PARAMARIBO

Arts & Culture

Thanks to Cynthia McLeod’s bestselling novel 'The Cost of Sugar?' Suriname’s colonial history has achieved international fame. For centuries, hundreds of thousands of slaves were put to work on the many sugar cane plantations around the Commewijne district and the Suriname River. Various local travel companies organise day trips to the historical sites of the former sugar culture.

Arts & Culture

The Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral is one of the pearls of Paramaribo’s old city centre. From threshold to spire, the construction is entirely made of wood. This is one of the 2 largest wooden cathedrals in South America. Thanks to a recent renovation, the yellow and blue-grey painted façade looks just as bright as it used to be. Once you get inside a special experience awaits.

Nature

Just 5 km from the hustle and bustle of Paramaribo lies a serene nature reserve situated around a former coffee plantation - Peperpot Nature Park. An easily accessible walking trail leads through a jungle that thrives among the remnants of the historical buildings. Today the area has become the habitat for monkeys, birds, butterflies and lizards. There is also an abundance of tropical plants.

Culinary

Few cuisines are as versatile and colourful as the Surinamese. Thanks to the influences of the many ethnic groups that compose this country, Paramaribo’s culinary tradition is a real melting pot, sometimes literally. Creole, Hindi, Javanese, Portuguese-Jewish, Dutch ... what do you feel like eating?

Arts & Culture

Fort Zeelandia stands proudly on the shore of the Suriname River in the shade of centuries-old mahogany trees. This is where Paramaribo originated and the small trading colony founded here has grown into a vibrant capital with 290,000 inhabitants. A visit to the fort is not only an opportunity to learn more about Surinamese history but also to admire the views from the terrace of the museum café.

Nature

Most of Suriname is covered in pristine rainforest, and even in Paramaribo there is plenty of exotic greenery to enjoy. In the centre of the historic downtown just above Fort Zeelandia lies the charming Palm Garden. Planted in the colonial era, this park is perfect for a refreshing stroll and you can also enjoy a drink at the foot of these royal palm trees.