The capital of the Fiji islands, Suva is also the largest city in the South Pacific. Located in the southwest of Viti Levu, this laidback capital is nestled in Suva Harbor with some lovely views of the surrounding mountains. Home to half of Fiji’s population, Suva is also Fiji’s administrative capital and is a significant regional center with the University of the South Pacific situated here. What makes Suva so unique is that unlike other cosmopolitan capitals of the world, this city has a relaxed feel to it, with a friendly population, wooden colonial buildings and many wonderful places to explore.

Worth spending a few days here, you can enjoy Suva’s nightlife; visit the city’s museum; catch up on some shopping and wander through town admiring the many places of interest this tiny city has. For quiet escape, you can visit the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, located just outside the city, which protects many of Fiji’s rare and endangered plant and animal species. Also home to the Forum Secretariat, the Parliament, many embassies and numerous businesses, Suva is a key city in the region today, with many international visitors coming here every year.

Historically important, Suva was originally a tiny settlement, with not many foreigners coming here, except the Australians. In 1870, Chief Cakobau, the self-proclaimed King of Fiji agreed to sell the Suva Peninsula to the Australian Polynesian Company in return for clearing his debts. Soon Suva started to expand and by the 1880s had becomes a large township, with the government relocating the capital from Levuka to here. By the early 1920’s Suva was a thriving colonial center, and when Fiji was granted its independence, it became the capital of the country.

Situated on a peninsula 5 km long and 3 km wide, Central Suva sits on the city’s western edge with the main market, the wharf and the Victoria Parade all located here. The downtown area is randomly built, with the Victoria Parade serving as Suva’s main business district along with many shops, clubs and restaurants found here. Head south from the parade to the Government Building, Albert Park, Thurston Gardens and the Fiji Museum, beyond which lies Queen Elizabeth Drive. On Suva’s eastern edge, you will find the University of the South Pacific and the National Stadium.

As getting around here are often challenging, the best way to see Suva is to keep in mind that there are 3 main roads in the city, Queens Road, Princes Road and Kings Road, along which lies the Nausori International Airport, the main entry and exit point into Suva. A good way to tour Suva is by buying a tourist-friendly map from the Fiji Visitors Bureau.