With an area of 182 km2 and 234,000 inhabitants, Paramaribo is the capital of Suriname. 

Dutch is the most widely spoken language in Paramaribo. The capital is subdivided into 12 districts, the center of which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2002. 

Walk around the inner city and discover Dutch colonial buildings, have lunch at one of the local restaurants and buy a few pieces of artwork from the local artists.

The largest of Suriname’s nature reserves, Central Suriname covers about 12% of the country’s total land mass and 40% of the plants and animals here are to be found only in the Guianas.

One of the most beautiful attractions in the reserve is Raleighvallen, Raleigh Falls. It’s a long and low staircase of water that cascades down from the Coppename River.  You’ll see spider monkeys, Guiana cock-of-the-rock, electric eels, and spectacular exotic birds.

All along the Commewijne River, you’ll find old plantation properties as well as cacao, coffee, and sugar cane facilities.  A tourist favourite is to rent a bike for the day and cycle the well-maintained routes around the plantations.

You’ll also find Fort Nieuw Amsterdam, where you’ll discover artefacts left from the slave trade as well as Dutch engineered locks that hold back the river.  Other places worth visiting include Peperpot Nature Park and Meerzorg bridge (popular with bird watchers).

Just south of Paramaribo, on the Suriname River, is Joden Savanne, or Jews’ savannah. Established in the 17th century, it was originally an agricultural community that was developed by Spanish Jews fleeing persecution.

You can visit the ruins of the first synagogue in the Western Hemisphere as well as the old gravesites there.

The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Peter and Paul is one of the most famous wooden Roman Catholic cathedrals in the world. Located in Paramaribo, construction of the cathedral began in 1883 and was completed in 1901.

In 2014, this architectural wonder was designated as a minor basilica by Pope Francis.

The Coppename Nature Reserve is a treat for the nature lover or wildlife tourist. Located on the coast of the Coppenameriver, the coastal reserve is home to several rare species of birds and animals, including the manatee. 

Bailey Bridge is the best destination to watch the scenic view of this exquisite river. See the beautiful point where Coppename River joins Saramacca River and then joining the Atlantic ocean.