Capital city of Trinidad and Tobago, known for its lively Carnival, Queen's Park Savannah, and National Museum. Vibrant streets filled with music and Caribbean flavors.
Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, buzzes with Caribbean energy. You can dance in the streets during the pre-Lenten Carnival, admire the Magnificent Seven mansions around Queen's Park Savannah, or spot exotic plants in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Savor local street food like doubles and roti, then join the locals for a lime (hangout) along the Western Main Highway in St. James.
Exploring Port of Spain's Center
Walk through Port of Spain's city center to see 19th-century colonial buildings alongside glass-and-steel skyscrapers. Shop on Frederick Street and Charlotte Street, where you'll find department stores next to street vendors selling fresh mangoes, calypso CDs, and handmade crafts. In the evening, head to Independence Square (also known as Brian Lara Promenade) to lime with locals and visitors alike.
Queen's Park Savannah: The City's Central Park
Queen's Park Savannah spans 260 acres in central Port of Spain. Jog or walk along its 3.5 km perimeter, especially popular at sunset. Look out for the President's House and the Magnificent Seven - a group of early 20th-century mansions showcasing styles from German Renaissance to Indian Empire.
Experience Trinidad's Carnival
Join one of the world's largest Carnival celebrations before Lent in Port of Spain. Watch colorful parades, listen to calypso music competitions, and dance at street parties. Book your accommodation months in advance - hotels fill up quickly and often double their rates during this period.
Taste the Flavors of Trinidad
Try Trinidad's multicultural cuisine. Bite into a roti, flatbread filled with curried chicken or chickpeas. Grab doubles from a street vendor - two pieces of fried bread with spicy chickpea curry. For seafood lovers, try bake and shark - fried shark in fluffy bread. Quench your thirst with sorrel, a tart drink made from hibiscus flowers, or mauby, a bitter-sweet beverage brewed from tree bark.
Nightlife in St. James
After dark, head to the Western Main Highway in St. James. This long stretch of bars and eateries comes alive at night. Drink local beers like Carib and Stag, or sip rum-based cocktails. When hunger strikes, grab late-night roti or doubles from the many food stalls in the area.
Getting Around Port of Spain
Ride in "maxi-taxis" - shared minibuses that follow set routes - to get around Port of Spain cheaply. They only accept cash in Trinidad and Tobago dollars. For longer trips, you might prefer to rent a car or use a taxi service. Expect heavy traffic during morning and evening rush hours.
Safety Tips for Visitors
Take basic precautions when exploring Port of Spain. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated areas. Keep your valuables out of sight and stay aware of your surroundings. Remember to apply sunblock frequently, even in the early morning or late afternoon - Trinidad sits close to the equator and the sun is strong year-round.
Port of Spain's Historical Context
Port of Spain became Trinidad's capital in 1757. The city grew from an Amerindian fishing village into a Spanish colonial town in the late 18th century. After a major fire in 1808, residents rebuilt much of the city. Today, you can see this colonial influence in buildings like the Red House (Parliament) and the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
