This historic port city was Haiti's colonial capital, with French colonial buildings and the nearby Citadelle Laferrière fortress from 1820, a UNESCO site.
Cap-Haïtien stretches along Haiti's northern coast, where 18th-century French colonial buildings line streets laid out in a precise grid pattern. You can climb to the Citadelle Laferrière, a massive mountaintop fortress with 365 cannons, swim at white-sand Labadie beach, or browse the street markets for fresh mangoes and local crafts. In the port area, cruise ships dock at the private resort while local fishermen sell their catch directly from wooden boats.
Getting to Cap-Haïtien
You can fly to Hugo Chavez International Airport (CAP) from Miami and Fort Lauderdale through American Airlines and IBC Air. From Port-au-Prince, local flights take 30-45 minutes. The airport has one terminal with a check-in counter and immigration desk, but no ATM. Construction work continues to expand the facilities.
Walking the Historic Streets
The city center uses a grid system with north-south streets marked by letters and east-west streets by numbers. Look up to see wrought-iron balconies and gingerbread trim on the French colonial buildings. Walk along Boulevard du Carenage by the bay to watch fishing boats unload their catch and cargo ships dock at the port.
Exploring the Citadelle
The Citadelle Laferrière stands 27 kilometers south of the city. In 1804, 200,000 workers began building this stone fortress, completing it 13 years later. Take a taxi to Milot, then choose between riding a mule or hiking two hours to reach the top. Inside the fortress walls, you'll find hundreds of cannons and stacks of cannonballs.
Beaches and Water Activities
At Labadie beach, Royal Caribbean operates water sports equipment rentals and a zip-line. Take a water taxi to Paradise Bay if you want to avoid the cruise ship crowds. Local fishermen often set up small grills on the beach to cook their morning catch.
Markets and Food
Street vendors set up throughout the city, selling tropical fruits, vegetables, and handmade items. Try local specialties like conch in spicy sauce, joumou (pumpkin soup), or grilled fish. Many small restaurants along Boulevard du Carenage cook traditional Creole dishes.
Getting Around
You can walk to most places in the compact city center. For longer distances, wave down a taxi or motor-taxi. Tap-taps (shared taxis) follow set routes and cost about 15 HTG ($.45) per ride. The road to Milot has good pavement quality.
Safety and Practical Tips
While street crime exists in Cap-Haïtien, it occurs less frequently than in larger cities. Drink bottled water, carry hand sanitizer, and stay in groups after dark. Plan your visit between November and March when temperatures average 25°C (77°F) and rain falls less frequently.
