Fiji Cities: Best things to do in Suva
Suva. Beautiful, historical, multicultural and lively. There are plenty of fantastic things to do in Suva. Whether it’s just unwinding or seeking adventure – Suva has it all.
Firstly, it’s the capital of Fiji and the biggest city. It’s always a great way to get the feel for a country by visiting the biggest city.
What you need to know:
- Suva is on southeast coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. It’s a harbour city in the picturesque Port of Suva.
- The population of Greater Suva is around 200,000 people.
- Suva is Fiji’s economic and administrative centre. All major banks and international corporations in Fiji are based in here.
- Fiji’s first capital was Levuka, on Ovalau Island. It moved to Suva in 1882 because Suva was more accessible and had more space for growth. And grow it did! Levuka is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
How to get there
You can fly directly to Suva from Australia and New Zealand. Nausori Airport is just 25 km from Suva. However, most international flights to Fiji arrive at Nadi Airport. Nadi is in the northern part of Viti Levu and about 190 km from the capital.
From Nadi you have a few options.
Jumping on a plane is the fastest option, but you might want to take your time.
You can rent a car or go by bus along the stunning Coral Coast.
This way you can stop off wherever and whenever you like.
It’s up to you!
Places to see
Suva City
Kick things off by looking around the city itself. There are plenty of colonial-era buildings such as the Sacred Heart Cathedral and Fiji Museum. The museum has some amazing artefacts dating back 3,500 years.
Next has to be Suva’s lively markets. There are markets everywhere in Suva, selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to seafood and handicrafts. The Municipal Markets are great fun and you can mix with the locals.
Huge tropical paw paws and mangoes, fresh juice and kava stands, handmade baskets -the markets have it all. Share a joke with the farmers and stall owners. Glug down a freshly squeezed pineapple juice. Simply enjoy being in the beating heart of the city.
Day trips & tours
If you’re active then you have a fantastic choice of fun activities.
Just along the coast is Fiji’s adventure capital Pacific Harbour and Beqa Island.
There’s plenty of fun to be had here, no matter what you’re into.
-
Navua River waterfall tour
Pack your swimsuit and get ready to get wet. Take a tour up the Navua River and stop off to swim in some amazing waterfalls.
You can take a traditional bamboo raft up the river or up the ante on a dune buggy.
If you really want to release some adrenalin, then try your hand at white water rafting or tubing. Sounds fun? It is!
-
Kila Eco Adventure Park
Hit the adventure park for some thrills on the ziplines and try your hand at abseiling. Never done it before? No problem! For a more leisurely visit you can simply enjoy one of the park’s eco walks. You’ll trek along jungle paths and pass by some breathtaking waterfalls.
-
Beqa Island
If you’re into scuba diving and snorkeling then you’ll probably want to stay here for a few nights.
Beqa Island is surrounded by coral reef, white beaches and aqua blue water. You can dive, snorkel or just splash around in the many secluded bays and beaches.
Again – there’s an adrenalin-charged option. You can go to the island on a guided jet ski tour. You’ll definitely get wet and you’ll definitely have a blast.
Back in Suva you might want to chill out. Treat yourself to a luxurious spa and massage. Body health is an important part of Fijian culture, so just close your eyes and drift away.
By now you’ll have definitely worked up an appetite. And thirst!
There’s no shortage of fine dining in Suva. Try some of the fresh seafood or local delicacies. Suva is a flourishing multicultural city with a great selection of Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Australian restaurants.
No matter what you’re into, Suva can provide it. Fiji’s capital will give you a great insight into the Fijian way of enjoying life.
