When organizing your next trip, are you looking for a special place with a rich cultural history, breathtaking scenery, and exciting local experiences? Look no farther than Suriname, a little-known but incredibly beautiful country in South America that is sure to enchant your senses and leave you with lifelong memories.
Travelers wishing to see this unique and stunning country will find the must-visit sites highlighted in our thorough guide to the best tourist attraction centers in Suriname.
We’ve also included inexpensive travel choices, health measures to guarantee a safe and pleasurable journey, and useful travel advice and insights into local culture to help you make the most of your stay. With our comprehensive guidance, learn how to explore the nation’s varied landscapes, enjoy its delectable cuisine, and get fully immersed in local customs.
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Top 25 Tourist Attraction Centers in Suriname
Here are the top 25 tourist attraction centers in Suriname :
- Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral (Paramaribo) – a Minor Basilica of Suriname by Pope Francis
- Fort Zeelandia (Paramaribo) – a fortress built by the French in 1640
- Commewijne River (Paramaribo) – a river that offers boat, bike, or car sightseeing
- Palmentuin (Paramaribo) – a palm garden with 1,000 royal palms
- Peperpot Nature Park (Paramaribo) – a favorite for bird watchers with over 400 bird species
- Jodensavanne (Paramaribo) – an agricultural community established by Jews who fled from Spain
- Paramaribo Zoo (Paramaribo) – the only zoo in Suriname
- Warappa Kreek (Bakkie) – a creek overlooking the ocean with historical sightseeing sites
- Brownsberg Nature Park – a park with a small mountain that offers a splendid view of the surroundings
- Neotropical Butterfly Park (Wanica) – a natural reserve with dozens of butterflies
- Blanche Marie Falls – a waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation
- Braamspunt Beach – a beach that offers magical sunsets and is a great spot for observing sea turtles
- Central Suriname Nature Reserve – a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest protected tropical rainforests
- Coppename Monding Nature Reserve – a sanctuary for bird lovers with over 200 bird species
- Galibi Beach – a beach that is a sanctuary for leatherback and green turtles
- Peperpot – a coffee and cocoa plantation
- Fort Nieuw – an open-air museum with exhibits from the slave trade period
- Cornelis Jongbawstraat – a synagogue and cemeteries made with stones imported from Europe
- Suriname Presidential Palace – a palace with a kids’ playground and several statues
- Brokopondo Lake – a lake that offers a splendid view of the surrounding vegetation
- Wilhelmina Mountains – awe-inspiring peaks
- Lelydorper – an exhibition hall with a collection of impressive paintings
- Carib Indigenous Village – a village that offers local crafts, from intricately woven baskets to handmade jewelry
- Marowijne River – a river that offers a great spot for watching the sunrise
- Amazon Rainforest – a rainforest that offers a trekking experience
Cost-effective travel tips
Traveling to Suriname on a budget can be a rewarding experience with the right planning. Here are some cost-effective tips for your trip:
- Accommodation: Look for budget guesthouses starting at around $30 per night. If you’re willing to stay in fan rooms with shared bathrooms, you can save even more.
- Eating: Enjoy the local cuisine at street stalls or markets, which is not only affordable but also gives you a taste of the local culture.
- Transportation: Save on transportation by using local buses or sharing rides with fellow travelers. Also, consider renting a bicycle for short distances.
- Sightseeing: Explore free activities and attractions. Suriname has many natural parks and reserves where you can enjoy the beauty of nature without an entrance fee.
- Local Experiences: Visit a Maroon village to immerse yourself in the local culture without spending much. These communities often welcome visitors for cultural exchanges.
- Travel Slow: Instead of rushing from one place to another, take your time to explore each destination thoroughly. This not only enriches your experience but also cuts down on transportation costs.
Climate and best times to visit
Getting around Suriname offers various options depending on your preference for comfort, speed, and budget:
- Public Transportation: Buses and minibusses are the most common and affordable means of transportation, with fares starting at around $1 for short distances. They are reliable and, in some cases, air-conditioned for comfort.
- Private Transportation: You can rent a car or use taxis for more freedom and flexibility. Short taxi rides within the city may cost between $5 to $10. If you’re planning to visit remote areas, consider budgeting for domestic flights or guided tours, which can range from $50 to $200.
- Boats and Ferries: Suriname’s many rivers make boats and ferries a practical option for reaching certain destinations, especially in the interior regions.
- Air Travel: For longer distances within the country, domestic flights are available, though they are a more expensive option.
- Hitchhiking: While it’s less common, hitchhiking is possible in Suriname. However, always prioritize your safety and use this method only if you feel comfortable and secure.
- Cycling: Renting a bicycle can be a pleasant and eco-friendly way to explore the cities and countryside at your own pace.
- Walking: Walking can be a delightful way to see the sights and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere in smaller towns and cities.
- Motorcycle Taxis: For quick and convenient short trips, motorcycle taxis are an option, offering an affordable and efficient way to navigate through traffic.
Vaccinations and health tips in Suriname
When traveling to Suriname, it’s important to consider health precautions and vaccinations to ensure a safe trip. Here are some recommendations:
Vaccinations:
- Routine Vaccines: Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines such as chickenpox, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, flu, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), polio, and shingles.
- COVID-19: All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
- Hepatitis A: Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A.
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old. Those 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Suriname.
- Malaria: CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Suriname take prescription medicine to prevent malaria.
- Measles: Travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine.
Health Tips:
- Mosquito Protection: Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves to protect against mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika.
- Food and Water Safety: Be cautious with food and water. Drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
- Sun Protection: Use sunscreen and wear hats to protect against the sun’s strong rays, especially during the dry season.
- First Aid Kit: Carry a basic first aid kit for minor injuries and illnesses.
- Travel Insurance: Don’t travel without adequate travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
- Stay Hydrated: The equatorial climate can lead to dehydration, so drink plenty of fluids.
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What are some popular festivals in Suriname?
Suriname hosts a variety of vibrant festivals that celebrate its rich cultural heritage. Here are some popular ones you might want to experience:
- Brazilian Carnival (February): Although not originally a Surinamese tradition, the Brazilian Carnival has become an annual event due to the large Brazilian population in Suriname. Expect lively parades, Brazilian music, dance, and delicious street food during this festive time.
- International Film Festival (April): Held in the capital city, Paramaribo, this film festival brings together filmmakers from around the world. Over 40 films from more than 12 countries are showcased, along with workshops and activities for all ages.
- Swimming Marathon (July): The Staatsolie Swim Marathon is an 11-mile open water race down the scenic Suriname River. Competitors from Suriname and beyond participate, in swimming alongside the lush rainforest. It’s both challenging and breathtakingly beautiful.
- Fête de la Musique (June 21st): Celebrated globally, Fête de la Musique (World Music Day) features free concerts across the capital city. Enjoy a diverse range of music genres, impromptu street performances, and the magical gift of music.
- Suriname Jazz Festival (October): Jazz enthusiasts should visit during October for this annual festival. Renowned jazz musicians from Suriname and abroad come together, offering American, African, and Asian interpretations of this beloved genre.
And don’t miss these local celebrations:
- Avondvierdaagse: A four-day festival in Paramaribo where people walk and dance through different neighborhoods, showcasing distinct personalities.
- Pagara Estafette: A massive street party on December 31st, celebrating the end of the current year and welcoming the new one with fireworks displays and live concerts.
- Owru Jari: During the last week of the year, Surinamese people gather for street parties, fireworks competitions, and festive events to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one.
- Keti Koti: Celebrated on July 1st, Keti Koti (meaning “broken chains”) marks the date when Surinamese people were freed from slavery in 1863. It includes a parade, remembrance ceremony, music, dance, and more.
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