Paramaribo

Fort Zeelandia

The English laid the first foundations for the current brick fort around 1650, replacing an earlier wooden structure built by the French around an even earlier Dutch trading post. In 1667, Dutch and English forces fought over the fortifications, then called fort Willoughby, and the surrounding lands. The Peace of Breda later that year put the whole of Suriname in Dutch hands, however, when the Dutch preferred to retain Surinam and its sugar factories rather than swap them for what later became New York and the fort was renamed Zeelandia. It was built as a colonial stronghold for the Dutch, and later served as an army barrack and a prison. In 1982, Fort Zeelandia was the scene of the so-called December murders, as fifteen prominent Surinamese men who had criticized the then military dictatorship ruling Suriname were tortured here and then shot dead. The events remain controversial today, as the circumstances are still unclear, but the former president of Suriname Desire Bouterse is the main suspect. In 1995 the restored buildings were opened to the public as a museum. The collection of the Suriname Museum covers the different cultures of Suriname, the colonial period, 20th century art, a library collection and a photo archive. There is a café and a restaurant (Baka Foto) with an outdoor terrace in the courtyard. In front of the entrance are historical officers houses. This beautiful area gives you an impression of how the city once was when trees lined the streets. A statue of Queen Wilhelmina is on the waterfront, looking over the Suriname River.

Tue-Fri 09:00-14:00, Sun 10:00-14:00 (closed Sat Mon)

Historical city centre

Paramaribo's distinctive historic city centre, packed with wooden buildings from colonial times, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since July 2002. It's the planned nature and remarkable architecture that makes this place unique. The spacious, tree-lined street plan was laid out by the first Dutch governor in the 17th century. Most of the mansions originate from the first half of the 19th century however, as they had to be rebuilt after large city fires in 1821 and 1832. The designs are clearly inspired by Dutch architecture of the time, but incorporated a range of indigenous techniques and used local materials. The Waterkant and Mr.Lim A Postraat have some of the best examples. Many of the wooden houses are in dire need of restoration, however, to the point where UNESCO has urged the state to address the problem and threatened to revoke the city's status.

Numismatic Museum

Highlight of this small museum is a 1679 copper Parrot coin. You'll probably need to have a real interest in the history of money to fully appreciate the collection on display, but there's no admission fee and walking in for a quick glance can't hurt. The museum is part of the Bank of Suriname, and it's housed in one of the nice colonial building. It holds almost every legal currency used in Suriname since the late 17th century.

Mon-Fri 08:00-14:00·Free

Onafhankelijkheidsplein (Independence Square) and Presidential Palace

The square is the heart of Paramaribo surrounded by important buildings like the Presidential Palace, Court of Justice, the Parliament. It's used as a place for festivals like Carisfesta XI in 2013. Normally there's not much activity, but on Sundays men exercise the national hobby: letting their caged birds sing.

Palmentuin (Palm Gardens)

The Palm garden, a small park filled with king palms behind the Presidential Palace, was part of the original city plans of Cornelis van Aerssen van Sommelsdijck, the first Dutch governor. He opened the garden for public in 1685, but was murdered only three years later, after which the property was closed again. Not until the early 20th century was the Palm Garden re-opened. In 2009 it was restored with funds from UNESCO. It has a small play ground now, some statues and benches to hang out on, making it a pleasant, shady place on a hot day. Except on holidays, when the place comes to life with food stalls and such, the garden is best avoided after sundown for the lighting is poor and the place attracts less friendly crowds.

Paramaribo Zoo

Establishing a zoo was an idea of Prime Minister Pengel in the 1960s. Awaiting the construction of the zoo, he started collecting animals in his own backyard, until the zoo was opened in 1972. The number of animals and (subsequently) of visitors declined over the following decades, however, leaving the zoo in poor state. Starting in 2003 it engaged in a cooperation with Dutch Diergaarde Blijdorp in Rotterdam, which helped raise funds to restore the place. The zoo has regained its popularity. Its collection of animals includes mostly regional species, among which are many indigenous monkeys, jaguars, caimans, many tropical birds and a petting zoo. There's also a nice playground for kids.

daily 09:00-18:00·SRD10

St. Peter and Paul Cathedral

This Roman Catholic cathedral is one of the biggest wooden structures on the entire American continent. Building started in 1883 and the church was consecrated two years later. The towers were not finished before 1901 though, and the characteristic yellow and grey painting of the outside was done only in 1926. The design of the church was inspired by the Redemptorist church in Roosendaal and the (then new) Basilica and Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Boston, while the interior, carried out in unpainted cedar wood, was a Surinamese design. Poor restoration efforts were undertaken in the late 1970s, leaving the building in need of new repairs shortly after. Finally, termite damage and severe tilting led to the closure of the cathedral in 1989 for safety reasons. The Vatican provided some funds for initial repairs in the mid 1990s and after fundraising efforts and a large EU grant, thorough restorations were carried out between 2007 and 2010. The cathedral was re-opened for the public in that year. Only the large organ, of which most of the pipes had been stolen, is still a work in progress.

Closed · opens 8 am tomorrow

Thalia theater

Surinamese theater company

The Suriname theater company was founded in 1837 and is the oldest theater company of the Caribbean. The Thalia theater building was opened in 1840, but after its 2011 renovation it now seats 500.

The Central Market

A large market with over 3,000 stalls inside a hall at the Waterkant. It's a colourful, buzzing place with smells and sounds to perceive deficit. They offer fresh fish (delivered directly by fishermen), vegetables, fruit and meat. On the first floor are non-perishables sold as clothes, shoes, kitchen utensils and more. Many market vendors, especially the Maroon people, strongly object to having their pictures taken.

Closed · opens 5 am tomorrow

't Vat

For some reason, this place is especially popular with travellers and the many Dutch trainees staying in town. They cater to Dutch tastes as well, with anything from traditional Suriname Pom sandwiches to burgers and French Fries with Dutch "frikandel" sausages. They also offer a range of services besides the food, including some good mid-range lodging options, car hire and a souvenir shop.

SRD25 for their special, 3-course tourist menu

Brotik

Between De Waag and Riverside Kitchen, huge terrace towards the river. Open only for dinner but until late. Serves local dishes; the most affordable of the upscale restaurants at the waterkant.

De Waag

An upscale place at the waterkant with a decent wine selection but no river view.

Di Gadri

Good Creole meals, soups and snacks. At 08:00, fresh bread rolls are available. It has a nice terrace under a huge mahogany tree. Also popular with parliamentarians.

Mon-Fri 08:00-22:00 Sat-Sun 11:00-22:00·Dishes around SRD20

Euphoria

formerly Starzz

Euphoria Nightclub is one of Parbo's coolest dance venues with a good blend of DJs playing a variety of sounds.

Wed Fri Sat 23:00-?

Hermitage Mall

It's the largest mall in the country with about 20 clothing stores, gift shops and a food corner. A mega theatre is under construction.

JiJi's

An upscale place at the waterkant with a nice view over the river

Joosje Roti Shop

East Indian restaurant in the centre of town, well known for their chicken roti.

Mon-Sat 08:30-22:00

Mirosso Indonesisch Restaurant

This is considered one of the better options in Blauwgrond and was granted the Fernand de Rooy Certificate. Service can be on the slow side, but the food is very nice. It gets crowded on weekends, so call ahead if you want to ensure a spot.

Tue-Thu 18:00-24:00, Mon Fri Sat 18:00-02:00

Pannekoek & Poffertjes Cafe

Pancakes and poffertjes (typical Dutch small, fluffy pancakes)

Popeye's Chicken and Biscuits

On the first floor of the Krasnapolsky Hotel. Popeye's serves Cajun style fast food.

Restaurant Jawa

A good choice for travellers on a budget, with tasty Javanese food.

Open now · closes 10 pm·from USD5

Riverside Kitchen

Next door to Brotik with a huge seating area at the river. The kitchen is open only for lunch. Great local dishes for SRD20 to SRD30. Hangout for locals.

Torarica

Torarica is for all kind of activities. Dancing and casino at night, B&B and swimming at the pool, entertainment.

daily

CarsPlus

Good service and cheap.

€21 per day inclusive of full insurance

Chi Min

Chinese restaurant specialising in seafood.

Open now · closes 11 pm

Club Touche

Every day

Dumpling #1

Famous for their king crab.

Enterprise

Good and fast service

€29 per day inclusive of full insurance

Fatai Restaurant

Asian food.

Liang Lang

Famous for their 'tjoeng'