Suriname, Paramaribo, old fort called Zeelandia.

Getty Images

Fort Zeelandia

Paramaribo


Inside well-restored Fort Zeelandia, a star-shaped, 18th-century fort built on the site where the first colonists alighted, is the worthwhile Stichting Surinaams Museum, as well as the Baka Foto restaurant.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Paramaribo attractions

1. Stichting Surinaams Museum

Inside the beautifully restored Fort Zeelandia, a pentagonal 17th-century fort built on the riverbank where the first colonists alighted, is the Stichting…

2. Presidential Palace

0.15 MILES

Official residence of the President of Suriname, this fine white colonial house was originally built in 1730. It opens to the public on Suriname's…

3. Onafhankelijkheidsplein

0.15 MILES

Surrounding the centrally located Onafhankelijkheidsplein (Independence Square) are the contrasting stately 18th-century Presidential Palace – open to the…

4. Palmentuin

0.17 MILES

The Palmentuin is a shady haven of tall royal palms, home to some tropical birds and a troop of capuchin monkeys.

5. Saint Peter & Paul Cathedral-Basilica

0.37 MILES

Commonly called 'the Cathedral,' this gorgeously restored building was designated a Minor Basilica by Pope Francis in 2014. It's said to be the largest…

6. Central Market

0.56 MILES

The frenzied and fascinating central market is divided into distinct areas: the meat, fish, fruit and vegetable sections on the lower floor and a less…

7. Neveh Shalom Synagogue

0.7 MILES

The expansive Dutch Israeli synagogue, which famously sits side by side with the Caribbean's largest mosque on Keizerstraat, dates from 1716, when it was…

8. ReadyTex Art Gallery

0.74 MILES

Step off the chaotic streets and enter these five glorious floors of colorful local sculpture and paintings, all of which are for sale. Also check out the…