Centrum is the historic heart of Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname on the northern coast of South America. It is the city's main commercial and administrative district, so on any given day it is busy with offices, shops and people going about their business. It is also known as the Central District or Downtown Paramaribo.
What to see
The area is known for its colonial Dutch architecture, and walking its streets is the most natural way to take it in. Many of the buildings reflect the city's long history under Dutch rule, and the district contains UNESCO World Heritage sites, which give the centre its particular character.
What kind of visit it makes
- A walking visit, best suited to a slow pace and time to look up at the façades.
- A way to see Paramaribo as a working city rather than only a place of monuments.
- A starting point for exploring the wider capital, since the district sits at its centre.
Because Centrum is where the city's commerce and government are concentrated, it offers a practical base for errands, meetings and everyday life as much as for sightseeing. Visitors who want both history and an authentic sense of the capital will find it a useful place to spend a morning or an afternoon.
