If you visit Guyana, then you will likely travel to Georgetown, the capital along the north coast. Both of the international airports are in Georgetown, and I was lucky to arrive from Barbados at Eugene F. Correia International Airport, closer to the city. In fact, it’s the same airport we used to fly to Kaieteur Falls, from the charter hanger.
A couple of days in Georgetown is enough to see the highlights of the interesting and beautiful city. We were lucky to have a great guide and driver showing us around. There is a mix of colonial architecture, coastal views, parks, and markets. My favourite visit was to the National Park with rescue manatees living in the pond! If you have more time and are there in the right season, you could catch a cricket match at the famous Providence Stadium. The national museum was a great mix of culture, natural history, and arts, so I recommend a visit to that and the Stabroek market just next door. Additionally, the coast is unique because Guyana is located in a basin. They have sluices to control the water flow and try to prevent flooding, and the ocean water is brown as far as you can see.
Highlights
- Georgetown Sea Wall
- I Love Guyana Sign
- Umana Yana (BENAB) indigenous culture centre
- Georgetown Lighthouse
- Prime Minister’s Official Residence
- Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology
- Guyana National Museum
- St George’s Wooden Cathedral
- Stabroek Market
- City Hall
- Parliament of Guyana
- St. Andrews Kirk
- Guyana National park with manatees
- The 1763 Monument (CUFFY)
- Botanic Gardens and the Place of the Seven Ponds
Before you go
- Everyone speaks English and it’s the official national language
- Driving is on the left side of the road like in the UK
- Bring mosquito repellent
- No photos allowed of the Prime Minister’s residence
- At the national museum, photos are only allowed if you are in them
- You can feed long grass to the rescue manatees at the national park
- Weather is hot and tropical so it’s best to wear sunscreen
- There are two international airports in Georgetown so check your tickets
- Cash is necessary in most shops and restaurants but visa and mastercard are sometimes accepted
Transport
- There are two airports in Georgetown! One is Eugene F. Correia International Airport, close to the city centre. The other is larger and for longer-haul flights, Cheddi Jagan International Airport
- Our amazing guide in Georgetown was Cherry-Ann from Ride Along Guyana. We also had an excellent driver who drove us around the city
- Local taxis arranged by our guide did airport transfers. I didn’t see many taxis to flag down so it seems best to book via your guide or the hotel
- Walking around is possible in some areas, but there are not always sidewalks
Accommodation
- In Georgetown, we stayed at Kanuku Suites Hotel & Apartments. It is a basic, but comfortable accommodation between the city centre and the local Eugene F. Correia International Airport to the east. Air-conditioning worked reasonably well, although I had to share a remote control with another room!
- Each room had a fridge. The breakfast was good and they even packed us delicious breakfasts to go when we were leaving early
- As usual I recommend checking reviews on Google Reviews or using AirBnB
Food
Hot ‘N Spicy Creole Corner was a local cafeteria-style restaurant with traditional food. You have a look, pay for the food, and then show them your receipt. I tried the Christmas specialty, pepper pot made with pork in a sauce with pepper, spices and casareep (caramelised cassava syrup). Delicious!
Maharaja Palace and Aagman Indian Restaurants were recommended by our guides. I only tried Maharaja Palace as it was near the supermarket. The paneer curry and naan were tasty and filling! However, others who tried both places said Aagman food was better!
Blue Bel Cafe was a cosy but slightly expensive local cafe for hot drinks and sweets. It was walkable from our hotel.
Mango Walk Restaurant & Lounge was recommended by our local guide and those who tried it said the food was great and reasonable. I didn’t have time to go but would try it next time.
Our lunchbox for the Kaieteur falls trip came from a catering place in Georgetown and gave us the opportunity to try some local foods. Savoury pholourie (split pea flour fritters), pineapple pastry and cassava pone (like a chewy cake). Yum!
Finally, I noticed that the Chinese American restaurants P.F. Chang’s Guyana was in the centre of Georgetown for anyone wanting to try the Guyanese version.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a tour guide?
A: Yes, it is best to have a tour guide for transport as well as to learn more about the local culture and sights
Q: Do people speak English?
A: Yes, everyone speaks English and it is the official language
Q: Is it a walkable city?
A: No, there are not many sidewalks and the city is quite spread out so you likely need to book a taxi or join a group tour like I did
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