Marajo Bar Restaurant: Late-Night Central Paramaribo
A long-standing after-dark hangout on Henri J. De Vriesstraat
Why Go
Tucked into the grid of central Paramaribo, Marajo is one of those low-key nightlife fixtures that locals name-check when the conversation turns to where the night actually keeps going after dinner ends.
The Experience
Marajo sits on Henri J. De Vriesstraat, a short walk from the restaurant strip that surrounds the historic centre. It functions as a bar-and-hangout in the after-hours segment of Paramaribo's nightlife scene, with the kind of dim, air-conditioned interior, mixed music playlist and themed evenings that regulars come back for. Expect a Surinamese crowd rather than a tourist one, Parbo Bier on tap, spirits by the shot, and a rhythm that only really wakes up once most of the city's restaurants have closed their kitchens. It leans adult and after-midnight, so it's more "end of the night" than "start of the evening."
What to Try
Order a bottle of ice-cold Parbo Bier (the national lager, and the most-ordered drink in any Surinamese bar), a Borgoe rum on the rocks, or a rum-and-coke ΓÇö the standard Paramaribo late-night combination. If you want something more local, ask for a Black Cat or a shot of Marienburg 90% (the notorious high-proof Surinamese rum).
Insider Tip
Don't show up at 9pm expecting a scene ΓÇö Paramaribo nightlife runs late, and places like Marajo don't really fill until well after midnight, especially on Friday and Saturday. Bring cash in SRD (Surinamese dollars); card machines in the smaller bars along this stretch are unreliable, and USD is sometimes accepted but at a poor rate.
The Practical Stuff
Address: Henri J. De Vriesstraat 19-21, Paramaribo. Sector: nightlife / late-night bar. The venue is in the central district within short taxi reach of most downtown hotels. Skip walking back alone after dark ΓÇö grab a taxi (agree the price before getting in) or use a hotel-arranged ride. Dress is casual but tidy; smart-casual gets you a warmer welcome than shorts and flip-flops.
Pair It With
- 'T Vat Sidewalk Cafe Guide — The classic pre-game spot on the Waterkant ΓÇö start with river-view Parbos and street-food snacks here before drifting inland to Marajo when the terrace winds down.
- 168 Restaurant Guide — Line the stomach first with late-serving Chinese-Surinamese classics a few blocks away; it's the kind of hearty meal that saves you the next morning.
- 101 Suites Guide — A practical central sleep option within walking/short-taxi distance, so you're not stranded across town when the bar empties out.