, especially on Saturday mornings.
Nausori Airport, about 25km away, has domestic and some regional flights. Most international visitors arrive at Nadi and travel about 4–5 hours by road or take a short domestic flight.
Taxis are cheap and plentiful; buses link Suva with Pacific Harbour and Nadi.
Fiji uses the Fiji dollar (FJD).
Prices are approximate; check current rates.
City and forest.
Visit the market, the Fiji Museum and Thurston Gardens, then walk the sea wall to sunset at the Grand Pacific Hotel.
Swim at Colo-i-Suva, or go rafting or diving from Pacific Harbour.
Suva is rainy; pack a light jacket.
Cyclone season runs from November to April.
Cover shoulders and knees in villages.
If invited to a kava ceremony, follow your host’s lead.
Quick answers for planning time in Suva.
Yes.
About 4–5 hours by road, or a short flight to Nausori.
Its double-hulled canoe and collections on Fijian culture and history.
Yes, it is wetter than western Viti Levu.
May to October, the drier season.
Boat operators, guesthouses and guides often take bookings by message.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Fiji travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.