REGION INTRO
Suva is one of the most cosmopolitan centres in the South Pacific, home to around a third of Fiji’s population. Here you can experience Fiji’s history and heritage. Suva is the economic, educational and diplomatic hub in the South Pacific region. Lured by its attractive deep harbour and abundant land, Fiji’s British colonists moved the capital of Fiji from Levuka here in 1882. As a major centre for trade since then, you’ll find many buildings from the British colonial era amongst the city’s more modern high-rise buildings. Be sure to spend time exploring our tropical metropolis with shopping malls, farmers markets, restaurants and entertainment.
As one of the primary ports-of-call for cruise liners visiting Fiji, Suva is a great place for you to jump ship and explore the city, learn about Fiji and the region at the Fiji Museum located at the beautiful Thurston Gardens. The Fiji Museum is the best place to do a crash course in Fiji’s history or take a walking tour around the city to check out the small shops and markets full of handicrafts and fresh food. From historic hotels boasting grand colonial architecture to modern hotel suites and self-contained apartments, here you will find a wide range of accommodation to suit all visitors.
WHERE?
Suva lies in the Central district of Viti Levu, on the south-eastern coast of Viti Levu. Driving time from Nadi is about 3 h 45 minutes to 4 hours.
HOW TO GET THERE?
As Fiji’s largest city, Suva is easily accessed by a number of modes of transport. Its main airport is Nausori International Airport, located around 23km northeast of central Suva. It’s a 3.5-hour drive from Nadi.
- Public Bus
- Private or Seat in Coach Transfer
- Taxi
- Rental Car
- Domestic & limited international flights
Ferries leave from the ferry quay at Walu Bay, on the northern edge of Suva with services to Vanua Levu (Savusavu), Taveuni, Levuka (bus & ferry combination) and Kadavu and there are also less frequent ferries to the Lau Islands.
WHAT?
What are the Top 5 “Things To Do”
- Fiji Museum
If you’re a history buff with time on your hands, head over to the Fiji Museum in its leafy haven at the end of town. The modest building is packed with interesting exhibits that date back some 3,700 years to the Lapita age, when sea-faring people first settled the Pacific islands. Take your time to explore the little rooms and you’ll discover a treasure trove of information on Fiji’s tribal warfare, early European contact and the origin of Fiji’s multicultural populace. There’s a little giftshop to browse when you’ve had your fill of cannonballs and canoes, and a small café overlooking Thurston Gardens that serves up some decent coffee. The Museum opens 8.30am – 4:00pm daily but is closed on Sundays.
- Colo-i-Suva Forest Park
Trade the city’s hustle and bustle for the cool, rainforest vibes of Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, about 15mins drive outside the city centre. The 90-hectare Park is part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy – a network of preserved forests in Commonwealth countries. It’s laced with walking trails, picnic spots and a freshwater creek that feeds the popular Upper and Lower swimming holes. It’s also one of the best places on the island to go bird spotting – 30 of Fiji’s 57 land bird species have been found there. Grab a few friends or call ahead to organise a Park Ranger to guide you to the best spots. You can also pick up lunch and a great little guide book to the Park’s birds at the Colo-i-Suva Rainforest Eco Resort right opposite the Park.
- Food, Fashion & Handicrafts
Suva’s lively food market near the main wharf is the beating heart of the city. Vendors sell seasonal fresh fruit and veg there all week but it really brims with colour, variety and bargains on Fridays and Saturdays. Get there early to avoid the crowds and catch the freshest deals. When you’re done, take a stroll to the nearby Suva Handicraft Centre for cultural treasures like printed masi, kava bowls, war clubs or drums. Lots of stalls sell similar items so take your time to wander around and compare prices. Don’t be afraid to haggle with vendors for a fair price too – it’s all part of the experience and you’ll get a better deal! All markets are closed on Sundays.
If you need a fashion-fix, Suva is your place to go in Fiji. Many local designers have their own retail outlets selling locally designed and made products – look for Samson Lee, Zuber, Pepe & Pepe and Treehouse Boutique.
- Grand Pacific Hotel
Even if you are not staying there, the hotel is worth a visit for a drink on the terrace or some High Tea. It is a heritage, 5-star luxury hotel built over 100 years ago and is an oasis of beautiful rooms and suites, fine dining and friendly Fijian hospitality. The Grand Pacific Hotel reflects the colonial times in Fiji and has hosted royalty, writers and other celebrities.
- Enjoy the food scene
Locals say that the restaurants and eateries in Suva are some of the best to discover in Fiji. From food trucks to museum themed restaurants – there is something for everyone.
- PURE FIJI DAY SPA
The Pure Fiji Day Spa is a quiet little oasis away from the hubbub of the city within the Pure Fiji Factory facility in Vatuwaqa. It’s the perfect place to escape for a quick pick-me-up facial or leisurely body massage with Pure Fiji’s scrumptious body care range.The factory outlet is the place to shop for all your Pure Fiji products. The Saturday outlet sale is a great place to buy Pure Fiji products at discounted prices. The Outlet Sale is open only on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. The Spa currently opens on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
DID YOU KNOW
- Did you know that Queen Elizabeth II has stayed twice in the Grand Pacific Hotel during her Pacific journeys in 1953 and 1977? And so did her grandson Harry with his wife Megan in 2018.
- Did you know the biggest university of the South Pacific is located in Suva? The University of the South Pacific is owned by the governments of 12 states in the South Pacific.
- Did you know that Suva is not only Fiji’s biggest town and capital, but also the biggest city in the South Pacific?
WHY?
What are the Top 4 selling points for this region?
- Suva is a bustling and highly multicultural regional centre, Suva has everything you’d expect from a large city – trendy shopping malls and farmers markets, restaurants, entertainment, and a huge range of cultural activities. A modern city which still has many buildings dating back to the colonial era, Suva offers parks, gardens, museums, outdoor activities and a vibrant nightlife. A lively and dynamic city, you’ll be dazzled by Suva’s incredible mix of cultures and range of things to do. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find there’s more to Suva than great retail and restaurants.
- Perfect add-on to a stay in Pacific Harbour. You can fly to Suva to get to Pacific Harbour and spend some time exploring the city.
- A must-go place for any self-drive around Viti Levu.
- Because this bustling hub of Pacific life and culture is the perfect place to experience a little bit of every aspect of Fiji.
- A tropical metropolis, Suva offers a mix of historical sites, museums, parks, and local markets along with a vibrant nightlife.
WHO?
- Backpacker/Youth
- Golf
- Couples
- Nature
- Cruise
- Active explorers