The vibrant city of Paramaribo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the capital city of Suriname, a small but beautiful country in South America. The country boasts several, calm rivers that highlights the lively rhythm of this South American culture. The obscure jungles will lead you to the capital, filled with welcoming, multilingual residents who nicknamed their city ‘Parbo.’ Despite their traditions and diversity, the city has a rich, inner history that makes it a treasure trove of outdated colonial architecture. It is also an amazing place to see the country’s diverse rainforest. The old, lovely colonial architecture of the buildings lined with grassy squares and the aromatic spices from several restaurants welcomes you to this little paradise in South America. Several Airbnb vacation rentals even offer amazing stays. Below is a list of things to do in Paramaribo, Suriname to have a remarkable vacation.
1. Enjoy nature at Brownsberg Nature Park (from USD 217.0)
A little escape from the streets of Paramaribo, this tour leads you to the beautiful Brownsberg Nature Park. Here, there are lots of outdoor activities you can engage in from hiking to sightseeing. The stunning view of Brokopondo Lake and the surrounding rainforest will brighten your day as you approach the park. Take the nature paths that lead to streams and small waterfalls scattered around the mountains. Admire some remarkable flora and fauna. Enjoy lunch with your partner, friends, or family at the local restaurant before you call it a day. Don’t forget to carry your camera and capture some of these incredible sights.
Full-Day Brownsberg Nature Park Tour
Duration: 12 hours
2. Learn Paramaribo's history and culture on a tour of the city (from USD 29.0)
Tracing its roots to the mid-16th and 17th centuries, Paramaribo is a great example of the fusion of European and traditional South American architecture. Its structures are mainly composed of wooden materials with simple, symmetrical style, demonstrating colonial influence. This metropolis is home to important places in the country that include Fort Zeelandia, which also houses the country’s Museum, Garden of Palms, the largest public park, the Presidential Palace, the Ministry of Finance, the Reformed church, and more.
Small-Group Suriname City Walking Tour with Guide
Duration: 3 hours
3. Experience an adrenaline rush with a zipline tour (from USD 103.0)
Paramaribo is a beautiful city filled with tropical rainforests and wild jungles. Experience Paramaribo on a day out of the streets and engage in thrilling outdoor activities like ziplining. Set the date and rent an ATV for a quad tour with a professional guide who will take you through the muddy terrain of Paramaribo. Carry your swimming gear and enjoy the freshwater lake. You’ll stop for lunch and snack breaks in between. It’s a nice adventure that will take your mind away from the hustle and bustle of busy towns.
Paramaribo ATV Quad and Zipline Guided Tour with Lunch
Duration: 9 hours
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4. Explore the great outdoors on a mountain day trip (from USD 96.0)
End your visit to this Latin American country by visiting the beautiful Browns-Mountain. The green tropical forest that surrounds this area provides a serene atmosphere perfect for nature walks and hiking. A tour of this place is a nice way to enjoy one of the sunny days in Suriname. You will get a chance to see two beautiful waterfalls in this tropical setting. This is a full-day tour complete with breakfast, snacks, a light lunch, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Paramaribo to Browns-Mountain All-Inclusive Full-Day Trip
Duration: 10 hours
5. Witness a magical sunrise on a tour to Voltzberg (from USD 452.0)
This professionally guided tour is a one-of-a-kind experience that takes you to an island where you can swim and marvel at a spectacular view of Suriname. You will get a chance to interact with other tourists and participate in team-building activities. Wake up early to see the beautiful sunrise and feel the sun warm your skin from the top of the mountain. It’s a wonderful experience that will leave lasting memories. Be sure to pack well for this amazing excursion.
Voltzberg tour at Sunrise
6. Visit Saint-Peter-and-Paul Basilica of Paramaribo
Experience the awe-inspiring Saint-Peter-and-Paul Basilica in Paramaribo, Suriname—an extraordinary gem that will leave you captivated. As the largest wooden structure in the Western Hemisphere and a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church, it boasts an exceptional history. Opened in 1883 on the grounds of a former Dutch Jewish theatre, the basilica showcases a mesmerizing interior crafted from unpainted Surinamese cedar.
Delight in the intricate woodwork and carvings, while paying tribute to the Dutch-Surinamese priest, Peter Donders, who tended to lepers in Batavia. Gaze upon the west tower’s three resounding bells—Alfhonsus, John, and Rosa. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend a daily mass or request an insightful English tour.
Saint-Peter-and-Paul Basilica of Paramaribo
Address: Henck Arron St 22, 24, Suriname
7. Visit the well-restored Fort Zeelandia
Also known as Fort Willoughby, Fort Zeelandia stands as one of the oldest buildings in Paramaribo, making it one of the best places to visit in Suriname. Its roots date back to 1640, and it is a historic site that houses different artworks from communities around the country. It is located in the northern part of Suriname. The amazing pentagon architecture of this structure is what welcomes you to the fort. Here, you will learn of the city’s rich history, as this place was once a trading centre, prison cell, and a museum. It also showcases an old apothecary shop and a cobbler. The inside displays a variety of ethnographic and outdated objects. Art, pieces of furniture, and photographs of the earliest inhabitants of the city are also available for viewing.
Fort Zeelandia
Address: Waterside St, Paramaribo, Suriname
Website: Fort Zeelandia
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 2pm; Sun: 10am - 2pm (closed on Mon)
8. Marvel at works of art at Readytex Art Gallery
If you’re feeling uncertain about what to do in Suriname, why not escape the bustling streets and step into a building with five magnificent floors adorned with paintings and sculptures? If you like art, then this is the prime location for you. It showcases some of the finest works of art by locals, Amerindians, and other tribal people from the country. Readytex Art Gallery represents artists whose works remain true to their beliefs and ideas. View these artworks and learn what the people of Suriname have to offer. The staff are also kind and welcoming.
Readytex Art Gallery
Address: Maagden St 46 -48, Paramaribo, Suriname
Website: Readytex Art Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4:30pm; Sat: 8:30am - 1:30pm (closed on Sun)
9. Discover the South American wildlife at Paramaribo Zoo
Located just a few miles from the city’s downtown area is Paramaribo Zoo, the only zoo available in Suriname and a popular tourist attraction in Suriname. The zoo attracts local and international tourists who flock here to admire the different animal species native to South America. You will get a chance to observe various animals in confinement, including macaws, monkeys, giant otters, jaguars, caimans, king vultures, anacondas, and boa constrictors. The zoo has a serene atmosphere perfect for biking. Bring your own snacks and drinks because there are no shops and restaurants inside.
Paramaribo Zoo
Address: Spathodelaan Sawarienotolaan, Paramaribo, Suriname
Website: Paramaribo Zoo
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: from 17 USD
10. Visit the magnificent Neveh Shalom Synagogue
As one of the oldest structures still standing in Paramaribo, the historic Neveh Shalom Synagogue was built by the Ashkenazi Jews in 1719. It was later expanded to its current size between 1835 and 1837. The synagogue is an interesting place to visit, as you will get to learn about the Jewish community, see their artefacts, and admire the beautiful, old wooden architecture. It is the only synagogue in all of Suriname, therefore it serves as the centre for the country’s Jewish community. Inside, you will find the Mahmad - a wooden community centre, the Shamash - the office which is also a small museum, and the Mikvah, which is the Rabbi’s house.
Neveh Shalom Synagogue
Address: Keizerstraat 82-84, Downtown Paramaribo, Suriname
Website: Neveh Shalom Synagogue
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 4pm (closed on Fri, Sat & Sun)
11. Spend some quality time with your loved ones at the Palmentuin
This spot is considered to be among the most beautiful places in Suriname’s capital, Paramaribo. Otherwise known as Palmentuin in Dutch, The Palm Garden is home to tall, royal palm trees. It sits on Van Roseveltkade, close to the Presidential Palace. The park is open to the public and it’s a wonderful place with a serene atmosphere, where you can spend your afternoon admiring the scenery or taking a stroll. You will love the large shadows from by the palm trees that reduce the effect of the scorching sun. It is also a nice place to go with your children, as it has a small playground. While visiting, you will be able to see some tropical bird species and a troop of Capuchin monkeys.
Garden of Palms
Address: Central Paramaribo, behind Presidential Palace, Paramaribo, Suriname
12. Admire the Dutch architecture of the Presidential Palace of Suriname
Visit the Presidential Palace in Paramaribo to marvel at the Dutch colonial architecture. Located next to the main square, the palace was constructed in 1730 and has since served as the dwelling place for the president of Suriname. Although there is restricted access to the building, you can stroll around and admire the symmetrical structure from outside. It’s close to the National Assembly, Court of Justice and the Ministry of Finance, which makes it a suitable place to pass by on a walking tour.
Presidential Palace of Suriname
Address: Onafhankelijkheidsplein, Paramaribo, Suriname
Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat)
13. Sample some of the finest rum made in Surinaamsch Rumhuis
Known as one of the world’s most treasured tropical spirit, Surinaamisch Ruhmuis is one of the places that should be on your list of places to visit in Paramaribo. It is the ideal spot for rum lovers to taste some of the finest rum in the world. You will enjoy tasting various antique and quality rum alongside a professional taster. You will also get to learn about the history of Suriname rum and its impact on their culture. End your day in style by enjoying cocktails on the sun-kissed patio while relaxing and having a good time with loved ones.
Surinaamsch Rumhuis
Address: Cornelis Jongbawstraat 18 Paramaribo, Suriname
Website: Surinaamsch Rumhuis
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 2:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
14. Learn about the country's rich history at Surinaams Museum
@surinaamsmuseum is de nieuwe Instagram pagina van het Surinaams Museum. We zullen hier regelmatig updates plaatsen over...
Posted by Stichting Surinaams Museum on Monday, 11 February 2019
Although most of the older buildings in Suriname were built with wood, only beautifully restored Fort Zeelandia was built on red brick back in the 17th century. It houses Surinaams Museum that was originally constructed in 1947 for the purpose of national awareness. Inside you’ll find a plaque that memorializes a somewhat recent, unsavoury event: the murder of 15 young men on December 8, 1982, for going against the Desi Bourterse military regime. Besides this dark fact, you will get to enjoy learning a lot about Suriname’s rich history. To the left of the main entrance sits what used to be an old pharmacy, added in during the 19th century. Opposite to this is Café Jim Douglas. There is also a souvenir shop inside the premises. Spare some time and learn about Suriname by visiting this museum.
Surinaams Museum
Address: Fort Zeelandia, Abraham Crijnssenweg 1, Paramaribo, Suriname
Website: Surinaams Museum
Opening hours: Sun: 10am - 2pm; Tue - Fri: 10am - 2pm (closed on Mon & Sat)
15. Go bike riding with Cardy Adventures & Bike Rental
If you are a nature enthusiast, then bike riding must be among your favourite activities in Suriname as it allows you to explore nature within a short period of time, as opposed to strolling. Cardy Bike Adventures will provide you with all you need to ensure you have a great time in Paramaribo, Suriname. They offer many exciting adventures with a professional guide, and they also provide a wide selection of comfortable bikes for both the young and the elderly. You will get a chance to explore the nicest places in the city, including Rosevelt Peak and Kasikasima Mountains. You can also indulge in some of Suriname’s finest local cuisine on your adventure.
Cardy Adventures & Bike Rental
Address: Cornelis Jongbawstraat 31, Paramaribo, Suriname
Opening hours: Sun: 8:30am - 5pm; Mon - Sat: 8:15am - 5:30pm
16. Indulge in some delicious cuban cuisine at Las Tias Suriname
Posted by Las Tias Suriname on Saturday, 5 October 2019
When the Mexican cravings kick in and you are in Paramaribo, visit Las Tias to calm those cravings. Nestled along Johannes Mungstraat street, this restaurant offers the best gourmet Latin/Cuban fusion in the streets of Paramaribo. You will receive a warm welcome from their waiters, who are all dressed in attractive Cuban attire. The atmosphere is quite unique because this is an open restaurant. You can stop over for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Make sure you try out their lemon juice spiced with mint leaves or a sizzling plate of fajitas.
Las Tias Suriname
Address: Johannes Mungra Straat # 75, Paramaribo, Suriname
Website: Las Tias Suriname
Opening hours:Mon - Tue: 8am - 3pm; Wed - Thur: 8am - 11pm, 6pm -11pm; Fri: 8am - 3pm, 6pm - 11:30pm; Sat: 7:30am - 3pm, 6pm - 11:30pm (closed on Sun)
17. Dance salsa on Thursday night at Havana Lounge
Copyright- Helio Phoeli -2012
Posted by Havana Lounge on Monday, 29 October 2012
Spice up your Thursday night together with your friends by dancing at Havana Lounge. This popular club has a nice ambience and good music, and you will get a chance to learn some salsa and dance the night away on their spacious dance floor. On Thursdays, the salsa plays till one in the morning before switching to reggae and hip hop. South America is known for salsa, therefore you cannot leave without experiencing this, and the ideal spot for this is at the Havana Lounge.
The Havana Lounge
Address: Van ’t Hogerhuysstraat 13 Paramaribo, Suriname
Website: Havana Lounge
18. Shop for souvenirs at Hermitage Mall
Posted by Hermitage Mall on Thursday, 11 January 2018
Hermitage Mall is home to many local companies and it is probably the largest mall in Paramaribo. If you need a place to visit and purchase souvenirs, then this is the ideal place. It has a lot of stores that include clothes, jewellery, shoes, toys, and beauty products. You can also stop by this mall, which is located in Lala Roookhweg in Paramaribo, for a snack or lunch at one of the available fast food outlets. Couples can enjoy a movie with a bucket of popcorn or head to McDonald’s to grab a bite to eat.
Hermitage Mall
Address: Lala Rookhweg, Paramaribo, Suriname
Website: Hermitage Mall
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 5pm - 8pm
19. Taste some fine Dutch cuisine at Het Pannekoek & Poffertjes Cafe
Ever tasted Dutch pancakes? If not, visit the Het Pannekoek Café in Van Sommelsdijckstraat street to get chance to taste some of the finest Dutch pancakes prepared by professionals. Not only do they offer these delicious treats, but also a wide range of Dutch cuisine. Try out of their chicken with green salad or the mouthwatering Angus steak. The cafe is an ideal spot for families, friends, and couples to have a nice time.
Het Pannekoek & Poffertjes Cafe
Address: Van Sommelsdijckstraat # 11, Paramaribo Suriname
Website: Het Pannekoek & Poffertjes Cafe
Opening hours: Sun - Thur: 10am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 1am
Historic Paramaribo
Presenting a South American culture fused with Dutch history, this city has it all. From historical sites to mountain adventures, along with great cuisine from the locals, this is the ideal destination for you. Whether you are preparing for a honeymoon, a vacation with friends or family, Paramaribo should be at the top of your list.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Paramaribo, Suriname
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