Paramaribo

Overview

Paramaribo lies on the Suriname River near the Atlantic coast, a laid-back capital of white-painted wooden houses that is listed by UNESCO. The country's mix of Indigenous, African, Indian, Javanese, Chinese and Dutch heritage is everywhere, from the food to the places of worship.

A mosque and a synagogue stand side by side on Keizerstraat, a fitting image of the city. Spend a couple of days here before heading into the rainforest.

Things to see

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  Historic inner city

  Streets of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century timber buildings with shuttered windows and shady verandas.

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  St Peter and Paul Cathedral

  A huge cathedral built almost entirely of wood, with a warm cedar interior.

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  Fort Zeelandia

  A star-shaped Dutch fort on the riverfront, now home to the Suriname Museum.

  Tickets and tours

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  Keizerstraat mosque and synagogue

  The Mosque Keizerstraat and Neve Shalom synagogue share a street and a car park in peaceful coexistence.

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  Independence Square

  The broad square in front of the Presidential Palace, with the palm garden behind it.

Things to do

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  Plantation cycle tour

  Take a ferry across the river and cycle among old plantations in Commewijne.

• Dolphin spotting at sunset

  Boat trips head out to where the river meets the sea to look for Guiana dolphins.

  Find tours

• Eat at a Javanese warung

  Try saoto soup, bami and satay at the warungs of Blauwgrond in the north of the city.

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  Central Market

  A large riverside market selling produce, fish, spices and Maroon crafts.

Where to stay

• Historic centre

  Guesthouses and hotels in restored wooden houses, walkable to the sights.

  Hotels in Historic centre

• Waterkant

  The riverfront, with views over the water and food stalls nearby.

  Hotels in Waterkant

• Blauwgrond and the north

  Quieter streets, close to the warungs and good for longer stays.

  Hotels in Blauwgrond and the north

Getting around

The centre is walkable. Taxis are inexpensive but agree the fare, and minibuses follow fixed routes.

The airport is about 45 kilometres south of the city, roughly an hour by taxi or shuttle.

When to go

The long dry season from August to November is the best time. There is a shorter dry spell from February to April, while the main rains fall from May to July.

Plan your trip to Paramaribo

• HotelsBooking.com
• Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

More city guides for Suriname

• Lelydorp

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