Things To Do
in Cabaret
Cabaret is a coastal town just west of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, perched along the Gulf of Gonâve with a working fishing harbor as its lifeblood. The town bursts with color, markets, and a welcoming community that reflects everyday Haitian life. Roads can be rough and facilities basic, but the hospitality, ocean views, and fresh seafood offer a sincere and approachable glimpse of coastal Haiti.
Visitors often use Cabaret as a base to explore nearby beaches and the surrounding coastline while soaking in local rhythms and flavor.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at the airport and feel the warm Haitian breeze as you board your private transfer to Cabaret. Admire the lush hillsides as you wind along the coastline roads. Arrive at your seaside lodging where the scent of saltwater and tropical flowers greets you.
Head to the powdery sands of a secluded beach where turquoise waves lap gently at your feet. Sample fresh coconut water from a street vendor under a palm tree canopy. Spend the afternoon strolling along the shore searching for colorful seashells and hidden tide pools.
Return to a local paladar for a dinner of grilled red snapper seasoned with Scotch bonnet and fresh lime. Savor every bite as live kompa rhythms fill the air around lantern-lit tables. Cap the night with a moonlit walk on the sand, listening to the soothing crash of waves.
Set off at dawn for the hidden waterfalls of Riviere Froide, led by a local guide who knows every secret path. The trail winds through emerald rainforest alive with bird calls and shimmering spider webs. Slip across smooth stones as mist from cascading waters cools the air around you.
Cool off beneath the largest cascade, letting the spray rejuvenate sun-kissed skin as you float in the natural pool. Pack a picnic of pikliz-spiced rice, plantains, and local mangoes to enjoy on mossy boulders. Share laughter with new friends as the valley echoes with your delight.
Return to Cabaret for a wood-fired feast at a family-run eatery, sampling goat stew simmered in thyme and cloves. Chat with your hosts over handmade rum cocktails lit by flickering oil lamps. Drift to sleep dreaming of tomorrow’s adventures, serenaded by tree frogs and crickets.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
| 🚎Local transit (one ride) | $0.25-0.75 |
| 🏨One night in budget hotel | $20-40 |
| 🧭Small souvenir item | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming communities and authentic coastal Haitian culture
- Affordable access to seafood and simple, hearty Haitian dishes
- Infrastructure can be basic and roads may be rough
- Limited upscale amenities and occasional safety considerations outside the main centers
- "Bonjou" - Hello / Good morning
- "Bonswa" - Good evening
- "Tanpri" - Please
- "Mèsi" - Thank you
- "Kijan ou rele? Mwen rele..." - What is your name? My name is...
- "Kote wifi la? / E ki kote...?" - Where is the wifi? / And where is...?
- "Ki jan pou m ale la?" - How do I get to there?
Places to Visit in Cabaret
Visit one of these nice places.
Early light over fishing boats and the calm Gulf of Gonâve creates soft, cinematic scenes along the waterfront.
Winding roads lined with pastel houses offer vibrant color palettes and daily life photos.
Bustling market scenes with vendors, produce, and candid interactions—great for documentary-style shots.
Textures of nets, crates, and the working harbor provide authentic coastal-industrial imagery.
Golden hour over the Gulf with silhouettes of palm fronds and distant boats.
Food in Cabaret
Cabaret Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rice with beans, a comforting staple served at home and in local eateries.
Must-Try!
Crispy fried pork, commonly enjoyed with rice, beans, or fried plantains.
Salt-cured or lightly spiced fish, often paired with rice and vegetables.
Chicken in a savory onion-tomato sauce over rice.
Flattened fried plantains, a classic accompaniment to many dishes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Main local market with fresh produce, seafood, spices, and ready-to-eat snacks.
Fried dough, fried plantains, local juices, and grilled fish sold by vendors along the streets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin with a warm 'Bonjou' (good morning) or 'Bonswa' (good evening). Handshakes are common; save strong gestures for closer acquaintances.
Address elders with courtesy titles; be patient in conversations, and avoid raising your voice in public spaces.
Dress modestly, especially in more traditional areas; modest attire is appreciated in markets and religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in Cabaret
Ensure a smooth experience
If service is not included, a 10–15% tip at restaurants is appreciated. Small tips to taxi drivers, porters, and hotel staff are customary but discretionary based on service.
Cash (Haitian gourde or USD) is widely used; credit cards are not always accepted outside larger establishments. Carry small bills for tips and minor purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
November through April brings cooler evenings and less rain, making outdoor activities comfortable and skies clearer for photography.
May through October brings heat and humidity with frequent tropical showers; carry a lightweight poncho and plan flexible outdoor time around showers.
June through November sees a higher chance of tropical storms; monitor weather updates and seek shelter in protected areas during storms.
Cabaret at Night
Hiking in Cabaret
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle coastal hikes that offer sea views and opportunities to photograph the coastline.
Short climbs with panoramic vistas of the Gulf and town below.
Airports
How to reach Cabaret by plane.
Primary international airport serving Port-au-Prince; taxis and shuttles connect to Cabaret by road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of fishermen, market workers, families, and communities connected by coastal trade.
Haitians who maintain ties with the country and frequently visit or send remittances; influences local culture and economy.
Young people shaping everyday culture, music, and small businesses across Cabaret.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Haiti, widely watched and played at all levels.
A common sport among communities and youth; informal games are frequently observed.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cabaret.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist in many homes and eateries—focus on plantains, legumes, vegetables, rice, and tubers; communicate clearly about cooking stock and meat-free preparations.