Things to do in Georgetown
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Museum of Guyana
The Museum of Guyana is a curious institution with some very old-fashioned exhibits documenting the nation's cultural, social, and political history.
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Shell Beach Adventures
Although it's possible to visit the interior of Guyana independently, you won't scrape beyond the surface without a good guide. Look for tours that are sensitive to the environment and for programs co-run by Amerindians; investing in this type of tourism helps Guyana develop a path to a sustainable future. Annette at Shell Beach Adventures has infectious enthusiasm for sea turtles, Amerindian cultures and rain-forest preservation and runs some of the best tours in the country.
Arrange eco/socio-friendly three-day or more trips along the coast to observe the sea turtles during egg-laying season (March/April to August) or adventurous jaunts to the interior; this company wor…
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Botanical Gardens
Georgetown's Botanical Gardens are worth visiting for plants but also for bird-watching. The garden's zoo is a depressing collection not recommended for animal lovers. The only highlight is the manatees that swim in the zoo canal, offering remarkably close glimpses of these shy creatures.
The garden's zoo is a depressing collection not recommended for animal lovers. The open court on the block south of the botanical gardens is the Square of the Revolution, which houses the monument to Cuffy, famous leader and hero of the 1763 rebellion on the Berbice sugar estate; the unusual statue which exaggerates the proportions of the human form, is characteristic of Western Africa.
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Buddy's
If you're looking for something on Sheriff Street that's a bit less raunchy than the Sheriff Bar, try Buddy's, which has a metal detector at the door and is a favorite with the upper-middle class East Indian crowd, or Avalanche, the newest trend with a young clientele. Cover charge is usually a few dollars and the street does not sleep. For a listing of upcoming events and live music check out www.gtvibes.com.
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Sheriff Bar
Sheriff St prides itself on being one of the liveliest night spots in the Caribbean - the Sheriff Bar, full of live music, questionable characters and prostitutes takes this a step further by proclaiming itself as the best bar in the region.
Seriously, the street does not sleep. For a listing of upcoming events and live music check out www.gtvibes.com.
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Square of the Revolution
The open court on the block south of the botanical gardens is the Square of the Revolution, which houses the monument to Cuffy, famous leader and hero of the 1763 rebellion on the Berbice sugar estate; the unusual statue which exaggerates the proportions of the human form, is characteristic of Western Africa.
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Stabroek Market
The landmark Stabroek Market is housed in a cast-iron building with a corrugated-iron clock tower. This main shopping venue, once described as quite a 'bizarre bazaar,' dates back to the late 1700s although the current structure was built in 1880. Pigs, pineapple, shoes - you will find it all here.
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Town Hall
This distinctive neo-Gothic building with its 23m (75ft) tower looks like Disneyland to some, but is one of Georgetown's most historic sights. It was apparently the spot where colonial-period wives watched for their husbands' ships to come into port.
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St George's Cathedral
The most impressive building in town is Anglican, Gothic-style St George's Cathedral, said to be the world's tallest wooden building. It was completed in 1892 and was built mostly with local materials, most notably a hardwood called greenheart.
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Sidewalk Café & Jazz Club
If the Sheriff St nightlife strip is a bit hot for you, this cafe/bar at the central Hotel Ariantze is an ambient place for a drink any night of the week. On Thursday nights there's live jazz.
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Wilderness Explorers
Recommended Wilderness Explorers runs day trips to the Santa Mission of Carib Indians and around Georgetown, and specializes in longer, customized trips to the Rupununi Savannas and Iwokrama.
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Dutch Bottle Café
You'll feel swanky but pay cheap when dining in this restored colonial house decorated with paintings by local artists. There is a great vegetarian menu as well as meat and fish dishes.
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National Library
Designed by Leonard Percival Hodge, the National Library has a long history of serving the community. It offers a lending service for prisoners and celebrated its centenary in 2009.
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Wonderland Tours
Richard at Wonderland Tours offers bargains on day trips to the Essequibo river and is very helpful with arranging transportation throughout the country and on to the other Guianas.
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State House
Built in 1825, the State House is the president's official residence. The building's design features the Demerara shutters that are typical of Georgetown's colonial architecture.
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Rainforest Tours
Frank Singh's Rainforest Tours arranges well-organized tours up the Essequibo and Mazaruni Rivers, as well as an adventurous five-day overland journey to Kaieteur Falls.
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Oasis Café
Real coffee, a lunchtime salad bar, sandwiches, baked goods and Internet. Don't leave without trying the Waini River Organic Chocolate Cake.
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Georgetown Seawall
The seawall is a popular spot with the locals and a great spot for people- and animal-watching (if you're lucky you might spot a cow).
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Parliament Building
At the south end of Ave of the Republic is the well-kept Dutch period Parliament Building, built in 1834.
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Francine's Fish & Chips
A hopping café with loud reggae music. Wait in line for a box of fried fish with plantain chips.
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Evergreen Adventures
Evergreen Adventures puts together superb customized trips to the interior, particularly to Kaieteur.
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Hack's Halaal
Gorge yourself on delicious Indian roti at this upscale-feeling place near the market.
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Coal Pot
Often crowded thanks to its diverse lunch menu, this is the best spot for Creole food.
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Hibiscus Craft Plaza
You can find local handicrafts at Hibiscus Craft Plaza, in front of the post office.
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Lady Fingers
This cafeteria-style gem serves big portions of Guyanese favorites at great prices.
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