Hermitage Mall, Suriname - Things to Do in Hermitage Mall

Hermitage Mall

Hermitage Mall, Suriname - Complete Travel Guide

Hermitage Mall is located in Paramaribo, the busy capital city of Suriname, a small South American country known for its rich cultural diversity and pristine rainforests. Paramaribo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, blends Dutch colonial architecture with influences from African, Indian, Javanese, and indigenous cultures, creating a unique atmosphere where wooden colonial buildings line the Suriname River and diverse communities coexist harmoniously. The city serves as the perfect gateway to explore Suriname's incredible natural wonders, from the vast Ecuador to pristine rivers and wildlife reserves. Visitors can experience authentic Surinamese cuisine that reflects the country's multicultural heritage, explore historic plantations, and venture into some of the most untouched wilderness areas in South America. Paramaribo offers an authentic South American experience away from the typical tourist crowds.

Top Hermitage Mall

Historic Paramaribo Walking Tour

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage historic inner city with its remarkable collection of Dutch colonial wooden architecture dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The tour includes visits to the Presidential Palace, historic synagogue, and the unique blend of architectural styles that reflect Suriname's diverse cultural heritage.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours are available through local guides for $10-15 per person, best done in early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat. Look for certified guides at the tourist information center near the waterfront.

Suriname River Dolphin Watching

Take a boat excursion along the Suriname River to spot pink river dolphins and observe the diverse birdlife along the riverbanks. These tours often include visits to traditional villages and provide insights into local river communities and their way of life.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost $40-60 per person including lunch and transportation. Book with operators who guarantee dolphin sightings or offer alternative wildlife viewing. Early morning departures offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities.

Central Market Food Experience

spend time in Suriname's incredible culinary diversity at the bustling this destination, where you can sample dishes influenced by Creole, Indian, Javanese, Chinese, and Dutch cuisines. Try local specialties like roti, pom, and fresh tropical fruits while interacting with friendly vendors.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but guided food tours cost $25-35 per person. Visit between 8 AM and 2 PM for the best selection. Bring cash in small denominations and try to go with a local guide for the best experience.

Brownsberg Nature Park Adventure

Venture into pristine rainforest at Suriname, featuring hiking trails, impressive waterfalls, and incredible biodiversity. The park offers opportunities to spot monkeys, exotic birds, and other wildlife while enjoying panoramic views over the Brokopondo Reservoir.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $50-80 per person including transportation and guide. Book tours that include hiking gear and lunch. Dry season (August-November) offers the best hiking conditions and waterfall views.

Traditional Village Cultural Tour

Visit authentic Maroon or indigenous villages along the interior rivers to learn about traditional ways of life, crafts, and customs that have been preserved for generations. These immersive experiences often include traditional meals, music, and demonstrations of local skills.

Booking Tip: Multi-day tours range from $100-200 per person including meals and accommodation. Choose operators that work directly with communities and ensure tourism benefits locals. Bring insect repellent and respect local customs and photography rules.

Getting There

Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM) is located about 45 kilometers south of Paramaribo and serves as the main gateway to Suriname. The airport receives flights from Netherlands, United States, Curaçao, Saintvincentandthegrenadines, and several other Caribbean destinations. From the airport, taxis cost around $25-30 to reach the city center, while shared shuttles are available for about $10 per person. Some hotels offer airport pickup services, which should be arranged in advance.

Getting Around

Paramaribo is relatively compact and walkable, especially in the historic center where most attractions are located. Local buses are inexpensive but can be crowded and irregular. Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced for short distances within the city, with fares typically ranging from $3-8. For longer excursions or day trips, it's best to arrange transportation through tour operators or rent a car, though driving can be challenging due to road conditions and local traffic patterns.

Where to Stay

Historic City Center
Waterkant (Riverfront)
Paramaribo Noord
Blauwgrond
Rainville
Centrum District

Food & Dining

Suriname's culinary scene reflects its incredible cultural diversity, offering everything from authentic Indonesian rijsttafel to Indian roti, Creole stews, and Dutch-influenced dishes. The Waterkant area along the river features several upscale restaurants with international and fusion cuisine, while local warungs (Indonesian eateries) and roti shops throughout the city serve authentic and affordable meals. Don't miss trying local specialties like pom (a casserole with chicken and root vegetables), moksi meti (mixed rice with various meats), and fresh tropical juices. The this destination and surrounding streets offer the most authentic local dining experiences at very reasonable prices.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Paramaribo

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Garden of Eden

4.5 /5
(277 reviews)

Padre Nostro

4.6 /5
(111 reviews)
store

Sweetie Coffee Suriname

4.8 /5
(101 reviews)
cafe store

Don Julio

4.5 /5
(100 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Paramaribo is during the dry seasons, which run from August to November and February to April. These periods offer less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and excursions into the interior. The weather is generally hot and humid year-round, with temperatures averaging 27-30°C (80-86°F). The wettest months are May to July and December to January, though brief afternoon showers can occur at any time. For wildlife viewing and river excursions, the dry season provides better access to remote areas and clearer skies for photography.

Insider Tips

Exchange money at official exchange offices or banks rather than on the street, and keep US dollars handy as they're widely accepted alongside the Surinamese dollar
Learn a few basic Dutch phrases as it's the official language, though English is understood in tourist areas and Sranan Tongo is widely spoken locally
Respect local customs when visiting religious sites and traditional communities - ask permission before taking photos and dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques, temples, or indigenous villages

Activities in Hermitage Mall