Paramaribo: 8 Fun Things to Do

You can explore Paramaribo’s UNESCO World Heritage historic center with its stunning Dutch colonial architecture, visit the impressive wooden Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, and experience the vibrant multicultural Central Market. Don’t miss watching sunset from the scenic Waterkant riverfront, touring historic Fort Zeelandia, or taking day trips to former plantations along the Commewijne River. For nature lovers, Brownsberg’s waterfalls and Bigi Pan’s world-class birdwatching offer unforgettable wildlife encounters just hours from the city center.

Wander Through the UNESCO Historic Inner City

When you step into Paramaribo’s Historic Inner City, you’ll discover one of the Caribbean’s most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where 17th-century Dutch colonial architecture seamlessly blends with tropical building techniques.

You’ll walk along the original 1683 grid pattern streets, exploring narrow lanes that stretch from Fort Zeelandia to the Suriname River.

Start at Fort Zeelandia’s museum, then visit the 1730 Presidential Palace and the towering wooden St. Peter and Paul Cathedral—one of the world’s tallest wooden buildings.

The compact historic center is perfect for walking, though you’ll want comfortable shoes for uneven cobblestone sections.

Don’t miss the tree-lined Garden of Palms and Independence Square, where this living neighborhood’s colonial charm comes alive. As you explore, you’ll encounter churches and mosques standing side by side, showcasing the remarkable religious harmony that defines this multicultural city.

Visit Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral and the Synagogue-Mosque Quarter

Standing at 144 feet tall with distinctive yellow and grey-blue facades, Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral dominates Paramaribo’s skyline as the largest wooden church in the Americas. You’ll marvel at its neo-Gothic spires and neo-Romanesque arches, entirely constructed from Surinamese greenheart and basralocus wood.

Inside, examine the soaring vaulted ceilings and decorative capitals carved by free Creole and Maroon woodworkers after slavery’s abolition in 1863, featuring unique Afro-Surinamese motifs. The cathedral’s stained-glass windows add vibrant color to the peaceful interior atmosphere.

The cathedral was completed in 1885, underwent extensive restoration finishing in 2010, and received basilica minor status in 2014. Entry is free with voluntary donations encouraged.

Just blocks away, explore the fascinating Synagogue-Mosque Quarter where Jewish and Islamic communities worship side-by-side, reflecting Paramaribo’s remarkable religious tolerance and multicultural heritage.

Experience the Multicultural Central Market

Beyond Paramaribo’s impressive religious architecture, you’ll discover the city’s vibrant multicultural soul at Central Market (Centrale Markt), where Afro-Surinamese, Javanese, Hindustani, Indigenous, Chinese, and Dutch communities converge in a bustling maze of vendors and stalls.

Navigate the dense crowds and loud bargaining to experience authentic Surinamese life through strong aromas of spices, smoked fish, and cooked dishes.

Head to the riverside fish section for fresh catches, explore the north hall’s Maroon traders selling herbal products, and sample traditional street food like pom, bara, and roti from Javanese-operated stalls. Take shelter from sudden tropical downpours in the market’s two-story covered building that protects vendors and shoppers alike.

Don’t miss the budget-friendly “Miracle Juice” made from pommecythere.

Visit between 6:00-16:00, Monday through Saturday, when the market’s colorful chaos reaches its peak.

Enjoy Sunset at the Waterkant Riverfront

As evening approaches, the Waterkant Riverfront transforms into Paramaribo’s premier sunset destination, where panoramic views of the Suriname River stretch across unobstructed sightlines from the historic promenade. You’ll witness vibrant orange and pink hues reflecting off the water’s surface while capturing the iconic Wijdenbosch Bridge and passing river traffic.

The UNESCO World Heritage setting enhances your experience, with 17th-century colonial buildings providing photogenic backdrops during golden hour. Head to the historic Marinetrap pier for ideal viewing angles, then explore the numerous riverside cafés and street food stalls offering local specialties like bakabana.

Time your visit for late afternoon to enjoy the transition from sunset to nightlife. The flat promenade makes walking easy, though stay aware of your belongings as crowds gather for evening entertainment. The riverfront serves as a perfect starting point for exploring other nearby attractions throughout the historic city center.

Explore Fort Zeelandia and the Suriname Museum

While Paramaribo’s colonial charm captivates visitors throughout the city, Fort Zeelandia stands as the most significant historical landmark where Suriname’s complex past unfolds within pentagonal stone walls dating to the 17th century.

You’ll discover layers of history as you explore this fortress that began as a French outpost in 1640, became British Fort Willoughby, then transformed into Dutch Fort Zeelandia in 1667.

The Surinaams Museum inside showcases exhibits spanning pre-Columbian times through modern politics. You can walk the ramparts for panoramic river views and examine preserved bastions and 19th-century buildings. A small entrance fee provides access to the fort grounds, with special discounts available for students, children, and group visitors.

While exploring, you’ll encounter darker chapters including the 1982 December Murders site. Don’t miss the colonial wooden officers’ houses outside the gates and Queen Wilhelmina’s statue.

Take a Day Trip to Commewijne River Plantations

Just across the river from Paramaribo, the Commewijne plantation district offers you a haunting glimpse into Suriname’s colonial past where hundreds of sugar, coffee, and cotton estates once dominated the landscape. You’ll discover jungle-covered ruins, abandoned sugar mills, and colonial-era canals that created a “tropical Holland” through the rainforest.

Book a day trip combining boat rides and cycling tours along the Commewijne Plantation Loop. You’ll visit former sugar plantation Concordia with its overgrown factory remains and explore atmospheric ruins scattered throughout dense vegetation.

Don’t miss Katwijk plantation—Suriname’s last operational coffee estate dating to 1746. These guided tours reveal colonial architecture, historic waterways, and small settlements that evolved from plantation infrastructure, providing educational insight into this significant chapter of Dutch colonial history. The district served as one of the most populated agricultural regions in Suriname during the height of the plantation era.

Discover Brownsberg Nature Park’s Waterfalls and Wildlife

When you need a break from Paramaribo’s urban energy, Brownsberg Nature Park delivers one of Suriname’s most rewarding wilderness experiences just 2.5 hours south of the capital. This 12,000-hectare protected rainforest sits on a 500-meter plateau, offering spectacular waterfall hikes and exceptional wildlife viewing.

You’ll find Irene Falls and Leo Falls are the most accessible, reached via well-marked trails in 70-90 minutes. The steeper return climb takes about two hours, but natural pools provide perfect cooling spots. From Mazaroni Top viewpoint, you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Brokopondo Reservoir and endless forest canopy.

The park protects 1,450 plant species and 350 bird species, including Grey-winged Trumpeters and Channel-billed Toucans. Expect to spot Guianan red howler monkeys and white-faced saki monkeys along waterfall trails. Organized day trips operate on Thursdays and Saturdays with transportation from Paramaribo included. Bring a 4×4 vehicle for the final unpaved access road.

Go Birdwatching at Bigi Pan Wetlands

For an entirely different wilderness experience, Bigi Pan Wetlands transforms your nature adventure from mountain forests to coastal marshlands, offering Suriname’s premier birdwatching destination just hours from Paramaribo.

You’ll encounter around 122 bird species across Suriname’s largest lagoon, including spectacular scarlet ibis, flamingos, herons, and hundreds of thousands of migratory shorebirds using this critical Atlantic Flyway stopover.

Plan your visit during February-March or late July-November for ideal bird concentrations.

You’ll navigate mangrove-lined canals by boat, observing mixed flocks roosting on dead trees and feeding across tidal mudflats. The historic Jamaer Canal, originally dug in 1853, creates a stunning open-air tunnel through black mangroves where caimans hide among the dense root systems.

Multi-day packages include overnight stays in stilt-house lodges above the water, perfect for dawn and dusk viewing sessions.

Pack sun protection, insect repellent, and binoculars for this internationally recognized birding paradise.

The Sum Up

You’ll discover Paramaribo offers an incredible blend of history, culture, and nature within easy reach. From exploring UNESCO-listed colonial architecture to experiencing diverse religious sites and vibrant markets, the city provides authentic culture. Don’t miss the stunning riverfront sunsets or nearby plantation tours that showcase Suriname’s complex past. Whether you’re drawn to urban exploration or natural adventures like Brownsberg’s waterfalls, Paramaribo serves as your perfect gateway to this unique South American destination.