Romantic Paramaribo for Couples
Paramaribo is a romantic city in a quiet, unhurried way. The setting is a wooden old town beside a wide brown river, with warm evenings and good food. It is not a beach destination. The coast is mud and mangrove, and swimming in the Suriname River at Paramaribo is dangerous, so romantic plans here centre on boats, dinners and slow mornings. Prices are in Surinamese dollars (SRD), but boat and lodge operators often quote in euros.
A sunset cruise on the river
A private or small group boat can be chartered from Leonsberg or from the Waterkant waterfront for a cruise of about two hours in the late afternoon. As the sun sets behind the church spires, you can bring wine and snacks on board, and with luck you may spot Guiana dolphins surfacing in the wake. Sightings are never guaranteed, and the boat should keep its distance from the animals. Ask the operator about drinks, the route and the price when you book.
Dinner on Waterkant
De Waag at Waterkant 5 is a former weigh house on the riverfront that now serves as a restaurant. Tables inside sit under old timber beams, and others look out on the river. The place is listed under several names, including Bodega & Grill de Waag and Roline’s de Waag. Check that it is open before you plan an evening around it.
Local dishes make a good dinner for two:
- Pom, a festive baked dish of grated pomtajer root and citrus-marinated chicken
- Moksi alesi, a Creole rice dish cooked with coconut milk, salted meat, dried fish and greens
- Saoto soup, a Javanese chicken broth with egg, bean sprouts and crispy noodles
After dark, take a taxi rather than walking along the riverbank. Agree the fare first. A short ride in the centre usually costs SRD 100 to 150.
A stay near the plantations
Frederiksdorp lies on the Commewijne River, about 30 minutes by boat from Paramaribo. It is a restored 18th-century plantation estate that has been run as a heritage hotel, with a swimming pool and a riverside terrace. Check that it is taking overnight guests before you plan. The estates of this district were built on enslaved labour, and emancipation came on 1 July 1863, so approach the history with respect. Quiet days here are made for cycling along the river dikes to fishing villages.
A riverside resort
Torarica Resort, also known as Royal Torarica, is a large riverside resort at Kleine Waterstraat 1 in the city. It has tropical gardens, pools, tennis courts and a spa where couples can book massages. The poolside bar and the garden terrace are the easy choices for a drink with a river view.
A slow morning at Peperpot
Peperpot Nature Park in Meerzorg is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. A flat trail of 3.2 km runs under shady forest, where squirrel monkeys and sloths are common. Bicycles can be rented at reception for about EUR 5 for two hours. Go early, before the heat builds.
Practical notes
Tourists pay an Entry Fee online before travel, about USD 50 to 58 in total with the handling fee, and everyone completes the online Immigration and Customs Form. The UK government travel advice for Suriname has current guidance. Petty crime occurs in the city, so keep valuables out of sight, and stay out of the Palmentuin park after dark.
Read more: Couple Activities in Paramaribo has more ideas for time together.
Booking help
Hotels and guesthouses in the city can be compared on Booking.com .