Budget 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 Accommodation in Suva.
1. Visit the Fiji Museum
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 less than FJ$10. For more popular attractions, check out our 10 Things to Do in Suva.
© Michael Coghlan on Flickr
2. Mingle with the Locals at the Suva Markets
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 Flea Market on Howell Road is where you’ll find some awesome Fijian crafts, clothes and souvenirs. For more about the markets, check out our The Foodie Guide to Suva.
© Unsplash
3. Do a Forest Walk at the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park
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 (pronounce tholo-ee-soo-va) is a rainforest oasis filled with streams, birds and waterfalls. Make use of the 6.5km (4 miles) of walking trails including a walk to Waisila Falls or the swimming holes of the Upper Pool and Lower Pool. The park is located along Princes Road which can be accessed via taxi or the Tacirua bus. If you feel like splurging a bit and get local insights, guided walks of Colo-i-Suva are also available with Kay Services Tour (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).
© Public Domain Pictures
4. Treat Yourself to Some Cheap Eats
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 (Waimanu Road & Raojibhai Patel Street), Singh’s Curry House (Gordon Street) and Ashiyana (Victoria Parade). For more recommendations, check out our Top Cheap Eats in Suva.
© chuttersnap on Unsplash
5. Go Shopping at the Suva Shopping Malls
When in a city, why not shop?! Some of the best shopping in Fiji can be found in Suva with the city is 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.
© Maksym Kozlenko on Wikipedia
6. Do Some Sightseeing
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.
© Tourism Fiji
7. Hike Up Mt Korobaba
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 lush forest to a viewpoint offering 360-degree views of the city, coast and beyond. The hike is three hours return and has some steep and slippery sections, so walking shoes are a must!
© FijiPocketGuide.com
8. Pick Up a Suva Walking Guide
Do a self-guided tour of the city by picking up “The Suva Walking Guide” from the Suva City Council. It points out the main attractions to hit on a loop that will take two to four hours to complete (but you can end the walk at any point).
© Maksym Kozlenko on Wikipedia
9. Check Out the City Parks
Whether you are looking for a place to stroll, have a picnic or are travelling with kids who have 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 sport 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 more great options with children’s playgrounds.
© Matthias Süßen on Wikipedia
10. Watch a Movie at the Cinema
Need a break from the heat or just some downtime? Catch a movie at one of the cinemas in Suva. 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 well under FJ$10 – even cheaper on a Tuesday.
© Maksym Kozlenko on Wikipedia More Free and Cheap Things to Do in Suva and Fiji
- 17 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in Fiji
- 10 Best Budget Accommodation in Nadi
- What to Do for 7 Days in Fiji on a Budget
That’s it for the free and cheap things to do in Suva. 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!
