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…
Getty Images/iStockphoto
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
- 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…
- 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…
- SStichting 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…
- NNeveh 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…
- RReadyTex 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…
- BBlauwgrond
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…
- PPresidential 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…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Paramaribo.
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
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…
See
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…
See
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…
See
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…
See
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…
See
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…
Guidebooks
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