Port of Spain, Trinidad – Vibrant Caribbean Capital, Carnival Capital & Cultural Powerhouse

Discover Port of Spain's Wonders

Pulsating with an energy and cultural richness unmatched anywhere else in the Caribbean, Port of Spain is the vibrant and cosmopolitan capital of Trinidad and Tobago. Nestled between the Gulf of Paria and the verdant Northern Range mountains, this dynamic city is celebrated worldwide as the home of Trinidad Carnival — arguably the greatest street party on earth — drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year with its spectacular costumes, thunderous soca music, and irresistible revelry. Beyond Carnival, Port of Spain captivates with its elegant Queen's Park Savannah, the magnificent colonial grandeur of the Magnificent Seven mansions, a thriving culinary scene reflecting the island's extraordinary multicultural heritage, and a nightlife and arts scene that firmly establishes it as the cultural powerhouse of the entire Caribbean region.

Current Weather

80.37 °F - Clouds Min/Max: 79.09 °F / 80.37 °FFeels: 86.14 °F Humidity: 87%5 Day Forecast

Trips

Hotels

Activities

Transfers

Description

Located on the northwest coast of Trinidad Island, Port of Spain is the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago. This bustling metropolis is famous for its rich history and diverse cultural influences, not to mention its vibrant nightlife, colourful festivals, delicious cuisine and its golden sand beaches. Since Spain was one of the countries colonizing the islands, the city was originally named Puerto de los Españoles, which translates to Port of the Spaniards. Columbus stumbled upon Trinidad and Tobago on his third voyage in 1498. Back then, Trinidad was inhabited by the Arawak Indians, who were wiped out by early European settlers. The island was colonized by the Spanish in 1592 and continued under their rule until 1797, when it was captured by the British. Today, with a transient daily population of about 545,000, Port of Spain's culture is a blend of various cultural influences including Indian-South Asian, African, Indigenous, European, Chinese, North American, Latino, and Arab cultures. Unlike many other Caribbean islands, Port of Spain is not dependent on tourism. The city has a diversified industrial base that includes the production of various goods such as rum, beer, margarine and oils, cigarettes, plastics, and building materials. Port of Spain is an exciting destination that offers something for everyone. Its convenient location and beautiful natural surroundings make it a must-visit stop for any Caribbean cruise itinerary.

Useful information

Population:

545,000 (2023)

Currency:

Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD, referred to as "teetee") = 100 cents The US Dollar is accepted everywhere on the island.

Emergency Info:

Dial 911

Opening Hours:

Most businesses are open Mon–Thu 8am–4pm, Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 8am–1pm. On Sundays and major holidays, expect the city to be very quiet. Try and book a tour to make the most of your time.

Do & See

Blanchisseuse Bay

Blanchisseuse Bay is a secluded beach, ideal for adventurous travellers. This quiet beach with gentle waves perfect for swimming is over a kilometre long. It is surrounded by coconut trees that provide shade and the chance to taste freshly cut coconuts. Blanchisseuse Bay is further from the most popular beaches on the island, and it is difficult to access. If you are looking for a quiet, peaceful beach, the hike to get there is definitely worthwhile.

Central Bank Money Museum

The Central Bank Money Museum is a newly refurbished museum closely located to the cruise port. The museum has a strong focus on the history of currency offering a range of interactive exhibits, including a replica gold bar, an infrared reader to verify banknotes, and a display featuring birds that appear on Trinidad and Tobago's currency. If you are travelling with children, there is a simulated supermarket where kids can engage in fun activities to understand food prices and how the food economy works. The museum is an air-conditioned indoor space that provides a break from the heat of downtown Port of Spain.

Emperor Valley Zoo

The Emperor Valley Zoo is the only zoo in Trinidad and Tobago and one of the main attractions in Port of Spain. Up to this day, it is the only zoo in the Caribbean to house lions, giraffes, a giant otter and a 12-foot crocodile. Visitors can also find a variety of other wild animals, including monkeys, snakes, fish, birds, llamas, flamingos, warthogs, and white Bengal tigers. The zoo is located near the Botanic Gardens. It provides a relaxing environment with its lush vegetation. It is a popular attraction for cruise passengers travelling with their families.

Fort George

Built on the hills north of St James in 1804, Fort George served as a defensive measure against the Napoleonic fleet. Nowadays, this historical landmark provides a panoramic view of Port of Spain and the Gulf of Paria. It takes about an hour and half to reach the top on foot. This effort, however, is worthwhile as you will be rewarded with the gorgeous view of the city. Visitors can also see the original cannons, dungeons, and artefacts from the era while touring the well-preserved structure of Fort George.

Las Cuevas Beach

Compared to Maracas Beach, Las Cuevas is a less popular beach with smaller crowds, which makes it ideal for beachgoers looking for a more peaceful environment. You can visit both Marcaras and Las Cuevas on the same day, as it is only a 15-minute drive from one another. If you are planning to spend the day at Las Cuevas, bare in mind that there are no food stands on the beach. You can either buy food or snacks before heading there or you can pick it up from the establishments on Maracas beach on the way. Apart from that, the beach offers chairs and umbrellas for rent, bathroom facilities, and lifeguards. If you get there by car, there is parking available, but spots are limited, so it is recommended to get there early.

Maracas Beach

Located 16 kilometres (10 miles) away from Port of Spain, Maracas Bay is Trinidad's most famous beach given its two kilometres of white sands, swaying palm trees, and turquoise waters. It is one of the busiest beaches, particularly at weekends, where locals and visitors flock to swim, surf, and indulge in the island's street food. The waves here can reach an average height of about a meter (3 feet), which makes it perfect for surfing. Last but not least, if you plan to visit Maracas Beach, make sure you try the most popular food here; Shark and Bake, a local dish prepared using fried flatbread, shark meat and additional ingredients.

Maracas Waterfall

Maracas Waterfall is the tallest waterfall on the island of Trinidad. This breathtaking natural beauty is easily accessible via Waterfall Road in Maracas Valley in St Joseph. If you get there by car, you can drive to the end of the road and park by the Naranjo Intake Station, then begin your walk from there. The walk to the waterfall should take no more than 25 minutes, but you might want to take the walk slowly and fully appreciate the beautiful scenery. The trail to the waterfall is well-maintained and open for hikers. The trail as a whole is truly stunning, and if you are fortunate enough during your visit, you can come across blue emperor butterflies. The best time to visit is during the rainy season, that is when the waterfall is at its best cascading off the top.

Queen’s Park Savannah

Queen’s Park Savannah, also known as "The World’s Largest Roundabout", is a public park in downtown Port of Spain. The park is located across the street from the Magnificent Seven, which are large mansions built during the colonial period. The busiest time at the park is usually in the early evening, when the intense heat has diminished. Locals gather at the park to play cricket or football. If you walk around the perimeter of the park, you will find local vendors selling coconut water, however, if you want to try some of the street foods and drink, there is an open air night market in the car park of Queen’s Park Savannah.

Restaurants & Cafés

Adam's Bagels

Adam's Bagels is a bakery and a restaurant located in the neighbourhood of Maraval, Port of Spain. Their menu includes baked goods and Lebanese/Trini snacks from the takeaway counter and breakfast options such as pancakes and omelettes. They also offer a selection of salads, burgers, wraps, and a soup of the day. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also part of the menu. Whether you want to grab a coffee and a pastry or sit down and dine in, Adam's Bagels is a place worth checking out.

Dopson's Roti Shop

Dopson's Roti Shop is a small, modest establishment, which is a popular choice among locals. They claim to serve the best Trini Roti, Trinidad's most popular food, in Port of Spain. You can choose from a variety of fresh, succulent fillings, including the popular the curried duck. Vegetarian options and traditional breakfasts are also available. You can do takeaway or place your order in advance if time could be an issue.

Mother Nature Vegetarian Fruit, Salad & Juice Bar

Mother Nature is an establishment in downtown Port of Spain that offers a menu full of healthy options. From dairy-free desserts and healthy meals to a wide selection of freshly pressed natural juices, customers can grab a bite here and also create their own juice with the assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables available.

Nichossa Restaurant

Located in San Fernando, Trinidad, Nichossa Restaurant is a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or simply a quick bite. The menu has excellent choices such as the steak omelette, the Pink Salmon Provençal and different kinds of pastries, if you just want something to go with your coffee. If you're looking for an establishment with quality food, friendly staff and free WiFi, Nichossa Restaurant is a good option on Trinidad island.

Shopping

Bikini Cabana

Bikini Cabana is a boutique specialized in fashionable swimwear such as bikinis and one-piece swimsuits from various parts of the world. It is conveniently located close to the cruise terminal for those who need to buy a new swimsuit on the way to the beach. Apart from selling swimwear items, customers can also find accessories such as sunglasses, hats, and beach bags. The boutique is geared towards women, however, they also offer swimwear and beach items for men.

Khemlani's Souvenir Shop

Located in the centre of downtown Port of Spain, Khemlani's Souvenir is easily accessible for tourists visiting coming from the docked cruise ships and those vacationing on the mainland. This gift shop offers a wide range of items like corkscrews, refrigerator magnets and, pens and other typical souvenirs. The shop also has a variety of postcards, paintings, posters and home decor pieces showcasing the beauty of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Falls at Westmall

The Falls at Westmall is located on the northwest coast of Trinidad. It is a modern, air-conditioned shopping centre that has a decent variety of shops, including some well-known international brands. The shopping centre also has all the essential amenities such as wifi, an ATM machine, toilets, an indoor or outdoor dining area, a pharmacy, and a small grocery store. If you get there by car, there is a spacious car park as well. The Falls at Westmall is a good option to do your shopping or simply use their WifI connection while you escape the scorching heat of Trinidad.

Tunapuna Market

Tunapuna market is a bustling market that is popular for its fresh fruit and vegetables, however, it also has other goods such as, clothing, shoes, and accessories. The market is a vibrant place and a unique Caribbean experience, as there are usually local musicians playing music to entertain you while you shop. The weekends tend to be the busiest, hence, if you want to avoid crowds, it is best to visit the market during the week. As in most crowded places in Port of Spain, it is recommended to watch your belongings at all times. Also, consider taking public transport, as parking might be a challenge.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

The months of January to March are often considered the best time to visit Trinidad and Tobago. The weather is drier and cooler during this period, but it is also the busiest, particularly during Carnival. The heat starts to increase in May, and the rainy season tends to start in June. Although this is not the recommended time to visit Port of Spain, it is the best time of the year to find lower rates and less tourists. Very rarely do Trinidad and Tobago get hit by hurricanes, as the country is not on the hurricane belt.

Electricity

The power plug sockets in Trinidad and Tobago are of type A and B, also standard in the USA. The standard voltage is 115 V and the frequency is 60 Hz.

Internet

Trinidad and Tobago ranked 44th in the world for fixed broadband speeds. The median download speed is 31.20 Mbps, whereas the upload speed is 10.47 Mbps.

Pharmacy

There are many drugstores in Port of Spain. The Avenue Pharmacy and Quik Pharm are the closest to the cruise port terminal.

Piarco International Airport (POS)

Piarco International Airport is one of the two international airports in Trinidad and Tobago, and it is regarded as one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean. It is located around 30 kilometres to the east of Port of Spain, in the suburban town of Piarco. The airport is the operational base for the country's national airline, Caribbean Airlines. Travellers can fly directly to destinations in the United States, Canada, Central America, South America and Europe. It is also serves as the primary connection point for many passengers travelling from Guyana.

Public Transport

Public buses serve Trinidad's major cities. In Port of Spain, they follow set routes, and there is not such thing as a fixed timetable. Bus tickets in Trinidad range between $2 and $12, depending on the distance.

Taxi

Day or night, taxis are easy to find on most of the main roads in Port of Spain. All taxis on the island can be identified by their license plates, which begin with the letter H. Taxis in Trinidad and Tobago are not metered, so it is recommendable to agree on a price before the ride. There are several companies to hire private taxis for longer trips. If you take a hotel taxi, keep in mind that they lean more towards the expensive end. Taxi fares from the airport are set.

Telephone

Country code: +1 868

Let’s plan your next vacation

Let us take care of all the details to create the perfect trip for you. With our expertise and personalized service, we will ensure that every moment of your trip is special and unforgettable. Get ready to embark on a dream adventure!

Your Trip Plan is Empty