Suva
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At a glance
- Country
- Fiji
- Region
- Central Division
- Population
- 94,000
- Best time to go
- May to October
- Main airport
- Nausori (SUV); most international flights use Nadi (NAN)
- Coordinates
- 18.14°S, 178.44°E
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Overview
Suva is Fiji's capital and one of the largest cities in the South Pacific, set on a hilly peninsula on the wetter south-east coast of Viti Levu. It is a working city of government buildings, colonial landmarks, university students and busy markets rather than a resort.
That is its appeal. Here you see everyday Fijian life, iTaukei and Indo-Fijian, with good food, a fine museum and rainforest close by. Bring an umbrella, as it rains often.
Things to see
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Photo: User:Matthias Süßen, CC BY-SA 3.0 Fiji Museum
In Thurston Gardens, with war canoes, tools and objects telling the story of three thousand years of island life.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Deirdre Marsac, Public domain Suva Municipal Market
Piles of tropical fruit, root vegetables and bundles of kava root, with sellers from all over the islands.
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Photo: User:Matthias Süßen, CC BY-SA 3.0 Thurston Gardens
Botanical gardens with tropical trees and lily ponds, a shady spot for a break from the heat.
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Photo: Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain Grand Pacific Hotel
A restored 1914 hotel on the waterfront, built to look like a passenger liner. Stop for a drink on the veranda.
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Photo: Tucoxn, CC BY-SA 3.0 Colo-i-Suva Forest Park
Rainforest on the city's edge, with walking trails, birdsong and natural swimming pools.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 Try kava
Share a bowl of the earthy traditional drink, which is central to Fijian welcome ceremonies.
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Walk the seawall
Follow the waterfront promenade at sunset as locals jog, fish and gather to chat.
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Eat a Fiji curry
The city's Indo-Fijian cafés serve excellent curries, roti and spicy snacks, often at very simple tables.
Where to stay
City centre
Close to the market, museum and waterfront, with hotels to suit most budgets.
Hotels in City centreThe Domain
A leafy, quieter area near government buildings and the university.
Hotels in The Domain
Getting around
Central Suva is walkable, and taxis are plentiful and good value. Buses run to the suburbs.
Nausori airport is about 30 to 40 minutes away by taxi. From Nadi it is around four hours by road along the Coral Coast.
When to go
The cooler dry season from May to October is the most comfortable time to visit. November to April is hot and humid, with heavy rain and the risk of cyclones.
Plan your trip to Suva
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.