Things To Do
in Haiti
Haiti is a mountainous Caribbean country occupying the western third of the island of Hispaniola, known for its vibrant Creole culture, rich history and dramatic colonial-era landmarks. The nation has a lively artistic scene—music, visual arts and colorful festivals are central to daily life—while traditional Vodou beliefs exist alongside Christianity. Natural attractions include rugged peaks, waterfalls, turquoise bays and offshore islands that reward explorers with hiking, snorkeling and photography opportunities.
Infrastructure can be uneven outside major towns, so travel benefits from planning, local guides and an open, respectful attitude toward local customs.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down in Port-au-Prince and breathe in the vibrant city energy as you head straight to a local café for freshly brewed Haitian coffee and banana bread. Wander through the colorful market stalls of Iron Market, engaging with artisans and sampling exotic fruits. Feel the pulse of daily life as vendors call out their wares and children weave through the crowds.
Visit the Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien to delve into Haiti’s revolutionary history and admire the sculptures honoring national heroes. Stop for a light lunch at a nearby créole eatery, savoring griot with pikliz and fried plantains. Continue on a guided street art tour, discovering political murals and pieces inspired by Vodou and folklore.
Dine at a waterfront restaurant overlooking the bay, indulging in fresh lobster and local vegetables. Enjoy a live kompa band performance at a nearby club, dancing with locals until the night grows late. Return to your hotel under a canopy of stars, reflecting on the city’s beating heart.
Depart early for northern Haiti and trek up the winding path to the Citadelle La Ferrière, the grand fortress perched atop a lush mountain. Pause at scenic overlooks to admire sweeping views of the Northern Plains and the turquoise sea. Savor packed croissants and mangoes as you rest on the fortress ramparts, imagining the heroic defenders of 1804.
Descend to the historic Sans-Souci Palace ruins for a guided tour of King Henri Christophe’s opulent residence. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the palace gardens, sampling local cheeses and fresh papaya. Learn about the island’s complex colonial history as you explore crumbling walls and hidden courtyards.
Return to Ramiers village for a home-cooked dinner of legim and rice with beans, prepared by a local family. Share stories over candlelight, accompanied by sounds of crickets and distant church bells. Drift to sleep in a rustic guesthouse lulled by mountain breezes.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-10 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-60 |
| 🚕Local taxi / motor-taxi short ride | $1-8 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $30-80 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5 L) | $0.75-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich, unique culture with vibrant music, art and festivals
- Historic sites like the Citadelle and colonial towns for photography
- Beautiful natural scenery—beaches, waterfalls and mountains
- Warm, hospitable people and strong culinary traditions
- Safety concerns in some areas; travel requires caution and planning
- Infrastructure and services can be limited outside major towns
- Unpredictable road conditions and occasional disruptions during hurricane season
- Limited availability of certain traveler amenities such as ATMs and international-standard hospitals outside big cities
- "Bonjou" - Good morning / Hello
- "Bonswa" - Good evening
- "Mèsi" - Thank you
- "Tanpri" - Please
- "Konbyen sa koute?" - How much does this cost?
- "Kote twalet la?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Mwen pa pale kreyòl byen" - I don't speak Creole well
Places to Visit in Haiti
Visit one of these nice places.
A dramatic mountaintop fortress near Cap-Haïtien with sweeping views of the northern plain and stunning sunrise/sunset photo opportunities.
18th-century palace ruins near the Citadelle—atmospheric architecture and historical detail ideal for evocative shots.
A series of brilliant turquoise pools and waterfalls set in lush canyon scenery—great for close-up water shots and portraits.
Colorful market scenes, crafts, textiles and portraits of vendors—vibrant street photography possibilities (ask permission before photographing people).
Photogenic pastel facades, ironwork balconies, artisan murals and seaside views—excellent for both urban and coastal compositions.
Sandy beaches and clear water around small islands for landscape and seascape photography.
Food in Haiti
Haiti Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy fried pork shoulder marinated and cooked until tender, often served with diri kole ak pwa (rice and beans) and pikliz; commonly found at local restaurants and street vendors.
Must-Try!
Rice and red beans cooked together with seasonings — a staple side dish served with many meals across Haiti.
A pumpkin-based soup traditionally eaten on Haitian Independence Day but available year-round in some places; rich and symbolic, often containing beef and vegetables.
Fried savory dough balls (similar to fritters) made from seasoned batter or grated vegetables, sold by street vendors as snacks.
Fresh conch prepared in a creole sauce or grilled on the coast—look for it in seaside restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic and bustling market ideal for street food, fresh produce, spices and crafts—try marinad, fresh fruit juices and local snacks while browsing stalls.
Small fish markets and beachside vendors offering grilled seafood, fried plantains and local beverages; excellent for fresh, simple meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet people when entering shops or starting conversations—handshakes and polite 'Bonjou' or 'Bonswa' (Creole/French) are customary.
Many Haitians practice Catholicism, Protestantism and Vodou; show respect for religious practices, avoid dismissive comments, and ask before photographing ceremonies.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas; a small tip is appreciated if you take a portrait.
Dress modestly in rural communities and when visiting religious sites; beachwear is fine on beaches but not appropriate for towns and markets.
Avoid sensitive political topics unless you know someone well; friendly small talk and interest in culture are usually welcomed.
Safety
Tipping in Haiti
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory—leave about 10% in restaurants if service charge isn't included; give small tips (a few gourdes or $1–$5) to guides, drivers and hotel staff as appropriate.
The Haitian gourde (HTG) is the official currency; US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Cash is king outside major hotels—ATMs and card acceptance are limited, so carry enough local cash and small bills for taxis and markets.
Major hotels and upscale restaurants may accept credit cards, but expect merchant fees and occasional limited acceptance. Use ATMs in larger cities and always notify your bank before travel.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Generally the most comfortable time to visit: sunny days, lower humidity and better road conditions for sightseeing. Peak tourist season means popular sites may be busier and prices slightly higher.
Expect higher humidity, frequent afternoon rains and the official hurricane season from June to November; check weather forecasts and travel advisories before and during travel.
Transitional months can offer fewer crowds and lower prices but variable weather—good windows for travel with some flexibility.
Haiti at Night
Hiking in Haiti
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hike (or guided drive + walk) up to the immense mountaintop fortress for panoramic views; terrain can be steep—best with a guide and water.
Haiti's highest peak near Kenscoff—challenging hikes through cloud forests and rural landscapes with rewarding vistas; local guides recommended.
Remote southwest park with biodiversity, endemic species and rugged trails—ideal for experienced hikers interested in nature and conservation.
Short hikes around cascades and pools near Jacmel—moderate trails with excellent swimming and photography spots.
A culturally significant hike to waterfalls used by pilgrims—combine natural scenery with insight into local religious practices (respect rituals and sites).
Airports
How to reach Haiti by plane.
Main international airport serving Port-au-Prince with connections to North America, the Caribbean and select international carriers; taxis and private transfers connect to downtown.
Serves northern Haiti and is the gateway to the Citadelle and Cap-Haïtien; smaller international and domestic flights operate here with ground transfers to local sites.
Small regional airport serving Jacmel and nearby coastal areas—useful for domestic connections and charter flights; ground transfers link to town and surrounding beaches.
Regional airport serving southern Haiti and access to Pic Macaya and nearby coastal communities; limited commercial service and mainly domestic flights or charters.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, descended primarily from West African ancestors; cultural life, language (Haitian Creole) and traditions are deeply rooted in African heritage.
Urban areas like Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien are more densely populated with diverse economic activity, while rural areas are agricultural with traditional lifestyles and stronger local customs.
A mix of Roman Catholic, Protestant and Vodou practitioners; religious festivals and practices play an important role in community life.
A large Haitian diaspora in North America and the Caribbean maintains strong cultural and economic ties through remittances and frequent travel.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide—played in communities of all sizes and widely followed during international competitions.
Popular, especially in urban areas and among youth; many communities have courts and local leagues.
Various combat and traditional games are practiced recreationally and in community centers.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are less common—rice and beans, plantain dishes, vegetable stews and salads are available in towns; ask about broths or sauces that may contain meat. Communicate dietary needs clearly (in French or Creole if possible) and look for markets and restaurants focused on fresh produce.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are limited outside major hotels and expatriate-oriented restaurants. Carry snacks, learn key phrases, and explain restrictions; packaged gluten-free products are not widely available.
To reduce risk of illness, favor cooked foods from clean vendors, drink bottled or treated water, avoid raw salads in informal settings, and make sure seafood is freshly prepared.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Haiti.