Trip to Suva, the Capital of Fiji
General
Suva, the capital of Fiji, is the political, economic, and commercial center of Fiji. It is located in the southeast of Viti Levu, the largest and most populated island in Fiji. Suva is also a port city, featuring a large commercial port, which cruise ships also visit.
Book attractions in Fiji from GetYourGuide.com:
The city of Suva is built on a peninsula surrounded by the sea on three sides. It is the largest city in the country in terms of area and the second largest in terms of the number of inhabitants. The city itself has about 87,000 residents, but including its suburbs, 175,000 people live in the Suva area. Suva is not a touristy city, but it is certainly worth dedicating a full day to it, both for the city center, which combines colonial and modern buildings, plenty of gardens, and a variety of markets and shopping centers, and for the nature surrounding the city. Suva's beaches are not exciting at all, and anyone looking for vacation, swimming, diving, and water sports activities will have to head to other islands or other areas of the island. In Suva city center, it is worth visiting the Thurston Gardens, which feature flora brought from all over the South Pacific region. The gardens house The Fiji Museum, which was the home of the old city hall until 1954. The museum has collections of Fijian handicrafts and also focuses on archaeology and local culture.
The "Takashi Suzuki Gardens" are an excellent place for watching both the sunset and the sunrise. The Grand Pacific Hotel, also located in the city center not far from the Parliament building, is an impressive historical structure recommended for a visit to admire its architecture, gardens, and photos of famous guests who stayed there, including Queen Elizabeth II.
Grand Pacific Hotel:
Near the port, located in the vibrant center of the city, is Suva's main market: the Suva Municipal Market, a huge and lively market where fruits and vegetables are sold on the first floor.
And its second floor is dedicated to Kava, considered the national drink of Fiji: the most popular alcoholic drink in Fiji and other South Pacific islands, and specifically its raw materials.
Adjacent to the main building is a charming flower market, a shellfish and fish market, and plenty of meat and poultry shops. The produce sold in the market is fresh and very cheap (especially compared to other islands in the South Pacific).
A short walk from the municipal market, it's recommended to visit the Suva handcraft market, which features various clothes, bags, and decorations, all handmade from fabrics, straw, wood, and flowers.
Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the large shopping center adjacent to the municipal market near the port: Tappoo City shopping centre. A large and modern shopping center full of brands at prices that are not cheap at all.
Tappoo City shopping centre:
A short video about the market and shops in Suva:
Travel destinations near Suva:
A short drive out of the city will lead you to several successful natural and cultural sites:
Colo-i-Suva Forest National Park:
A large and impressive nature park located only 12 km (20 minutes) north of Suva city center. The park covers 2.5 sq km and contains a rainforest with characteristic tropical vegetation, tropical birds, natural pools among waterfalls and streams, and well-organized and marked hiking trails. You can swim in the natural pools, and there are many organized picnic sites in the park.
A short video about a trip to the nature park near Suva:
Orchid Island Cultural Centre:
An ancient and authentic Fijian village with an old prayer house and several other buildings, ancient weapons and tools, located in the heart of a forest full of fruit trees, tropical flowers, and farm animals. A charming guided tour of about an hour is held there, teaching about local customs, wildlife, and especially the flora. Located about a 20-minute drive (12 km) west of Suva center.
A short video about the cultural center:
Recommended guided tours in Suva and its surroundings:
A successful company from which you can book customized private guided tours is: Kay Services In a 6-7 hour tour, you can see the best of the city and its surroundings. Very suitable for those arriving by cruise ship at the city port or for those spending a day in the city on the way to one of Fiji's small and exotic islands.
You can also book a private tour in Suva on the reliable Viator website: Customized Suva day tour
Recommended accommodation on Viti Levu island
Recommended hotels in the capital city of Suva:
Grand Pacific Hotel- A 5-star historic hotel located in the city center, on the seafront. Built in 1914, it has since hosted many heads of state and celebrities, including the Queen of England. The hotel, immersed in gardens, has a gym, pool, spa, five restaurants, and three bars. Every room has a balcony or patio. All rooms are air-conditioned. Free internet and parking. Holiday Inn Suva- A 4-star hotel in a central location with a pool, tropical gardens, and ocean views. The hotel has a gym and laundry service for guests. The hotel has a cafe, restaurant, and bar. Free internet and parking. Quest Suva- A 4-star apartment hotel in Suva city center. A 5-minute walk from the port. The hotel has 54 double studio apartments and one-bedroom apartments with a living room suitable for three. All apartments are air-conditioned, with a kitchen/kitchenette. The hotel has a gym, washing machines, and dryers for guest use, free internet, and parking.
Recommended hotels on Denarau Island
I recommend staying on this island in a charming and luxurious resort in a place called Denarau Island near Nadi. During some days of your stay there, it's recommended to take daily boat trips to the Mamanuca and Yasawa island chains, and of course, tour the large island of Viti Levu on a guided tour or in a private taxi.
The resort at Denarau is like a sanctuary of several quality 5-star hotels with well-equipped rooms, dreamy and luxurious beds and bathrooms, large and unique pools, lush and well-kept vegetation, beaches, water sports, quality restaurants, a large and special lobby, and more. Between the hotels and the nearby port, which serves as an entertainment center at night and a departure point for cruises to nearby islands during the day, there is a frequent free shuttle service 24 hours a day.
Among the luxurious hotels on Denarau Island you can find: ♦The Westin resort & Spa The Westin resort & Spa ♦Sheraton Fiji Resort Sheraton Fiji Resort ♦Sheraton Villas Sheraton Villas ♦ Sofitel Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa ♦ Radisson Blu Resort Radisson Blu Resort. ♦ Hilton Resort Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa
All hotels in Denarau are located on the beach and are adjacent to each other. You can stroll along the beach during the day or in the evening (by romantic torchlight and typical Polynesian music) and visit all these hotels, each of which has a unique and luxurious design, blending with nature and the characteristic Fijian building style and wonderful pools. Near the hotels, there is also a large and well-kept golf course.
In the hotel lobby, you can book trips to one of the islands in the Mamanuca chain near Nadi or to one of the more distant islands in the Yasawa chain, which are more attractive, or go on a guided tour of Viti Levu.