Paramaribo for Couples
Couples in Paramaribo get the most from slow evenings by the river rather than from sightseeing marathons. There are no resort beaches, since the coast is mud and mangrove, and the Suriname River is far too strong for swimming. So plans here revolve around the water, the food and the wooden old town. The options below run from cheap and simple to a special occasion.
Simple and low cost
Waterkant at dusk. The riverside promenade is lined with food stalls from about 17:00. Share telo met bakkeljauw, saoto soup or a roti roll, with a cold Parbo beer, and watch the river traffic. Eat while there is light left and go home by taxi, since dark riverbanks are not a place to wander. A short ride across the centre usually costs SRD 100 to 150, and you settle the fare before getting in.
A bike ride at Peperpot. The park in Meerzorg is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00 by listings. A flat trail of 3.2 km passes through quiet forest, and bicycles cost about EUR 5 for two hours. Go early, before the day heats up.
A special evening
Sunset boat. Small wooden boats can be chartered from Leonsberg or Waterkant for about two hours as the sun goes down. Bring drinks and snacks aboard, or ask the skipper what can be arranged. Dolphins may surface near the boat, though they cannot be guaranteed, and a good skipper never chases them. Settle the price and the route in advance.
Dinner at De Waag. This former weigh house at Waterkant 5 now serves meals, with tables indoors under old beams and outdoors by the water. Listings give it several names, among them Bodega & Grill de Waag and Roline’s de Waag, so confirm that it is open on your date.
Surinamese dishes to try. Pom is a festive baked casserole made from grated pomtajer root and chicken marinated in citrus. Moksi alesi is a Creole rice dish with coconut milk, salted meat, dried fish and greens.
Where to sleep
In town. Torarica Resort, also called Royal Torarica, is at Kleine Waterstraat 1 on the river. Gardens, saltwater pools, tennis courts and a couples’ massage service are on offer.
By boat from the city. Frederiksdorp is a restored 18th-century plantation estate on the Commewijne River, around 30 minutes by boat from Paramaribo, which has been run as a heritage hotel. Check that it takes overnight guests. Plantations like this one relied on enslaved labour until emancipation on 1 July 1863, so approach the setting with respect. Days there suit cycling along river dikes.
Safety and entry
Keep valuables out of sight and stay out of the Palmentuin after dark, as petty and violent crime occurs in the capital. Pay the online Entry Fee before you travel, about USD 50 to 58 in all, and complete the online Immigration and Customs Form. The UK government travel advice lists current guidance.
Read more: Sightseeing in Paramaribo and the five day Suriname itinerary .
Where to find a room
Compare central hotels and guesthouses on Booking.com .