Home › Destinations › Suriname Museum
Suriname Museum, Suriname - Things to Do in Suriname Museum

Suriname Museum

Suriname Museum, Suriname - Complete Travel Guide

Paramaribo, the busy capital of Suriname, is a fascinating blend of Dutch colonial architecture, diverse cultures, and tropical South American charm. This UNESCO World Heritage city sits along the Suriname River and showcases a unique mix of influences from its Dutch, British, Portuguese, and indigenous heritage, creating one of the most culturally diverse capitals in South America. The city serves as the perfect gateway to explore Suriname's rich history, from its colonial past to its role in the Atlantic slave trade and subsequent waves of immigration from India, Java, China, and Lebanon. Paramaribo's wooden colonial buildings, bustling markets, and multicultural neighborhoods offer visitors an real feel of this often-overlooked South American gem, while the nearby rainforests and rivers provide access to some of the continent's most pristine natural environments.

Top Suriname Museum

Historic Inner City

Wander through Paramaribo's UNESCO World Heritage historic center, featuring the largest collection of surviving Dutch colonial wooden architecture in the Americas. The area showcases beautiful 17th and 18th-century buildings, including the Bangui and historic synagogue, telling the story of Suriname's complex colonial history.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking tours are free, but guided tours cost $20-40 per person and provide valuable historical context. Best visited in early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat, and most guided tours can be arranged through hotels or local tour operators.

Suriname Museum

Discover Suriname's rich cultural heritage at the Banjul, housed in a beautiful colonial building. The museum features extensive collections covering indigenous cultures, colonial history, slavery, and the diverse immigrant communities that shaped modern Suriname.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $3-5 USD, open Tuesday-Sunday 9am-4pm. Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit, and consider hiring a local guide for $15-20 to better understand the exhibits and historical context.

Central Market

spend time in local life at Paramaribo's bustling this destination, where vendors sell everything from tropical fruits and traditional medicines to handcrafted goods. This busy marketplace reflects the city's multicultural character with influences from Creole, Javanese, Indian, and Chinese communities.

Booking Tip: Free to explore, best visited early morning (7-10am) when produce is freshest and crowds are manageable. Bring small bills for purchases, and food tours including market visits cost $30-50 per person.

Take Suriname River Boat Trip

Cruise along the historic Suriname River to see the city from a different perspective and visit nearby plantations or indigenous villages. These boat trips offer insights into Suriname's river-based transportation system and provide access to rural communities and natural areas.

Booking Tip: Half-day trips cost $40-80 per person, full-day excursions $80-150. Book through established operators who provide life jackets and experienced guides, and trips are weather-dependent so have flexible scheduling.

Fort Zeelandia

Explore this star-shaped 17th-century Dutch fort that played crucial roles in Suriname's colonial history and later served as a military headquarters. The fort now houses the Suriname Museum and offers panoramic views of the Suriname River and city skyline.

Booking Tip: Combined museum and fort entry costs $5-8, open Tuesday-Sunday. Best visited in late afternoon for photography, and guided historical tours cost an additional $10-15 per person.

Getting There

Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM) is located about 45 kilometers south of Paramaribo and serves as the main gateway to Suriname. Most international visitors arrive via flights from Netherlands (KLM), United States, or regional connections through Caribbean hubs. Airport transfers to the city center take about 45 minutes and cost $25-40 by taxi or $15-20 by shared shuttle. Some visitors also arrive overland from Guyana via ferry crossings, though this requires advance planning and proper documentation.

Getting Around

Paramaribo's compact city center is easily walkable, with most historic attractions within a few blocks of each other. Local transportation includes buses (very affordable at $0.50-1 per ride but can be crowded), taxis (negotiate fares in advance, expect $5-15 for city trips), and rental cars ($40-60 per day). Many visitors prefer walking combined with occasional taxi rides, as traffic can be congested and parking limited in the historic center. For trips outside the city, organized tours or rental cars are recommended.

Where to Stay

Historic Inner City
Waterkant District
Paramaribo Noord
Blauwgrond
Rainville
Flora

Food & Dining

Paramaribo's dining scene reflects its multicultural population, offering an incredible variety of cuisines within a small area. Local specialties include Javanese nasi goreng, Indian roti, Chinese-Surinamese dishes, and traditional Creole foods like pom and pastei. The Waterkant area features upscale restaurants with river views, while local warungs (small eateries) throughout the city serve authentic and affordable meals for $3-8. Don't miss trying Surinamese beer (Parbo) and local rum, and vegetarian options are plentiful due to the large Hindu and Javanese populations.

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 from February to April and August to November, when rainfall is minimal and temperatures are more comfortable for walking and outdoor activities. The wet season (May-July and December-January) brings heavy afternoon showers but also lush green landscapes and fewer crowds. Temperatures remain fairly constant year-round (75-85°F), but humidity can be high. Cultural events and festivals occur throughout the year, with particular celebrations during Hindu, Islamic, and Christian holidays reflecting the city's diverse religious communities.

Insider Tips

Learn basic Dutch phrases as it's the official language, though English and Sranan Tongo are widely understood in tourist areas
Carry cash (Surinamese dollars) as many local establishments don't accept cards, and ATMs can be limited outside the city center
Respect local customs when photographing people and religious sites, and always ask permission before taking photos of individuals

Activities in Suriname Museum