Things To Do
in Haiti
Haiti is a Caribbean country that shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic to its east. Known for its rich history, it was the first post-colonial independent black-led nation in the world, achieving independence from France in 1804 following a successful slave rebellion.
However, Haiti faces significant challenges in modern times, including political instability, environmental degradation, and economic hardship, making it the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
- "Mwen renmen ou" - I love you
- "Kijan ou ye?" - How are you?
- "Mwen bezwen sa" - I need this
- "Tanpri, ede mwen" - Please help me
- "M ap vini" - I am coming
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the iron market in Port-au-Prince. Enjoy the local hustle and bustle while sampling street food.
Head to the National Palace to learn about Haiti's history and culture. Take a stroll through the surrounding gardens for a quick respite.
Dine at a local restaurant to savor traditional Haitian dishes. Enjoy live music to end your day on a vibrant note.
Travel to Jacmel and spend your morning lounging on the beautiful beach. Enjoy the sun and take a swim in the clear waters.
Explore the colorful art scene of Jacmel, visiting local galleries and shops. Don't forget to try some fresh seafood for lunch.
Watch the sunset from the beach for a breathtaking view. Wind down at a beachside bar with a refreshing drink.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage, including art, music, and cuisine.
- Beautiful natural landscapes, including beaches and mountains.
- Resilience of the Haitian people and strong community bonds.
- Potential for tourism development and investment opportunities.
- Unique history, including being the first country to gain independence from slavery.
- Political instability and governance issues.
- Widespread poverty and economic challenges.
- Frequent natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes.
- Limited access to healthcare and education.
- Infrastructure deficiencies, including poor roads and utilities.
Best Activities in Haiti
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful Haitian landscapes and mountains through various hiking trails.
Enjoy the pristine beaches of Haiti with activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and beach volleyball.
Visit the stunning waterfalls in Haiti for a refreshing and adventurous experience.
Explore the intriguing caves and caverns that Haiti has to offer for a unique outdoor adventure.
Tours
Uncover the best of Haiti with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Haiti
Visit one of these nice places.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest fortress in the Americas, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
A beautiful private resort area with pristine beaches and picturesque landscapes, perfect for photography and relaxation.
A series of stunning natural waterfalls and pools surrounded by lush vegetation, providing amazing photo opportunities.
Food in Haiti
Haiti Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular dish of succulent fried pork that is marinated with citrus and Scotch bonnet peppers, served with pikliz (spicy slaw). Best enjoyed at local street food vendors in Port-au-Prince.
Must-Try!
A flavorful dish of goat meat seasoned with herbs and spices, then stewed to tender perfection. It can be found at traditional Creole restaurants across Haiti, such as Lakay in Cap-Haïtien.
A spicy, pickled slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and Scotch bonnet peppers. Often served as a condiment alongside many Haitian dishes at local eateries and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in Port-au-Prince, it is a vibrant market where visitors can find fresh produce, spices, and an array of street food stalls offering local delicacies like akra (malanga fritters) and diri ak djon djon (rice with black mushrooms).
The streets of Cap-Haïtien come alive with an assortment of street food vendors offering griyo, accra (fish fritters), and refreshing drinks like dous kokoye (coconut milkshake).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Haiti, it is important to greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. It is also respectful to use titles such as 'Monsieur' or 'Madame' when addressing someone.
Haitian culture places a strong emphasis on respect for elders. It is important to show deference and greet older individuals first when entering a room.
Respecting Haitian customs and traditions is crucial. This includes participating in rituals and ceremonies with an open mind and showing genuine interest in the local culture.
Safety
Tipping in Haiti
Ensure a smooth experience
In Haiti, tipping is not always expected, but it is appreciated, especially in restaurants, hotels, and for other services. A customary tip is around 10% of the total bill.
Cash is the primary form of payment in Haiti, although some larger businesses may accept credit cards. It's essential to have local currency on hand, as ATMs may not be widely available, and credit card acceptance can be limited.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Haiti, with pleasant weather and ideal for outdoor activities. Expect clear skies, gentle sea breezes, and vibrant cultural events.
Expect higher humidity, occasional rainfall, and lush, green landscapes. While outdoor activities can be challenging, this season offers unique opportunities to witness Haiti's natural beauty and enjoy quieter travel experiences.
Haiti at Night
Hiking in Haiti
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A historic fortress located in northern Haiti, providing hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
The highest mountain in Haiti, offering a challenging hike with breathtaking views of the landscape and a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
A series of beautiful waterfalls and natural pools near Jacmel, featuring hiking paths that lead through lush tropical terrain.
A protected area with various hiking trails that showcase biodiversity and stunning scenery, including higher elevation hikes with panoramic views.
An area known for its less-traveled trails, ideal for hiking enthusiasts looking to explore the countryside and experience local culture.
Airports
How to reach Haiti by plane.
Haiti's primary international airport located in Port-au-Prince.
Located in the Dominican Republic, approximately 150 km from Port-au-Prince.
Situated near Santiago in the Dominican Republic, approximately 250 km from Port-au-Prince.
Located in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, about 300 km from Port-au-Prince.
Located in La Romana, Dominican Republic, approximately 260 km from Port-au-Prince.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population speaks Haitian Creole (Kreyòl), which is the most widely spoken language.
A significant portion of the population is fluent in French, as it is one of the official languages and widely used in government and education.
The majority of the population is of African descent, primarily descendants of slaves brought to the island during the colonial period.
There are smaller groups of people of mixed ethnicity, including individuals with European or Middle Eastern ancestry.
Historically, the indigenous Taíno population was present, but due to colonization and disease, their numbers dwindled significantly.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Haiti, with a passionate following and a vibrant local league. The national team, known as 'Les Grenadiers,' has represented Haiti in various international competitions.
Basketball enjoys significant popularity in Haiti, particularly among the youth. The sport has seen a rise in local leagues and tournaments, and some Haitian players have made it to professional leagues in the United States.
Volleyball is widely played in schools and local communities, especially on the beach. It is a popular recreational sport that brings people together.
Haitian athletes participate in track and field events at both national and international levels, and the sport is a part of school athletic programs.
Baseball has a growing following in Haiti, influenced by its popularity in the Dominican Republic. Youth leagues are emerging, and many young players dream of playing professionally.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat features prominently in Haitian cuisine, many restaurants and resorts offer vegetarian and vegan adaptations of local dishes like legim, where meat is substituted with hearty vegetables, and fried plantains are served as a tasty alternative.
Haitian cuisine heavily relies on rice, beans, and fresh vegetables, making it relatively easy to find gluten-free options. Dishes like diri ak pwa (rice and beans) and fresh seafood with plantains are naturally gluten-free and widely available.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Haiti.