Home › Destinations › Presidential Palace
Presidential Palace, Suriname - Things to Do in Presidential Palace

Things to Do in Presidential Palace

Presidential Palace, Suriname - Complete Travel Guide

Paramaribo, the capital city of Suriname, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its remarkably well-preserved colonial architecture and rich multicultural heritage. The Presidential Palace, known locally as the Paleis van de President, stands as one of the city's most iconic landmarks in the historic inner city, representing centuries of Dutch colonial influence blended with indigenous and Afro-Caribbean cultures. This charming wooden building, painted in distinctive white, serves as both the official residence and workplace of Suriname's president. The city offers visitors a unique South American experience where Dutch colonial buildings line tree-shaded streets, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the region. Paramaribo's compact historic center makes it perfect for walking tours, while the Suriname River provides a scenic backdrop for the city's laid-back Caribbean pace of life. The area around the Presidential Palace showcases the best of Suriname's architectural heritage, with nearby attractions including historic churches, the bustling Central Market, and traditional wooden houses that tell the story of this former Dutch colony.

Top Things to Do in Presidential Palace

Historic Downtown Walking Tour

Explore Paramaribo's UNESCO World Heritage historic center, including the Presidential Palace exterior, colonial wooden architecture, and significant landmarks. The walking tour covers the palm-lined Independence Square, historic churches, and traditional Surinamese buildings that showcase the unique blend of Dutch, indigenous, and Afro-Caribbean influences.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours through local operators for $15-25 per person, best enjoyed in early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) to avoid midday heat. Look for certified guides who speak multiple languages and have deep knowledge of Surinamese history.

Suriname River Boat Excursion

Take a scenic boat trip along the Suriname River to see the Presidential Palace and historic waterfront from the water. These excursions often include stops at local villages, dolphin watching opportunities, and sunset views of Paramaribo's colonial skyline reflected in the river.

Booking Tip: Half-day river tours cost $40-60 per person and are best booked during dry season (February-August). Choose operators with life jackets and covered boats, and confirm if refreshments are included in the price.

Central Market and Local Culture Experience

Visit the vibrant Central Market near the Presidential Palace area to experience authentic Surinamese culture, local produce, and traditional crafts. The market offers insight into the country's diverse ethnic communities through food, spices, and handmade goods from various cultural groups.

Booking Tip: Market visits are free, but guided cultural tours cost $20-30 per person. Visit Tuesday through Saturday mornings (7-11 AM) when the market is most active. Bring small bills for purchases and try local snacks.

Architecture and Photography Tour

Capture the stunning colonial architecture surrounding the Presidential Palace area, including ornate wooden buildings, historic churches, and traditional Surinamese houses. This photography-focused experience highlights the unique architectural styles that earned Paramaribo its UNESCO status.

Booking Tip: Photography tours range from $35-50 per person for 3-4 hours. Book during golden hour times (early morning or late afternoon) for best lighting. Ensure your guide knows the best vantage points and photo-friendly locations.

Multicultural Food Tasting Experience

Sample Suriname's incredible fusion cuisine influenced by Javanese, Indian, Chinese, African, and Dutch culinary traditions. Food tours typically include stops at local restaurants and street food vendors near the Presidential Palace area, offering dishes like roti, pom, and bami.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost $45-65 per person and last 3-4 hours. Book with operators who include multiple stops and accommodate dietary restrictions. Evening tours (5-8 PM) offer the best variety of open restaurants and street vendors.

Getting There

Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM) is located about 45 kilometers south of Paramaribo and serves as the main gateway to Suriname. From the airport, travelers can take official airport taxis (fixed rate around $25-30) or arrange hotel transfers to reach the Presidential Palace area in the city center. Some visitors arrive overland from neighboring Guyana via the Canawaima Ferry crossing or from French Guiana, though flight connections through Amsterdam, Miami, or Caribbean hubs are most common for international travelers.

Getting Around

Paramaribo's historic center, including the Presidential Palace area, is compact and easily walkable, with most attractions within a few blocks of each other. Local transportation options include affordable taxis (negotiate fares in advance), buses that connect different neighborhoods, and bicycle rentals for exploring at a leisurely pace. Many visitors find that walking is the best way to appreciate the colonial architecture and street life, though taxis are recommended for longer distances or during the hottest parts of the day.

Where to Stay

Historic Inner City
Waterkant (Riverside District)
Centrum District
Paramaribo North
Commewijne Area
Leonsberg

Food & Dining

Paramaribo's dining scene reflects Suriname's incredible cultural diversity, with restaurants near the Presidential Palace area serving everything from traditional Javanese nasi goreng to Indian roti and Creole specialties. The historic center features both upscale restaurants in colonial buildings and casual local eateries where you can sample authentic Surinamese fusion cuisine. Street food vendors and local markets offer affordable options like bara (fried bread), pom (a cassava-based dish), and fresh tropical fruits, while waterfront restaurants provide scenic dining with views of the Suriname River.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Paramaribo

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

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)

When to Visit

The best time to visit Paramaribo and the Presidential Palace area is during the dry seasons from February to August and mid-November to January, when rainfall is minimal and temperatures are more comfortable for walking tours. The wettest months (April-May and December-January) can make outdoor exploration challenging, though the city remains accessible year-round. Temperatures stay fairly consistent (75-85°F), but the dry season offers the most pleasant conditions for photography, walking tours, and outdoor activities around the historic center.

Insider Tips

The Presidential Palace can only be viewed from the outside, but the best photo opportunities are from Independence Square, especially during the late afternoon golden hour when the white building glows beautifully
Many shops and restaurants close during the midday heat (12-2 PM), so plan your Presidential Palace area exploration for morning or late afternoon when the streets are more lively
Learn a few basic Dutch or Sranan Tongo phrases as English isn't universally spoken, though most tourism operators in the Presidential Palace area will have English-speaking guides

Explore Activities in Presidential Palace