Today, parts of the city, notably the central area and the botanic and zoological gardens are well maintained, but the rest of the city is weathered and dilapidated. A profusion of flowering trees lend it the somewhat optimistic name 'Garden City of the Caribbean', despite its location on the Atlantic coast. Most of the sights are on or near Main St, including the Gothic-style St George's Cathedral , reputedly the world's tallest wooden cathedral, and the neoclassic Parliament Building , built in 1833. Much of the city centre is dwarfed by the Stabroek Market , an imposing cast-iron building with a striking clocktower. Its isolated location means wildlife thrives in the area, but it also requires determination to reach.
Small planes fly to the falls from Georgetown but seats can be difficult to secure.
The Orinduik Falls , southwest of here, on the Brazilian border, is another popular destination. A friendly mining town south of Georgetown, Bartica is the base for exploring surrounding gold and diamond fields, roughing it by foot and truck to Kaieteur Falls, and trekking into the interior. The swimming is good and the local market colorful and lively. From here, take a ferry to Marshall Falls, which is a good place for bathing and observing riverine wildlife. Wild animals abound, but they're retiring and rarely seen.