Things to do in Paramaribo
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Stinasu
Most of Suriname's exemplary system of national parks and reserves is accessible via Parbo-based tour operators. Stinasu, the Foundation for Nature Conservation in Suriname, donates a percentage of all trip proceeds to nature conservation. It coordinates research and ecotourism expeditions, runs excellent guided trips to Brownsberg, Galibi, Raleighvallen/Voltzberg/Foengoe Island (four days) and Coppename (one day).
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Fort Zeelandia
The well-restored Fort Zeelandia has stood watch over this bend in the Suriname River for more than 300 years. Originally built by the French, it was expanded by the British before being completed by the Dutch in 1667 - the finished product is a pentagonal shape with a bastion at each corner. Set in an evocative spot offering great views along the river, it's a must for history buffs.
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Roman Catholic Kathedraal
One of the largest wooden structures in the world, Paramaribo's Petrus and Paulus Cathedral was built in 1885 to replace an earlier church destroyed by fire. It is an impressive, if slightly rickety, structure with a beautifully ornate carved wooden interior. Restoration work is ongoing so expect some scaffolding. Check out the views from the spires if you can.
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Sarinah
Sarinah is the place to go for upscale Indonesian. Get ravenous before trying a multicourse rijsttafel (literally 'rice table').
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Club Touché
Away from the Torarica Hotel area, try Club Touché where you can dance the night away with techno downstairs and salsa upstairs.
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Chi Min
A short taxi ride north of the center. Anyone will tell you this is the best Chinese in Parbo.
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Joosje Rotishop
Serving delicious roti since 1942, this is the locals' favorite for a sit-down, air-con meal.
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Central Market
Sprawling along the waterfront, the frenzied central market is just the place to get an earful, eyeful and gutful of all Parbo has to offer. It's really three markets in one. The nearly ominous Maroon market is full of bones, sticks, feathers, caged monkeys and various tonics and fruits for ceremonial and medicinal purposes.
The sprawling Asian and Indian market sells all the unnecessary plastic objects and beautiful foodstuffs you could ever hope to find. Closest to the river is the raucous, winding, outdoor fish market, where you can watch fishermen unload their boats.
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Onafhankelijkheidsplein
A central square which features a statue of legendary former prime minister Pengel. In its surrounds are the stately 18th-century Presidential Palace, aging colonial government buildings and an ultramodern finance building. Behind the palace is the Palmentuin, a shady haven of tall royal palms, home to some tropical birds and a troop of capuchin monkeys.
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Starzz Disco
Starrz Disco is one of Parbo's coolest dance venues with a good blend of DJs playing a variety of sounds. It's one of several clubs in the strip around Hotel Torarica, Suriname's own slice of Vegas, which comes complete with flash restaurants and a casino. Starzz is probably the best of the bunch and really gets going on the weekend.
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Numismatic Museum
Situated on a pretty Paramaribo street lined with colonial buildings, this museum is a must for coin and banknote afficionados. Its collection dates back to the early days of the Dutch colony with the prize piece being the copper Papegaaienmunt, or Parrot coin, of 1679.
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De Waag Restaurant
Opening late in the morning, this airy riverside restaurant is still the best place in Paramaribo for breakfast. If you're not up for an early feed, come by at lunch or dinner for something a little more upmarket. It has great views of the Suriname River traffic floating by.
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Cardy Adventures & Bike Rental
Cardy Adventures & Bike Rental offers bike and boat tours to the nearby Commewijne plantations as well as longer tours of up to ten days to the interior (four to 10 days). It has 'reliable Dutch' road and mountain bikes, and provides maps of good biking routes.
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Dutch Israeli Synagogue
A few blocks away from the Roman Catholic Kathedraal are some of the continent's finest examples of other religious buildings - the biggest mosque in the Caribbean and the expansive Dutch Israeli synagogue - sitting harmoniously side by side on Keizerstraat.
reviewed
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Maroon Market
Not for the fainthearted, the frenzied central market is divided into distinct areas: the nearly ominous Maroon market is full of bones, sticks, feathers, caged monkeys and various tonics and fruits for ceremonial and medicinal purposes.
reviewed
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Stichting Surinaams Museum
Inside well-restored Fort Zeelandia, a pentagonal 17th-century fort built on the site where the first colonists alighted, is the Stichting Surinaams Museum, which features colonial-era relics, period rooms and temporary exhibitions.
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Asian and Indian Market
Not for the fainthearted, the frenzied central market is divided into distinct areas: the sprawling Asian and Indian market sells all the unnecessary plastic objects and foodstuffs you could ever hope to find.
reviewed
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Steenbakkerijstraat
The French Guianese flock to Paramaribo to shop. Good quality clothing knock-offs from Levis to Gucci and pirated DVDs (illegal) can be found for exceptionally low prices along this street.
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Domineestraat
The French Guianese flock to Paramaribo to shop. Good quality clothing knock-offs from Levis to Gucci and pirated DVDs (illegal) can be found for exceptionally low prices along this street.
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Café-Bar 't Vat
The night begins at Café-Bar 't Vat, an outdoor bar/café with occasional live music. Move on to other bars and the Starzz Disco along 'the strip.'
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Fish Market
Not for the fainthearted, the frenzied central market is divided into distinct areas: don't miss a jaunt through the raucous, winding, outdoor fish market.
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Ara Cari Tours
Ara Cari Tours runs excellent trips to Tafelberg, the easternmost of the 'Lost World Mountains', and Frederik Willem Falls in southwest Suriname.
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Presidential Palace
The stately 18th-century Presidential Palace is contrasted against aging colonial government buildings and an ultramodern finance building.
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Mix Food
Exceptionally friendly service highlights this quiet, outdoor eatery which is a great place to try Creole specialties and exotic juices.
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Zeeland Coffee Beanery
People watch while sipping a coffee, or eating great soups, pastries and cakes at this very popular street-side café.
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