Port-au-Prince - Discovering Haiti

Travelling to Port-au-Prince

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Port-au-Prince, a pretty good destination in Haiti (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Port-au-Prince and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Port-au-Prince, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Haiti, here's everything to know about Port-au-Prince for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Port-au-Prince

Port-au-Prince is the capital city of Haiti, located on the western side of the island of Hispaniola. It is the largest city in the country and serves as the economic, political, and cultural center of Haiti. The official language spoken in Port-au-Prince is Haitian Creole and French. The city has a vibrant arts and music scene and is known for its colorful markets. However, it also faces many challenges such as poverty, political instability, and natural disasters. Despite this, Port-au-Prince remains a popular destination for travelers who want to experience Haiti's rich history and culture.

What to visit in Port-au-Prince

Sure, here are some tourist attractions in Port-au-Prince, along with some information about each of them: 1. National Museum of Haiti: This museum features a collection of Haitian art and artifacts, as well as exhibits related to the country's history, culture, and religion. It is located in downtown Port-au-Prince and is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 4pm.
2. Iron Market (Marché en Fer): This is a historic market in the heart of Port-au-Prince that sells a variety of goods, including handmade crafts, artwork, and local food. It is known for its ornate ironwork architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
3. Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien (MUPANAH): This museum showcases the history and heroes of Haiti, including important individuals who fought for independence from France. The exhibits include art, artifacts, and multimedia displays. It is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 9am to 4pm.
4. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l'Assomption: This Catholic cathedral is located in downtown Port-au-Prince and was originally built in the early 1900s. It is known for its beautiful architecture and stained-glass windows. Visitors can attend daily mass or take a guided tour.
5. Papillon Enterprise: This social enterprise is dedicated to empowering Haitian women through sustainable employment. Visitors can take a tour of the facility and learn about the process of creating beautiful handmade jewelry and accessories.
6. Bassin Bleu: This natural attraction features a series of cascading waterfalls and pools surrounded by lush vegetation. It is located about an hour outside of Port-au-Prince and is a popular spot for hiking, swimming, and picnicking.
7. Plage des Voleurs: This scenic beach is located on the southern coast of Haiti, about an hour and a half from Port-au-Prince. It features crystal-clear water, white sand, and a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy fresh seafood from nearby restaurants.
These are just a few of the many tourist attractions in Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Haiti, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Port-au-Prince.

When to go on holiday to Port-au-Prince

The best time to visit Port-au-Prince, Haiti is typically between December and April, during the dry season. The temperatures during this time are cooler and there is less humidity, making it more comfortable for exploring the city and its surroundings. However, keep in mind that this is also peak tourist season, so prices for flights and accommodation may be higher. The rainy season in Port-au-Prince typically runs from May through November, so if you don't mind some rain, you may be able to find some good deals during those months.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Port-au-Prince

To get to Port-au-Prince, there are various options available: 1. By Plane: Toussaint Louverture International Airport is the main airport in Port-au-Prince and is served by several international airlines such as American Airlines, Jetblue, Delta, and Air Canada.
2. By Bus: There are private bus companies that operate between other cities in Haiti and Port-au-Prince. The buses depart from the main bus terminals in each city.
3. By Car: You can drive to Port-au-Prince from other towns in Haiti if you have a rental car or your own car.
4. By Boat: There are ferries that connect Port-au-Prince with other Haitian towns such as Jacmel, Les Cayes, and Jeremie.
Before planning your trip, keep in mind that Haiti has observed unrest and political and economic instability in recent years. It is advisable to check for travel advisories and take safety precautions.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Port-au-Prince, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Port-au-Prince

Here are some typical foods of Port-au-Prince, Haiti with a short description for each of them: 1. Griot: It is a popular Haitian dish made with fried pork and served with plantains, rice, and beans.
2. Tassot: It is a dried and fried meat (typically beef or goat) that is seasoned with spices and served with pikliz (a spicy mixture of pickled vegetables).
3. Haitian Rice and Beans (Diri ak Pwa): It is a traditional dish made with rice, beans, and spices. It is often served with a variety of meats.
4. Epis: It is a blend of spices used in almost every Haitian dish. It typically includes garlic, onion, parsley, and other herbs and spices.
5. Accra: It is a popular snack in Haiti made with salt cod and flour batter.
6. Bouillon: It is a flavorful soup made with meat, vegetables, and spices. It is often served as a main course.
7. Banane Peze: It is a dish of flattened and fried plantains served as a snack or side dish.
8. Pikliz: It is a spicy mixture of pickled vegetables (typically cabbage, carrot, onion, and peppers) that is served as a condiment with meat or fish. 9. Diri Kole ak Pwa: It is a dish made with rice, peas, and coconut milk. It is often served with meat or seafood.
10. Kalalou: It is a hearty stew made with meat (usually goat or chicken) and okra. It is often served with rice.
You can find general info about typical foods in Haiti here.

Is Port-au-Prince an expensive destination for tourists?

Port-au-Prince is generally considered a more expensive destination for tourists compared to other Caribbean countries. However, it is still possible to find affordable options for accommodation, food, and activities if you plan ahead and budget carefully. In general, prices will vary depending on the level of luxury you're looking for and where you choose to stay and eat. Nonetheless, it is important to keep in mind that Haiti, including Port-au-Prince, is still recovering from natural disasters and political unrest, so local economies may be struggling and prices may differ depending on the season and local conditions.

Where to find accomodation in Port-au-Prince

The best areas to find accommodation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti are: 1. Pétion-Ville: This is a relatively affluent suburb of the city and is known for its upscale shopping and dining options. It's also a popular area for tourists to stay in due to its safety and proximity to important landmarks.
2. Delmas: This neighborhood is close to the airport and is a busy commercial and residential area. It has a good selection of budget hotels and guesthouses.
3. Tabarre: This is another popular area for visitors to stay as it has a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury. It's also close to the airport and has good transport links to other parts of the city.
4. Downtown Port-au-Prince: This area is the commercial center of the city and has a mix of hotels, guesthouses, and budget accommodation. It's a good option if you want to be close to the city's cultural attractions and markets. However, it may not be the safest area to stay in.
You can check hotel prices at Port-au-Prince here:
Booking.com

Is Port-au-Prince a safe destination for tourists?

Unfortunately, Port-au-Prince has a high crime rate, including incidents of robbery, assault, and kidnappings. It's not considered a safe place for tourists, and it's recommended to take extra safety precautions if you decide to visit. It's essential to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid traveling alone at night, and not carry valuable items or large amounts of money. It's also advisable to stay in well-secured accommodations, such as reputable hotels with security measures in place. It might be a good idea to seek local advice from trustworthy people or tour companies to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Haiti here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Port-au-Prince.

What type of travelers will enjoy Port-au-Prince the most?

Port-au-Prince, the capital city of Haiti, can cater to different types of travelers. Couples visiting Port-au-Prince may enjoy the city's historic architecture, including the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de L'Assomption and the Iron Market, as well as the scenic views from the Kenscoff mountains.
Young people may find fun in the nightlife scene in Port-au-Prince, with a great selection of bars and clubs featuring live Haitian music and dancing.
Families can enjoy the culture and history of Haiti in the museums and art galleries, as well as the beautiful beaches and nature sites in the surrounding areas.
Overall, Port-au-Prince is a destination that can cater to various interests and preferences. It is advisable to research and plan accordingly before travelling to Haiti to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

How to get around Port-au-Prince

In Port-au-Prince, you can move around by public transportation, private taxis, or rental cars. Public transportation includes buses, minivans, and moto-taxis (motorcycles). Private taxis are widely available, but it's recommended to use a registered taxi company or ask for recommendations from locals or your hotel. Rental cars are also an option, but they can be expensive, and roads in Haiti can be challenging to navigate, so it's recommended to hire a driver as well.

What to see around Port-au-Prince

Sure, here are some nice places to visit on a day trip from Port-au-Prince: 1. Jacmel - a lovely seaside town renowned for its colonial architecture and lively arts scene, located on the southern coast of Haiti 2. Bassin Bleu - a beautiful natural waterfall and pool located in the mountains near Jacmel, surrounded by lush vegetation 3. Furcy - a picturesque mountain village with stunning views, a botanical garden, and hiking trails, located about 2 hours from Port-au-Prince 4. Kenscoff - a charming mountain town with cooler temperatures and scenic vistas, known for its vegetable gardens and rural countryside 5. Montrouis - a seaside town about an hour and a half northwest of Port-au-Prince, popular for its beautiful white sand beaches and restaurants offering fresh fish and seafood. 6. Saut-d'Eau - a sacred waterfall site visited by Haitian pilgrims for its supposed healing powers, located about an hour and a half north of Port-au-Prince.
7. Papillon Enterprise - an organization that offers tours of its artisan facility in Port-au-Prince, where they produce handmade paper products and work with metal, leather, and bead crafts. Hope this helps you plan your trip!
For every travel information about Haiti you can click here.

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