Suva, Fiji cruises
Suva port guide
A port city of over 85,000 residents, Suva is perched on a peninsula that juts out from the coast of Viti Levu, the most populated of the Fiji Islands.
Most of Suva’s residents are indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians, but there are many minority cultures providing their influence on the city also. Each year, thousands of visitors are welcomed from around the world by Fijians who are known for their friendly hospitality.
Take some time simply wandering the streets and find both colonial and modern architecture alongside nods to local folk traditions. A little further out, Suva boasts a lush green landscape surrounded by glistening waters and picturesque mangroves. With an array of unique city experiences, activities, and attractions, this island has something for everyone.
Top landmarks and sights in Suva
Government House
The Government House in Suva was once the home of Fiji’s colonial governors, but is now the Presidential Palace. Originally built in 1882, the building was destroyed by lightning in 1921 and was rebuilt seven years later. Sadly it’s not possible to go inside the palace, however you might be lucky enough to catch the monthly changing of the guard ceremony.
Colo-i-Suva Forest Park
A little way out of the city center, Colo-i-Suva Forest Park is one of the island's beautiful, natural attractions. It’s known for its waterfalls, natural rock pools, and tranquil rainforest walking trails, and it beams with tropical plants and bird life. Here you can swim, hike, and enjoy birdwatching.
Thurston Gardens
Honoring the fifth governor of Fiji, Sir John Bates Thurston, the Thurston Gardens are the official botanical gardens of Fiji. For over 100 years, these gardens have welcomed visitors who wander the beautiful landscape and marvel at the trees, plants, and lakes.
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Built in 1902, with sandstone from quarries in Australia, the Sacred Heart Cathedral is the main ecclesiastical building of the Roman Catholic Church in Fiji. Mass takes place here multiple times each Sunday, should you wish to join.
Things to do in Suva
The Fiji Museum
For a glimpse into traditional Fijian Culture, at The Fiji Museum in Thurston Gardens you can take in the largest Fijian artefact collection in the world. Exhibits perfectly showcase the island's proud history and represent both Fijian indigenous inhabitants and other communities that have settled on the island, and some artefacts date back 3,700 years.
Cumming Street and Victoria Parade
Suva has an enviable shopping scene, where jewellery, cameras, clothes, handicrafts, and souvenirs are among the many items on offer. Cumming Street and Victoria Parade are home to modern shops and malls, where duty-free shopping is in abundance.
Suva Municipal Market
For a little local flavor, visit the lively Suva Municipal Market where you’ll find fresh produce, clothing, wood carvings, and pottery. Both locals and tourists are often seen scouring the colorful marketplace for treasures.
Eating and drinking in Suva
With a multicultural population, food and drink in Suva takes influence from the diverse communities settled on the island. With plenty of rain and sun, Suva is a gardener’s paradise, and it will come as no surprise to learn that many traditional dishes rely on produce from the ground.
For centuries, rice, sweet potatoes, taro (a tropical root vegetable), coconuts, and fish have made up the majority of the Fijian diet. One of the most popular dishes on the island is Kokoda, a raw fish salad that can be compared to ceviche from South America.
Should you wish to sample some really local, authentic tastes, a few things to look out for include cawaki (a sea urchin), duruka (also known as Fiji asparagus), and nama (a type of caviar-looking seaweed).
Getting around, Suva transport
Suva port is located a short walk from the city center, however, a free bus shuttle service operates between the port and one of the city’s upscale department stores.
The main bus station can be found next to the Suva Municipal Market, from where a reliable bus service runs. Taxis are also available on the island.
Suva port facilities
The port facilities at Suva port include a taxi rank and a free bus shuttle service.
Suva quick tips
Currency
The Fijian Dollar is the local currency in Suva, Fiji. Card payments are widely accepted, however it is recommended that you carry cash when visiting small shops and family-owned businesses.
Tipping
Tipping is not a part of the culture in Fiji and gratuities will rarely be added to your bill. For exceptional service, a small bonus is greatly appreciated.
Weather
Suva has a tropical climate with consistent temperatures throughout the year – around 22°C in the winter and up to about 28°C during the summer. You’ll likely encounter some rain regardless of when you go.