Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Belgium
Denmark
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Sweden
Switzerland
Market · Paramaribo, Paramaribo
Waterkant e Centrale Markt
The riverside street with merchants' wooden townhouses, and the two‑storey Mercado Central: on the ground floor, fruit, fish and spices; above, clothing and household goods.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Waterkant e Centrale Markt
Waterkant is the street that runs along the bank of the Suriname River in the historic center of Paramaribo. It was the city's old port, and on the land side there are wooden mansions of former merchants, white, with high roofs and verandas, rebuilt after the large fires that struck the center in the 19th century. On the river side, boats depart that cross to Meerzorg and Commewijne.
In the western section of the Waterkant is the Centrale Markt, the Mercado Central, in a two-story building. The ground floor is the food market: tropical fruits, vegetables, peppers, meats, fish from the river and the sea, and seasonings used in Indian, Javanese and Creole kitchens. On the upper floor they sell clothing, fabrics, utensils and everyday items.
Around the market and along the Waterkant there are food stalls where you can try Surinamese street dishes such as roti, bami, saoto and cut fruit. The busiest time is in the morning, when the products arrive.
The walk along the Waterkant connects Forte Zeelandia to the market in about fifteen minutes and shows the riverside, the boats and the facades of the houses of the UNESCO-listed center. The market is open Monday through Saturday; check the hours before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 40 minutes to 1h30, including the walk along the Waterkant.
Best time
In the morning, when the fresh produce arrives and the heat is lower. The market is open Monday through Saturday; check the hours before you go.
How to get there
The Waterkant begins near Forte Zeelandia and runs along the riverbank; the Mercado Central is in the western stretch. From Palmentuin it's about a fifteen-minute walk.
Tip
Walk along the Waterkant from the fort to the market on the river side, and try fruits and snacks at the stalls. Bring small change in Surinamese dollars.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Waterkant e Centrale Markt
What is sold at Mercado Central de Paramaribo?
On the ground floor: fruits, vegetables, meats, fish and spices; on the upper floor: clothing, fabrics and household goods.
Does the market open on Sundays?
No. It operates Monday through Saturday; check the hours before you go.
Where do the boats to Commewijne depart from?
From the riverside at the Waterkant in the center, with crossings to Meerzorg on the opposite bank.
What to eat at the Waterkant?
Street foods like roti, bami and saoto, and cut fruit, at stalls around the market and along the riverside.