Suriname is a small country in South America with a big history. Here, every street tells a story. You will see beautiful wooden houses, old forts, and churches built many years ago during the Dutch colonial time. These old buildings show how European and local stles came together. Most of these places are easy to visit when you rent a car. Driving allows you to stop by the river, near old markets, or at peaceful colonial streets. So get ready to explore Dutch colonial architecture in Suriname, where every corner has a story waiting.
Paramaribo’s historic inner city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area combines European design with local materials and tropical adaptation. Built along the Suriname River, the old town still follows its 17th-century street plan and reminds us how history and culture blend in the Caribbean region.
The colonial buildings in Paramaribo were mainly made of wood, with carved balconies, wide verandas, and large shuttered windows designed to let air flow in the humid climate. These structures are beautiful and show how the Dutch adjusted their architectural stle to survive in the tropics.
Among the historic sites in Paramaribo, several stand out. Fort Zeelandia is one of the city’s oldest landmarks, originally built by the French in 1640 and later expanded by the Dutch in 1667. It served as a military post, a prison, and now houses the Suriname Museum. Nearby stands the Presidential Palace, a striking white wooden building facing Onafhankelijkheidsplein, or Independence Square. The St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, known as the largest wooden church in the Western Hemisphere, showcases the elegance and craftsmanship of colonial design.
The Waterkant area is a riverside boulevard lined with restored merchant houses that once belonged to traders during the Dutch colonial period. Here, you can enjoy the view of the Suriname River. It’s best to explore this area on foot, as most landmarks are nearby. Locals gather by the riverfront, and tourists enjoy photography sessions here.
People from many different backgrounds, such as Indians, Javanese, Africans, and Europeans, live in Paramaribo's inner city. The government and groups are working to save the historic area. Most of the colonial buildings in Suriname are made of wood, which makes them prone to catching fire and rotting. The goal of restoration projects is to strengthen the buildings while keeping their original charm.
Independence Square, or Onafhankelijkheidsplein, is a good place to start before you visit other landmarks. There is no entrance fee to visit the square, as it is an open public space. It is surrounded by colonial buildings that tell stories about the country's government, culture, and freedom. It is in the middle of Paramaribo, and people gather here for national holidays, parades, and festivals.
The most prominent is the Presidential Palace, a white wooden structure in the north. Built during the colonial period, it continues to serve as a symbol of Suriname’s leadership and sovereignty. Next to it is the Ministry of Finance, another well-preserved colonial building with classic green shutters and elegant detailing. On the opposite side lies the Court of Justice, completing the square’s collection of historic landmarks.
When visiting Onafhankelijkheidsplein, there’s much more to do than sightseeing. The open lawns are perfect for resting between walks through historic sites in Paramaribo. You can observe flag ceremonies, watch cultural performances, or attend national parades during special holidays.
Suriname’s forts and residences were more than military outposts. During the Dutch era, they were centres of power, defence, and trade. Many are now preserved as historic sites in Paramaribo and nearby regions.
Located on the banks of the Suriname River, Fort Zeelandia is the country’s most famous fort and a symbol of its colonial past. Today, it houses the Suriname Museum, where you can explore exhibitions about the nation’s colonial history, local culture, and independence.
At the meeting point of the Suriname and Commewijne rivers lies Fort Nieuw-Amsterdam, built between 1734 and 1747. Its star-shaped design and commanding position made it one of the most advanced defensive structures in the colony. The fort was part of a strategic network that kept trade routes safe from attacks by enemies and pirates. Fort Nieuw-Amsterdam is now an open-air museum where you can walk through restored barracks and see cannons that used to protect the waterways.
Fort Sommelsdijk was built in 1715 along the Commewijne River to protect the colony from French buccaneers. Its design was more straightforward than Fort Nieuw-Amsterdam’s, but followed Dutch engineering traditions suited for wet tropical ground. Fort Leiden, located along the coast, was part of the same network that protected Suriname’s trade ports. Although only traces remain today, these sites illustrate how early settlers used Dutch colonial architecture in Suriname to create a connected system of fortifications.
Not all colonial buildings in Suriname were built for defence. Some served as political residences. The Government Residence in central Paramaribo is a classic example of Dutch influence, used for centuries as the official home of governors and later Suriname’s presidents. Another key landmark is the House of Independence, where Suriname’s independence was signed in 1975. This site connects you to one of the most important moments in Suriname’s modern history. These buildings mark the country’s transition from colonial rule to self-governance.
Suriname is located between Guyana, Brazil, and French Guiana, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north. The landscape of rivers and tropical forests influenced where people lived and how colonial buildings in Suriname were constructed.
Suriname is divided by major rivers such as the Courantyne, Coppename, and Marowijne. These waterways once served as key transport routes during the colonial era, linking inland plantations to the capital.
Most of Suriname’s population lives in urban areas, and nearly half reside in Paramaribo and its surroundings. This concentration reflects how the Dutch designed the city along the riverbanks for trade and control. The capital’s Dutch colonial architecture has survived for centuries, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status in 2002. Other notable towns include Nieuw Nickerie near the Guyanese border, Albina near French Guiana, and Moengo, once a centre for bauxite mining.
Beyond the cities, Suriname’s interior is home to Maroons. They are descendants of Africans and Indigenous communities. These groups have distinct traditions and live in harmony with the rainforest environment. Some Indigenous villages can also be found near the coast, while nomadic groups occupy the southern border near Brazil.
Exploring Suriname reveals a mix of cultures shaped by Dutch influence and local creativity. You’ve walked along Waterkant, admired Dutch colonial architecture in Suriname, and visited forts that once protected the city. You’ve also seen how old residences and Independence Square reflect Suriname’s journey from a Dutch colony to a proud and independent nation.
To make the most of your trip, rent a car in Suriname with Final Rentals. Start your journey by choosing your preferred pick-up and drop-off spot at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, Zorg en Hoop Airport, or Jaggernath Lachmonstraat in Paramaribo. Booking is simple, and a wide range of vehicles is available, from city-friendly compact cars to sturdy SUVs for countryside drives. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
