Suva — The Capital

Suva is Fiji's capital, political center, and — often surprisingly for travelers — the most culturally interesting city in the country. While Nadi is geared towards tourism, Suva lives its own life: a multicultural, lively port city with the best museum in the South Pacific, a vibrant market scene, and a nightlife that far surpasses Nadi's.

Fiji Museum

The Fiji Museum in Thurston Garden is a must for anyone wanting to understand Fiji's history. The collection spans 3,700 years of Fijian history: Lapita pottery, war clubs and cannibal forks (yes, that was a real chapter), sailing boats (Drua), colonial artifacts, and the rudder of the legendary ship HMS Bounty. Admission: approx. 15 FJD.

Suva Municipal Market

The largest market in the South Pacific is an experience for all the senses: mountains of tropical fruits, vegetables, fish, kava, and crafts. Here you encounter the real, multicultural Fiji — Fijians, Indo-Fijians, Rotumans, and Chinese trade side by side. Saturdays are particularly busy.

Colo-i-Suva Forest Park

Just 11 km outside the center lies this rainforest park with hiking trails, natural rock pools for swimming, and an impressive birdlife (watch for the Orange-Fruit-Dove, Fiji's endemic fruit dove). Admission: approx. 10 FJD. A welcome contrast to urban Suva.

Suva's Nightlife

Surprisingly for a Pacific capital: Suva has a lively bar scene. Victoria Parade and the surrounding streets offer bars, clubs, and live music (especially on Thursdays and Fridays). The Holiday Inn Deck offers harbor views and cool Fiji Bitter, and the Traps Bar has been a Suva institution for decades.