Why visit
Paramaribo is Suriname's river capital, famous for wooden Dutch colonial buildings, religious diversity, markets, and easy links to rainforest and plantation history.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Paramaribo is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Suriname. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Paramaribo, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Suriname better matches the trip style.
Paramaribo at a glance
City population
224k
Elevation
5 m
16 ft
Time zone
UTC-3
America/Paramaribo
Airport
PBM
Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (46 km away)
Suriname at a glance
Country center
4.0°, -56.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
163,820 km²
63,251 mi²
Country population
620k
4/km²
Subregion
South America
Currency
Surinamese dollar ($)
SRD
Dial
+597
Language
Dutch
Demonym
Surinamer
Internet
.sr
UN
Member state
ISO code
SR / SUR
Where in the world
4.0° - -56.0°
Suriname
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Paramaribo's historic inner city is UNESCO-listed for its Dutch colonial wooden buildings.
- A mosque and synagogue stand side by side near the city center.
- On Paramaribo's Keizerstraat, a mosque and a synagogue have stood side by side for decades, sharing a parking lot.
- Suriname is the smallest sovereign country in South America by area (164,000 km²).
- Dutch is the official language: a legacy of colonial rule until 1975.
Bordering Suriname
Traveler notes
- Paramaribo's historic inner city is UNESCO-listed
- The mosque and synagogue standing side by side symbolize the city's mix
- Waterkant is the classic Suriname River promenade
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Paramaribo
What currency is used in Paramaribo?
Paramaribo uses the Surinamese dollar ($), ISO code SRD.
What languages are spoken in Suriname?
The primary language is Dutch.
What is the international calling code for Suriname?
The calling code is +597.
When is the best time to visit Paramaribo?
Feb–Apr, Aug–Nov. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Paramaribo?
Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (46 km away) (IATA: PBM).
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