Paramaribo, Suriname
Museums
If you're in Paramaribo and interested in visiting museums, here are some options for you to consider:
1. Surinaams Museum - This museum is located in the heart of Paramaribo and showcases the history and culture of Suriname, including exhibits on indigenous tribes, slavery, and colonialism.
2. Fort Zeelandia Museum - Located within a 17th-century fort, this museum focuses on Suriname's military history and includes exhibits on the Dutch colonial period.
3. Numismatic Museum of Suriname - This museum is dedicated to the history of money and features an extensive collection of coins and banknotes from Suriname and around the world.
If you're looking for similar museums in the area, you might want to check out the Maroon Heritage Center in nearby Brownsweg, which focuses on the culture and traditions of Suriname's Maroon population, or the permanent exhibition "Conversations with the Rainforest" at the Amazon Conservation Center in nearby Saramacca, which explores the relationship between people and nature in the Amazon region.
Food
Sure, here are some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try in Paramaribo, according to local people:
1. Roti - a dish consisting of a flatbread (roti) filled with curried chicken, beef, or vegetables, typically served with potatoes and chutney.
2. Pom - a baked casserole made with grated root vegetables (usually taro or yucca), chicken or fish, and sometimes prawns or salted meat.
3. Bami - a dish of stir-fried noodles usually served with chicken, pork, or shrimp, seasoned with soy sauce and other spices.
4. Saoto soup - a hearty chicken soup with bean sprouts, boiled egg, and vermicelli noodles, often served with fried rice and sambal (spicy chili paste).
5. Bakabana - a snack made of ripe plantains battered and deep-fried until crispy on the outside.
6. Bara - a savory fried dough made from ground split peas and spices that is often eaten as an appetizer or street food.
7. Moksie Alesie - a mixed rice dish made with various meats, including chicken, pork, and beef, along with vegetables and spices.
These are just a few of the many delicious dishes available in Suriname, but they are definitely some of the most famous and beloved among locals.
Activities
Sure, here are a few fun activities that locals enjoy in Paramaribo:
1. Visit the Central Market - The Central Market is a bustling hub of activity where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Locals love to shop here, and it's a great place to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Suriname.
2. Take a river tour - Suriname is known for its beautiful rivers, and taking a boat tour is a popular way to explore the country's natural beauty. You can book a tour from Paramaribo that will take you through lush rainforests and past charming villages along the waterways.
3. Attend a live music performance - Music is an important part of Surinamese culture, and there are many venues in Paramaribo where you can catch a live performance. Check out local bars and clubs like Het Vat or Club Touche for a fun night out.
4. Explore historic sites - Paramaribo is home to many historic buildings and landmarks that offer a glimpse into the country's rich past. Take a walking tour of the city to see sites like Fort Zeelandia, the Presidential Palace, and the iconic wooden St. Peter and Paul Cathedral.
5. Enjoy traditional cuisine - Surinamese cuisine is diverse and delicious, with influences from India, China, Indonesia, and the Netherlands. Locals love to eat at restaurants like Warung Pawiro and Roopram Roti Shop for classic dishes like roti, nasi goreng, and pom.
