When visiting Fiji, people often think of dreamy white sand beaches and pristine blue water. Many people miss out on the opportunity to see the other side of Fiji, which includes the capital, Suva. Spending one day in Suva gives visitors the perfect amount of time to see what the city has to offer and should be added to a Fiji itinerary.
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History of Suva
Prior to the arrival of the Europeans, Suva was originally settled by the indigenous Fijian people and was a fishing and farming community. Once the Europeans arrived in the 1700s, the explorers began settling and making an influence in the area.
Throughout the 1800s, Suva developed as a colonial center and became a significant center and the capital of Fiji. After that time, the city continued to develop its infrastructure and government buildings.
In 1970, Fiji gained independence from Britain, and it remained the capital of the new nation. Today, Suva is known for being a bustling multicultural city home to the government and cultural attractions.
When to Spend One Day in Suva
Throughout the year, Fiji typically has fabulous warm and tropical weather. However, the best time to visit is May to September as that is the dry season where you will encounter less rain and cyclones.
How to Get to Suva
Suva has one airport right outside of the city. There are some flights from Australia and the South Pacific. You can also catch direct flights from all around Fiji. It takes about 30 minutes to fly to Suva from Nadi. Visitors can also rent a car to take the 3-hour drive from Suva.
Transportation in Suva
To get around Suva, you can walk around the main city center. However, if you want to explore the surrounding area, I recommend renting a car through Economy Bookings. This will search all rental car companies for you.
Where to Stay in Suva
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best Suva hotels here! You can always try searching Priceline Express Deals for a better price or try to price match a hotel. We opted to stay at the Grand Pacific Hotel Suva, which is one of the nicest hotels in the area. Other options include the Holiday Inn Suva and Novotel Suva Lami Bay.
What to do During One Day in Suva
Day 1
Kanu Gastropub Suva
Cost: $$
Hours: Varies
Start your one day in Suva with brunch at Kanu Gastropub Suva. This place has an extensive menu and some of the best cocktails on the island. They have an assortment of dishes for all types of cuisines. During brunch, they have a special menu with cocktails that pair well with brunch. It is about a 15-minute walk from the Grand Pacific Hotel.
Fiji Museum
Cost: $2
Hours: 9am-4:30pm
After eating a delicious brunch, head to the Fiji Museum to learn about the history of Fiji. This museum holds the biggest collection of archaeological artifacts from Fiji, which dates back 3700 years.
The museum was founded in 1904 after a collection of artifacts was presented to the Suva Town Board. Throughout the following years, more artifacts were added to the collection to tell the story of Fiji presented today. You will not want to miss visiting the Fiji Museum during your one day in Suva.
Government House
Cost: Free
While the interior of the president’s house and government offices are off limits to the public, visitors can still view the exterior and watch the changing of the guard during the first week of every month. The present mansion dates back to 1928, and it once housed the governor. Now it is the home of the president of Fiji.
Albert Park
Cost: Free
Hours: Dawn util Dusk
Albert Park, named after Prince Albert of Great Britain, is a popular hang-out site in Suva. Many locals head here during the weekend to watch Rugby matches. Its history dates back to 1880 when it once held cricket grounds. Prior to that, it was home to several indigenous settlements.
Colo-I-Suva Forest Park
Cost: Free
Hours: Dawn until Dusk
This afternoon, during one day in Suva, spend some time exploring Colo-I-Suva Forest Park. This National Park is located about 10 minutes from the city center of Suva. In the park are several hiking trails to waterfalls through the rainforest. Make sure to stick to the marked paths and wear your swimsuit if you want to swim in the natural pools.
Tikos Seafood Restaurant
Cost: $$
Hours: Mon-Fri: 12pm-2pm, 6pm-10pm, Sat: 6pm-10pm (closed Sundays)
One of the best restaurants to visit during one day in Suva is Tikos Seafood Restaurant. This is the fanciest restaurant in Suva and has the best steak and seafood in the area. The menu changes according to what is caught that day.
It is pretty popular, so you will want to make a reservation. Also, note that the restaurant is located on a small boat, so if you are prone to seasickness, keep that in mind prior to visiting.
Daikoku
Cost: $$
Hours: Mon-Sat: 12pm-2pm, 6pm-9:30pm (closed Sundays)
Looking for another dinner option during your one day in Suva? Then check out Daikoku, a delicious Japanese teppanyaki place. It is quite popular with the locals, so you will want to make a reservation, or you will have to eat in the bar area. Either way, they have a ton of happy hour specials, and all the food is delicious.
Final Tips for One Day in Suva
While Suva is one of the smaller capitals in the world, there are plenty of things to keep you busy when spending one day in Suva. If you have the time, spend a few days in Suva to explore the surrounding areas and go on some adventures within the Fjiian jungles. This Fiji Combo Day Tour – Canoe/Magic Waterfall is the tour we did, and it was amazing!
