Georgetown Guyana: Capital of Guyana, Landmarks & City Guide

Georgetown, Guyana is the capital of Guyana and the country’s largest urban center, set on the Atlantic coast near the mouth of the Demerara River. For visitors, it is often the first introduction to Guyana. For the diaspora, its streets, markets, landmarks and familiar place names can carry generations of memories.

Georgetown blends Caribbean cultural energy with the geography of South America, giving the city a character that is distinctly Guyanese.

Is Georgetown the capital of Guyana?

Yes. Georgetown is the capital city of Guyana and the country’s largest urban center. It is the national center of government and one of the most important commercial, cultural and transportation hubs in the country.

If you are still getting familiar with the country, start with our guide to where Guyana is in South America and our broader Guyana country guide.

Where is Georgetown Guyana?

Georgetown is on Guyana’s North Atlantic coast, near the mouth of the Demerara River. It sits on the country’s low coastal plain, where a large share of Guyana’s population lives.

Geographically, Guyana is in South America, while its history, language and culture also connect it closely to the Caribbean. That dual identity is visible in Georgetown’s food, architecture, markets, music and everyday city life.

See the country in context in our Guyana map and 10 regions guide.

What region is Georgetown in?

Georgetown is located in Region 4, Demerara-Mahaica. Region 4 is Guyana’s most populous administrative region and includes the capital along with many surrounding communities on the central coast.

To compare Georgetown with Linden, New Amsterdam, Bartica, Lethem and the rest of the country’s main urban places, explore our guide to the cities and official towns of Guyana.

How many people live in Georgetown Guyana?

The Guyana Bureau of Statistics reported a preliminary 2022 census township population of 125,683 for Georgetown. Because that figure comes from preliminary census reporting, it should be treated as a preliminary count rather than a final revised population figure.

The same preliminary census data identified Georgetown as the country’s largest township by population. For current official census releases, readers can consult the Guyana Bureau of Statistics.

Georgetown Guyana quick facts

• Country: Guyana
• Role: National capital
• Region: Region 4, Demerara-Mahaica
• Continent: South America
• Official language: English
• Preliminary 2022 township population: 125,683
• Notable landmarks: Stabroek Market, St. George’s Cathedral, Umana Yana and the 1763 Monument

What is Georgetown Guyana known for?

Georgetown is known for its markets, historic wooden architecture, government buildings, canals, tree-lined streets, food, commerce and cultural landmarks. Guyana Tourism highlights the city as a place to explore local heritage, art, architecture and everyday Guyanese life.

Among the best-known places associated with Georgetown are Stabroek Market, St. George’s Cathedral, the Umana Yana, Main Street, Castellani House and the Square of the Revolution.

Stabroek Market

Stabroek Market is one of Georgetown’s most recognizable landmarks. The cast-iron market dates to the 1800s and remains a busy center for shopping and local life. It is a place where produce, household goods, food, clothing and countless other items come together under one iconic roof.

For visitors, the market offers a glimpse into the pace, sound and variety of everyday Georgetown.

St. George’s Cathedral

St. George’s Cathedral is a prominent wooden Gothic-style cathedral in central Georgetown and one of the city’s signature architectural landmarks.

Read more in our article on St. George’s Cathedral in Georgetown.

Umana Yana

The Umana Yana is another important Georgetown landmark, recognized for its Indigenous-inspired architecture and role as a meeting space. The name is commonly translated as “meeting place.”

Its distinctive form has made it one of the places Guyanese people instantly associate with the capital. Explore our Umana Yana shirts and Guyana gifts for modern designs inspired by the landmark.

The 1763 Monument and Square of the Revolution

Georgetown is also home to the 1763 Monument, which commemorates the 1763 Berbice Rebellion and the resistance associated with Cuffy, one of Guyana’s national heroes. The monument stands in the Square of the Revolution and was designed by Guyanese sculptor Philip Moore.

Learn the story behind it in our guide to Cuffy, the 1763 Berbice Rebellion and the 1763 Monument.

Art, craft and culture in Georgetown

Georgetown also provides access to Guyanese art and craft. Guyana Tourism points visitors toward places such as Castellani House and the Hibiscus Craft Plaza, along with street artists and local markets where handmade items can be found.

The city’s culture is not limited to attractions. Food, music, conversation, cricket, markets, family life and the rhythms of everyday neighborhoods are part of the Georgetown experience too.

Georgetown and the Guyanese diaspora

For many Guyanese abroad, Georgetown is more than the capital listed on a map. It may be the city where they were born, where relatives live, where they attended school, shopped, worked or passed through before migrating.

Landmarks such as the Umana Yana or Stabroek Market can become visual shortcuts to those memories. That is one reason place-based designs have a special role in Guyanese Swag: they allow people to represent a specific connection to home, not just the country name.

Shop Guyana and Georgetown-inspired designs

Explore the Umana Yana collection, browse our Guyana Map collection, or shop Guyana shirts and Guyanese T-shirts designed for people who want to keep Guyana visible wherever they live.

Continue exploring Guyana

Continue with our complete Guyana country guide, learn about the Guyana flag and Golden Arrowhead, explore the cities and towns of Guyana, or discover Kaieteur Falls.