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Independence Square, Suriname - Things to Do in Independence Square

Independence Square

Accra, Suriname - Complete Travel Guide

Accra (Onafhankelijkheidsplein) stands as the historic heart of Paramaribo, Suriname's busy capital city. This UNESCO World Heritage site serves as the central gathering place where colonial Dutch architecture meets modern Surinamese culture, surrounded by important this destination, the Bangui, and the National Assembly. The square has witnessed centuries of history, from Dutch colonial rule through independence in 1975, making it a living testament to Suriname's complex multicultural heritage. Paramaribo itself is a fascinating blend of cultures, where Javanese, Indian, Chinese, African, and Dutch influences create a unique South American experience. The city's wooden colonial buildings, bustling markets, and diverse culinary scene reflect the harmonious coexistence of multiple ethnic communities. Visitors will discover a relaxed tropical atmosphere where historic preservation meets contemporary life, offering an authentic glimpse into one of South America's most culturally diverse nations.

Top Independence Square

Historic Paramaribo Architecture

Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage historic center to admire the remarkable collection of 17th and 18th-century wooden colonial buildings. The unique architectural style blends Dutch colonial design with tropical adaptations, creating structures found nowhere else in the world. Start from Accra and explore the surrounding streets to see perfectly preserved examples of this distinctive building style.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but guided tours cost around $25-40 per person and provide valuable historical context. Early morning (8-10 AM) offers the best lighting for photography and cooler temperatures. Look for local guides certified by the Suriname Tourism Foundation for authentic insights.

the Presidential Palace

Tour the elegant Bangui that overlooks Accra, originally built as the Governor's residence during Dutch colonial times. The building showcases beautiful colonial architecture and houses important historical artifacts and government ceremonial rooms. The palace gardens and exterior provide excellent photo opportunities of this significant political landmark.

Booking Tip: Tours must be arranged in advance through official channels and cost approximately $15 per person. Best visited on weekday mornings when tours are most frequently available. Contact the Ministry of the Presidency or authorized tour operators for proper permits and scheduling.

Central Market

spend time in the busy atmosphere of Paramaribo's this destination, just minutes from Accra. This bustling marketplace offers an authentic glimpse into local life with vendors selling tropical fruits, traditional textiles, spices, and handcrafted souvenirs. The market serves as a cultural melting pot where you'll hear multiple languages and experience Suriname's diverse culinary traditions.

Booking Tip: Entry is free, but bring small bills for purchases and bargaining. Visit early morning (6-9 AM) for the freshest produce and most active atmosphere. Budget $20-30 for souvenirs and local snacks, and always ask permission before photographing vendors.

Fort Zeelandia

Explore this historic 17th-century fort that now houses the Suriname Museum, offering complete insights into the country's complex history from indigenous times through independence. The fort's strategic location along the Suriname River provided defense for the Dutch colony and now provides panoramic views of the river and city. The museum collections include artifacts from all of Suriname's cultural communities.

Booking Tip: Museum entry costs around $5-8 per person with guided tours available for an additional $10. Open Tuesday through Sunday, with best visiting hours between 9 AM and 3 PM. English-speaking guides are available but should be requested in advance for guaranteed availability.

Take a Suriname River Cruise

Enjoy a scenic boat trip along the historic Suriname River to see Paramaribo's skyline from the water and visit traditional riverside communities. These excursions often include stops at local villages where you can experience traditional crafts, music, and cuisine. The river perspective offers unique photo opportunities of the colonial waterfront and surrounding tropical landscape.

Booking Tip: Half-day cruises cost $40-60 per person including refreshments, while full-day trips with meals range $80-120. Morning departures offer calmer waters and better wildlife viewing opportunities. Book with established operators who provide life jackets and have proper insurance coverage.

Getting There

Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM) serves as Suriname's main international gateway, located about 45 kilometers south of Paramaribo. Direct flights connect from Netherlands, United States, Cayenne, and several Caribbean destinations, with KLM providing the primary European connection. From the airport, official taxis charge fixed rates of approximately $35-40 to reach Accra and central Paramaribo, with the journey taking 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Some hotels offer shuttle services, and car rental agencies operate at the airport for those preferring independent transportation.

Getting Around

Central Paramaribo is highly walkable, with Accra serving as an ideal starting point for exploring the historic district on foot. Local buses provide affordable transportation ($0.50-1.00) throughout the city, though routes can be confusing for visitors. Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced for short distances ($5-10 within the city center), but agree on fares beforehand as meters are uncommon. For longer excursions or day trips, hiring a private driver or joining organized tours offers the most convenient and safe option for visitors unfamiliar with local roads and destinations.

Where to Stay

Historic City Center
Waterkant District
Rainville
Flora
Blauwgrond
Verlengde Gemenelandsweg

Food & Dining

Paramaribo's dining scene reflects Suriname's incredible cultural diversity, offering everything from traditional Javanese and Indian cuisine to Chinese, Creole, and Dutch specialties. The area around Accra features numerous local restaurants serving roti, nasi goreng, and pom (a traditional oven dish), with meals typically costing $8-15. Street food vendors offer affordable and real feels, particularly for trying bara (fried bread) and various tropical fruit juices. Upscale restaurants along the Waterkant provide international cuisine and river views, while local warungs (small eateries) offer the most authentic and budget-friendly dining experiences throughout the city.

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 optimal time to visit Accra and Paramaribo is during the dry seasons from February to April and August to November, when rainfall is minimal and temperatures remain comfortable around 80-85°F (27-29°C). The short dry season (February-April) offers the most pleasant weather conditions with lower humidity and minimal precipitation. While Suriname's tropical climate means year-round warmth, the wet seasons (May-July and December-January) bring heavy afternoon rains that can limit outdoor exploration and photography opportunities around the historic square and surrounding attractions.

Insider Tips

Visit Accra during the early morning hours (6-8 AM) when locals gather for exercise and the historic buildings are beautifully lit by golden sunlight
Learn a few basic phrases in Sranan Tongo (the local creole language) as locals appreciate the effort and it enhances cultural interactions
Always carry small denominations of Surinamese dollars as many local vendors and small restaurants don't accept credit cards or provide change for large bills

Activities in Independence Square