Paramaribo sits on the bank of the Suriname River, surrounded by dense, lush jungle. Suriname’s capital city is a glorious cultural mashup. You can visit ornate Hindu temples, a 19th-century wooden Roman Catholic cathedral, a brilliant white synagogue, and a richly gilded mosque and eat cuisine inspired by the Netherlands, West Africa, and Indonesia. Its historic Centrum neighborhood, filled with 17th- and 18th-century Dutch colonial buildings, is an architectural dream. Things to do in Paramaribo include walking tours, a palm tree garden, Fort Zeelandia, and Paramaribo Central Market.
To skip the tropical rains, come in the dry season from February to April or August to November. The weather tends to be hot and humid, so pack light, breathable clothes. If you want to experience a quintessential Suriname event, visit at the end of December for Pagara Estafette—this massive New Year’s Eve party begins the morning of December 31 and lasts well into January 1, with live music, incredible fireworks displays, and plenty of good food. The event centers around Independence Square but extends throughout the city.
While there is public transit in Paramaribo, it tends to be slow and inefficient, so you’d be better off renting a car or relying on taxis. If you drive yourself, go slow—the city streets are lined with steep speedbumps to jostle careless drivers. Traffic is heavy in the city, so give yourself plenty of time if you have any tours booked.
Paramaribo’s unique food scene is a huge part of the city’s culture—take some of the flavors home with you by taking a cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare specialties, including pom (a casserole made with chicken and arrowleaf elephant ear root), fried plantains, and peanut soup. Locals run most cooking classes in their homes, and you can reserve a spot in advance.
