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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, located on the banks of the Suriname River. This historic city is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site inner city and represents almost half of Suriname's population.

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
17:58:54

Hotels in Paramaribo

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

Airports in Paramaribo

Paramaribo is served by several airports providing connections to the city and surrounding regions. Major facilities include Zorg en Hoop Airport and EAG International Airport, along with Jarikaba Airstrip for additional regional access. 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 the city and surrounding areas. Local providers such as Carliner, Enterprise, De Paarl, Roshaun, and Tourtonne taxi 1690 offer vehicle rental services to suit various travel needs. 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. From Roopram and Warung Laries to Cheung Shing Restaurant, Ondrobong, and ZHI QI, visitors can find a range of dining establishments throughout the capital. 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 pools for residents and visitors looking to cool off and enjoy water-based recreation. Notable facilities in the city include Zwembad Parima and De Dolfijn, which provide options for swimming and leisure activities. 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 vibrant nightlife scene with venues ranging from intimate bars to energetic dance clubs. Whether you're looking for a relaxed evening at Cosy or dancing at clubs like Club Touché, Zsa Zsa Zsu, Dance Club Tequila, or Spiner, the city has options for night owls and party-goers alike. 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 offers a diverse bar scene with venues ranging from casual hangouts to more sophisticated establishments. Whether you're looking for a relaxed evening at Fat-S Bar, specialty drinks at Che's Bar Tapas Cigars, or the unique atmosphere of BuitenGewoon, the city's bars reflect its multicultural character. 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 offers a variety of cafes where you can experience local culture and hospitality. From Tori Oso and Rossignol to Anthony's Corner, Café Colombia, and Café The Forest, there are welcoming spots throughout the city to enjoy a drink and soak in the atmosphere. 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 range of shopping experiences for visitors and locals alike. From department stores like Ri Yue to established retail destinations such as Central Mall and Kirpalani, the capital provides diverse shopping opportunities. 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 spaces where visitors can experience the flora and fauna of Suriname. From the botanical collections at Palmentuin to green spaces like Private Garden and the historic Fort Zeelandia complex, the city provides opportunities to connect with nature in the heart of the capital. 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 has a tropical climate with warm, humid conditions throughout the year. The city experiences rainfall year-round, with distinct wet and dry seasons typical of its equatorial location on the northeastern coast of South America.

Interesting Facts About Paramaribo — Weird & Wonderful

  • The historic inner city of Paramaribo has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.
  • Paramaribo is locally nicknamed 'Foto'.
  • Located on the banks of the Suriname River, the city is Suriname's largest urban center.
  • Paramaribo's population of roughly 252,581 represents almost half of Suriname's total population.

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 population.

Is Paramaribo a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

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

Where is Paramaribo located?

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

What is Paramaribo's local nickname?

Paramaribo is locally nicknamed 'Foto'.

What timezone is Paramaribo in?

Paramaribo is in the America/Paramaribo timezone.

Map of Paramaribo

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