The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Suva

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How to Get to Suva on a Budget

Suva is located on the southwest coast of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island, and close to 200km (124 miles) drive from Nadi International Airport where most travellers arrive in Fiji.

Nevertheless, Suva is connected to the rest of Viti Levu via two main roads, the Queens Road and the Kings Road, making it extremely easy and cheap to get to. Suva also has a nearby airport, Nausori Airport, with a frequent domestic flight schedule.

Suva by Bus

Undoubtedly the cheapest way to get to Suva is via express bus. Express buses travel between Nadi and Suva via the Queens Road and the Kings Road (Queens Road is the fastest and most popular route).

The trip between Nadi International Airport and Suva via the Queens Road takes approximately five hours and costs FJ$10-$30 for an adult. Child fares are half.

Learn more about taking the bus in How to Travel Around Fiji by Bus.

Suva by Plane

One of the easiest transport methods for getting to Suva from Nadi is by taking a flight from Nadi International Airport to Nausori Airport.

Flights take approximately 30 minutes and can cost anywhere between FJ$100 to $170 for a return flight depending on the date, time and when you book. From Nausori Airport, it is around a 30-minute drive into Suva where taxis and buses are abundant and affordable.

Find out more in our complete guide, Where Can You Fly to in Fiji?

Getting Around Suva

Suva is a compact city so getting around on foot is relatively easy. Buses are a frequent and cheap way to travel – the best place to get one is from the port/market bus station but you will need to purchase an eTransport card from a Vodafone outlet first (there are disposable ones for tourists).

Otherwise, there’s never a lack of taxis, which are cheap for short trips, usually under FJ$10.

Find out more about getting around the city in the Suva Transport Guide: 8 Ways to Get to (& Around) Suva.

Suva is also one of the main ports for cruise ships in Fiji, so check out 10 Ways To Save Money on a Cruise to Fiji for budget tips, as well as The Guide to the Port of Call of Suva + 5 Best Shore Excursions.

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Free and Cheap City Attractions in Suva

The saviour of most budget travellers, sightseeing in Suva is a great way to spend time in Fiji’s capital city. Visit the museums, markets and shopping malls and see the historic architecture to discover the city’s history and culture.

Fiji Museum

One of the most popular and cheap attractions in Suva is the Fiji Museum. Located in the picturesque Thurston Gardens, the Fiji Museum captivates visitors with its array of South Pacific artefacts some dating 3,700 years!

Musical instruments, cooking equipment, whale tooth necklaces, cannibal forks, weapons and the impressive Ratu Finau canoe are just some of the amazing 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.

Suva Markets

Wandering the markets and mingling with the locals is a fun way to spend time in Suva no matter what your budget is. 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. 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.

Suva Shopping Malls

It’s easy to get your retail therapy in Suva, but even if you don’t intend to buy much, window shopping can still be a lot of fun. The city is bursting at the seams with shops, as well as shopping centres.

Spend a couple of hours in Tappoo City, MHCC, Prouds Shopping Complex or Damodar City and pick up some souvenirs.

We also love Jack’s of Fiji, a renowned retailer known for its exquisite Fiji Mabe Pearls.

Suva Architecture

A great thing about cities is that it’s always easy to stick to your budget with a bit of sightseeing.

Highlights include the Parliament of Fiji buildings with its grand Fijian-style Parliament House (vale ne bose lawa), the Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Suva Fiji Temple, the Mariamman Temple and much more!

Finally, the Grand Pacific Hotel stood overlooking Albert Park and the waterfront is always worthy of a photo.

More about these attractions can be found in the 10 Best Historical Sites in Suva.

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Walks in Suva

As any budget traveller will know, simply tying up your laces and going for a stroll is a great way to experience a destination without breaking the bank. Suva has a couple of amazing walks in tropical forest environments that will amaze any traveller.

If you’re visiting Suva on a weekend, make sure you save your walk for Sunday when many shops and services are closed.

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 (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.

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 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!

Suva City Trail

Sticking to the city, a great way to see the highlights of Suva is by doing a city walking trail. Pick up “The Suva Walking Guide” from the Suva City Library and follow the points to the main attractions. The walk will take two to four hours to complete, but you can end the walk at any point.

Check out Suva’s colonial buildings, shops, parks, cafes and markets along this walking tour.

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Dining on a Budget in Suva

Finally, one of the biggest highlights of Suva is its restaurant scene. The eateries reflect the diverse population of Suva, making for an amazing blend of South Pacific cuisine with international flavours. For budget travellers, you’ll find a wealth of affordable restaurants and street food where you’ll be fed like a king for a pittance!

Cheap Eats in Suva

Curry houses are the way to go for amazing flavours and super cheap food, often costing under FJ$10. Try Curry House (Old Town Hall, Victoria Parade), Singh’s Curry House (Gordon Street) and Ashiyana (Old Town Hall, Victoria Parade).

In the FJ$10-$20 price range, Cafe Victoria (Corner of Joske and Gordon Street) offers Western-style food and do it well, with a range of FJ$10-$15 burgers, FJ$13 chicken and chips, FJ$11-$15.50 fish and chips, FJ$8.50-$13.50 sandwiches, an FJ$20 pasta menu, an FJ$20 vegetarian menu and FJ$15 salads.

Not forgetting the bustling Suva Municipal Market! This vibrant hub is a treasure trove of fresh produce and wallet-friendly street food. For the best bargains, pop by on Saturday after 3 pm when produce prices take a nosedive. But if you’re after the freshest veggies and fruits, Thursday is your golden ticket. And here’s the cherry on top: most of the mouthwatering street food will only set you back a couple of bucks!

For many more recommendations, check out our Top Cheap Eats in Suva.

Self-Catering in Suva

Another way to keep your meals affordable in Suva is by cooking your own, thanks to the abundance of supermarkets and the bustling Suva Municipal Market. These options make self-catering not only convenient but also easy on the wallet. Stock up on fresh local produce, tropical fruits, and pantry essentials to whip up delicious meals in your accommodation’s kitchen. (It’s a great way to sample Fijian flavours while sticking to your budget!)

Get started by booking one of the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Suva and see what to expect from Fijian markets and supermarkets in The Guide to Food Shopping in Fiji.