This riverside capital on the Suriname River reflects its Dutch colonial past through 17th-century architecture. Home to two universities and vibrant local markets.
Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname, sits along the Suriname River. In the historic center, you'll find the wooden St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, one of the largest wooden structures in the Americas. Walk down Keizerstraat to see an unusual sight: a mosque and synagogue standing side by side. At the Central Market, locals buy fresh produce and medicinal herbs, while the surrounding streets contain hundreds of white wooden buildings from the Dutch colonial era.
Getting Around Paramaribo
You can take private buses throughout Paramaribo, which leave when they fill up with passengers. For taxis, agree on the price before starting your journey. You can walk around the historic center easily, though many residential areas have dirt roads. To reach Zanderij International Airport, you'll need to drive about an hour from the city center.
Historic City Architecture
The UNESCO World Heritage city center includes 291 wooden buildings from the 1700s. Local South American construction methods combined with Dutch designs created these distinctive white structures. The buildings' high ceilings and shuttered windows help cope with the tropical heat.
Markets and Shopping
You'll find the Central Market in a large building on Saramaccastraat. The ground floor has stalls selling fresh fish, tropical fruits, and local medicines, while the upper floor has clothing and crafts. In the nearby streets, Chinese and Lebanese-owned shops sell electronics and textiles.
Local Food Scene
The city's food reflects its population's roots. You can try Indian-influenced roti with chicken curry or bakabana (fried plantains) with peanut sauce. Many restaurants serve Indonesian nasi goreng, while local cooks prepare pom, a casserole made with tayer root and chicken. Head to the food stalls along Waterkant to sample these dishes.
Main Landmarks
Fort Zeelandia, dating from 1667, overlooks a bend in the Suriname River and contains a museum about Suriname's past. Next to it, tall palms fill the Garden of Palms. The Presidential Palace from 1730 shows how builders used both stone and wood, while the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral stands as one of the Western Hemisphere's largest wooden buildings.
Climate and Visiting
Rain falls year-round in Paramaribo, with less rainfall from February to April and August to November. The temperature stays warm throughout the year. Plan your visits to markets and historic sites in the morning, as thunderstorms often occur in the afternoon.
