Best Things to See and Do in Georgetown, Guyana

Georgetown, the capital of Guyana, is one of South America’s most underrated cities — a tropical blend of Caribbean culture, colonial charm, and untamed nature. Whether you’re starting a jungle trek or stopping over from Suriname or Brazil, **Georgetown deserves more than a passing glance**.

Here’s a guide to the **top things to see and do in Georgetown, Guyana**, especially for first-time visitors who want to experience local life, cuisine, and culture.

---

1. St. George’s Cathedral

This stunning wooden cathedral is one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world.

- **Style**: Gothic revival, built in the 1890s
- **Tip**: Visit during the morning when the light filters through the stained glass windows

---

2. Stabroek Market

One of the most iconic and bustling landmarks in Georgetown.

- **What to expect**: Food vendors, crafts, textiles, and busy street energy
- **Safety tip**: Be alert and avoid flashy items — best visited during the day

---

3. Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology

A compact but insightful museum featuring Amerindian artifacts and Guyana’s pre-colonial history.

- **Entry**: Free
- **Highlights**: Traditional tools, pottery, and oral history displays

---

4. Promenade Gardens

A peaceful escape in the heart of the city.

- **Perfect for**: A picnic, photography, or reading under the palm trees
- **Best time**: Late afternoon or early morning for cooler temperatures

---

5. Take a Boat Tour on the Demerara River

See Georgetown from a different angle and enjoy views of the city’s wooden stilt houses and riverside communities.

- **Cost**: Around $10–$20 USD for an hour-long private boat
- **Bonus**: Some tours include sunset views or drinks

---

6. Visit the Guyana Botanical Gardens and Zoo

While modest in size, the gardens are home to native flora and giant lily pads, with adjacent access to a small zoo.

- **Cost**: A few USD
- **Wildlife**: Manatees, birds, monkeys

---

7. Shop at the Craft Market

Located near the seawall, this open-air market offers locally made crafts, wood carvings, and paintings.

- **Tip**: Bring cash and be ready to bargain
- **Great for**: Souvenirs that support local artisans

---

8. Try Guyanese Cuisine

Must-try dishes:

- **Pepperpot** – A slow-cooked meat stew with cassareep
- **Cook-up Rice** – One-pot rice with beans, coconut milk, and meat
- **Roti and Curry** – Indian-influenced, delicious with goat or chicken
- **Metemgee** – A coconut-based soup with dumplings and root vegetables

Best spots to eat:

- **Shanta’s Puri Shop**
- **New Thriving Restaurant**
- **Backyard Café** – A farm-to-table experience with a personal chef (reserve ahead)

---

9. Walk Along the Georgetown Seawall

Stretching several miles, the seawall is a favorite evening hangout for locals.

- **Activities**: Street food, music, and occasional pop-up vendors
- **Best time**: Sunset for a cooling breeze and social energy

---

Bonus: Take a Day Trip to Kaieteur Falls (If You Can)

Although it requires a flight, **Kaieteur Falls** is one of the world’s most powerful single-drop waterfalls — five times higher than Niagara.

- **Flights**: Can be arranged from Georgetown’s Ogle Airport (~$250–$300 USD)
- **Why it’s worth it**: Remote, raw, and almost no crowds

---

Final Travel Tips

- **Currency**: Guyanese dollar (GYD); bring cash — card use is limited
- **Transport**: Taxis are affordable, but always agree on a price first
- **Weather**: Hot and humid — wear breathable clothes and stay hydrated
- **Safety**: Stick to well-lit areas at night and ask locals for current updates

---

Georgetown is a city of contrasts — Victorian churches next to coconut vendors, colonial relics beside reggae-blaring taxis, and a rhythm that blends South America with the Caribbean. It's raw, real, and for those who take the time to explore, **incredibly rewarding**.