The historic inner city of Paramaribo was laid out on a grid from 1683 along the left bank of the Suriname River. Its mostly wooden colonial buildings show Dutch design adapted to local materials and climate, and the area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.
Walking the centre takes you past Fort Zeelandia, the Presidential Palace, the Palm Garden and the wooden Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, as well as a mosque and synagogue that stand side by side. Guided walks, bike and bus tours explain the city's history and its mix of cultures.
3 UNESCO sites in one country
Good to know
- Distance from Paramaribo
- In central Paramaribo, on the waterfront of the Suriname River, about an hour by road from Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport
- Getting there
- The core area of about 30 hectares is compact and best explored on foot or by bike
- Time needed
- Half a day for a guided walk (a free city walk covers about 4 km in 2 to 3 hours); a full day with museum visits
- Entry and permits
- Walking the streets is free; some sights, such as the museum in Fort Zeelandia, charge an entrance fee
- Best time to go
- Mornings are cooler for walking; the drier months are roughly February to April and mid August to November
- Tips
- In 2026 UNESCO placed the site on the List of World Heritage in Danger, citing fire risk to the wooden buildings and development pressure
Tours that go here
Tour operators listed on Explore Suriname, with a direct link to their own tour page.
Prices and dates change. Check with the operator before you book.
Location
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