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Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname
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Paramaribo

Paramaribo, locally nicknamed Foto, is the capital and largest city of Suriname, situated on the banks of the Suriname River. Home to nearly half of Suriname's population, this historic city offers a unique blend of colonial architecture and cultural diversity.

Photo: LLs (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
242,946 (city)
Currency
Surinamese dollar (SRD)
Language
Dutch
Timezone
-03 (UTC-3)
Local time now
05:03:28

Hotels in Paramaribo

We're still gathering hotels listings for Paramaribo — check back soon.

Airports in Paramaribo

Paramaribo is served by several airports offering domestic and international connections. The main airports include EAG International Airport, Zorg en Hoop Airport, and Jarikaba Airstrip, providing essential air transport links for the capital. See all airports →

Zorg en Hoop Airport
3.3 km from centre
EAG International Airport
5.1 km from centre
Jarikaba Airstrip
18.9 km from centre

Car Hire in Paramaribo

Paramaribo offers several car hire options for visitors and residents looking to explore Suriname. Major rental agencies including Enterprise, Carliner, De Paarl, Roshaun, and Tourtonne taxi 1690 provide vehicle rental services throughout the capital city. See all car hire →

Carliner
401 m from centre
Enterprise
631 m from centre
De Paarl
1.6 km from centre
Roshaun
2.1 km from centre

Things to Do in Paramaribo

We're still gathering things to do listings for Paramaribo — check back soon.

Restaurants in Paramaribo

Paramaribo offers a diverse culinary scene with restaurants reflecting the city's multicultural heritage. Diners can explore establishments such as Roopram, Warung Laries, Cheung Shing Restaurant, Ondrobong, and ZHI QI, each providing unique dining experiences. See all restaurants →

Roopram
regional · 235 m from centre
Warung Laries
270 m from centre
Cheung Shing Restaurant
chinese · 295 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Paramaribo

Paramaribo offers several swimming pool facilities for residents and visitors looking to enjoy aquatic recreation. Popular options include Zwembad Parima and De Dolfijn, which provide local swimming amenities in the city. See all swimming pools →

Zwembad Parima
692 m from centre
De Dolfijn
3.1 km from centre

Spas in Paramaribo

We're still gathering spas listings for Paramaribo — check back soon.

Nightlife in Paramaribo

Paramaribo offers a lively nightlife scene with a variety of clubs and bars to explore. From Club Touché and Cosy to Zsa Zsa Zsu, Dance Club Tequila, and Spiner, there are numerous venues where visitors and locals can enjoy music, dancing, and entertainment throughout the evening. See all nightlife →

Club Touché
323 m from centre
Cosy
982 m from centre
Zsa Zsa Zsu
1.5 km from centre

Bars in Paramaribo

Paramaribo's bar scene offers diverse venues for evening entertainment and socializing. From casual spots like Fat-S Bar to more upscale establishments such as Che's Bar Tapas Cigars and Sir Edwards, there are options to suit different tastes and atmospheres. See all bars →

El molina
572 m from centre
Fat-S Bar
771 m from centre
Sir Edwards
868 m from centre

Cafes in Paramaribo

Paramaribo's cafe scene offers a mix of local and international flavors. From established spots like Tori Oso and Rossignol to newer venues such as Café Colombia and Café The Forest, there are plenty of places to enjoy a coffee or light meal in the capital. See all cafes →

Tori Oso
253 m from centre
Rossignol
363 m from centre
Anthony's Corner
617 m from centre

Shopping in Paramaribo

Paramaribo offers a variety of shopping options for visitors and locals alike. From Central Mall and Kirpalani to Ri Yue Department Store, the capital provides convenient retail experiences across different neighborhoods. See all shopping →

Ri Yue Department Store
269 m from centre
Central Mall
520 m from centre
Kirpalani
568 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Paramaribo

Paramaribo offers several natural and green spaces where visitors can experience the city's flora and landscape. Notable destinations include Palmentuin, the Private Garden, and the historic Fort Zeelandia complex, which combine natural beauty with cultural significance. See all nature & wildlife →

Private Garden
1.6 km from centre
Vlaggenplein
1.7 km from centre
Onafhankelijkheidsplein
1.7 km from centre
Fort Zeelandia complex
1.8 km from centre
Palmentuin
1.8 km from centre
Vriendschapspark
2.0 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Paramaribo experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The city has a rainy season and a drier season, with high humidity typical of its equatorial location on the Suriname River.

Interesting Facts About Paramaribo — Weird & Wonderful

  • Paramaribo's historic inner city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, recognizing its architectural and cultural significance.
  • The city is locally nicknamed 'Foto', a distinctive local name reflecting its cultural identity.
  • Paramaribo contains nearly half of Suriname's entire population, making it the country's dominant urban center.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paramaribo

What is the population of Paramaribo?

Paramaribo has a population of roughly 252,581 people as of the 2025 estimate, making it the largest city in Suriname and home to almost half the country's total population.

Where is Paramaribo located?

Paramaribo is the capital city of Suriname, located on the banks of the Suriname River in the Paramaribo District.

Is Paramaribo a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes, the historic inner city of Paramaribo has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.

What is Paramaribo's local nickname?

Paramaribo is locally nicknamed 'Foto', a name that reflects the city's unique cultural identity.

What is the timezone in Paramaribo?

Paramaribo operates on America/Paramaribo timezone.

Map of Paramaribo

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