The Top Budget-Friendly Activities in Suva
If there was ever a place to lay low in Fiji and save a bit of money, it has to be Suva. The capital is packed with free and cheap things to do so you can save some money for more of those bucket list scuba dives or spa days you’ve been dreaming of.
With free attractions, cheap museums, walks and large shopping centres, Suva will keep you entertained while not breaking the bank. Check out some of the top recommendations in this list of free and cheap things to do in Suva!
For more tips, be sure to check out Guide to Suva on a Budget, as well as the 10 Budget Accommodations in Suva.
Table of Contents
1. Visit the Fiji Museum – CHEAP
One of the most popular attractions in Suva is the Fiji Museum. Located in the picturesque Thurston Gardens, the Fiji Museum captivates with its collection of South Pacific artefacts some dating 3,700 years!
Musical instruments, cooking equipment, whale tooth necklaces, cannibal forks, Fijian weapons and the impressive Ratu Finau canoe are just some of the relics to admire. What’s more, the museum will only set you back around FJ$10.
For more popular attractions around the city, check out our 20 Best Things to Do in Suva.
Location: Cakobau Road, Suva.
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2. Mingle with the Locals at the Suva Markets – FREE
No matter what your budget is, wandering the markets and mingling with the locals is a fun way to spend time in Suva. Suva Municipal Market on Harris Road is a huge produce market with all kinds of tropical fruit and vegetables.
Nearby, the Suva Fish Market is also worth checking out on a Saturday morning.
Finally, the Suva Handicraft Market is where you’ll find some awesome Fijian crafts, clothes and souvenirs.
For more about the markets, check out The Food Guide to Suva and 10 Best Markets in Fiji.
Location: Suva Municipal Market – Harris Road. Suva Fish Market – Usher Street (near the Municipal Market). Suva Handicraft Market – Stinson Parade.
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3. Do a Forest Walk at the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park – CHEAP
Go for a swim, watch the birds, have a picnic or go for an easy stroll through Suva’s very own rainforest backyard. The Colo-i-Suva Forest Park (pronounced tholo-ee-soo-va) is a rainforest oasis filled with streams, birds and waterfalls.\
Make use of the 6.5 km (4 mi) of walking trails including a walk to Waisila Falls or the swimming holes of the Upper Pool and Lower Pool.
The reserve charges an entry fee of FJ$5 per person, so have some cash handy. Keep in mind that Colo-i-Suva is open from 8 am to 4 pm, but the office is closed on Sundays.
If you’re visiting on a Sunday, you’ll need to head down to the bure (traditional Fijian hut) to make your payment.
Learn more about the walks and how to prepare in the 5 Best Walks & Hikes in Suva.
Location: Princes Road, Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, Suva. The park is located along Princes Road which can be accessed via taxi or the Tacirua Bus.
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4. Treat Yourself to Some Cheap Eats – CHEAP
Unlike the resorts scattered around Fiji, you don’t have to break the bank to have a good meal in Suva! Curry houses are the way to go for amazing Indo-Fijian flavours, often costing less than FJ$10. Try Curry House (Old Town Hall, Victoria Parade), Singh’s Curry House (Gordon Street) and Ashiyana (Old Town Hall, Victoria Parade).
For more recommendations, check out our Top Cheap Eats in Suva.
Location: Specific locations and recommendations are listed in the link above.
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5. Go Shopping at the Suva Shopping Malls – CHEAP
When in a city, why not shop?! Some of the best shopping in Fiji can be found in Suva with the city bursting at the seams with shops.
A good way to get out of the heat at midday is to spend a couple of hours in one of the shopping malls like Tappoo City, MHCC, Prouds Shopping Complex or Damodar City. Pick up some souvenirs and enjoy a cheap lunch at the food court.
We also love Jack’s of Fiji where you’ll also find Fiji Mabe Pearls, crafted with unique shapes and Fijian cultural touches for souvenir.
Location: Tappoo City – Corner of Thomson St & Usher St. MHCC (Mereani’s Home & Craft Centre) – Victoria Parade, Suva. Prouds Shopping Complex – Corner of Victoria Parade & Scott St, Suva. Damodar City – Corner of Grantham Rd & Ratu Mara Rd, Suva. Jack’s of Fiji – Corner of Victoria Parade & Gordon St, Suva.
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6. Do Some Sightseeing – FREE
That’s right, Suva has its fair share of historic buildings and interesting pieces of architecture. Highlights include the grand Fijian-style Parliament House (vale ne bose lawa), the Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Suva Fiji Temple, the Mariamman Temple and much more! Finally, snap up a photo of the Grand Pacific Hotel stood overlooking Albert Park.
Location: A self-guided tour of the city is available by picking up “The Suva Walking Guide” from the Suva City Library, 257 Victoria Parade, Suva. Alternatively, check out 10 Best Historical Sites in Suva for noteworthy sites and their locations.
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7. Hike Up Mt Korobaba – FREE
If you’re feeling active, get some sensational views from atop Mt Korobaba – Suva’s highest peak. Starting behind the cement works in Lami, a rough walking trail leads up through the lush forest to a viewpoint offering 360-degree views of the city, coast and beyond. \
The hike is 3 hours return and has some steep and slippery sections, so walking shoes are a must!
Location: Lami, Suva, Viti Levu. The trail starts behind the cement works in Lami.
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8. Cool Off at the Pool – CHEAP
It can get pretty hot in Suva so cool off in one of the many outdoor pools available around the city. For affordable public pools, you have the choice of the Olympic Pool on the waterfront of Victoria Parade or the Damodar Aquatic Centre.
Budget accommodations with a swimming pool include Capricorn International Hotel with awesome views of the city and Suva Motor Inn even has a water slide!
Check out our 15 Best Budget Accommodations in Suva for more recommendations.
Location: Olympic Pool – 196 Victoria Parade. Damodar Aquatic Centre – Gavidi Street, Suva. Behind Damodar City.
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9. Check Out the City Parks – FREE
Whether you are looking for a place to stroll, have a picnic or are travelling with kids who have the energy to burn, Suva has several options in its fantastic parks. One of the most popular areas is Albert Park with plenty of space to play sports or watch locals play rugby.
Thurston Gardens next to Albert Park is another pleasant area to wander among tropical trees and flowers. Ratu Skuna Park, My Suva Park and Umaria Park are all great options with children’s playgrounds.
For more activities like this, check out the 10 Things to Do in Suva With Kids.
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10. Watch a Movie at the Cinema – CHEAP
Need a break from the heat or just some downtime? Catch a movie at one of the cinemas in Suva. Damodar Village 6 Cinema in the city centre and the Damodar Cinema at the Damodar City shopping centre show the latest blockbusters.
You can easily catch a movie for under FJ$10 – even cheaper on a Tuesday.
Location: Village 6 Cinemas – 12 Scott St, Suva. Damodar Cinema – Damodar Shopping Centre, Grantham Road, Suva.
© FijiPocketGuide.comMore Free and Cheap Things to Do in Suva and Fiji
That’s it for the free and cheap things to do in Suva. For more budget tips, check out the following:
- 15 Best Things to Do in Suva
- 20 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in Fiji
- What to Do for 7 Days in Fiji on a Budget
Don’t forget to bookmark The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji on a Budget. Trust us, there’s a lot of useful tips in there!
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Suva City Council (Local council website)
- Nausori Town Council (Local council website)
- Tourism Fiji (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (Customs and visitor taxes - Updated [2025])
- Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
- Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Suva City Council (Local council website)
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