Paramaribo boasts a rich mix of architectural styles, thanks to the many cultures
that make up the population, including the Roman Catholic cathedral, a huge
mosque, Hindu temples in Koningstraat and Wanicastraat, two synagogues, two
mandirs, and a Dutch reformed church. Fort Zeelandia, dating from the 17th century,
was used in the 1980s for the detention of political prisoners, and now houses
the Suriname Museum. At the centre of the city lies Onafhankelijksplein (Independence
Square), which contains both the Presidential Palace and the National Assembly.
Immediately behind the Palace, the Palentium, a large park with tall palm trees
full of tropical birds, is an attractive place to take some time out. Paramaribo’s
main market is found on Waterkrant, the riverside boulevard, where cafes lining
the street are a great place to stop for a beer.
Outside the city, Suriname is sparsely populated, and it is common to see monkeys
and boa constrictors on the streets. Brownsberg Nature Park features three impressive
waterfalls and the 500 metre high Mazaroni Plateau, which can be reached fom
Paramaribo by public transport, as well as great hiking trails and an impressive
variety of wildlife, including numerous species of monkeys and birds. Another
great spot for birdwatching is found in the Wia Wia reserve, a coastal mangrove
swampland, which is also a nesting spot for leatherback turtles between April
and July.
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