Before you go

Your trip to Paramaribo.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Paramaribo – Paramaribo Capital

How to get there

Aeroporto Internacional Johan Adolf Pengel (PBM) Zanderij · 45 km
Aeroporto Zorg en Hoop (ORG) 10 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before booking. Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport is in Zanderij, about 45 km south of the centre; the journey is made by taxi or transfer. Zorg en Hoop Airport, within the city, serves domestic flights to the interior. By land, from Amapá the route goes through French Guiana to the Maroni River crossing at Albina.

How many days

Two days for the historic centre, Forte Zeelandia, Keizerstraat, the cathedral and the Central Market. A third day for Commewijne, with Forte Nieuw Amsterdam, Mariënburg, Peperpot and the dolphin-spotting boat trip. Brownsberg requires an extra day, preferably with an overnight stay.

When to go

The heat is constant, around 30 °C during the day. From September to November is usually the driest period. The heaviest rains usually fall from April to July, and there is another rainy phase between December and January. Showers are heavy and pass quickly.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

For the centre, no: everything is within walking distance. For Commewijne, the usual options are taxi, bicycle, boat or organized tour. For Brownsberg, a traction vehicle or an organized trip. In Suriname you drive on the left.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Paramaribo

Morning
Forte Zeelandia and Palmentuin
Start at Forte Zeelandia and the Suriname Museum, head to Independence Square and rest in the shade of the palms at the Palmentuin.
Afternoon
Cathedral and Keizerstraat
Visit the wooden cathedral on Gravenstraat and walk to Keizerstraat to see the mosque and the synagogue side by side.
Late afternoon
Waterkant
Go down to the Waterkant and walk along the riverfront to the Mercado Central, with the wooden houses on one side and the boats on the other.
Evening
Surinamese dinner
Have roti, bami, or pom at a downtown restaurant or at the Javanese restaurants in Blauwgrond.

2 days in Paramaribo

Day 1

Morning
Mercado Central
Start early at the Mercado Central and follow the Waterkant to Forte Zeelandia.
Afternoon
Palmentuin and cathedral
Palmentuin, the praça da Independência and the wooden cathedral.
Late afternoon
Keizerstraat
Mosque and Sinagoga Neve Shalom, with the small synagogue museum.
Evening
Night in the city center
Dinner in the Kleine Waterstraat area, with bars and restaurants.

Day 2

Morning
Peperpot
Cross the river early for the trails and the birds of Peperpot.
Afternoon
Mariënburg and the fort
Follow Commewijne to the old Mariënburg mill and Fort Nieuw Amsterdam.
Late afternoon
Boat trip to see the botos
Boat trip at the confluence of the rivers, where the gray dolphins (botos) often appear, returning to the Waterkant.
Evening
Last night
Farewell dinner in Paramaribo or an overnight stay at a plantation guesthouse in Commewijne.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get from the airport to downtown Paramaribo?

Johan Adolf Pengel Airport is in Zanderij, about 45 km away. You can take a taxi or a shuttle arranged with your hotel; agree the fare beforehand.

What to eat in Paramaribo?

Roti with curry, of Indian heritage; bami and nasi, of Javanese and Chinese heritage; saoto, a Javanese soup; and pom, a Creole roast of taioba root with chicken.

Is Paramaribo good for walking?

Yes. The historic center is flat and compact, and the fort, Palmentuin, the cathedral, Keizerstraat and the Waterkant are just a few minutes from each other.

How to cross the river to Commewijne?

Via the Jules Wijdenbosch bridge by car, taxi or bicycle, or by boat from the Waterkant to Meerzorg.

Can you pay in US dollars or euros in Paramaribo?

The country's currency is the Surinamese dollar. Hotels and tours sometimes accept other currencies; check beforehand and bring some local cash for the market.

Back to Paramaribo