Location
Paramaribo is the capital city of the Republic of Suriname. The city is situated on the left bank of
the Suriname River at a distance of 23 kilometers of the Atlantic Ocean.

Origin and general information
The city probably derived its name from a former Amerindian village called Parmirbo. In the beginning
of the 17th century, European seafarers established a trade post here. In 1650, the English conquered this
post. Here they built fort Willoughby whilst Torarica, the first capital city of Suriname, was situated 50
km upstream. In 1667, the Zeeland native Abraham Crijnssen conquered Suriname from the English.
On November 25, 1975, Suriname became politically independent from the Netherlands.
The city centre of Paramaribo is placed on the Unesco World Heritage List of historical monuments since 2002 due to its unique architecture. One of the 250 conserved buildings is the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral at Henck Arronstraat, completely constructed in wood. The cathedral is the highest wooden building in the Western hemisphere.
Paramaribo is a city consisting of various population groups, cultures and religions. The bustling city life fills the streets lined with historical buildings built in the former colonial style, alternated with modern hotels and office buildings. Paramaribo is one of the few places in the world where people from all continents and of all global religions live peacefully with and next to each other and where a Jewish synagogue and an Islamic mosque stand peacefully next to each other. Rightfully so,  Suriname is also referred to as the “Little United Nations”. 

Tour description
We start our tour with a magnificent view of Paramaribo from the famous Wijdenbosch bridge over the Suriname River. We continue to the old inner city of Paramaribo for a visit to the ancient building complex in Paramaribo, Fort Zeelandia. You receive an extensive guided tour from our guide within the fort. We continue the trip by foot and visit the Independence Square surrounded by historical buildings including the Presidential Palace, the Palm Gardens and the Lim a Po street, one of the most beautiful streets in Paramaribo. After this walk, we drive along the most prominent historical buildings of Paramaribo with their unique architecture. You get to see among others a Jewish synagogue and an Islamic mosque right next to each other and the Cathedral, the highest wooden building in the Western Hemisphere. After this, we walk via the old shopping centre to the largest Surinamese market where you will be enticed by the aroma of tropical fruit and herbs. You can enjoy and make a choice from one of the many selling stands where bright-colored fabrics, handmade gold jewelry, arts and crafts and especially fresh fruit and vegetables are sold. We finish our tour at   Waterkant along the Suriname River, the favorite meeting place in Paramaribo for many Surinamese.
 
Included in the tour:
Transportation per car or bus, a bottle of water and a snack, tour guide (Dutch and English speaking).

Duration: 
09.00 to 13.00 hrs. Departure from Hotel Residence Inn at Anton Dragtenweg 7.
After conclusion of the tour, you can be dropped off again at the hotel or upon request along the
route.

What to take along:
•    walking shoes
•    sunblock
•    a cap or hat
•    film and/or photo camera is recommended
•    small Surinamese cash for personal expenses
•    NOTE: Upon entry of houses of prayer, long trousers or a skirt below the knee is compulsory and sleeveless clothing is not allowed.
        

Paramaribo, the wooden capital in South America!
     

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