Suva is the capital of Fiji and the largest city in the South Pacific outside of Australia and New Zealand. Set on a hilly peninsula on the southeast coast of Viti Levu, it is a more cosmopolitan and urban experience than the resort islands — a working city where you can get a real feel for everyday Fijian life.
The colonial core is concentrated along Victoria Parade, from the white facade of the Grand Pacific Hotel and the Art Deco Government Buildings at the southern end, past Albert Park, through to the busy crossroads at Sukuna Park and the sandstone Sacred Heart Cathedral. The Fiji Museum, set in the lush Thurston Gardens, is worth a visit for its collection of cannibal-era artefacts, double-hulled canoes, and the rudder of HMS Bounty.
Beyond the colonial set piece, Suva's energy is in its markets and street life. The Suva Municipal Market sells fresh produce, seafood, kava, and handicrafts; the Handicraft Market on Stinson Parade is the obvious souvenir stop. End the day with a walk along the seawall at dusk, or a beer at the Royal Suva Yacht Club overlooking the harbour.
Suva is also a practical base for arranging onward travel to the outer islands and the Coral Coast, with ferries leaving from Walu Bay and buses heading west along the Queen's Road.