Port of Spain is alive with history, culture and Caribbean charm. The coastal city is a gateway to Trinidad and Tobago and captures the colour and vibrancy of the dual-island nation. Stroll through beautiful parks and gardens, enjoy flavour-packed cuisine and discover the city’s rich heritage, which spans from French, Spanish and English to African, Indian and Chinese.
Things to do in Port of Spain
Handsome mansions built by cocoa plantation magnates frame Queen’s Park Savannah. The park stretches for 3.5 kilometres and is one of the most beautiful green spaces in the Caribbean. The mansions are known as the “Magnificent Seven” and recall the city’s heyday as a cocoa powerhouse. Stroll along flower-lined paths and purchase fresh coconuts from colourful stands.
Experience Trinidad and Tobago through a local lens in Downtown Port of Spain. The district is dotted with local landmarks, including a 19th-century lighthouse with turquoise trim. Stroll along the tree-lined Brian Lara Promenade and sip homemade ginger beer in a shady square.
Start your day with a traditional breakfast of “sada roti” flatbread stuffed with “choka” spiced vegetables. You’ll find some of the city’s best bars and restaurants in the lively Woodbrook district. Order favourites like curried crab served with cassava dumplings and fruity rum punch. Nightlife in Port of Spain is centred along Ariapita Avenue.
Board a tour boat and explore the picturesque islands that surround the Chaguaramas peninsula. They’re known as “Down the Islands” and have been commandeered as whaling stations, leper colonies and prison camps over the centuries. Historical tours offer more information on the unique history of the islands, or you can opt for cruises focused on swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing.
Getting around Port of Spain
Parts of Port of Spain are pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Shared taxis and minibuses are a fast and efficient way to get around the city and cover longer distances. Private taxis are also a good option. Piarco International Airport is a 45-minute drive away.