Paramaribo

Amsterdam meets the Wild West in Paramaribo, the most vivacious and striking capital in the Guianas. Black-and-white colonial Dutch buildings line grassy squares, wafts of spices escape from Indian roti shops and mingle with the chaos of the city's market, while Maroon artists sell colorful paintings outside somber Dutch forts.

The friendly, multilingual residents of the Surinamese capital, who call the city 'Parbo,' are proud of their staggering ethnic diversity and the fact that they live in a city where mosques, synagogues, churches and Hindu temples are happy neighbors. The inner city, a Unesco World Heritage site, is a veritable treasure trove of historical architecture, and makes a great place to relax between jaunts to Suriname's rainforest. Welcome to one of the more surprising cities in South America.

Explore Paramaribo

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Paramaribo.

  • Basilica

    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…

  • Fort

    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…

  • Square

    Onafhankelijkheidsplein

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

  • Market

    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…

  • Museum

    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…

  • Synagogue

    Neveh Shalom Synagogue

    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…

  • Gallery

    ReadyTex Art Gallery

    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…

  • Area

    Blauwgrond

    This laid-back residential area about 10 minutes by taxi from downtown Paramaribo has dozens of tasty and cheap Javanese cafes to choose from and is a…

  • Notable Building

    Presidential Palace

    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…

  • Distillery

    Het Surinaamsch Rumhuis

    Tours here begin with a 'happy shot,' then it's through the distillery, rum museum and tasting room, where you will learn to sample each variety like a…

  • Temple

    Hindu Temple

    This is the biggest of the many Hindu temples in Paramaribo, and is a beautifully ornate structure both inside and out. Visitors are welcome.

  • Gardens

    Palmentuin

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

  • Mosque

    Mosque Keizerstraat

    This is the biggest mosque in the Caribbean. The current building was completed in 1984.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Paramaribo.

  • Activities