Things to do & places to visit in Paramaribo District, Suriname

Paramaribo District #1 destination in Suriname 2023. The average rating score is 4.01 based on 3.234 traveler reviews, of 31 attractions. Timezone: America/Paramaribo, current date and time: Sunday, May 12, 2024, 8:51.

Top things to do (20)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Cardy Adventures & Bike Rental (48 reviews)
- Brownsberg
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Gear Rentals

Cardy Adventures and Bike Rental, a tour operator and bike rental in Suriname organizes tours through Nature, Adventure and the rich Surinamese cultures. A wide choice including dolphin tours, historic plantation bike and boat tours, nature tours, etc. An active product, from the City Tour and Bird watching in Paramaribo to expeditions as to the Kasikasima mountains in the Far East of Suriname See more..
4.5 Saint-Peter-and-Paul Basilica of Paramaribo (522 reviews)
- Very beautiful wooden cathedral
Churches & Cathedrals

The outside of large wooden cathedral is nice but the inside is really impressive. We could only go several meters inside because there was church service going on but it was enough to see all the wooden interior. Note that you need to be dressed modest, else you may not enter. A donations is expected. See more..
4.5 Commewijne River (210 reviews)
- Highlight of Paramaribo stay
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Bodies of Water

We thoroughly enjoyed our river trip. The evening started with some rain and we were worried that we would see nothing, but gradually the rain abated and we could enjoy the calm on the water. We were on Suriname river for a while and then moved toward the Commewijne River where we saw quite a lot of dolphins. However, it was not very easy to photograph them close. We also stopped by a plantation and returned to the boat to enjoy the sunset and a sun-downer. The sunset colors on the water was just beautiful and the mood was very serene. We really enjoyed this trip. See more..
4.5 Neveh Shalom Jewish Synagogue (98 reviews)
- Fantastic experience
Points of Interest & Landmarks

My girlfriend and I visited the synagogue during our trip to Paramaribo. I am not sure if there are usually visits allowed but the kind man let us in and showed us around. He was so enthusiastic and we really enjoyed hearing from him. The synagogue itself is beautiful and it is filled with white sand to keep it cool. We got to visit the loft of the synagogue which was really cool. We were also shown the small building where people are baptised and also a small collection of historical items and antiques. It is amazing how this place is situated right next to the mosque. Overall, I would absolutely recommend seeing the synagogue if in Paramaribo. See more..
4.5 Het Koto Museum (39 reviews)
- A Historical Gem
History Museums

This small museum in a little house provided a wealth of Surinamese history. The guide wrote the book on the Kotomisi traditions which she learned first-hand from her grandmother and great grandmother. A wonderful display of clothing and headkerchiefs from the 1860s until the mid 1900s. It will soon be relocating to a bigger space in town on Princessastraat where she will be able to increase the amount of items on display. A wonderful glimpse into a truly Surinamese cultural tradition. See more..
4.5 Historic Inner City of Paramaribo (34 reviews)
- Go see it before it is gone! UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Neighborhoods • Architectural Buildings

The historic inner city of Paramaribo is full of wooden colonial houses in various stages of neglect and dilapidation. Beautiful in its decay. Hopefully through private and some government funding it will be possible to retain these 291 official monuments. The oldest of all, the actual stone Fort Zeelandia, is in slightly better shape since it is also the official museum of Suriname - actually quite a nicely curated museum, worth a visit! The historic city became a UNESCO world heritage site in 2002 also because the original 17th century streetplan is still largely retained. There are no highrises in Paramaribo whatsoever! See more..
4.5 Ready Tex Art Gallery (23 reviews)
- Great gallery
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries

Readytex Art Gallery, founded in 1993, sells and promotes a large variety of fine art created by Surinamese artists who are genuinely committed to their art. We stock a diverse collection of upwards of 500 works of art including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, mixed media art and installations. See more..
4.5 Lalla Rookh Museum (10 reviews)
- Come and take a look
Sunday: Spent < 1 hour History Museums

In 1873 the ship Lalla Rookh arrived in Suriname with the first group of indentured laborers from British India (modern day India). They came to work on the plantations, replacing the freed slaves. Officially called indentured labor, in reality simply a new form of slavery. Today, the descendants form a large and successful community in Suriname. Visit the Lalla Rookh Museum for more information See more..
4.5 Stichting Villa Zapakara voor Kind & Cultuur (9 reviews)
- Learning is fun !
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Een dagje uit midden in de stad? Villa Zapakara is een plek waar jong en oud genieten. Zodra je het terrein op stapt, ben je even helemaal weg van de drukte van alledag. En dat zo dichtbij huis! Vanaf maart 2019 staat Villa ZApakara in het teken van ons thema 'Sranan Krakti; hoe dichter je bij jezelf staat, hoe verder je gaat'. De rondleiding door de tentoonstelling brengt je helemaal terug naar de cultuur, de natuur en de bijzondere mensen van ons prachtige Suriname. Elke zaterdag en in de schoolvakanties ontvangen wij jongeren van 6 t/m 16 jaar voor leuke workshops, sport & spel en een warme maaltijd. Kinderen jonger dan 6 jaar mogen onder uw eigen begeleiding in onze vrolijk gekleurde speeltuin komen spelen. Wilt u meer weten? Bel ons gerust. We staan u graag te woord. See more..
4.5 Kwakoe (2 reviews)
- Historic Significance - Abolition of Slavery
Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

The Kwakoe statue on one of the busiest crossroads of Paramaribo celebrates the abolition of slavery in 1863. It was revealed in 1963 by the beloved prime minister Jopie Pengel on the occasion of the centennial. Festivals to celebrate the abolition are typically also called Kwakoe. See more..
4.0 Fort Zeelandia (588 reviews)
- Historical Grounds!
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Historic Sites

Fort Zeelandia was first built by the British and extended by the Dutch as a fortification on a prominent point on the Suriname river. It has mostly been a prison throughout the years, and even the scene of recent history with the political December murders in 1982. Now it is a rather gorgeous small museum about the history of Suriname. Outside is the statue of Queen Wilhelmina, also the monarch of Suriname in her days. See more..
4.0 Independence Square (Onafhankelijksplein) (118 reviews)
- Part of a UNESCO World Heritage site
Government Buildings

The young nation celebrates its independence (since 1975) around the Independence square, surrounded by repurposed colonial buildings and enhanced by two statues of early enlightened leaders ... Pengel and Lachmon. The president and the first lady both have a palace here. This is all part of the gradually decaying historical centre of Paramaribo, a UNESCO world heritage site ... hopefully it will be possible to retain some of its splendor for future generations. See more..
4.0 Jodensavanne (109 reviews)
- Great day tour with Marina Da Costa
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

Marina Da Costa offers a great day trip to Joden Savannah. Her family is steeped in Jewish Surinamese history so she is the ideal person to have you show around. First, by car to Overbridge, then a lovely trip on the river, a visit to her family plantation and then a walk around Joden Savannah. She is enthusiastic, interesting and entertaining- definitely worth your while! See more..
4.0 Presidential Palace (103 reviews)
- Glory slowly fading
Government Buildings

The Palace is an attractive colonial building perched on the spacious Independence Square. Formerly the residence of the Dutch governor of Suriname, it is now the work address of the president. Hopefully the young country will be able to retain and maintain these historical buildings, designated also as a UNESCO world heritage site. See more..
4.0 Suriname City Mosque (77 reviews)
- Brotherly right next to the Synagogue
Religious Sites

The big mosque in Paramaribo is the headquarters of the Surinam Islamic Society. The current mosque was built in 1984, the first one at this location in 1929. It looks in itself attractive (especially at night) but fits less well in the city architecture than the Synagogue - which is right next door! A symbol of the fairly successful Surinam multicultural society. See more..
4.0 Brownsberg Nature Park (75 reviews)
- Nice view and apes
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Parks

The drive to the top of the Browsberg is a challence. At the top are some buildings and we had a view on the lake. We did see a female White-faced Saki and some Guyanan Red Howlers high in the trees. Also special is the clusia rosea jacq. tree. A short walk to the Mazaroni top (gps 4.951364, -55.176017) does give a better view on the lake. See more..
4.0 Centrale Markt (63 reviews)
- Must do when in Suriname
Sunday: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

This so called open market , is a must see when visiting Paramaribo. It is a mixture of everything,... mixture of all the local races Suriname has, are displayed here. Mixture of daily fresh vegetables and fruits for fair prices.Also fresh fish for sale. All the different noises, colors, fragrances of fruits and so on. Just stand at the top level of the market and look down and take a deep breath.....unforgettable. At the back of the market there are some food stalls that sell delicious javanese food for fair prices. Enjoyment for the whole family. See more..
4.0 Jules Wijdenbosch Bridge (37 reviews)
- Good Connect
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Bridges

It's very good long bridge and thrilled to drive ... Only problem is that during morning and evening hours very long traffic.. Avoid during these hours See more..
4.0 Arya Dewaker Hindu Temple (26 reviews)
- Feel the vibe! @ Arya Dewaker mandir (temple)
Religious Sites

A very large Hindu temple that took 18 years to construct. On Sunday morning a prayer ceremony is conducted. See more..
4.0 Grote Stadskerk (14 reviews)
- Plain modesty
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

I visited a sundaymorning service in june 2018. I was heartly welcomed the gate to the frontdoor. the sermon was as modest as the church's ambiance. A pleasant experience! See more..
4.0 Foundation for Nature Preservation (Stinasu) (11 reviews)
- Sea Turtle heaven
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Very long travel to get to the location but you feel like Robinson Crusoe, just you and some researchers seemingly at the end of the world on an endless beach with a thousand or more potential nests. It was the beginning of the season but we got to see a nest of over 100 baby turtles hatching and rushing to the sea. The lodge (Warana) lodge is basic by all accounts but despite that the food (cooking under tough conditions) was great. Prepare for a very rough travel to enjoy this great spectacle and check if you are going at an optimal time as i believe the season is a few months of the year. They had 6 giant turtles coming to shore to lay eggs but this was 3 am and we were asleep and missed it. Worth going for two nights but take games, cards or a good book for times when you are not out on the beach looking for sea turtle action. See more..
4.0 Ahmadiyya Muslim Nasir Mosque (9 reviews)
- Great Mosque
Sunday: Religious Sites

Central Mosque of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Suriname. See more..
4.0 Numismatisch Museum (8 reviews)
- Small but Interesting
Sunday: Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums

You don't need a lot of time in this museum, but it is well worth having a peep inside. Most of the descriptions are in Dutch so an English speaker must imagine the meaning of some of the displays. But there was an interesting display of material used for bartering at times when money was in short supply, including sugar and tobacco. And it is free, so enjoy the airconditioning on a hot day. See more..
4.0 Dutch reformed church (7 reviews)
- Old historical church
Sunday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals

Old but good maintained church. Amaizing interior. Information available. Friendly people at the entrance. See more..
4.0 Skelterbaan Stg. Fun Karting Suriname (4 reviews)
- Very fun place!
Playgrounds

I have attended and held a lot of children parties here and it’s always fun and chill and the kids really enjoy it. I was surprised that the food was very good, didn’t expect that. The service is awesome too See more..
3.5 Palmentuin (417 reviews)
- Pleasant historical park with Cafees and Shops on the side
Parks

The Palmentuin is Paramaribo's main city park, and was opened as early as 1685! It has been closed also for a few centuries, but was reopened again early in the 20th century, and received a major overhaul funded by UNESCO after the city centre of Paramaribo became a World heritage Site in 2002. Today it is quite pleasant to stroll through with the very tall palm trees overhead. On the edge at the side of the van Rooseveltkade, a pleasant boulevard with some café's and shops is being developed. See more..
3.5 Waterkant (Riverside Boulevard) (302 reviews)
- Good spot for (interesting) dinner
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Waterkant is the slightly seedy/run down river boulevard of Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname. This is actually part of the historical city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site! There are several quite characterful restaurants directly on the waterside. E'tembe for instance still serves various types of bush meat including Alligator and even Capibara .... See more..
3.5 Paramaribo Zoo (190 reviews)
- Paramaribo Zoo
Zoos

We were off the rig for a few days. We walked from the hotel. It is a small quaint zoo but I expected to see some animals indigenous to the the Guyannas. I was not let down. The well we we drilled was called Aracara. Ararcara is a yellow hawk. Very beautiful. I wonder if whatever makes them yellow is also what gives the pacock bass it's beautiful yellow coloing. The zoo also had many amazing play ground features for the children. You could tell that they were built for fun and without lawyers in the way. The kids should have plenty of time for playing here. The cost to get in is extremely low. See more..
3.5 Hermitage Mall (39 reviews)
- Best mall in Paramaribo.
Shopping Malls

Lots of shops to choose from with very modern cinema in the same area. Safety and ample parking were features of this mall. See more..
3.5 Surinaamsch Rumhuis (30 reviews)
- The Place To Taste Suriname Rum
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Good film explaining the history of Rum making in Suriname. 3 very good tastes of their rum. Warsha explained everything I needed to know and was very helpful to me. I thank her. See more..