Suva (population 141,000) is the capital of Fiji. 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 center of Fiji, whereas Nadi is the major tourist center.
Do
Unfortunately, there are no tourist-quality beaches in Suva. The closest tourist-quality beach to Suva is at Pacific Harbor. 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 Albert Park, across from the Suva Lawn Bowls club. Soccer matches are often in the National Stadium on Laucala Bay Road. International hockey (field hockey) matches are at the National Hockey Stadium, near The University of the South Pacific and the National Stadium.
Dining
The Indian influence from the significant population in Suva is evident in the food. 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.
Suva does have several western fast-food outlets available including McDonald’s and Nando’s.
Get around
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.