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Paramaribo

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State capital
—°8
Paramaribo (Suriname)
ℹ️

Practical info — Paramaribo

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Explore the historic inner city with its typical wooden buildings early in the morning to avoid the intense heat.
  • Use the small buses for cheap travel around the city, but ask the driver about the exact destination beforehand.
  • Pay attention to the left-hand traffic when crossing the streets.
  • ATMs are available in the center, but bring some cash (Surinamese dollars) for small purchases at the markets.

🍽 Food

🍽
Pom

Try this typical Surinamese baked dish in the local eateries around the central market.

🍽
Roti

Taste fresh roti with chicken or lamb in one of the city's many Indo-Surinamese roti shops.

🍽
Saoto soup

A rich Javanese chicken soup that is best enjoyed at one of the food stalls near the waterfront.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Central Market (Centrale Markt)

Visit the ground floor for exotic fruits and vegetables, and the upper level for local textiles.

🛍
Handicrafts

Look for traditional Maroon woodcarvings or indigenous jewelry in the smaller boutiques downtown.

🧘
Palmentuin

Stroll through this large palm tree park right behind the Presidential Palace, handy for a break in the shade.

🧘
Waterkant

Enjoy a late afternoon walk along the waterfront promenade on the Suriname River.

Paramaribo, the capital city of Suriname, is situated on the western bank of the Suriname River, about 15 kilometers inland from the Atlantic Ocean. The city's historic inner district was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002, celebrated for its unique fusion of Dutch colonial architecture and indigenous craftsmanship. Geographically, Paramaribo is built on shell ridges that provide natural elevation above the surrounding swampy coastal plains. Historically established by Dutch traders in 1613, it was briefly held by the British before becoming the long-term seat of Dutch power in South America. Today, Paramaribo is the country's multi-ethnic heartbeat, home to more than half of Suriname's total population. The city is famous for its harmonious religious landscape, where grand mosques and synagogues stand side-by-side. Key landmarks include Fort Zeelandia and the Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, one of the world's largest wooden structures.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262626272726272728282827
Rain mm142116111194286251190105535181165

Geography

Population
223,757 (2019)
Coordinates
5.85200, -55.20380

Facts

  • Paramaribo was established as a Dutch trading post in 1613.
  • The historic center is primarily composed of white-painted wooden colonial houses.
  • The Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral is the largest wooden building in the Western Hemisphere.
  • More than 240.000 people reside in the Paramaribo metropolitan area today.
  • The city sits at an average elevation of only 3 meters above sea level.
  • Paramaribo is one of the few places where a synagogue and mosque share a property line.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Paramaribo (8)

Kwatta Markt📍 landmark

A large open-air Sunday market selling fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, and clothing.

🕒 Su, We 07:00-12:00

Hindu Cremation Site⛪ religious

A sacred site on the banks of the Suriname River used for Hindu open-air cremations.

Masdjid Al Husnah⛪ religious

This mosque in the Kwatta district serves as an important prayer house for the local Muslim community.

Weg naar zee📍 landmark

A coastal pilgrimage site with several colorful Hindu temples and shrines right by the sea.

Logos Weg Naar Zee⛪ religious

A Christian church located near the sea, offering services for the coastal region's residents.

Koninkrijkszaal van Jehova's Getuigen📍 landmark

A meeting place for Jehovah's Witnesses in the Kwatta district for biblical instruction and prayer.

Fu Wing Trading🎭 culture

A bustling trade center and market offering a variety of local and imported goods.

Parkeer Plaats Rubim🎭 culture

A local marketplace and parking area used regularly for market stalls and trade.

Frequently asked questions

How many days should I plan for Paramaribo?
Two to three days are enough to explore the historical city center and local markets.
Is the city safe for tourists?
As in any capital, stay in busy areas at night and keep valuables secure.
What is a must-try in Paramaribo?
Definitely try the diverse Creole and Indonesian cuisine, such as roti.
What is the climate like?
It has a tropical climate with high temperatures and high humidity year-round.
Is Paramaribo family-friendly?
Yes, there are parks and museums interesting for children, but the heat requires good planning.
Paramaribo: where is it located?
Paramaribo is located in Suriname.
Paramaribo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kwatta Markt, Hindu Cremation Site, Masdjid Al Husnah.
Paramaribo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Paramaribo: why is it worth visiting?
Paramaribo, the capital city of Suriname, is situated on the western bank of the Suriname River, about 15 kilometers inland from the Atlantic Ocean.
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