- Fort Zeelandia and Suriname Museum: The star-shaped 17th-century fort on the river holds exhibits on colonial and slavery-era history in its restored buildings. Go in the morning before the heat peaks. Entry is roughly US$5 to 7, and 1 to 1.5 hours is enough.
- Independence Square and the Presidential Palace: A palm-lined square where government buildings, a white colonial palace and locals on benches sit side by side. Early evening is pleasant and shady. Free, 30 minutes.
- St. Peter and Paul Cathedral: One of the largest wooden buildings in the Western Hemisphere, with a soaring interior of dark cedar. Visit in daylight for the best view of the wood. Entry costs about US$2 to 3 or a small donation, 30 minutes.
- Neveh Shalom Synagogue and Keizerstraat Mosque: The two houses of worship stand next
- Fort Zeelandia and Suriname Museum: The star-shaped 17th-century fort on the river holds exhibits on colonial and slavery-era history in its restored buildings. Go in the morning before the heat peaks. Entry is roughly US$5 to 7, and 1 to 1.5 hours is enough.
- Independence Square and the Presidential Palace: A palm-lined square where government buildings, a white colonial palace and locals on benches sit side by side. Early evening is pleasant and shady. Free, 30 minutes.
- St. Peter and Paul Cathedral: One of the largest wooden buildings in the Western Hemisphere, with a soaring interior of dark cedar. Visit in daylight for the best view of the wood. Entry costs about US$2 to 3 or a small donation, 30 minutes.
- Neveh Shalom Synagogue and Keizerstraat Mosque: The two houses of worship stand next to each other, a sign of the city’s mix of faiths. Look from outside at any time, and ask politely about interior access. Free, 20 minutes.
- Central Market and Waterkant: The row of wooden merchant houses along the river is lined with food stands and craft sellers, and the nearby market is loud and aromatic. Mornings are liveliest. Free to wander, 1 to 2 hours, with snacks at US$1 to 4.
- Palmentuin: A shady garden of tall royal palms behind the old center, where families and wild birds gather. Late afternoon is cooler. Free, 30 to 45 minutes.
- Fort Nieuw Amsterdam: An open-air museum on the peninsula where the Suriname and Commewijne rivers meet, with cannons, old barracks and views of passing boats. Late afternoon suits it. Entry is around US$5 to 8, and 1.5 to 2 hours covers it.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
v2.webp)











Best Backpacking
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.