Suva is the capital of Fiji with a population of 94,000 in the city proper and 185,000 in the metropolitan area.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
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. 1 Information Centre (At the intersection of Scott St and Thomson St). Some tourist information can be obtained inside a government building in downtown Suva. (updated Jan 2021)
Downtown Suva can be explored on foot. Tourists and residents often use taxis as they are affordable, plentiful and easy to access. People can also take a bus to travel around Suva and to major cities and towns for an even more affordable price.
1 Fiji Museum, Cakobau Rd (In Thurston Gardens), ☏ +679 331 5944, fijimuseum@gmail.com. M-Th 9:30-16:30 F 9:30-16:00 Sa 9:30-16:30. 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. $7. (updated Oct 2019)
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 1 Albert Park, across from the Suva Lawn Bowls club. Soccer matches are often in the National Stadium on Laucala Bay Road.
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. …
Fr or Fringing Reef, Queen Elizabeth Dr (Just down from Suva Grammar School). 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.
Suva is a friendly city, but there are some pickpockets and thieves. Avoid people who approach you asking for your name and country. They often want to lead you to a shop and then try to sell you overpriced souvenirs they might have hand-made themselves. Goods sold by these people are very overpriced -- tourists are strongly not advised to purchase anything from these places. Do not let anyone lead you off to another location to see something such as a ship from your country as this is a scam to isolate you and put you in a weak position. You may later encounter something such as a robbery. Offers of anything free are probably not, even in friendly Fiji.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Aug, Suva typically sees ~26°C daytime highs and 13 rainy days.
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