Suva is the capital city of a country known for its natural beauty, and more often than not it serves primarily as a gateway to the islands and beaches that make Fiji a top international tourist destination. Still, this bustling modern city, backed by jungles and mountains, can boast of a fascinating mixture of cultures and an array of well-maintained historical sites. Visit colonial buildings and cultural museums, try tropical fruits and vegetables at the local markets, and take a relaxing walk through Suva’s forest park.
The Fijian capital is home to an intriguing cultural mélange, with a strong colonial twist. Take a walk down Victoria Parade and you will see a series of sites from the colonial era, including the Grand Pacific Hotel and the Old Town Hall. The government buildings there date back to the 1930s. Head on to the Sakuna Park, named after the founder of independent Fiji, to be greeted with memorable views of the ocean and mountains. Suva’s Thurston Gardens, meanwhile, is a fine arrangement of native plant life set against expansive green lawns with a number of large resident fig trees.
Multicultural Fiji has been shaped by various traditions, religions, and cuisines that are Chinese, Indian, European, and Polynesian in origin. Visit the Fiji Museum for an insight into these disparate cultural strands as well as the nation’s indigenous history. A range of musical instruments, cooking utensils, weapons, and jewellery from all over Fiji are on display. Stop by the Indo-Fijian Gallery to see the creative output of illustrious Fijian artists, and browse for souvenirs in the handicrafts markets located just north of Sakuna Park.
The commercial heart of Suva can be found in the twisting streets on both sides of Nabukalou Creek. Get your fill of malls, bars, and restaurants and try out tropical fruits and vegetables at the Suva Municipal Market. Make sure to visit the city’s old cathedral and the vivid Shree Laxminarayan Temple.
The weather in Suva is usually hot, and the heavy downpours that the city experiences from time to time can prove to be a welcome respite from the heat. Another way to cool off is a trip to the Colo-i-Suva Forest, a lovely rainforest whose walking trails lead you to numerous waterfalls and swimming holes.
Suva is located just three hours’ drive from Nadi via the coastal Queens Road, with regular busses connecting the two cities. Since there is a cruise terminal in Suva, many visitors stay for a stopover of only a few hours. Fiji is proud of its welcoming reputation, but poverty and crime have caused especially Suva to become less safe than it once was. Try to stay in the main touristed areas, and avoid wandering around the city at night.
