Broekie's Adult Shop: Paramaribo's Discreet Little Corner of Grown-Up Fun
A no-fuss adult boutique tucked into a quiet residential pocket of Paramaribo Noord.
Why Go
On a leafy stretch of Vincent Van Goghstraat, away from the bar crawl on the Waterkant, sits a small, unassuming storefront that most first-time visitors walk right past. Broekie's is Suriname's take on the adult shop: low-key, matter-of-fact, and refreshingly free of neon-lit theatrics. It's the kind of place where locals pop in on the way home from work, and curious travelers realize the country's easy, live-and-let-live attitude extends well beyond the rum bars.
The Experience
Vincent Van Goghstraat sits in Paramaribo Noord, a mostly residential district lined with cinder-block homes, small guesthouses, and neighborhood eateries. The shop itself is compact and privacy-minded, with a shopfront that keeps the merchandise out of view from the sidewalk. Inside, expect a straightforward retail layout, bright lighting, and staff who treat browsing as a completely normal transaction. Conversations are usually in Dutch or Sranan Tongo, but English gets you through without any awkwardness. There's no bar, no lounge, and no performance element - this is a shop, not a club - which is exactly why it works as a low-pressure stop before or after dinner in the neighborhood.
What to Try
Browse the lingerie and novelty wall first - it's the easiest icebreaker and where prices are most tourist-friendly. Wellness and intimacy products (lubricants, massage oils, couples' games) are the strongest category for a souvenir that actually gets used at home. If you're staying at one of the nearby guesthouses, a small game or card deck makes for a fun in-room addition without any customs-declaration headaches on the way back.
Insider Tip
Bring Surinamese dollars in small bills - card machines in this part of town are hit or miss, and paying cash keeps the transaction quick and private. The shop is easiest to visit in the late afternoon; midday heat is brutal on this stretch and the sidewalk offers almost no shade, while evenings after 7pm can feel quiet enough that you'll want a taxi waiting rather than walking back to the center.
The Practical Stuff
Located at Vincent Van Goghstraat 49 in Paramaribo Noord, roughly a 10-minute taxi ride (or a longish 25-30 minute walk) from the historic center and Waterkant. It's a residential street, so ride-share pickups are reliable but signage is minimal - watch the house numbers. Strictly 18+; bring ID if you look under 25. Photography inside is not welcome. Hours can shift, so it's worth a quick call ahead if you're making a special trip across town.
Pair It With
- 'T VAT Sidewalk Cafe Guide — A relaxed, open-air spot nearby for a cold Parbo and people-watching before or after your stop - the easy, unbothered vibe pairs perfectly.
- 168 Restaurant Guide — Solid Chinese-Surinamese comfort food within a short ride, ideal for a casual dinner that keeps the evening low-key.
- 101 Suites Guide — A convenient neighborhood stay if you'd rather keep the whole evening (dinner, shop, nightcap) within walking or short-taxi distance.
- 88 Car Rental Suriname Guide — Handy if you're pairing the visit with a wider Paramaribo Noord loop - having your own wheels makes discreet errands genuinely painless.