Paramaribo

File:Paramaribo banner.jpg Paramaribo, often called Par'bo, is the lively capital and only city of the sparsely inhabited country of Suriname. Home to about 250,000 people, or over half of the nation's population, this laid-back South America|South American gem lies just 15km from the Atlantic Ocean. It's the nation's main harbour, governmental seat and centre for business and learning. Many visitors to Suriname come by here, spending some time to take in the city's pretty UNESCO World Heritage listed colonial centre. Paramaribo leads by example in Surinam's efforts to expand its tourist economy, with a strong focus on eco-friendly travel.

To get a feel of this friendly city, take a pick from the large stacks of fruits at its bustling central market and wander around town to admire its colonial legacy. Then, head to the Waterkant (or water side) to join the local residents for Djogo (local Cola) and salty fish while gazing at the boats on the Suriname river.

Paramaribo Halal Explorer

Presidential palace, Paramaribo, Suriname - Once a symbol of Dutch colonial power and the monumental former Governor's mansion on Independence Plaza now serves as the Presidential Palace of Suriname

The name Paramaribo is probably a corruption of the name of an Indian village called Parmirbo (or Parmurbo or Parmarbo). The Dutch settled a trading post in 1631 which fell into English hands when the Dutch abandoned it. The British built a fort called Fort Willoughby. In 1667 the area was conquered by a Zeeland expedition. They called the fort Zeelandia and re-named Paramaribo to New Middelburg, a name that never caught on. Paramaribo grew after the abolition of slavery in 1863 as it attracted many former slaves to the city.

These days 48% of the population of Paramaribo is Christian, 14% Hindu, Muslim 9%, 4% have a different religion, 4% have no religion and 21% did not answer this question in the last census.

In two-thirds of the households, Dutch is the most spoken language and in most other households it is spoken as a second language. Other commonly spoken languages are Sranantongo, Sarnami Hindustani and (Javanese). About 2% use English as their first language; however English is widely spoken by many inhabitants.

How is the Climate in Paramaribo

Paramaribo has a tropical rainy climate, hot and humid. It has two rainy seasons per year. The long rainy season runs from late April to mid-August. The short rainy season runs from mid-December to mid-February. Usually it does not rain all day but there are heavy tropical showers mainly in the afternoon. The temperature is about 30°C but in the dry period from mid-August to mid-December it can rise to 35-40°C. Humidity is year-round about 80% and can exacerbate temperature extremes. It feels clammy and sticky.

Travel to Paramaribo

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Paramaribo

• Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport IATA Flight Code: PBM commonly called Paramaribo-Zanderij International Airport | Zanderij 5.452831, -55.187783 kilometers 45 south of Paramaribo - Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport

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 KLM-Airline Royal Dutch Airlines has three weekly direct connecting Flights from Amsterdam. Surinam Airways (Surinaamse Luchtvaart Maatschappij) also has three weekly direct connecting Flights from Amsterdam. If you are coming from Europe, another alternative is to fly with  Air France from Paris to Cayenne (in French Guiana) and travel from there, either by plane or overland.

From Guyana, daily Flights to a small local airstrip. Be aware that one cannot purchase tourist cards there and they have to be purchased at the Embassy in Georgetown upfront (usually before buying the ticket.

From the United States, airline service is available from Miami and New York (JFK) via Caribbean Airlines, which stops in Trinidad and Tobago en route to Suriname. It's also feasible to fly with Surinam Airways to and from Miami with a stop in Aruba.

From Brazil and there is a twice a week flight by Suriname Airways from Belém to Paramaribo and vice versa. The flight takes an hour and a half and only drinks are served.

You can change money inside the airport terminal while you wait for your baggage.

From the Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, near the town of Zanderij, into Paramaribo there is a bus running. It takes about an hour. There are also taxis available. The situation outside the airport is a bit chaotic, with many taxi drivers hustling for clients.

In January 2009, a one-way taxi fare to the downtown was SRD100 while the bus would cost SRD45. A transit shuttle van will take you to any hotel in Paramaribo for SRD40 (€10) however it can happen that the driver waits until all seats are occupied.

• Zorg en Hoop Airport IATA Flight Code: ORG 5.811472, -55.190067 - Zorg en Hoop Airport Zorg En Hoop Airport - Flights to other airfields in Surinam as well as to/from Georgetown (Guyana), Scarborough (Trinidad and Tobago), Port of Spain

Travel on a Bus in Paramaribo

From Georgetown, Guyana, take shuttle van #63a to Molson Creek in eastern Guyana just across the river from Suriname. The trip takes at least 3 hours and costs c. USD 17. From there, you will go through customs on the Guyanese side. Then take the 11:00 daily ferry across the river to the South Drain. The actual ferry ride takes about 30 minutes.
Contact Canawaima ferry, telephone: +597 212331 or +597 212332 for more information.
From there you can get a shuttle van into Paramaribo. Again the trip takes at least 3 hours and costs c. USD15.

From Georgetown and there are also private companies and shuttle vanes that will cover the cost of the shuttle van to the river and the ferry, and the cost of the shuttle van on the other side.

From Albina Shared taxi's and shuttle vanes are plentiful, leaving when full €10-15. Buses depart from the bus station every 2 hours a few times a day SR$8.5. The journey takes around 3 hours, prices February 2017.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Paramaribo

Boat taxis can take you over the Suriname River to the Commewijne neighborhood. You can find boat taxis in downtown Paramaribo at the platte brug (between Central Market and Waterkant) to Meerzorg across the Suriname River, or at Leonsberg, North Paramaribo, to take you to New Amsterdam. You can take your bike on these boats.

Get Around

The old colonial centre mostly lies directly behind the Waterkant and most of the main sights, including the fort and the palm garden, colonial officers' houses and the central market are easily explored on foot.

By car

There are several vehicle hire services based in Paramaribo. Because of its neighbours and the historical accident of the first imported vehicles being from Britain, Suriname drives on the left with steering wheels on the right. (Alternative explanations are that the Netherlands, at the time of its colonisation of Surinam, still drove on the natural left-hand side of the road or that Surinam's first colonial settlement was English. - CarsPlus - Kwattaweg 246 ☎ +597 492020 - €21 per day inclusive of full insurance Good service and affordable. - Enterprise - Fred Derbystraat 60 ☎ +597 473494 - €29 per day inclusive of full insurance Good and fast service

Travel on a Bus in Paramaribo

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In Suriname and the buses are private. The drivers, however, follow collectively determined routes. The buses are somewhere between private taxis and public transportation and leave the bus station only when they are totally full, meaning there are not specific schedules. If you do see a bus, take note that the buses are hand painted.

A central bus station can found in the Knuffelgracht near the Waterkant.

By bike

Renting a bike is a good alternative to get around and also to explore the outskirts of town. Keep in mind that you have no shelter from the sun and that you can be surprised by torrential rain. Most drivers take notice of you but if there is little traffic than people often drive too fast.

• Fietsen in Suriname (Bike tours) - Grote Combeweg 13a ☎ +597 520781

What to see in Paramaribo

File: Paramaribo, former officershousesnear Fort Zeelandia - 321px|Old officer houses near fort Zeelandia

• Historical downtown 5.82560, -55.15144 Houses at Waterkant, Paramaribo.JPG - Paramaribo's distinctive historic downtown, packed with wooden buildings from colonial times, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since July 2002. It's the planned nature and remarkable architecture that makes this place unique. The spacious, tree-lined street plan was laid out by the first Dutch governor in the 17th century. Most of the current mansions originate from the first half of the 19th century however, as they had to be rebuilt after large city fires in 1821 and 1832. The designs are clearly inspired by Dutch architecture of the time, but incorporated a range of indigenous techniques and used local materials. The Waterkant and Mr.Lim A Postraat have some of the best examples. Many of the wooden houses are in dire need of restoration, however, to the point where UNESCO has urged the state to address the problem and threatened to revoke the city's status.

• Fort Zeelandia - @link.sr Abraham Crijnssenweg 1 5.82515, -55.14969 ☎ +597 425871 +597 42 58 81 Overzicht binnenplaats Fort Zeelandia - Paramaribo - 20418690 - RCE - Opening Hours: Tuesday - F: 09:00-14:00, Sunday 10:00-14:00. (closed Sa,M) The English laid the first foundations for the current brick fort around 1650, replacing an earlier wooden structure built by the French around an even earlier Dutch trading post. In 1667, Dutch and English forces fought over the fortifications and then called fort Willoughby, and the surrounding lands. The Peace of Breda later that year put the whole of Suriname in Dutch hands, however, when the Dutch preferred to retain Surinam and its Sugar factories rather than swap them for what later became New York and the fort was renamed Zeelandia. Initially used as a colonial stronghold for the Dutch, it later served as an army barrack and a prison. In 1982, Fort Zeelandia was the scene of the so-called December murders, as fifteen prominent Surinamese men who had criticized the then military dictatorship ruling Suriname were tortured here and then shot dead. The events remain controversial today, as the exact circumstances are still unclear, but the current president of Suriname is the main suspect. In 1995 the restored buildings were opened to the public as a museum. The collection of the Suriname Museum covers the different cultures of Suriname and the colonial period, 20th century art, a library collection and a photo archive. There is a café and a restaurant (Baka Foto) with an outdoor terrace in the courtyard. In front of the entrance are historical officers houses. This beautiful area gives you an impression of how the city once was when trees lined the streets. A statue of Queen Wilhelmina is on the waterfront, looking over the Suriname River.

• Numismatic Museum Mr F.H.R. Lim a Po Straat 7 5.82665, -55.15296 ☎ +597 520016 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00-14:00 Free Highlight of this small museum is a 1679 copper Parrot coin. You'll probably need to have a real interest in the history of money to fully appreciate the collection on display, but there's no admission fee and walking in for a quick glance can't hurt. The museum is part of the Bank of Suriname, and it's housed in one of the nice colonial building. It hold almost every legal currency used in Suriname since the late 17th century.

• Onafhankelijkheidsplein (Independence Plaza) and Presidential Palace | 5.82628, -55.15152 Onafhankelijkheidsplein Paramaribo - The square is the heart of Paramaribo surrounded by important buildings like the Presidential Palace, Court of Justice and the Parliament. It's used as a place for festivals like Carisfesta XI in 2013. Normally there's not much activity, but on Sundays men exercise the national hobby: letting their caged birds sing.

• Palmentuin (Palm Gardens) - 5.82827, -55.15002 Behind the presidential palace Overzicht van de palmentuin - Paramaribo - 20417694 - RCE.jpg - The Palm garden, a small park filled with king palms behind the Presidential Palace, was part of the original city plans of Cornelis van Aerssen van Sommelsdijck and the first Dutch governor. He opened the garden for public in 1685, but was murdered only three years later, after which the property was closed again. Not until the early 20th century was the Palm Garden re-opened. In 2009 it was restored with funds from UNESCO. It has a small play ground now, some statues and benches to hang out on, making it a pleasant, shady place on a hot day. Except on holidays, when the place comes to life with food stalls and such and the garden is best avoided after sundown for the lighting is poor and the place attracts less friendly crowds.

• Paramaribo Zoo | Letitia Vriesdelaan 5.84790, -55.15991 ☎ +597 545275 Mammals Paramaribo zoo 2.JPG Opening Hours: daily 09:00-18:00 SRD10 Establishing a zoo was an idea of Prime Minister Pengel in the 1960s. Awaiting the actual construction of the zoo, he started collecting animals in his own backyard, until the zoo was opened in 1972. Both the number of animals and (subsequently) of visitors declined over the following decades, however, leaving the zoo in poor state. Starting in 2003 it successfully engaged in a cooperation with Dutch Diergaarde Blijdorp in Rotterdam, which helped raise funds to restore the place. In recent years the zoo has gained popularity again. Its collection of animals includes mostly regional species, among which are many indigenous monkeys, jaguars, caimans, many tropical birds and a petting zoo. There's also a nice playground for kids.

• St. Peter and Paul Gothic Church | Henck Arronstraat 22 5.82853, -55.15406 RK Kathedrale.JPG Opening Hours: 08:00-14:00 This Roman Catholic cathedral is one of the biggest wooden structures on the entire American continent. Building started in 1883 and the church was consecrated only two years later. The towers were not finished before 1901 though, and the characteristic yellow and grey painting of the outside was done only in 1926. The design of the church was inspired by the Redemptorist church in Roosendaal and the (then new) Basilica and Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Boston, while the interior, carried out in unpainted cedar wood, was a Surinamese design. Poor restoration efforts were undertaken in the late 1970s, leaving the building in need of new repairs shortly after. Finally, termite damage and severe tilting led to the closure of the cathedral in 1989 for safety reasons. The Vatican provided some funds for initial repairs in the mid 1990s and after fundraising efforts and a large EU grant, thorough restorations were carried out between 2007 and 2010. The cathedral was re-opened for the public in that year. Only the large organ, of which most of the pipes had been stolen, is still a work in progress.

• The Central Market Waterkant 5.82336, -55.15890 Butcher Paramaribo market - Opening Hours: 05:00-17:00 A large market with over 3,000 stalls inside a hall at the Waterkant. It's a colourful, buzzing place with smells and sounds to perceive deficit. They offer fresh fish (delivered directly by fishermen), vegetables, fruit and Meat. On the first floor are non-perishables sold as clothes, shoes, kitchen utensils and more. Many market vendors, especially the Maroon people, strongly object to having their pictures taken.

Paramaribo synogogue - Neve Shalom Synagogue at 82-84 Keizerstraat

• The Yahudi community in Paramaribo is reputed to be the oldest continuing Yahudi community in the Americas and the current wooden Neve Shalom (Hebrew: בית הכנסת נווה שלום‎; literally "Oasis of Peace" or "Valley of Peace") synagogue dates from 1835 and replaced the building constructed in 1719 by Ashkenazi Jews. The original Yahudi settlers were descendants of Yahudi fleeing persecution by the Spanish Inquisition in Holland, Portugal and Italy and came here via Brazil. Just one of the unique features of this Synagogue is its floor of sand rather than boards or tiles. This floor is supposed to be both a reminder of the 40 years in the desert that the Hebrews were forced to endure after their exodus from Egypt, and the times that marranos had to muffle their prayers and footsteps with sand so as not to be discovered by the Inquisition and put to death. There are several beautiful Torahs that are hundreds of years old and the carved woodwork exhibits fine craftsmanship.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Paramaribo

• Stroll through the historic centre with its old wooden houses.

MoscheeSynagoge - Neveh Shalom Synagogue next to the Keizerstraat Mosque

• Walk to the Keizerstraat where a mosque and a synagogue are built adjacent to each other. Not far from this place are also a Catholic church and a Hindu temple.

Goslar|Just in the middle of Suriname River you'll see a rusty little island. No, this is not an island but a ship wreck. At the beginning of the second world war the Goslar, a German steamship, was sunk by its own crew in an attempt to block the harbour. They succeeded in sinking the ship but they failed in blocking the harbour which was important for transporting alum sand for the production of bauxite. For decades a controversy has been going on about whether it has to be preserved as a tourist attraction or should be removed.|

• Visit Waterkant, share a djogo (1 litre) Parbo and the national and enjoy the sunset.
• Visit the flea market on Sunday and the daily lively Central Market.
• Visit the flower expo at the Letitia Vriesdelaan which is scheduled every other Sunday. They sell different type of orchids, cacti, and other plants.
• In the north of Paramaribo is the Blauwgrond quarter. On this former plantation live (Javanese) people. Sit down at a warung (Javanese for small restaurant or shop) and try one of the lovely dishes.
• Bike or take a taxi to Weg naar Zee (Road to the Sea) which is a Hindustani open air cremation site north of the Kwattaweg. You're permitted to attend a ceremony. Nearby is a pilgrimage sanctuary.

• Thalia theater - Surinamese theater company | Dr. J.F. Nassylaan 4 5.83073, -55.15974 ☎ +597 472812 The Suriname theater company was founded in 1837 and is the oldest theater company of the Caribbean. The Thalia theater building was opened in 1840, but after its 2011 renovation it now seats 500.

Events

• Carnival (Feb) - Colourful carnival parades.
• Avondvierdaagse (April) - Walking and dancing four days long in the streets of Paramaribo. The event starts at 17:00. The route varies and holds a different surprise every day. It meanders through the various neighbourhoods, each with its own characteristics.
• Suripop (National Song Contest) - This festival for Surinamese songwriters is held every two (even) years.
• Divali - This Hindu festival of light is a national day in Suriname since 2010
• Jaran Kepang - Jaran Kepang is a traditional (Javanese) dance accompanied by gamelan music. This spectacular folk-dance is very popular in Suriname.
• Winti Pré - This Creole worship is a dance ritual for gods and ghosts.
• Jaarbeurs (Nov) - This annual trading fair lasts a week and is held on the KKF-Beursterrein (Professor W.J. Kernkampweg) 17:00-23:00.
• Bodo (End of the (Javanese) fasting period) - Bodo is the (Javanese) name of the Eid al-Fitr (Sugar Feast) festival in Suriname.
• Owru Jari (New Year celebration) - Three days of festival to celebrate the old and new years with lots of fireworks.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Paramaribo

Paramaribo butcher - A butcher stall near the market.

Paramaribo is packed with small shops, boutiques and markets stalls, selling anything from Western brand clothing (plus at least as many fake versions) to affordable daily amenities, great hammocks, illegal DVD copies and Chinese jewellery. It remains a fairly affordable place for foreign visitors, which makes shopping for souvenirs a fun way to spend an afternoon.

The Centrale Markt, on the far east side of the Waterkant, is in many ways the beating heart of the city. A colourful range of street stalls and sellers mark the entrance of the covered market area, supposedly the largest one of its kind in the Caribbean. It's a two story market tucked away in a massive warehouse, with stalls selling anything from fresh vegetables and meats (on the ground floor) to t-shirts and hair extensions (on the second floor). A visit to town is hardly complete without a quick visit to this bustling place and if you're not interested in any of their goods, you might be in one of the many tasty Snacks for sale. Open for business daily except Sunday, from early morning until 15:00, but coming early is advised. The Flower Market around the Kleine Waterstraat is another colourful experience, and set nicely against a colonial background.

The Maagdenstraat is your best option when you're interested in Chinese jewellery. Most of the jewellers are specialized in labour-intensive handmade jewels. You can also have your own jewels cleaned, returning the glow they used to have, or have them repaired. These services are typically cheap, but make sure to agree on a price beforehand. On the junction of Maagdenstraat and Steenbakkerijstraat, Ready Tex is a highly popular place for souvenir shopping, with a broad collection including postcards and T-shirts as well as Suriname ceramics and art works. The Domineestraat is another main shopping street, with a number of quality clothing shops, some mobile phone shops and several book stores. You might be approached by souvenir sellers at the Waterkant, with a small selection of necklaces or leather works. Use your negotiation skills to settle for a reasonable price.

For a more modern experience, follow Paramaribo's middle and upper class to the Hermitage Mall | Lalla roohkweg 229 - It's the largest mall in the nation with about 20 clothing stores, gift shops and a food corner. A mega theatre is currently under construction.

Study in Paramaribo

Paramaribo has its own university, which offers a few courses in English. Many of the nation's ambitious young people head abroad however, to study at different universities or pursue different fields of study at universities in the Netherlands, in the United States or neighbouring South-American countries.

• Anton de Kom University of Surinam - Leysweg 86, Universiteitscomplex, Building IV ☎ +597 465558 +597 46 22 91

Halal Restaurants in Paramaribo

Paramaribo, Statue of Queen Wilhelmina - As Suriname gained independence and the bronze 1923 statue of Dutch Queen Wilhelmina was moved from what's now the Independence Plaza to this place next to Fort Zeelandia, where she now looks out over the river.

Paramaribo's some Halal restaurants reflect its diverse culture and strong Chinese, Java|Javanese and Hindustan influences. Small food stalls serve affordable traditional Snacks at the markets and along the Waterkant. If you're looking for (Javanese) style food, consider driving out to the Blauwgrond area of town. This (Javanese) part of the city is known for its many small restaurants, typically unpolished places with simple plastic outdoor furniture but great food.

However, for the travel weary visitor there's a Kentucky Fried Chicken around and a few places that cater to the much less spiced Dutch taste. Food is typically affordable by GCC standards, with full 3 course meals anywhere between SRD25 and SRD60 and simple mains around SRD20. If you follow the local residents to smaller places you'll be able to eat for SRD10. Most of the small restaurants are quite casual in style. For a somewhat more formal experience and the upmarket hotels in town usually have their own restaurants, serving both traditional and international cuisine for obviously higher prices.

• Chi Min | Cornelis Jongbawstraat 83 ☎ +597 412155 | Opening Hours: 11:00-23:00 Chinese restaurant specialising in seafood.

• 't Vat | Kleine Waterstraat 1 ☎ +597 424631 - SRD25 for their special, 3-course tourist menu. For some reason, this place is especially popular with travellers and the many Dutch trainees staying in town. They cater to Dutch tastes as well, with anything from traditional Suriname Pom sandwiches to Burgers and French Fries with Dutch "frikandel" sausages. They also offer a range of services besides the food, including some good mid-range lodging options, vehicle hire and a souvenir shop.

• Di Gadri | Zeelandiaweg 1 Between Fort Zeelandia and the National Assembly ☎ +597 420688 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00-22:00 Saturday to Sunday 11:00-22:00 Dishes around SRD20 Good Creole meals, soups and Snacks. At 08:00, fresh bread rolls are avaialble. It has a nice terrace under a huge mahogany tree. Also popular with parliamentarians.

• Joosje Roti Shop | Zwartenhovenbrugstraat 9 ☎ +597 472606 - Opening from Monday to Saturday 08:30-22:00 East Indian restaurant in the centre of town, well known for their Chicken roti.

• Dumpling #1 | Dr J.F. Nassylaan 1 - Famous for their king crab.

• Fatai Restaurant | Maagdenstraat 64 ☎ +597 473917 Asian food

• Restaurant Jawa - Kasabaholoweg 7 uitvlught ☎ +597 492691 | Opening Hours: 11:00-22:00 from USD8 A good choice for Muslim travellers on a budget, with tasty (Javanese) food.

• Liang Lang | corner Dr J.F. Nassylaan and F. Derbiestraat - Famous for their 'tjoeng'

• Mirosso Indonesisch Restaurant | J. Samson Greenstraat 104 ☎ +597 455362 | Opening Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 18:00-24:00. M,F-Sa 18:00-02:00 This is considered one of the better options in Blauwgrond and was granted the Fernand de Rooy Certificate. Service can be on the slow side, but the food is very nice. It gets crowded on weekends, so call ahead if you want to ensure a spot.

• Pannekoek & Poffertjes Cafe | van Sommelsdijckstraat 11 ☎ +597 422914 Pancakes and poffertjes (typical Dutch small, fluffy pancakes)

• Popeye's Chicken and Biscuits | Domineestraat 39 ☎ +597 426401 On the first floor of the Krasnapolsky Hotel. Popeye's serves Cajun style fast food.

• Sunday Do | corner of Weidestraat and F. Derbiestraat - Serves good dim sum.

• JiJi's - upscale place at the waterkant with a nice view over the river

• De Waag - _=_ Waterkant 5 ☎ +597 474514 - upscale place at the waterkant with a decent fruit cocktails but no river view

• Brotik - Between De Waag and Riverside Kitchen, huge terrace towards the river. Open only for dinner but until late. Serves local dishes; the most affordable of the upscale restaurants at the waterkant.

• Riverside Kitchen - Next door to Brotik with a huge seating area at the river. The kitchen is open only for lunch. Great local dishes for SRD20 to SRD30. Hangout for local residents.

On the Waterkant, between the street and the river, are a number of pavilions with simple, but atmospheric, terraces. There's no service and you have to get your drinks yourself. Music is everywhere and while adults pour out a djogo in cups, children play between the tables and teens hang out near the quay wall. There's always something happening on the Waterkant. Just next to the pavilions are 3 more upscale restaurants (JiJi, De Waag and Brotik - see the "Eat" section above) with good bars, followed by a 24/7 bar that also has a nice terrace that overlooks the river.

• Club Touche - Corner Dr. Sophie Redmond - A. L. Waaldijkstraat ☎ +597 401181 | Opening Hours: Every day
• Margaritas Poolcafé | Kleine Dwarsstraat 3 ☎ +597 7194500 | Opening Hours: Every day Pool billiards, fruit cocktails, has a terrace.

• Euphoria - formerly Starzz - @nightclub.com Kleine Waterstraat 5-7 ☎ +597 8109109 | Opening Hours: W,F-Sa 23:00-? Euphoria Nightclub is one of Parbo's coolest dance venues with a good blend of DJs playing a variety of sounds.

• Torarica - Mr. L.J. Rietbergplein 1 ☎ +597 471500 | Opening Hours: daily Torarica is for all kind of activities. Dancing and casino at night, B&B and swimming at the pool, entertainment.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Paramaribo

Paramaribo - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Paramaribo, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Paramaribo. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Paramaribo and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Paramaribo. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Paramaribo. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inParamaribo: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Paramaribo.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Paramaribo: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Paramaribo, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Paramaribo.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Paramaribo, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Paramaribo, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Paramaribo and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Paramaribo, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Paramaribo, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Paramaribo without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Paramaribo is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Paramaribo.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Paramaribo is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Paramaribo, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Paramaribo Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

File: Paramaribo-Waterkant - Waterkant As Paramaribo's tourist economy develops, hotels and guesthouses are popping up while older ones get restyled. There's plenty of choice now to fit your budget, from €15 dollar single rooms in a basic guesthouse to €100 and more for a stay in one of the upmarket resorts. If you're travelling with a family or group, apartments are an excellent option and often cheaper while more convenient than multiple rooms. VAT and service charges are typically included in hotel prices and almost all of them can arrange al-tours/ tours to other towns or the nation's tight jungle backlands. Note that many hotels charge their prices in either US dollars or euros. Usually they will accept Surinamese dollars, but check in advance.

• Guesthouse Albergo Alberga - Lim A Po straat 13 ☎ +597 520050 Check-in: 12am / Check-out: 11am from €20 for a double with fan; discounts for weekly or monthly stays Guesthouse in an old colonial building

• Guesthouse Amice - guesthouse-@ Gravenberchstraat 5 ☎ +597 434289 - €35-50 Check-in: 13:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Guesthouse

• Guesthouse Zus & Zo - Grote Combeweg 13a ☎ +597 520905 - €15-50 Very popular guesthouse that has 12 rooms.

• Guesthouse Stay-Cey - Verlengde Hoogestraat 41 ☎ +597 412019 - €30 - Apartments

• Kekemba Resort Paramaribo - Mangolaan 118 ☎ +597 546904 - €37 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Small scale resort with well-appointed studio apartments. Shared hotel facilities include a swimming pool, hot tub, hammocks. They are a good partner to arrange al-tours/ tours to the interior of Suriname or day trips to the many cultural sites to visit.

• Downtown Oasis - formerly Guesthouse Flair - Jessurunstraat 9 5.8297, -55.1548 ☎ +597 521481 Check-in: 13:00 / Check-out: 12:00 €39-75 per day, € 10 per person for extra bed - Luxury guesthouse and apartments. The rooms are clean and the kitchen is new and well equipped. Free WiFi and parking.

• Amber Apartments Paramaribo | Belemstraat 4 ☎ +597 473203 - Apartments

• Linur Apartments - @partments.com Gonggrijpstraat 49 ☎ +597 354086 - Apartments

• Hotel La Petite Maison - Waterkant 4 ☎ +597 475466 Check-in: 12:00 / Check-out: 12:00 This hotel is in an old colonial building. You are allowed to swim in the swimmingpool of the Torarica hotel.

• Tropicana Hotel & Casino - Saramaccastraat 17 ☎ +597 472120
• Tran Elite Hotel - J.D. Gompertstraat 143 ☎ +597 458275 - Doubles without balcony from US$ 55,- Good 3-star hotel located a couple of minutes drive from the Waterkant. It has a small pool, in-house restaurant and free internet. It caters also to business travellers staying for a longer period of time, with special rates for long term apartment rent.

• Paramuru Hotel - Waaldijkstraat 28 ☎ +597 411019 - Standard doubles from €40, penthouse €50 - Central location close to the Waterkant, fairly modern hotel with an in-house restaurant.

• Guess Hotel Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 69 - Fairly close to the Waterkant. Free wifi and luggage storage (which will come in hand when embarking on multiple day tours) available. Around 40 EUR for a double air-conditioned room.

• Royal Torarica Hotel - Kleine Waterstraat 10 ☎ +597 473500 - USD145 Check-in: 17:00 / Check-out: 13:00

• Spanhoek Boutique Hotel - Domineestraat 2-4 ☎ +597 477888 - €110 per double room Check-in: 12:30 / Check-out: 14:30

• Hotel & Casino Torarica - Mr. L.J. Rietbergplein 1 ☎ +597 471500 - USD140 and up Check-in: 17:00 / Check-out: 13:00 This large 4½-star hotel is as high quality as it gets in this town. Located on the river side, it offers good service and facilities like a gym, swimming pool, tennis courts and one of the rare fine dining experiences in town.

• Eco Resort Inn - Cornelis Jongbawstraat 16 ☎ +597 425522 - USD 176 Check-in: 17:00 / Check-out: 13:00

• Krasnapolsky Hotel - Domineestraat 39 ☎ +597 475050 - €109 - The hotel has rooms with view over the old town and Suriname River

• North Resort Hotel - J.D. Gompertstraat 145-147 ☎ +597 457591 -

• Residence Inn Paramaribo - Anton Dragtenweg 7 ☎ +597 472387 Check-in: 12:00 / Check-out: 12:00 4-star

Telecommunications in Paramaribo

The country code for international calls to Suriname is 597. There are no trunk or area codes.

Many hotels and Bed and Breakfasts offer their guests a Wi-Fi connection - mostly for free. The number of internet cafés in the city is declining due to the usage of smart phones and tablets.

• Main Post Office - Kerkplein 1 ☎ +597 477524 | Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 07:15-14:00, Friday 07:15-13:30 The main office of SurPost and the nation's postal company, handles anything from postcards and packages and large sea post freight.

Cope

Embassies & Consulates in Paramaribo

{{flag|Belgium

• Belgium (Consulate) | Domineestraat 32 Boven PO Box 1841 ☎ +597 472545, +597 474690 +597 410563

• Brazil (Consulate) | Maratakkastraat 2 ☎ +597 400200 +597 400205

{{flag|Canada

• Canada (Consulate) | Wagenwagstraat 50 Boven PO Box 1449 ☎ +597 424527 China (Consulate) | Anton Dragtenweg 154 ☎ +597 451570 +597 452560

• France (Consulate) | Gravenstraat 5-7 ☎ +597 475222 +597 471208

{{flag|Guyana

• Guyana (Consulate) Henck Arronstraat 82 ☎ +597 477895 +597 472679

  Please be aware of the dress code to enter the embassy:-

  NO Short pants, NO Rubber slippers, NO Vests, NO Tights, NO Armless tops

• India (Consulate) | Rode Kruislaan 10 ☎ +597 498344 +597 499538

Indonesia | Van Brussellaan 3 ☎ +597 431230 +597 498234

• Japan (Consulate) | Gravenstraat 23-25 ☎ +597 474860 +597 412208

{{flag|the Netherlands

• Netherlands | Van Roseveltkade 5 ☎ +597477211 +597 477792

{{flag|South Korea

• South Korea (Consulate) | Heerenstraat 8 ☎ +597 484747{{flag|the United States
• United States | Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129 ☎ +597 472900 +597 425690 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 07:30-16:00

{{flag|Venezuela

• Venezuela (Consulate) | Gravenstraat 23-25 ☎ +597 475401

Travel Next

Leatherback Turtle near Galibi - The beaches near Galibi are one of the main nesting grounds for protected Leatherback sea turtles. As nice as Paramaribo is, it would be an absolute pity to leave Suriname without at least one or two trips to its other destinations, jungle villages, remote resorts or sandy beaches. Getting around on your own can be challenging, especially when heading into the dense Amazon rain forest. Fortunately, tour operators seem to be available at every corner in Paramaribo, ready to make any arrangement you might dream of. Look around and negotiate, as there are fine trips to be found for every budget. Whether you're looking for a helicopter trip to a protected sea turtle nesting beach, a week-long boat trip down the Maroni river or just a day trip to the Jodensavanna - Paramaribo's tour operators will make it happen.

• Albina (East Coast (Suriname) | East Coast) - a small town on the Maroni river. Directly across the river lies the French-Guianian town of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. It's a good starting point for boat trips down the Maroni river, and a transport hub for Galibi.
• Awarradam (Surinamese Rainforest) - In upper Suriname, on an island in the Gran Rio River, is a beautiful and comfortable resort, built by the government. This is a great place to contact Marroon people and to experience the jungle.
• Galibi (East Coast (Suriname) | East Coast) - large groups of protected leatherback sea turtles visit the beaches close to this small town to lay their eggs. In fact and the Galibi Natural Reserve is one of the most important nesting areas for this species in the Western Atlantic region.
• Nieuw Nickerie (West Coast (Suriname) | West Coast) - Travel by bus or rental vehicle to the most western part of Suriname to visit Bigi Pan natural resort and see the Rice culture in the Nickerie province.
• Palumeu (Surinamese Rainforest) - More inland then Awarradam is Palumeu, a village of native Indians on the shore of the Tapanahoni River. Stay a few days in the government resort, visit the village and explore the direct environment.

Organized tours

For more advice or arrangements to head out of town, ask local tour operators. There's a wide range of companies offering all kinds of services. A small selection is listed below, but make sure to shop around and bargain for the tour you'd like.

• METS Travels and Tours - Dr. J.F. Nassylaan 2, Paramaribo 5.83022, -55.16027 ☎ +597 477088 +597 422332 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00-16:00
• StiNaSu - Cornelis Jongbawstraat 10 5.83029, -55.14324 ☎ +597 471856 +597 421850

• Tourist Photo Shop - Kerkplein 8 5.82688, -55.15510 ☎ +597 410461 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00-15:00, Saturday 09:00-13:00
• Zus&Zo - Grote Combeweg 13a 5.82846, -55.15137 ☎ +597 520905

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