Australia & Pacific · Fiji
Fiji (Suva) Travel Guide
Suva is Fiji's capital — a vibrant multicultural city on the southeast coast of Viti Levu. While the famous resort islands are elsewhere, Suva offers authentic Fijian culture, colourful markets, and the warmest welcome in the Pacific.
How Do You Get Around?
Walk from the port into Suva centre (5 min). Main attractions are walkable. Taxi for further sights.
What Can You Do in 6 Hours?
Suva Municipal Market — Largest in the South Pacific. Fresh tropical produce, kava root, woven handicrafts, and vibrant atmosphere.
Fiji Museum — In Thurston Gardens. Fijian cultural artefacts, a traditional canoe, and the rudder from HMS Bounty. $10 FJD.
Colo-i-Suva Forest Park — Rainforest with natural swimming pools and waterfalls. 20 min by taxi. Beautiful for a nature walk.
Kava ceremony — Participate in a traditional kava-drinking ritual. Available through local cultural tours.
Where Should You Eat?
Kokoda: Fijian ceviche — raw fish marinated in lime and coconut cream. Fresh and exceptional.
Lovo feast: Fijian earth-oven cooking. Meat, fish, and root vegetables wrapped in banana leaves and cooked underground.
Roti: Fiji has a large Indian community. Roti with curry is cheap and delicious.
Is Suva Worth Exploring Independently?
Suva is walkable and friendly. The market and museum are right at the port. A taxi to Colo-i-Suva is cheap. Ship excursions offer cultural experiences that can be harder to arrange independently.
Useful Local Phrases
Bula!
Hello! (Fijian greeting)
(BOO-lah)
Vinaka
Thank you
(vee-NAH-kah)
Vinaka vakalevu
Thank you very much
(vee-NAH-kah vah-kah-LEH-voo)
Local Tips
- •Suva Municipal Market is the largest in the South Pacific — fresh produce, kava, and handicrafts.
- •A kava ceremony is a must-do Fijian cultural experience. The mild sedative drink is served in a coconut shell.
- •Fiji uses the Fijian Dollar (FJD). Cards accepted at larger shops; cash for markets.
- •Fijians are famously friendly — 'Bula!' is the universal greeting you'll hear constantly.