Port of Spain
Save35 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓Show on the map
Tips
10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Huge public park at the city's heart
- Tip: Late afternoon
2 tips
- Try coconut water from vendors
- Avoid after dark
📷 Photos
- 2
Scottish-style castle among the Magnificent Seven
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- View from outside
- Walk the other mansions nearby
📷 Photos
- 3
Historic gardens with mature tropical trees
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Free to enter
- Next to the zoo
📷 Photos
- 4
Compact zoo featuring local wildlife
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Combine with the botanic gardens
- Bring water
📷 Photos
- 5
Hilltop fort with panoramic views of the city
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Go before sunset
- Take a taxi
- Bring a camera
📷 Photos
- 6
Main downtown boulevard and shopping hub
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Busy by day
- Be careful at night
- Try street food nearby
📷 Photos
- 7
Neo-Gothic Catholic cathedral
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Check Mass times
- Photograph the spires
📷 Photos
- 8
Museum of national history and art
- Must know: Closed Mondays
- Tip: Allow a few hours
1 tip
- Free entry
📷 Photos
- 9
Famous north coast beach known for bake and shark
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Weekdays
2 tips
- Try bake and shark
- Be careful with currents
📷 Photos
- 10
Mangrove sanctuary where scarlet ibis roost
- Tip: Late afternoon
- Tip: Book ahead
1 tip
- Bring repellent
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Port of Spain tips
Transportation
- Learn the maxi taxi colours: these shared minibuses are colour-coded by route region, so ask locals which band goes your way.
- Try the water taxi: the ferry between Port of Spain and San Fernando avoids highway traffic and is a relaxing trip.
- Avoid unmarked PH taxis: private cars working as taxis are common but unregulated, so use registered taxis or rideshare apps instead.
Security
- Avoid certain areas at night: parts of east Port of Spain, including Laventille, have high crime, so ask locals before exploring.
- Keep valuables hidden: do not flash phones, jewellery or cash, especially downtown and at crowded events.
- Use taxis after dark: walking alone at night is not advisable, so arrange a trusted ride even for short trips.
Saving
- Eat doubles for breakfast: these curried chickpea flatbreads from street vendors are cheap, filling and a local favourite.
- Shop at local markets: buy fresh fruit and snacks at markets rather than in supermarkets or hotels.
- Enjoy the Savannah: Queen's Park Savannah is free to stroll, with coconut water and snack vendors around its edge.
Weather/Clothing
- Plan for the seasons: the dry season runs roughly January to May, while June to December brings heavy downpours.
- Dress light and cool: it is hot and humid all year, so bring breathable clothes, sunscreen and a hat.
- Pack a light rain jacket: sudden showers are common, especially in the wet season, so keep one handy.
Cultural
- Greet before you ask: start any conversation with good morning or good afternoon; skipping the greeting is seen as rude.
- Experience Carnival: the main celebrations are on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, with fetes and steelpan events in the weeks before.
- Go liming: hanging out with friends, food and music is a key part of local life, especially along Ariapita Avenue.
Local Hacks
- Eat bake and shark at Maracas Bay: the drive over the Northern Range to this beach is scenic, and the fried shark sandwich is iconic.
- Beat traffic: rush hour into and out of the city is heavy, so travel early or late.
- Visit a panyard: in the run-up to Carnival, steelpan bands practise in their yards and visitors can often listen.
1-day itineraries in Port of Spain
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
Royal Botanic Gardens and around
🕘 9:30–17:00📍 6 stops
- 1Royal Botanic Gardens
- 2Emperor Valley Zoo
- 3Queen's Park Savannah
- 4Queen's Royal College
- 5Stollmeyer's Castle
- and 1 more
Day 2 of 2
National Museum and Art Gallery and around
🕘 9:30–16:00📍 6 stops
- 1National Museum and Art Gallery
- 2Red House
- 3Holy Trinity Cathedral
- 4Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
- 5Brian Lara Promenade
- and 1 more