Suva.
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Overview

Suva is the capital of Fiji with a population of 94,000 in the city proper and 185,000 in the metropolitan area.

Understand

Suva is on the southeast coast of the main island of Fiji, Viti Levu. Suva became the capital of Fiji in 1877. Fiji's tallest building, the Reserve Bank of Fiji Building, is in downtown Suva, also known as the Central Business District (CBD).

The Fiji School of Medicine and one of the three campuses of the University of the South Pacific are in Suva.

Suva tends to be the major commercial and political centre of Fiji, whereas Nadi (pronounced "NAN-dee") is the major tourist centre.

Information Centre. Some tourist information can be obtained inside a government building in downtown Suva.

Get in

Suva is accessible by airplane, bus, car and boat.

By plane Fiji Airways (Fiji majority owned) provides national and international flights to Suva.

The closest airport is the , about 23 km (30 minute drive) away, in Nausori. The airport can be reached by public buses from Suva, however that will require a change in Nausori center. Although Nausori International Airport caters mostly to the domestic market, connecting Suva with Fiji's other international airport in Nadi, it also serves some smaller international aircraft to New Zealand, Samoa and Vanuatu.

Buses connect Suva to all major cities in Viti Levu, arriving at the . People can take normal buses or mini-buses. Tourists are strongly not advised to use the mini-buses.

Three major roads exit Suva and lead to different parts of Viti Levu. Kings Highway leads east from Suva; the next major towns to the east are Nausori and Korovou. Queens Highway leads west from Suva, passing Lami; the next major towns to the west are Navua, Pacific Harbour, and Sigatoka. It takes approximately 4 hours by bus from Nadi to Suva via the Queens Highway. Princes Highway goes north from Suva, through Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, and eventually connects to Kings Highway in Nausori at the Rewa Bridge, the longest bridge in Fiji and the longest bridge of its type in the South Pacific.

Suva is one of Fiji's major harbors and is home to a fishing fleet and major port. Cruise ships also stop in Suva. Several boat companies cooperate with bus companies to permit travelers to visit other islands by taking a bus from Suva, using a roll-on/roll-off (or RO-RO) ferry, and continuing to the town destination on the island. One example if this bus/boat combination is the trip from Suva to Levuka (Fiji's former capitol) on the island of Ovalau.

By ferry You can take a ferry from Taveuni via Savusavu to Suva.

Get around

Downtown Suva can be explored on foot. Tourists and residents often use taxis as they are affordable, plentiful and easy to access.

See

Fiji Museum. The Fiji Museum is an excellent place for tourists to understand the historical and archeological background of Fiji. With artifacts dating back as far as 3,700 years it provides many exhibits that educate visitors on the nation's layers of traditions and culture.

Do

Unfortunately, there are no tourist-quality beaches in Suva. The closest tourist-quality beach to Suva is at Pacific Harbour. The beach at Apted Park (at the bottom of Laucala Bay Road) and the kitesurfing-friendly beach (on Queen Elizabeth Road, near the National Stadium) are often frequented by locals despite the high levels of trash and fecal coliform found in the water.

Local rugby and soccer matches can be exciting events and are free of riots. Rugby matches are most often held in , across from the Suva Lawn Bowls club. Soccer matches are often in the National Stadium on Laucala Bay Road. International hockey (field hockey) matches are at the National Hockey Stadium, near The University of the South Pacific and the National Stadium.

Buy

Suva Municipal Market. Right in Suva town are these fruit and vegetable markets. Sells all kinds of different tropical fruit and vegetables.

Municipal Handicraft Centre. Rows full of Fijian wooden carvings, straw goods and Fijian handicraft souvenirs.

Suva Fish Market. In the town centre of Suva are market stalls that serve colourful varieties of fresh fish.

Eat

The Indian influence from the significant population in Suva is evident in the food. The Indian food in town is authentic, tasty, and good value.

For something upscale, try a restaurant inside one of the fancier Suva hotels, such as the Tanoa Plaza, the Southern Cross, or the Holiday Inn. For a quick economical meal in pleasant surroundings, go to the food court upstairs at the Harbour Centre and choose from a great variety of local and Chinese dishes (and you get to look before you buy) and sit and enjoy the view, or get a sack of fish and chips and sit by the waterfront or at the botanical garden.

Many international fast food outlets are found in the city including McDonald's and Nando's.

Singh's Curry House. Sells cheap and delicious authentic Fijian curry. Eat in or takeaway.

Scott's. High-end European cuisine. The best steaks in town.

Palm Court Bistro. Outdoor Cafe, relaxed atmosphere. Palm Court Bistro has an all day breakfast menu, however they are renowned for their freshly made sandwiches made to order from the sandwich bar.

Zam Zam Resaturant. Best place in Suva for local Indo-Fijian dishes. Located just outside the main CDB in Samabula.

BSP Central Food Court. Clean and spacious food court selling mostly Indian and Chinese food.

Drink

Fr or Fringing Reef. This bar and coffee shop is situated literally on the water and has a view that matches its location. Sometimes fish & chips and other food is available from the kitchen. The location is also accessible by walking along the sea-wall path.

Sleep

Tanoa Plaza Suva Hotel. An airport and convention hotel three minutes away from Suva International Airport.

Colonial Lodge. Big dorm room, but very enjoyable/familiar atmosphere and also some long-term guests. Breakfast included and dinner possible. Definitely a nice place to stay longer and socialize.

5 Princes Hotel. In a landmark building. Garden Cottage set in tropical gardens or in a Deluxe Room located in the historical building. All cottages and rooms are air-conditioned and fitted with executive-style furniture and internet access. Great food, dining on the open-air veranda.

Grand Pacific Hotel. The grand old lady of hotels in Fiji, built in 1914 as a luxury hotel for passengers on steamships crossing the Pacific. Although it was closed down in 1992 and stood decaying and abandoned for over 20 years, it has since undergone much needed renovations and been restored to its former glory, re-opening in time for its 100th anniversary in 2014.