Suriname · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Suriname
These are the markets, warungs, roti shops, river lodges, festivals and wild places we would point a friend to in Suriname, from the old town of Paramaribo to the turtle beaches. Places marked unconfirmed may have changed, so check before you go.
Places to Visit in Paramaribo
Arts and Culture
- Fort Zeelandia and Suriname Museum (Waterkant)
The star shaped riverside fort tells the story of the colony, slavery and independence in one walkable visit. - Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral (Henck Arronstraat)
One of the largest wooden buildings in the Americas, with a glowing honey coloured interior. - Neve Shalom Synagogue (Keizerstraat)
A historic synagogue with a sand covered floor standing right beside the city mosque. - Keizerstraat Mosque (Keizerstraat)
The elegant mosque next to the synagogue is the city symbol of religious harmony. - Arya Dewaker Temple (Johan Adolf Pengelstraat)
A large, peaceful Hindu temple that welcomes respectful visitors and shows Hindustani faith in the city. - Kwakoe statue (Zwartenhovenbrugstraat)
A monument to the end of slavery and the focal point of Keti Koti celebrations each July. - Readytex Art Gallery (Maagdenstraat)
One of the best places to see contemporary Surinamese painting and sculpture. - Jodensavanne (Para district)
The ruins of a seventeenth century Jewish settlement in the forest make a fascinating half day trip from the city.
Things to Do
- Independence Square (Onafhankelijkheidsplein)
The grand open square framed by the white Presidential Palace is the ceremonial heart of the old town. - Waterkant riverfront (Waterkant)
The riverside street of old merchant houses comes alive in the evening with food stalls and locals enjoying the breeze. - Neotropical Butterfly Park (Lelydorp)
A butterfly garden on the road to the airport with many tropical species. - Bike rental for Commewijne (Paramaribo)
City bike shops rent bikes and advise on the boat crossing for a plantation ride.
Nature and Outdoors
- Palm Garden (Palmentuin)
A shady grove of towering royal palms behind the palace where monkeys sometimes play in the treetops. - Cultuurtuin (Cultuurtuinlaan)
A big green park and former agricultural garden, good for a morning walk and birdwatching. - Weg naar Zee (Weg naar Zee)
The road to the sea leads to mudflats and fishing spots where locals watch sunsets and scarlet ibis fly by. - Colakreek (Para district)
A recreation park with a red, cola coloured creek for swimming, popular with local families. - Blakawatra (Para district)
A black water creek resort for swimming and picnics an easy drive from the city.
Shopping and Markets
- Central Market (Waterkant)
A huge, noisy market hall of produce, fish, spices and medicinal herbs, best explored in the morning. - Jodenbreestraat shops (Jodenbreestraat)
The old shopping street for fabrics, gold jewellery and everyday goods in the centre. - Hermitage Mall (Lalla Rookhweg)
The main modern mall for air conditioned shopping, cinemas and food courts. - Maroon craft stalls (Waterkant)
Look for carved wooden trays, paddles and stools made by Maroon artists near the river. - Vaillantsplein market area (Vaillantsplein)
A busy local area of stalls and shops where everyday city life unfolds. - Sunday bird singing contests (Independence Square)
On Sunday mornings men bring caged songbirds to compete in a uniquely Surinamese tradition.
Restaurants
- Roopram Roti (Zwartenhovenbrugstraat)
A classic Hindustani roti shop for chicken, potato and long bean roti eaten with your hands. - Joosje Roti Shop (Zwartenhovenbrugstraat)
A long running favourite for roti and Surinamese snacks right in the centre. - Warung Mirosa (Blauwgrond)
A much loved Javanese warung for saoto soup, bami and saté in the Blauwgrond neighbourhood. - Blauwgrond warungs (Blauwgrond)
A whole neighbourhood of Javanese eateries where locals go for nasi, bami and saté at night. - Garden of Eden (Virolastraat)
A romantic Thai restaurant set in a lush garden, popular for special evenings. - Sarinah (Verlengde Gemenelandsweg)
A well known Indonesian restaurant for a full rijsttafel style spread of Javanese dishes. - Chi Min (Cornelis Jongbawstraat)
A big, busy Chinese restaurant that has fed Paramaribo families for decades. - Zus en Zo (Grote Combeweg)
A guesthouse cafe with a garden terrace and relaxed vibe near the old town. - Pannekoek en Poffertjes Cafe (Sommelsdijckstraat)
Dutch pancakes and poffertjes in a cheerful spot loved by families.
Cafés
- 't Vat (Kleine Waterstraat)
A classic open air terrace opposite the Torarica area for coffee by day and drinks by night. - Zeeland Coffee Beans (Domineestraat)
A local coffee chain for an iced coffee and pastry break while walking the centre. - Fernandes Bakery (Paramaribo)
A long established Surinamese bakery brand for bread, cakes and local sweets.
Bars and Nightlife
- Kleine Waterstraat bars (Kleine Waterstraat)
The strip of terraces and bars near the Torarica is the centre of Paramaribo nightlife. - Borgoe rum tasting (Paramaribo)
Try Borgoe, the national rum, which locals drink neat, with cola or in a cocktail.
Events
- Owru Yari (Waterkant)
New Year in Paramaribo means huge pagara firecracker strings, street parties and music on the last day of the year. - Keti Koti (Paramaribo)
Emancipation Day on the first of July brings traditional dress, music and celebrations across the city. - Phagwa (Paramaribo)
The Hindu spring festival turns the streets into clouds of colour and joyful music. - Diwali in Paramaribo (Paramaribo)
The festival of light fills Hindustani neighbourhoods with lamps, sweets and celebrations. - Indigenous Peoples Day (Paramaribo)
The ninth of August celebrates the country's first peoples with culture, food and gatherings. - Independence Day (Paramaribo)
The twenty fifth of November marks independence from the Netherlands with parades and events. - Javanese Arrival Day (Paramaribo)
The ninth of August also marks the arrival of Javanese contract workers, with gamelan and food.
Stays
- Hotel Krasnapolsky (Domineestraat)
A long established central hotel walking distance from the old town sights. - Royal Torarica (Kleine Waterstraat)
A riverside hotel by the nightlife strip with a pool and river views. - Torarica Resort (Mr. Rietbergplein)
A large riverside resort hotel with pools and gardens next to the nightlife area. - Guesthouse Albergo Alberga (Lim A Po straat)
A restored wooden house guesthouse in the UNESCO old town. - Eco Resort Inn (Cornelis Jongbawstraat)
A relaxed hotel in the centre with a garden pool, close to the river. - Zus en Zo Guesthouse (Grote Combeweg)
A simple, sociable guesthouse with a garden cafe for budget travellers. - Courtyard by Marriott Paramaribo (Anton Dragtenweg)
A modern international hotel with a pool, popular with business travellers.
Places to Visit in Commewijne
Arts and Culture
- Fort Nieuw Amsterdam Open Air Museum (Nieuw Amsterdam)
The star fort at the meeting of the rivers is now a museum on slavery, contract labour and defence. - Marienburg sugar plantation (Marienburg)
The rusting factory and old railway of a once vast sugar estate tell a powerful story.
Nature and Outdoors
- Peperpot Nature Park (Meerzorg)
Forest trails on a former coffee plantation where monkeys, sloths and toucans are often seen in the early morning. - Matapica beach (Matapica)
A wild beach reached by boat through mangrove creeks, with turtle nesting in season.
Stays
- Plantage Frederiksdorp (Frederiksdorp)
A restored plantation by the river with wooden buildings, a small museum and rooms for the night.
Things to Do
- Dolphin boat trips from Leonsberg (Leonsberg)
Late afternoon boats look for Guyana dolphins where the rivers meet, often ending with sunset. - Cycling the plantation loop (Meerzorg)
Flat quiet lanes past villages, rice fields and old estates are perfect for a day on a bike.
Events
- Commewijne plantation day tours (Commewijne)
Organised tours from Paramaribo combine the fort, plantations and lunch in one easy day.
Places to Visit in Upper Suriname River
Stays
- Danpaati River Lodge (Danpaati)
A popular island lodge with comfortable cabins, village visits and swimming in the rapids. - Anaula Nature Resort (Ma Lobi)
A lodge by the rapids with a pool, forest walks and village trips for a softer interior stay.
Things to Do
- Atjoni landing (Pokigron)
The bustling end of the road where dugout canoes load passengers, food and fuel for the river. - Village evening drumming (Upper Suriname River)
Some lodges arrange drumming and dance with villagers, a joyful evening.
Arts and Culture
- Saamaka Museum (Pikin Slee)
A village museum on Saamaka history, carving and daily life run by the community. - Botopasi village (Botopasi)
A Saamaka village with an airstrip, often visited with lodge guides. - Saamaka wood carving (Upper Suriname River)
Buy carved paddles, combs and trays directly from makers in the villages.
Nature and Outdoors
- Swimming in the Suriname River rapids (Upper Suriname River)
Natural pools between the rocks make the best part of a hot river day. - Jungle walk to medicinal plants (Upper Suriname River)
Guides show how forest plants are used for medicine, food and building.
Places to Visit in Brownsberg
Nature and Outdoors
- Brownsberg Nature Park (Brownsweg)
A cool forested plateau with monkeys, birds and waterfall trails above Lake Brokopondo. - Leo Val (Brownsberg Nature Park)
A forest waterfall reached by a steep trail from the plateau visitor area. - Irene Val (Brownsberg Nature Park)
A pretty waterfall walk through dense rainforest that is popular with day visitors. - Fishing for peacock bass on Brokopondo (Lake Brokopondo)
The lake is famous among anglers for its fighting peacock bass.
Things to Do
- Brownsberg viewpoint (Brownsberg Nature Park)
The plateau edge looks out over the vast reservoir and its drowned forest. - Afobaka Dam (Afobaka)
The dam that created Lake Brokopondo, a striking sight with a complex history. - Berg en Dal zip lining (Berg en Dal)
Zip lines and a suspension bridge over the forest make a fun family day out.
Arts and Culture
- Brownsweg village (Brownsweg)
A Maroon village at the foot of the plateau on the way up to the park.
Stays
- Berg en Dal Eco and Cultural Resort (Berg en Dal)
A riverside resort with zip lines, a pool and forest activities on the Suriname River.
Places to Visit in Galibi
Nature and Outdoors
- Galibi Nature Reserve turtle beaches (Galibi)
One of the world's key leatherback nesting sites, best from around March to July. - Hatchling season (Galibi)
From around July, baby turtles race to the sea on the same beaches.
Arts and Culture
- Christiaankondre (Galibi)
A welcoming Kalina village where local guides lead turtle walks and sell crafts. - Langamankondre (Galibi)
A neighbouring Kalina village with simple guesthouses and pottery traditions. - Tembe Art Studio (Moengo)
A creative hub that turned a former mining town into a home for contemporary art.
Things to Do
- Marowijne River boat trip (Albina)
The boat ride from Albina to the coast passes mangroves, fishing boats and birds. - Albina river crossing (Albina)
Watch the busy boats shuttle across the river to Saint Laurent du Maroni in French Guiana.
Stays
- Galibi village guesthouses (Galibi)
Simple community run rooms let you stay close to the nesting beaches.
Shopping and Markets
- Kalina pottery and weaving (Galibi)
Buy handmade pottery and woven goods directly from village makers.
Places to Visit in Nieuw Nickerie
Nature and Outdoors
- Bigi Pan Nature Reserve (Nickerie)
A vast coastal lagoon of mangroves where scarlet ibis, flamingos and herons gather. - Wageningen rice fields (Wageningen)
Endless flat rice fields and irrigation channels full of birds.
Shopping and Markets
- Nieuw Nickerie market (Nieuw Nickerie)
The riverside market of the rice capital shows everyday life in the far west.
Things to Do
- Coronie coconut coast (Coronie)
A quiet coastal district of coconut palms and Creole villages on the road west. - Nickerie seawall walk (Nieuw Nickerie)
Locals stroll the waterfront in the evening as the sun sets over the river mouth. - Boat to Bigi Pan (Nickerie)
Boat tours through the lagoon reveal birds, caimans and fishing camps on stilts.
Arts and Culture
- Nickerie Hindu temples (Nieuw Nickerie)
The town's temples show the deep Hindustani heritage of the rice growing west.
Restaurants
- Nickerie roti and curry shops (Nieuw Nickerie)
Small local shops serve some of the best Hindustani cooking in the country.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Mama Sranan monument (Onafhankelijkheidsplein, Paramaribo)
A statue of a woman holding five children representing the country's peoples, a quiet symbol of unity. - Paramaribo Zoo (Letitia Vriesdelaan, Paramaribo)
A small zoo with local wildlife that is a gentle outing with children. - Fort Zeelandia Baka Foto (Fort Zeelandia, Paramaribo)
The cafe restaurant inside the fort grounds is a lovely spot for lunch after the museum. - De Gadri (Zeelandiaweg, Paramaribo)
A riverside restaurant serving Creole Surinamese dishes in a relaxed setting near the fort. - Fa Tai (Maagdenstraat, Paramaribo)
A simple spot for Surinamese Chinese snacks and dishes in the centre. - Souposo (Costerstraat, Paramaribo)
A cafe restaurant in a restored old town house with creative local dishes. - Mix Food (Zeelandiaweg, Paramaribo)
A popular local spot for Creole and Surinamese favourites near the river. - Dhoop Bakery (Paramaribo, Paramaribo)
Small Surinamese bakeries like this are where locals buy pom sandwiches and pastei for breakfast. - Moment Rooftop (Paramaribo, Paramaribo)
A rooftop bar with views over the city for sunset drinks. - Hard Rock Cafe Paramaribo (Kleine Waterstraat, Paramaribo)
A lively spot for live music, burgers and cocktails in the nightlife strip. - Club Touche (Waldijkstraat, Paramaribo)
A long running club where locals dance to kaseko, dancehall and reggae. - Warappa Kreek (Commewijne, Commewijne)
A remote creek area of mangroves, fishing and birds reached by boat. - Tamanredjo Javanese village (Tamanredjo, Commewijne)
A Javanese village where you can taste local food and see community life away from the city. - Marienburg warungs (Marienburg, Commewijne)
Small Javanese eateries near the old plantation serve bami and saoto to visitors and workers. - Bakkie village (Bakkie, Commewijne)
A riverside village at the eastern end of the plantation road with boats to the coast. - Rust en Werk plantation (Rust en Werk, Commewijne)
A working plantation area that shows how farming continues along the Commewijne River. - Isadou Island Lodge (Isadou, Upper Suriname River)
A riverside island lodge known for its peaceful setting among the rapids. - Kumalu Dream Island (Kumalu, Upper Suriname River)
A Saamaka owned island lodge with simple cabins and warm community hosting. - Tapawatra Soela (Upper Suriname River, Upper Suriname River)
A dramatic set of rapids where boats must be carried or guided through. - Awarradam Lodge (Gran Rio, Upper Suriname River)
A remote lodge on the Gran Rio reached by small plane, deep in Maroon country. - Tonka Island (Lake Brokopondo, Brownsberg)
A simple eco lodge on an island in the lake reached by boat. - Ston Eiland Resort (Lake Brokopondo, Brownsberg)
A lakeside resort for swimming and boating near the dam. - Brokopondo village (Brokopondo, Brownsberg)
A small district town by the lake where locals swim and fish on weekends. - Moengo Festival of Visual Arts (Moengo, Galibi)
A festival that brings artists and murals to the streets of Moengo. - Hotel de Vesting (Nieuw Nickerie, Nieuw Nickerie)
A simple town hotel that works as a base for Bigi Pan trips.