Paramaribo

Eco-friendly travel guide to Paramaribo advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Aerial view of Paramaribo District

Air quality: 3.5 / 5

Exploring by foot: 3.0 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 3.0 / 5

Public transportation: 3.5 / 5

Parks: 3.0 / 5

Outdoor activities: 3.5 / 5

Locals' English level: 3.0 / 5

Safety: 3.0 / 5

Accommodation: US$40 - $100

Budget per day: US$65 - $200

Responsible Travel

The capital city and largest city of Suriname is Paramaribo. The city is located on the bank of the Suriname River. This historical city is known for the wooden Dutch colonial buildings that clearly show how the city was influenced by the Netherlands, Britain, and the Creole and Asian countries' settlers. In 1650, the town was established by some English Settlers. Since then, the city has seen many ups and downs. It has suffered enough; notably two devastating fires, in January 1821 and September 1832, almost half of the city's buildings were destroyed.

The population of the city has always been pretty diverse. For instance, some of the very first British settlers in Paramaribo were Jews. Today, almost half of Suriname's population lives in the city. You will see incredible traditional and cultural diversity in Paramaribo.

But with such a colorful life and even being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Suriname is one of the world's poorest countries. Almost 70% of the population in Paramaribo lives under the poverty line. According to the city's political background, even though the city has made some money in recent years, that is not close to helping reduce poverty to at least some extent. Don't you think you must somehow help the city's tourism and help the overall economy by being a responsible tourist?

Here are some tips for you in this context:

Hire a bicycle or Travel around the city by bus. In this way, you are not only maintaining sustainability but also supporting the city's overall earnings.

Buy products from local stores and support their business. Well, it's impossible as a human to visit a city like Paramaribo and don't buy something as a gift or as a souvenir for home. All you need to do is, buy these products from local shops, therefore support the city's tourism.

Maybe it's easier to get somewhere by car or by plane, but it's not sustainable. So, try to use a train to reach the city.

Support the go green initiative across the globe. Keep the environment as clean as possible by throwing your trash in its designated place.

Air Quality and Pollution

According to recent reports, the AQI of Paramaribo is 22, which is actually pretty good with nearly no risks from a long term exposure outside. Overall, Suriname has a tropical climate. It typically has four seasons, rainy season from December to February, dry season from February to April, major rainy season from April to mid-August, and major dry season from August to early December. So you see, it is hot, oppressive, and cloudy in here. And if you can stand the heat, September to October is the best time to visit the city.

Respect the Culture

Paramaribo, together with entire Suriname, had a vibrant and diverse culture. Suriname's culture has strong Asian, European, and African influences. You can find people from India, Netherlands, Africa, Indonesia, and China, along with the indigenous people who lived in Suriname long before European settlers arrived Here. About 40% of the country's population are Christian, 26% are Hindus, 19% are Muslim, and the rest consists of Jewish, Buddhist, or Amerindian people.

Dutch might be the most spoken language in Suriname, but most of the population learns Dutch as their second language. Sranan, English, Sarnami, Maroon and South American Indian languages, Javanese, etc., are the additional languages spoken in Suriname.

Indian Arrival Day, Keti Koti, Easter, Javanese Arrival Day, Independence day are some of the cultural events celebrated here. Keti Koti, or "The chain is broken," is one of the biggest annual events celebrated in Suriname. It marks the date when slavery was abolished in 1863. Suriname's people celebrate the New Year for three days with lots of fireworks, and they say it is Owru yari. Winti Pré is another notable event of Paramaribo, and it's Creole worship, a dance ritual for gods and ghosts. The last week of the new year is the biggest celebration in Paramaribo. Streets filled with people, lights, sounds, and fireworks all end along with a countdown till 1st January midnight.

As you can see, the city has a vibrant history and a lot of stories to tell. And that is why the city has such exciting events to celebrate lively and vibrant people as residents. If you want to be a part of all these, all you need to do is respect their culture, understand what the celebrations are all about, and have faith in their beliefs.

Top 10 Places to Visit

This former Dutch colonial town illustrates an impressive fusion of Dutch and other European architecture with the city's plan and symmetrical buildings. The city also reflects North American and the Creole culture influences through the multi-cultural society or Paramaribo. Do you know, since colonial times, Paramaribo has gained more than 291 monuments? Though, a few of them disappeared. The city has many more wonders to offer as tourist places. Some of them are listed below.

Jodensavanne: It was an agricultural community in Suriname, about 50km south of Paramaribo. There were sugarcane plantations, and South African people were used as slaves. The colony faced savior attacks by a French captain, and later eventually, the community shifted to Paramaribo. Today, at the site of Jodensavanne, you will see the remnants of the Berdache be Shalom Synagogue and three cemeteries.

Arya Dewaker Hindu Temple: Arya Dewaker Hindu Mandir is one of Suriname's biggest temples. Several people visit the temple every day, including Hindus and Non-Hindus from Suriname and worldwide. It is located in the city center area of Suriname. Arya Dewaker is a significant section of the Arya Samaj Suriname today, so it is the house of worship for the 16661 Hindus who belong to the Hindu reform movement, influenced by Swami Dayananda Sarasvati. The Dutch Architect Arthur E. de Groot had contributed his cooperation with the board of the building committee of Arya Dewaker while building the temple.

Suriname City Mosque: The mosque was originally a wooden structure. Later in the 1980s, it was rebuilt. The central dome is the most attractive part of the mosque's architecture. The mosque is located near the city's only Synagogue, and it is the spiritual home of Suriname Muslims. Sometimes, they don't allow all tourists to go inside the mosque, but the architecture is quite impressive even from the outside.

Jules Wijdenbosch Bridge: It's a bridge over the Suriname river, also known as Bosje Brug or Suriname Bridge. The bridge connects Paramaribo with Meerzorg city in the Commewijne district. This 1504m long bridge was initially constructed by a Dutch constructor and then named after Jules Wijdenbosch.

Grote Standskerk: It's an old Dutch Reformed Church located in Paramaribo center. The Church has an exciting history dated from centuries ago when the Dutch colonized Guyana's. The interior is decorated with old wooden banks and several paintings from the 17th century onwards. The most interesting part about the Church's history is, it is linked with the end of slavery. It is said that thousands of freed slaves came here to thank God for their freedom.

Zoologie Parc of Paramaribo: It is an excellent and small zoo located in Paramaribo. In this compact, rustic zoo, you will see various native animals wandering around. There is also a playground for kids. Overall, the zoo can offer you a great day out; especially, the place is fantastic for kids.

Presidential Palace: The presidential palace of Suriname is located across the Independence square. The presidential place is also the National Assembly of Suriname, The court of Justice, the Congress building, and the Ministry of Finance. The presidential palace carries a crucial tourist value with its unique Dutch colonial architecture, built-in 1730. After that, the place went through several changes, and in 1911, it was expanded into its current size. Just behind the palace, you will see the Garden of Palms.

Palmtree Garden: It's a beautiful palm tree landscape garden in Paramaribo. Along with the Royal Palms, there are many tropical birds, and a troop of capuchin monkeys can be seen here in Palmgardens. The Royal Palms were planted, and the garden was built under the guidance of Cornelis van Aerssen van Sommelsdijck, Suriname's governor from 1683-1688. Though he opened the garden to the public in 1685, the garden was locked until the 20th century after his death. In the year 2002, when Paramaribo was put into the list of world heritage sites, the garden was included as a feature. UNESCO helped the Garden in 2009 with some money to refurbish it.

Saint-Peter-and-Paul Basilica of Paramaribo: The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter and Paul or Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral is a wooden Roman Catholic cathedral; you can find it at the city center of Paramaribo. In the whole western hemisphere, it is the second biggest wooden structure. It has two confession rooms and splendid architecture and interior. In 2009, the entrance gate to the cathedral turned 200 years old.

Neveh Shalom Synagogue: It is the only synagogue in the city. The synagogue was originally built of wood, and later the renovated building was completed in 1723. But the synagogue you will see was designed by architect J.F. Halfhide and completed in 1842-1843. It is a two-storied building, and when the Synagogue was opened, there was no other building in town as big and as impressive as the Synagogue. The gate to the Synagogue is on the south side of the building, protected by four pillars.

Jodensavanne

Explore

Paramaribo is a beautiful place with a unique mixture of cultural influences. Most of the attractions here are standing here from the first day. Well, there's a lot more to explore in the city, check them out.

City Parks

There are several beautiful city parks located in Paramaribo. Almost 80 percent of the city is filled with tropical forests, so most famous parks are situated in nature preserves or around the preserves. Here are unique city parks you can visit.

Palmtree Garden

Neotropical Butterflypark

Cindy's Pretpark

Clevia Park

Central Suriname nature reserve

National Parks

Check out some of the famous national parks in Paramaribo,

Matapica: This section of the Commewijne district is made of marshland. This beach is stretched about 40-45 km, consisting of a sandbank between the Atlantic Ocean and a swamp piece. There are many bird species like sabaku, fisi aka, Pellegrin, the Kori Kori, and a lot of fishes, turtles. Matapica is a place where different types of turtles lay eggs.

Pepperpot Nature Park: Pepperpot Nature Forest Foundation reserves the natural wealth left after the end of the old pepperpot cocoa and coffee plantation in Commewijne. The has spread across 820 hectares of land with houses with a unique ecosystem. There is a large variety of animals and plants green. The area is located just at a 5km distance from Paramaribo. A part of this nature reserve has been turned into a nature park that might not be highly developed now, but in coming years, with the support of WWF, you might be able to see a better picture.

Central Suriname Nature Reserve: The Central Suriname Nature Reserve shelters more than 1.6 million primary tropical forests of west-central Suriname. This place protects the upper watershed of the Coppename river along with the headwaters of the Oost, Lucie, Zuie, Gran Rio, and Saramacca rivers. It covers an extensive range of ecosystems and topography of crucial conservation value. The lowland forests here contain a vast diversity of plant life with 5000 various plant species. Animals here are just typical in this region. Some of them are Jaguar, giant river otter, armadillo, sloths, more than eight primates species, and nearly 400 bird species, including Guianan cock of the rock, eagle, and scarlet macaw.

Beaches

Beaches might be the only thing that Paramaribo lacks. But if you soak in the sun for a while or want to enjoy a few moments of waves jumping into the sandy shore, here are some places you visit in Paramaribo,

Braamspunt

Matapica Beach

White Beach

Braamspunt

Landmarks

Paramaribo is a lovely, noisy city. It's hard to find such a unique combination of cultural influences like Paramaribo. The old Synagogues, churches, and mosques are located quite close to each other. Such cultural diversity is the main attractive feature of Paramaribo city.

Here are some of the famous landmarks of Paramaribo:

Standbeeld Koningin Wilhelmina: Standbeeld Koningin Wilhelmina or the Queen Wilhelmina Statute is the work of Charlotte van Pallandt in the memory of the woman who gave so much support to the city during the war. This hardstone monument is located at the edge of Het Park near the Euromast.

Readytex Art Gallery: This art gallery is located right in the center of Paramaribo. Since the year 2015, this four-storied building has stood on Steenbakkerijstraat. When the gallery was founded (1993), the building's bottom floor was the Readytex departmental store. A studio is attached to the gallery, where arts like wood carvings, ceramics, paintings, handicrafts, jewelry, etc. Several exhibitions take place in this gallery.

Meriénburg: It is a former sugarcane factory and village located in Commewijne District, Suriname. But the factory was closed in 1986, and today, the factory building is a famous landmark. Till the factory was founded in 1745, after several owners' changes, the sugarcane plantation was changed into a coffee plantation in 1882. Though later, the factory was back on track with sugarcane production.

SimoSuikerrietplantage Mariénburgn Bolivar Monument: It is one of the most impressive bronze equestrian sculptures in Paramaribo, in the memory of a military general and advocate of Pan Americanism, Simon Bolivar. Suriname is one of the six countries that have the statue of Simon Bolivar. People from different countries And cities show respect to this brave liberator for his unforgettable role in helping several South American countries to gain independence.

Statue Baba and Mai: The statute of Baba and Mai or Mai Baap represents the male and female workers who left Indian coasts to work as laborers in sugarcane plantations. This Statue is located at the Suriname jetty.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Nasir Mosque: It's a small mosque located in Paramaribo and a popular landmark. Ahmadiyya is a very holy spot for all the Muslims who stay here or those who visit Paramaribo. The Architecture of this mosque is quite simple, with green tombs.

Standbeeld Koningin Wilhelmina

Museums

Visit the following museums in Paramaribo and learn more about the city of multiple influences:

Surinaams Museum

Fort Zeelandia

Fort Nieuw-Amsterdam

Het Koto Museum

Het Rum Huis

Fort Nieuw-Amsterdam

Eat

On the northeastern coast of South America, Suriname country has a fascinating and rich cuisine to offer you. From the very first day, people from different cultures had lived here, hence influencing Suriname's culture and its cuisine, which is why you will get flavors of India, Africa, China, Indonesia, and the Netherlands in the food here.

Suriname can now be a Caribbean Country, but it was a Dutch colony until the 1970s from the beginning of its colonial days. Chicken and rice is the national food here. Pom is another famous food in this country. Originally it was potato casserole, introduced by Portuguese-Jewish slaves and landowners, but later potato was replaced with tayer root. Other than that, Pastei, Moksi-Alesi, etc., are also famous dishes in Suriname.

Apart from that, being a coastal and tropical city, you will find fruits and seafood highly in the cuisine.

Traditional Local Restaurants

Eat authentic Paramaribo dishes in the following Restaurants:

Spice Quest: You can either sit inside it outside in Spice Quest, as they cater both. There is a courtyard tree at the central point of the entrance, and it is wonderful and vibrant. You can customize the menu depending on the members of your group. The neighborhood of this restaurant might be a little dark and lonely, but that does not dim the restaurant's charm, even a little bit.

Garden of Eden: According to some customers or the Restaurant, the ambiance here is just indescribable. The decoration here can take you to some other world. It's pretty dramatic and cozy; the seating arrangement makes you feel connected to the other diners. The waiters here are very professional and welcoming. The most amazing part is, as soon as you enter the Restaurant, you will know that the owners have put their heart into it. On the other hand, the food is authentic and tastes mind-blowing. In conclusion, it's a must-visit dining place in Paramaribo.

Flavours: The Restaurant is located in the courtyard by Marriott in Paramaribo. The Restaurant's menu is very creative. They change the mixture of flavors every night. The service is amazing with fabulous food. The benefit of the restaurant is very friendly, respectful, and kind. If you can, don't forget to try their Friday fish buffet. There are various types of dishes available in the restaurant, which amuses you, as soon as you open it.

X-avenue Het Surinaams restaurant: It is a cozy Restaurant in Paramaribo that serves authentic local food. There is also a buffet option here. The restaurant is located just at a 5 mins walking distance from Marriott. According to people, every food looks so delicious that choosing to order food becomes very difficult. Other than that, you will get to choose from an extensive menu here, and every item tastes impressive. If we talk about the ambiance, it's pretty simple and straightforward.

Restaurant La Cuisine: If you are searching for a restaurant that serves fantastic food, then this is the Place. They do fabulous food with pretty friendly service. This is also a great place to eat at a reasonable price. There is a beautiful terrace where you sit and enjoy your dining. The overall look can remind you of someone's home, and so does the service. Don't miss the sauerkraut here.

Royal restaurant: Royal is the best word to describe the Restaurant. There is live music paired with fantastic food here. They also have a stunning outdoor seating arrangement with the tables situated at enough distance for full privacy. The serving may not seem very professional, but they are also not bad. All they need is a little more training. The food is delicious here, and the presentation is also beautiful. Enjoy your wine with the amazing ambiance and pair it with the beautiful live music.

Vegetarian and Vegan

The chicken might be one of the National dishes in Paramaribo, but as days pass, more and more people are leaning towards fresh veggies. Several people in Paramaribo do not like eating meat at all, and the number is increasing every day. And today, you will find numerous amazing vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Paramaribo; here are some of them,

Vegan Spark: This is the only official vegan restaurant in Paramaribo. Apart from amazing dishes, they also provide a beautiful ambiance and even a stunning rooftop setting. If you want, you can also order beer here. In happy hours, both drinks and food cost less. This is the best place in Paramaribo to have organic dishes.

Jomax: It's a cute, small, and cozy Restaurant with amazing veg and non-veg food. People who have already visited this restaurant always suggest trying the quesadillas here. As a welcome bonus, you will get mint-lime water. You can feel the love they put in their dishes. It's a fantastic place to grab a bite or a drink.

De Waterkant-Food Stalls: There are a bunch of food stalls on the streetside known as De Waterkant-Food Stalls. They serve meat, drinks, vegan dishes, drinks, and various Javanese food. You can get authentic Suriname dishes like Teloh, bakabana, Pitjel, etc.

Souposo: The Restaurant is located at a 10min taxi ride distance from Marriott. It's a small restaurant located in a residential house's courtyard. The service here varies somewhere between average and excellent, but the food only sticks to extraordinary. Other than that, the price is very reasonable here. The Crunch peanut soup here is many locals' favorite. They also have a good cocktail selection to offer you.

Martin's House of Indian Food: It is an authentic Indian restaurant with a typical Indian restaurant ambiance. They serve delicious Indian food, especially the Bengali foods here are loved by everyone. But some people reported to see cockroaches here, but we just ignore this flaw. It's a must-visit if you are a fan of Indian food.

Sweet Soul food: It's a casual vegan restaurant. Their vegan food is famous in Suriname because of the Cajun flavor twist. You can choose from jambalaya, greens, and yams, vegan Mac and cheese, potato salad, BBQ cauliflower, bread pudding, cookies, etc. You should try the fresh Juices here.

Street Food

Telo is one of the significant street food items in Paramaribo. It is basically indigenous cassava rubbed with garlic and then deep fried in vegetable oil. Other than that, Paramaribo locals also love Bread, various Hindustani street foods, and especially condiments, Surinamese Pickles, cakes, Chinese street foods, etc.

Here are some places where you will find Suriname's authentic street foods in Paramaribo:

Soesah's Snacks

Carili Rotishop

Roopram

Central Market

Chi Min

Sushi-ya

Chinese Market

Drink

Homemade drinks, Coffee, ginger beer, Parbo beer, fruit juices, tea, and rum are popular drinks in Paramaribo hence Suriname. Particularly, locals tend to drink tea and coffee throughout the day. Mauby and Sorrel are two famous homemade drinks in Suriname, made from tree bark and leafy vegetables, respectively. Here are some places in Paramaribo where you can get incredible drinks:

Mr. Dine
D'Bar
Kai Ghoon Bar
Bar Zuid
Maharaja Palace
Restaurant Lekker

Tap-water

According to reports, Tap water is safer in Paramaribo than all other Suriname places. But it would be right for you if you keep a local contact in this context and always carry bottled mineral water for safety. If it's not an emergency, try to ignore drinking Tap water from the streets. Also, do not drink in a dirty or unsanitized container; especially, during is COVID 19.

Organic Cafés

People are becoming even more conscious about their health every day, which is why, when they go to a foreign country, they prefer organic food over continental dishes.

Here are some of the famous organic cafes in Paramaribo where you can get excellent organic food:

Samba Cafe

The Coffee box

The Plant Cafe

Bodega & Grill De Waag

Organic Garden Cafe

Breweries

Paramaribo may not have a lot of breweries, but Surinaamse Brouwerij is the primary and the oldest beer producer in Suriname. It produces Parbo power stout and Parbo Bier. The brewery was founded in 1954, and today, it is the locals' favorite place to have some amazing beer from time to time. Trans Atlantic Group of companies N.V. and Wan Bon Biri is two other breweries in town, where you should definitely pay a visit.

Activities

Paramaribo is a city filled with vibrant and lively people, so it might not be a surprise for you to find numerous excellent outdoor activity opportunities in Paramaribo. There are plenty of adventurous outdoor activities one can enjoy in Paramaribo; check them out:

See the entire city with a cycle ride

Visit Paramaribo Zoo

Experience Jungle in Suriname

Wild water Kayaking

Abseiling from a waterfall

Witness wildlife in the jungle

Take a celestial tour in Suriname

Participate in an adventurous trek with Busiwagi

Skydiving

Yoga and Retreats

'Travel and yoga retreat are connected with their primary purpose; Both offer you to Escape your daily routine and relax, chill for some time. But yoga retreat can help you spend some time with your "soul" and understand its needs and requirements. This helps people to grow from both outside and inside. Apart from that, if you participate in Yoga retreats while traveling far away from home, absolutely no one can stop you from making your trip a success. Giving yourself some time means a better connection to a foreign place, therefore foreigners.

Well, here are some places that organize yoga retreats from time to time, where you are taking part while traveling in Paramaribo,

Jacana Amazon Wellness Resort

Torarica Resort

Shiv Sutra Yoga

Yogada

Shathayu Ayurveda Retreat

Accommodation

There are several places for you to stay in Paramaribo. Check accommodations in Paramaribo, according to your requirements:

Green Hotels

Check out the following green hotels and get prepared for an amazing staying experience:

Greenheart Hotel

Spanhoek Boutique Hotel

Q-Inn Boutique Hotel

Green Castle Apartments

Eco Torarica

Hostels and Guest Houses

Traveling does not always mean spending a lot of money on luxury hotels and other things. Even sustainability should be the motto of a fellow traveler. Well, hostels and guest houses are the best accommodation options if you are trying to save money. Here are some of the best hostels and guest houses in town:

Grapefruitstraat

Guesthouse Zin & Grand Café

Guesthouse Teen Tyg

Guesthouse Amica

Sonja Guesthouse

Guesthouse Un Pied-à-Terre

Tante Es

Maya Apartments

Apartments

Paramaribo can offer you several beautiful looking apartments with amazing views. Being one of the busiest tourist places in Suriname, the accommodation business in Paramaribo has grown quite a lot in the past few years, which is why, today; there are numerous apartments available in the city. On the other hand, the idea of tourists renting an apartment is entirely new to the town. But since the city participates actively in sustainable tourism, people accept the concept of saving some money by living in an apartment when the trip is long. So you will also find several tourist apartments in Paramaribo.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is very helpful for students and youngsters. The students who have a passion for their education and dreams of studying from different countries need the facility of Couchsurfing the most. There is an online community, Couchsurfing.com, where people interested in Couchsurfing log in from across the world. You will also find several interesting hosts on this website. All you need to do is, know your Couchsurfing companion at least a little before starting Couchsurfing.

Camping

Kinderboerderij de 4 kinderen

Palulu Camping

Parabello

Gunsi Eco Resort Tei Wei

Kabalebo Nature Resort

How to Get There

Almost half of Suriname's population lives in this capital city, Paramaribo. Apart from that, Paramaribo is Suriname's main harbor, the center of business and learning, government seat, and a site listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. So, as you can predict, not only many visitors come here around the year, but it is also the primary workplace of most Suriname residents.

Now, the take away from the facts mentioned above is the transportation is pretty developed here. And You can easily reach Paramaribo by the various means of transport; check them out.

Air

The Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport or the Paramaribo-Zanderij International Airport is the central airport downtown. You can reach the city by one of the three flights per week from Guyana to Paramaribo. Other than that, you also catch a flight to Suriname from Miami US, Dubai, UK, Singapore, Argentina, Colombia, etc.

Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport

Bus

The local bus is the cheapest and easiest way to travel inside and outside of the city. Most of the buses here are medium in size, but they are called Jumbos. You will find both government and private bus service providers here. Government buses are relatively cheaper when private bus tickets cost a little more. On the other hand, local buses are popular among locals, therefore much more crowded than private buses.

Buses in Paramaribo

Train

There is no railway service currently available in Suriname. But in the year 2014, a detailed railway plan was announced which will connect the urban cities with rail links.

Hitchhiking

Nowadays, Hitchhiking is quite famous among students and youngsters. It's the cheapest way to travel but not the easiest. As you always have to be conscious about whom to travel with and whom not, especially during the night. Well, in this case, you should completely ignore hitchhiking at night. However, after reaching Suriname, it's easy to get to the city by road as the capital city Paramaribo is connected with all the major cities in Suriname by road.

Others

There is no way to reach Suriname by boat, but you can cross the Suriname river with little boats and get to Paramaribo's neighboring cities.

Moving Around

Suriname has a superior transpiration system, which is still growing, and there are lots of plans. So, here's how you can move around Paramaribo city:

Walk

Paramaribo can be the largest city in the region; it's a compact city and easy to explore on foot. Besides, walking is the most convenient way to explore the tourist attractions that are close to each other and get into crowded places. Walking also helps you be a responsible tourist as you it is not harming the environment anyway.

Bicycle

The main reason why Bicycles are a popular way to move around Paramaribo city might be strong Dutch influences. There are several Bicycle rentals around Paramaribo city, and from there, you can rent a bicycle and explore the city effortlessly. Bike riding is also a popular outdoor activity among tourists.

Electronic Vehicles

Paramaribo's growth might be work-in-progress, but that doesn't mean the people here are entirely out of reach from the latest technologies. So, don't get surprised to see multiple electric vehicles here and there on the streets of Paramaribo.

Public Bus

It is the cheapest mode of transport in Paramaribo. You can get into the scheduled government buses or private buses that leave their station after getting full.

Tram, Train and Subway

There is no tram, train, or metro service available in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Sustainable Shopping

When you travel around, it's essential to listen to your pocket and travel in the most sustainable manner possible. Support fair trade, go eco-friendly and organic, directly by local products, try to shop Vintage instead of new, in short, be responsible for spending money while traveling.

Always remember, sustainability doesn't mean being cheap; it simply means planning an eco-friendly trip with recycling, volunteering, and sustainability instead of making a massacre with unnecessary expenses, dumping wastes here and there, and ending up spending a lot more money without even making any contribution.

However, here are some places where you can shop sustainably in Paramaribo:

Suriname Times Mall

Paramaribo Central Marker

Mango

Sash Fashion

Kirpalani

SoFia

Food Markets

Here are some of the popular food markets in Paramaribo:

Paramaribo Central Market

Detta's Place

Lin's supermarket

Liuw Market

A Tjoen Market

Chinese Market

Flea Markets

Flea Markets are the best place to escape the glittery, shiny, fancy shopping malls and lean towards a city's cultural and authentic shops. Besides, "One man's trash is another man's treasure," so flea markets also put life in the concept of Reuse, Recycle, and Repurpose and therefore, when you are shopping at a flea market, you are making your trip even more eco-friendly. Here are the famous flea markets in town:

Paramaribo Central Market

Vlooienmarkt

Marché Aux Puces

Oakland Park Flea Market mall

Nickerie Market

Second Hand Stores

Here we have listed some of the places where you can buy second-hand products in Paramaribo:

Flea Markets

Zoeken

X-avenue

SOS Furniture Outlet

Ans Car Imports

Eco-Fashion

Believe it or not, eco-fashion is trending at the top. No offense, but the credit goes to the brands and the shops that have been making such amazing clothes in an eco-friendly manner that people are just unable to resist themselves. There are so many renowned brands that are making so much money with eco-fashion and supporting their country's economy and also the eco-fashion industry. Visit the following shops in Paramaribo, and you will find some fantastic items:

Casa Roma

Mango

ALDO Shoes Hermitage Mall

XOzen

Surishopping

Casual Looks

Recycling

Reusing the raw materials is one of the most crucial as well as the easiest things one can do for this earth! And to keep this chain intact, it's vital to produce high-quality raw materials in the first place, which is why organizations like Clean Green Recycling Solutions, Suriname, are trying to involve all the Environmental managements, importers and producers of packaging materials.

In this case, Suriname's recycling industry is not trying to do anything at all. The few recycling companies who have started 2-3 years have stopped their services. Today the only recycling company active is AmReCo.

On the other hand, eventually, locals understand the situation's depth and take baby steps from dumping reusable and non-refundable trash in different designated places. This way, the recycling process is becoming much easier for those who manage this initiative. So, as a responsible tourist, it's your duty to support the locals and help the entire city. The only way the Environment is going to stay green is if everyone helps each other in every possible manner.

Waste

Until today, Suriname does not have any designated policy or laws for waste collection, or management, or treatment. Only a few rules have been announced by the Ministry of Labor and the Environment, which is quite an indiscipline today.

Usually, most of the city's solid waste is being dumped at the sole official landfill, in the South of Paramaribo. Today, it might be referred to as the authorized landfill of Suriname, but the waste disposal started as a temporary solution. That's why, today, when urbanization is increasing, people are slowly taking over all the vicinity of the landfill. On the other hand, Suriname still does not have a dedicated facility to dispose or store hazardous waste. So, as you can see, if the waste management doesn't do anything sooner, the waste of Paramaribo city will turn into the biggest problem of all within a few years.

Work and Study Abroad

Suriname has an extensive educational industry. The most impressive fact is that they offer free schooling until class 12—the adult literacy rate IN. Suriname is 89.5% in Suriname. You can collect terminal degrees from teacher training institutes, technical schools, and secondary schools. Here are the top-ranked educational institutions in Suriname:

Anton de Kom Universiteit van Suriname

Academic Voor Hoger Kunst-en Cultuuronderwijs

Polytechnic College Suriname

Institute for Training of Advanced Teachers

Being the capital city of Suriname, Paramaribo holds a lot of job opportunities to offer you. All you need is just to go online and apply!

Exchange Student

Suriname's Universities and a few other educational institutions have partnered with several institutes in the US and several other countries across the world. In the Student Exchange Program in Suriname, you will be sent to a partner educational institute and have to live there with a host family to study abroad. In this way, you will get the opportunity to study in different countries and gather even more knowledge outside your syllabus.

Au Pair

The concept of Au Pair is entirely new to the residents of Paramaribo. When some people have shown literal interest in this matter, others are not very comfortable to let a stranger stay with them. The concept of Au Pair is yet to be accepted by the locals in Paramaribo. But if you go online or get in touch with a local, surely you will get more information.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to give something back to the city that welcomed you with its warmth and taught you so much about its interesting history. You may not feel comfortable volunteering in some specific works, but a city like Paramaribo can provide you with endless volunteering options. All you need to do is help the locals as much as you can.

Here are some of the active volunteering programs in Paramaribo which you can join:

Live in the Paramaribo tropics and help the workers in landscaping

Exchange your language with the residents

Participate in working in the eco-farm, in the tropical Nature in Saramacca

Help in a small permaculture food forest

Create a small organic farm with a family