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Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, Suriname - Things to Do in Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral

Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral

Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, Suriname - Complete Travel Guide

Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname, is a captivating blend of Dutch colonial architecture, multicultural heritage, and tropical South American charm. The city's historic inner center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring well-preserved wooden buildings that reflect centuries of Dutch influence alongside busy Creole, Javanese, Indian, and Chinese communities that have shaped its unique character. At the heart of this cultural tapestry stands the magnificent Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, one of the largest wooden structures in the Western Hemisphere and a testament to the city's architectural prowess. Paramaribo offers visitors an authentic South American experience away from the typical tourist crowds, with bustling markets, diverse cuisine, colonial fortresses, and the mighty Suriname River flowing through its center, creating a laid-back atmosphere perfect for cultural exploration.

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Historic Inner City

Wander through Paramaribo's UNESCO World Heritage historic center, admiring the unique wooden colonial architecture that makes this city distinctive. The area features beautiful examples of Dutch colonial buildings, traditional Creole houses, and significant religious structures including mosques, synagogues, and churches all within walking distance of each other.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on your own, but guided walking tours cost around $25-40 per person and provide valuable historical context. Best visited in early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.

Fort Zeelandia

Explore this 17th-century Dutch fortress that now houses the Suriname Museum, offering insights into the country's colonial history, indigenous cultures, and independence struggle. The fort provides excellent views over the Suriname River and contains artifacts spanning from pre-Columbian times to modern independence.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is approximately $3-5 USD. Open Tuesday-Sunday, best visited in the morning. Consider combining with a historic city tour for better value.

Central Market

spend time in local life at Paramaribo's bustling Central Market, where vendors sell everything from tropical fruits and spices to traditional crafts and textiles. This busy marketplace showcases the city's multicultural diversity through its food offerings, languages spoken, and variety of goods from different ethnic communities.

Booking Tip: Free to browse, bring small bills for purchases. Best visited early morning (7-10 AM) for freshest produce and cooler temperatures. Bargaining is expected for crafts and souvenirs.

Take a Suriname River Cruise

Enjoy a scenic boat trip along the Suriname River to see the city from a different perspective and visit nearby attractions like the dolphins at the river mouth. These cruises often include stops at historical sites, mangrove areas, and opportunities to spot local wildlife including the famous Surinamese river dolphins.

Booking Tip: Half-day cruises range from $40-80 per person. Book through local operators at the waterfront or hotels. Sunset cruises are particularly beautiful and include refreshments.

Multicultural Cuisine

start a culinary journey through Paramaribo's diverse food scene, sampling Javanese, Indian, Chinese, Creole, and Dutch-influenced dishes. The city's unique position as a cultural melting pot has created distinctive fusion cuisines that can't be found anywhere else in the world.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost $30-50 per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Street food is very affordable ($2-5 per dish). Evening food tours are popular and include visits to local eateries and markets.

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 and South American cities. From the airport, taxis cost around $25-35 to reach the city center, or you can arrange hotel transfers. Overland entry is possible from Guyana via the ferry crossing at Moleson Creek-South Drain, though this journey requires patience and proper documentation.

Getting Around

Paramaribo's historic center is compact and easily walkable, with most major attractions within a few blocks of each other. Local buses are inexpensive but can be crowded and confusing for tourists. Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced for short distances within the city, typically costing $3-8 per trip. For longer excursions or day trips, consider renting a car or hiring a driver through your hotel, as this provides more flexibility to explore the surrounding areas and attractions outside the city center.

Where to Stay

Historic Inner City
Waterkant (Waterfront)
Hermitage Mall Area
Torarica Area
Paramaribo North
Zorg en Hoop

Food & Dining

Paramaribo's dining scene reflects its multicultural population, offering an incredible variety of cuisines within a small area. You'll find excellent Javanese restaurants serving nasi goreng and satay, Indian roti shops, Chinese eateries, and traditional Surinamese spots offering pom and pepre watra. The Waterkant area has several upscale restaurants with river views, while local warungs (small family-run eateries) throughout the city serve authentic, affordable meals. Don't miss trying the unique Surinamese-Javanese fusion dishes that have evolved from the country's diverse immigrant communities.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Paramaribo

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

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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?

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Paramaribo is during the dry seasons from February to April and August to November, when rainfall is minimal and temperatures are more comfortable for sightseeing. The city has a tropical climate with year-round warmth, but the wet seasons (May-July and December-January) can bring heavy afternoon rains that may disrupt outdoor activities. Temperatures remain fairly consistent around 80-85°F (27-29°C) throughout the year, making any time suitable for travel if you don't mind occasional tropical showers.

Insider Tips

Many locals speak Dutch, English, and Sranan Tongo - English is widely understood in tourist areas
The Surinamese Dollar (SRD) is the local currency, but US dollars are often accepted at hotels and tour operators
Paramaribo is generally very safe for tourists, but avoid walking alone late at night and keep valuables secure in busy market areas

Activities in Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral