B
Brownsberg Nature Reserve & Brokopondo
Brownsberg Nature Reserve, named after the eponymous 560m peak at its heart, was founded in 1969 and is made up of 112 sq km of pristine jungle populated…
Suriname
South America's smallest country, Suriname is a warm, dense convergence of rivers that thumps with the lively rhythm of ethnic diversity. From Paramaribo, the country's effervescent Dutch-colonial capital, to the fathomless jungles of the interior, you'll get a genuine welcome to the country – whether from the descendants of escaped African slaves, Dutch and British colonialists, Indian, Indonesian and Chinese indentured laborers or indigenous Amerindians.
Charismatic Paramaribo is loaded with gorgeous architecture, party-hard night spots and some excellent restaurants, while the untamed jungle, just a few hours away by road or boat, could not be more of a contrast to Paramaribo's chaotic traffic. It's relatively easy to get around this river-heavy, forest-dense country, even if the mix of languages can make communications interesting. Best of all, sumptuous and spicy cuisines from all over the world can be found here, making mealtimes a joy.
Explore Suriname
- BBrownsberg Nature Reserve & Brokopondo
Brownsberg Nature Reserve, named after the eponymous 560m peak at its heart, was founded in 1969 and is made up of 112 sq km of pristine jungle populated…
- Fort Zeelandia
Inside well-restored Fort Zeelandia, a star-shaped, 18th-century fort built on the site where the first colonists alighted, is the worthwhile Stichting…
- CCentral Suriname Nature Reserve
Covering 12% of Suriname's land area, this epic 16,000 sq km nature reserve was established in 1998 with a US$1 million donation from Conservation…
- BBigi Pan
Bigi Pan ('big lake') is a massive area of creeks, swampland, mangroves and jungle that is home to over 100 different species of migratory birds. Most…
- GGalibi Nature Reserve
On Suriname's eastern shoulder, Galibi Nature Reserve faces French Guiana across the Marowijne River. Here, hordes of sea turtles, including the giant…
- CCoppename Nature Reserve
Just 100 sq km in size, the diminutive Coppename Nature Reserve, at the mouth of the Coppename River, is home to the endangered manatee and is a haven for…
- SSaint Peter & Paul Cathedral-Basilica
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…
- Onafhankelijkheidsplein
Surrounding the centrally located Onafhankelijkheidsplein (Independence Square) are the contrasting stately 18th-century Presidential Palace – open to the…
- CCentral Market
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…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Suriname.
See
Brownsberg Nature Reserve & Brokopondo
Brownsberg Nature Reserve, named after the eponymous 560m peak at its heart, was founded in 1969 and is made up of 112 sq km of pristine jungle populated…
See
Fort Zeelandia
Inside well-restored Fort Zeelandia, a star-shaped, 18th-century fort built on the site where the first colonists alighted, is the worthwhile Stichting…
See
Central Suriname Nature Reserve
Covering 12% of Suriname's land area, this epic 16,000 sq km nature reserve was established in 1998 with a US$1 million donation from Conservation…
See
Bigi Pan
Bigi Pan ('big lake') is a massive area of creeks, swampland, mangroves and jungle that is home to over 100 different species of migratory birds. Most…
See
Galibi Nature Reserve
On Suriname's eastern shoulder, Galibi Nature Reserve faces French Guiana across the Marowijne River. Here, hordes of sea turtles, including the giant…
See
Coppename Nature Reserve
Just 100 sq km in size, the diminutive Coppename Nature Reserve, at the mouth of the Coppename River, is home to the endangered manatee and is a haven for…
See
Saint Peter & Paul Cathedral-Basilica
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…
See
Onafhankelijkheidsplein
Surrounding the centrally located Onafhankelijkheidsplein (Independence Square) are the contrasting stately 18th-century Presidential Palace – open to the…
See
Central Market
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…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Suriname
Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.