Paramaribo

CityParamaribo District, Paramaribo

Paramaribo is a CITY in Paramaribo District, Paramaribo.

Paramaribo, Suriname's vibrant capital on the Suriname River, blends Dutch colonial architecture with Caribbean and South American flair. The historic inner city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features wooden buildings like the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral and Fort Zeelandia. Wander the bustling Central Market for exotic fruits and crafts, or relax in the tropical gardens of Palmentuin. The city's multicultural vibe shines through its diverse cuisine—try Javanese bami or Creole pom. By night, the Waterkant riverside promenade comes alive with bars and street food. Paramaribo offers a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience with a relaxed pace, friendly locals, and a rich history of indigenous, African, Asian, and European influences.

Best time to visit Paramaribo

The best time is February to April (short dry season) or August to November (long dry season) for sunny weather and fewer mosquitoes. The rainy seasons (May-July and December-January) bring heavy downpours but fewer crowds and lower prices.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Hot 28-34°C

Travel notes

Crowds
High
Prices
Peak

Peak tourist season

Know before you go

Getting there

PBM

Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport

International

45 km away

Getting around

"Minibuses are the main public transport, cheap but crowded. Taxis are affordable; agree on a fare before riding. Renting a car is possible but driving can be chaotic. Biking is a good option for the flat city. Walking is pleasant in the historic centre."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

25 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in city centre

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Generally safe; watch for petty crime in markets.

Night safety

7/10

Generally safe; watch for petty crime in markets.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Paramaribo is relatively safe, but petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs in crowded areas and markets. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, especially near the river. Keep valuables out of sight. Scams targeting tourists are rare but be cautious with unofficial taxis. Police presence is visible in the city centre."

Entry and health

Health information

"No mandatory vaccinations, but hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever are recommended. Tap water is generally safe in the city, but bottled water is advised for sensitive stomachs. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue are present; use repellent. Medical facilities are basic; serious cases may require evacuation to the Netherlands or the US. Travel insurance with medical coverage is essential."

Culture

Local customs

"Greetings are important; a handshake with a smile is standard. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Surinamese are relaxed and friendly; avoid loud or aggressive behavior. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated (10% in restaurants). Remove shoes before entering some homes."
Dutch (official)Sranan TongoEnglishSarnami HindustaniJavaneseChinesePortugueseSpanishFrenchDutchHindi

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$5 | a cheap local meal costs ~$5

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Paramaribo is affordable for budget travelers; mid-range options available.

Timezone

America/Paramaribo
Local time 19:18

More facts

Population

223,757

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: PBM, Paramaribas, Paramaribo, Paramaribô, Paramarimpo, Paramaryba, Paramaríbó, ba la ma li bo, baramarybw, pa la ma li bo, pa rama ri bo, palamalibo, paramaribo, paramaripo, paramarybw, prmrybw, Παραμαρίμπο, Парамарибо, Парамарыба, Парамарібо, Պարամարիբո, פאראמאריבא, פרמריבו, باراماريبو, پاراماریبو, पारामरिबो, पारामारिबो, ਪਾਰਾਮਾਰੀਬੋ, પારામારિબો, பரமாரிபோ, ปารามารีโบ, པེ་ར་མེ་རི་བོ།, პარამარიბო, ፓራማሪቦ, パラマリボ, 巴拉馬利波, 帕拉马里博, 파라마리보, Centrum, Centro

Capital CityMajor HubHistoricCulturalRiverfrontFamily-FriendlyFoodie