Things To Do
in New Amsterdam
New Amsterdam sits on the southern bank of the Berbice River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, welcoming visitors with a laid-back riverfront vibe. As one of Guyana's historic towns, it serves as the commercial heart of Berbice with a bustling market and sunset boat traffic. The town blends colonial architecture with vibrant street life, diverse cuisine, and friendly locals from Indo-Guyanese, Afro-Guyanese, and Indigenous communities.
It's a convenient base for exploring Berbice plantations, nature reserves, and nearby Suriname border towns while staying connected to Georgetown by road or river transportation.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the bustling streets of downtown New Amsterdam. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local café, sampling delicacies such as bake and shark or rotisserie chicken. As you stroll through the town, admire the colonial architecture and vibrant street art that reflects the city's rich history.
After lunch, head to the New Amsterdam Market for some local crafts and fresh produce. Engage with the friendly vendors and learn about Guyanese culture through their crafts and culinary offerings. Stroll by the Berbice River as you soak in the scenic views and watch the boats glide by.
As the sun sets, dine at one of the riverside restaurants where you can savor fresh seafood dishes. Enjoy the lively atmosphere accompanied by local music and dance performances. End your day with a leisurely walk along the riverbank, taking in the serene night sky over the water.
Begin your day with a visit to the museums of New Amsterdam, where you can learn about the area’s diverse heritage and history. Take an interactive tour that highlights the contributions of various ethnic communities in shaping Guyana. This will provide you with a deeper appreciation for the local culture as you engage with artifacts and exhibits.
Visit the nearby Little Diamond village, where you can join a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Guyanese dishes. Engage with the locals as they share stories about their culinary traditions and ingredients. By the end of the class, you'll not only have a delicious meal but also newfound friendships.
Spend your evening at a local dance hall where you can witness traditional Guyanese music and dance in action. Join in on the rhythm or simply enjoy the impressive performances by local artists. This immersive cultural experience will leave you with lasting memories of the lively spirit of New Amsterdam.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🚎Local transit ride | $0.50-1 |
| 🧃Bottle of water or soft drink | $0.50-2 |
| 🏨1-night stay at a mid-range hotel | $60-120 |
| 🚕Taxi ride within town | $7-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly, welcoming locals and a relaxed riverfront atmosphere
- Rich multicultural cuisine with accessible, affordable dining
- Good base for exploring Berbice and nearby nature spots
- English-speaking environment with easy navigation for most travelers
- Limited high-end nightlife and fewer tourist-oriented services than Georgetown
- Healthcare and specialized services are concentrated in Georgetown
- Occasional infrastructure gaps outside the town center
- Heat and humidity can be intense; plan for sun and rain gear
- "Wha gwaan?" - What's up? / Hello
- "Tank yuh" - Thank you
- "Whey is di market?" - Where is the market?
- "Yuh speak English?" - Do you speak English?
- "Gud mawning" - Good morning
- "Scuse me" - Excuse me
Places to Visit in New Amsterdam
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour reflections on calm water with fishing boats, palm trees, and colorful market activity; a classic waterfront shot.
Colorful wooden shacks, bustling stalls, and human activity create vibrant street photography opportunities.
Colonial-era architecture framed by tropical foliage, perfect for architectural and portrait photography.
Wide river views with a sense of scale and the prospect of sunset silhouettes over the water.
Food in New Amsterdam
New Amsterdam Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-simmered beef or oxtail stew with robust spices and blond peppercorns, often served with rice or roti.
Must-Try!
One-pot rice with beans, meat, and vegetables, a hearty and comforting staple found in many homes and eateries.
Fresh river fish cooked in a fragrant curry sauce, served with white rice and balka (fried dough) on the side.
Crispy fried fish sandwich served with toppings and a splash of hot sauce, popular at coastal stalls and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market with fruit stalls, fresh seafood, cassava products, and ready-to-eat street foods along the riverfront.
Casual vendors offering fried fish, roti, cassava bread, and refreshing novel drinks with quick-service lunch options.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a friendly 'Good morning/afternoon' and a handshake; use polite tone in conversations with elders and vendors.
Dress modestly in markets and religious sites; lightweight, breathable clothing is practical in heat.
Respect religious and cultural observances; remove hats indoors where appropriate and ask before taking photographs of people or ceremonies.
Polite and relaxed behavior is valued; public displays of affection are less common in more traditional areas.
Safety
Tipping in New Amsterdam
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected in smaller eateries. 5–10% in restaurants is common if service is good; you can round up fares for taxi drivers.
Cash in Guyanese dollars (GYD) is widely used; US dollars are accepted in many shops and restaurants in town. Card acceptance varies by venue, with larger establishments more likely to take cards. Mobile payment options are less common than in larger cities.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Generally sunny and warm with light to moderate humidity; ideal for outdoor walks, river trips, and market visits. Evenings remain comfortable, but carry water and sun protection during the day.
Frequent afternoon showers and higher humidity; plan for rain gear and flexible schedules. River levels rise, forests become lush, and wildlife activity increases.
Warm with sporadic showers; good balance for outdoor activities, photography, and exploring side streets and markets.
New Amsterdam at Night
Hiking in New Amsterdam
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A riverside hiking option focused on bird life and mangrove scenery, suitable for easy walks and photography.
Shaded trail through coastal forest and mangrove areas offering wildlife viewing and a gentle workout.
A short, scenic stretch between villages with river views, farmland, and local villages to observe daily life.
Airports
How to reach New Amsterdam by plane.
Main international gateway to Guyana; about a 2–3 hour drive from New Amsterdam depending on road conditions and connections.
Smaller facility serving domestic flights and regional connections; convenient for domestic hops within Guyana.
Regional airport serving nearby interior and coastal destinations; provides additional domestic options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Communities with Indian ancestry and cultural influences, contributing many of the region’s curries, breads, and spice traditions.
Communities with African ancestry sharing Afro-Caribbean cultural practices, music, and cuisine.
A blend of cultures including Indigenous groups and other Caribbean communities, enriching local traditions and markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A dominant sport across Guyana, with local clubs and informal matches common in the region.
Popular at community fields and local leagues; easy to join a pickup game or watch a match at a local ground.
Played in schools and community centers; occasional outdoor games and informal tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting New Amsterdam.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Order simple roti with vegetables, dal (lentil curry), plantain dishes, or call ahead for veggie curries; many places can adapt seafood or chicken dishes to suit vegetarian needs.