With a metropolitan population of over 160,000, the capital of Fiji is the urban centre of record outside Australia and New Zealand in the South Pacific. As the municipal and commercial heart of Fiji, Suva plays an enormous role in the overall administration of the country.

While the city is the business heart of the South Pacific islands, with numerous international corporate headquarters and associations, Suva still heralds much tourist appeal. Cultural, traditional and historical attractions that illustrate the diversity of Fiji offer visitors to the capital city a surplus of alternatives. The immediate landscape around Suva is rather nice as well.

The Fiji Museum is a wonderful facility with relics and cultural exhibits that exemplify the rich heritage of the islands and the South Pacific as a whole.

The Suva City Library is one of the most historical landmarks in the country. Built in 1909, the colonial-era structure was the result of a generous gift by famous industrialist and tycoon Andrew Carnegie.

The Roman Catholic Cathedral of Suva is a majestic spiritual base for the 10% of the national population that follows the faith. The church was built in 1902.

The Government House and Parliament complex are popular attractions in the city. Once the austere home for colonial Governors, the President and national government now dwell and conduct business here.

The botanical gardens of Fiji, known as Thurston Gardens, house a splendid collection of typical native flora. The central location between the Government House and Albert Park is quite idyllic.

With over 70 parks, the peninsula and port city outshines most. The best of the lot are Takashi Suzuki Garden and Suva Point, where locals and tourists alike jostle for prime sunrise and sunset views.

The University of the South Pacific campus in Suva is the main hub of the large institution, with other posts in Samoa, Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Republic of Nauru and more. A tour of the grounds is worthwhile.

The Suva Reef offers scuba fans a chance to check out the underwater splendour of Fiji.

Bird lovers will want to flock to the nearby rainforests around Suva, where they can view a wide variety of parrots, doves, broadbills and more.

Rainforest hikes into the rocky highlands that serve as a dramatic backdrop to the city are a popular ecotourism activity. Bush trails lead to beautiful waterfalls and forest pools.

Champion golfer Vijay Singh, the most famous face from Fiji, spent time in his formative years at the Suva Golf Course. The public club offers superb views of the peninsula landscape.

While Suva has a typical climate for Fiji, with temperatures between 20°C and 32°C throughout the year, the humidity and rainfall exceeds other areas and towns in the country. Typical levels range from 78% to 83% for the former, with about 20% more annual precipitation than the town of Nadi.