Romantic Evenings and Stays in Paramaribo
Paramaribo has no resort beaches, since the coast is mud and mangrove, and the river is far too strong to swim in. What it does have is warm evenings, wooden architecture and river light. The easiest way to plan a romantic stay is to build it around one day, from a quiet morning to a late dinner. Boat and lodge operators often quote in euros, while restaurants charge in Surinamese dollars (SRD).
Morning: cycling at Peperpot
Peperpot Nature Park lies across the river in Meerzorg and is listed as open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. A flat 3.2 km trail winds through shady forest, with monkeys in the bamboo and sloths overhead. Hire bikes at reception for about EUR 5 for two hours, and go early while it is cool.
Late afternoon: a sunset cruise
Small wooden boats can be chartered at Leonsberg or Waterkant. A cruise of about two hours drifts along the Suriname River as the light fades over the church towers. Couples often bring wine and snacks, and the guide may point out dolphins in the water, though they cannot be promised. A good captain keeps a distance and never chases wildlife. Agree the price, route and any drinks in advance.
Evening: dinner by the river
De Waag at Waterkant 5, a former weigh house, is described as the city’s most atmospheric place to eat, with indoor tables beneath old beams and seats outside facing the water. It appears online under several names, such as Bodega & Grill de Waag and Roline’s de Waag, so check that it is open before you go.
If you would rather try local cooking, order pom, a baked casserole of grated pomtajer root with citrus chicken, or moksi alesi, rice cooked with coconut milk, salted meat, dried fish and greens. The Waterkant food stalls open about 17:00 and serve telo met bakkeljauw, saoto soup and roti. Eat there while it is light. Return by taxi and agree the fare first, which is usually SRD 100 to 150 for a short ride across the centre.
Where to stay
- Torarica Resort (Royal Torarica). Located at Kleine Waterstraat 1, this riverside complex has gardens, pools, tennis courts and couples’ massages. The poolside bar and garden terrace face the river.
- Frederiksdorp, Commewijne. About 30 minutes by boat from the city, this restored 18th-century estate has been run as a heritage hotel with a pool and a river terrace. Confirm that it is accepting guests. The estate was worked by enslaved people before emancipation on 1 July 1863, so the visit also carries that history. Riverside cycling to fishing villages suits a slow day.
For a wider choice of hotels in the city, see the booking link at the end of this page.
Safety
Petty and violent crime occurs in Paramaribo, so keep valuables out of sight. The Palmentuin park is best avoided after dark. The UK government travel advice has more detail, and visitors must pay the Entry Fee online and complete the Immigration and Customs Form before they fly.
Read more: Sightseeing in Paramaribo lists the wooden mansions and squares that look best at golden hour.
Booking help
City hotels can be searched on Booking.com .