Things To Do
in Carrefour

Carrefour is a densely populated suburb and commune just southwest of Port-au-Prince on the Tiburon Peninsula, characterized by busy markets, coastal communities, and strong neighborhood ties. It is primarily an urban, working-class area where daily life centers on commerce, street vendors, local churches, and informal transport like tap-taps and moto-taxis. The coastline and nearby hills offer glimpses of Haiti’s natural scenery, while day trips to Port-au-Prince, Île de la Gonâve, or Pic la Selle are straightforward from Carrefour.

Visitors should come prepared for an authentic, grassroots Haitian experience and exercise typical urban safety and logistical precautions, as services and infrastructure are limited compared with tourist centers.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Local Market Discovery and Haitian Cuisine
morning
:

Start your day by visiting the bustling Carrefour Market, where vibrant stalls brim with fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts. Engage with friendly vendors and learn about traditional Haitian ingredients and cooking methods. Capture the lively atmosphere filled with colorful textiles and the sounds of local music.

afternoon
:

Attend a cooking workshop in a nearby community kitchen where you can learn to prepare classic Haitian dishes like griot and pikliz. Savor the flavors of your homemade meal while chatting with local cooks about cultural food traditions. Afterwards, stroll through nearby neighborhoods to admire street art reflecting Haiti’s rich history and resilience.

evening
:

Relax at a local eatery serving authentic Haitian seafood while enjoying live Kompa music performed by local bands. Watch the sun set over the nearby hills as the town’s energy shifts into a warm, communal vibe. End the evening by joining a casual dance gathering where locals welcome visitors to experience Haitian rhythms first-hand.

day 2
Coastal Exploration and Beach Relaxation
morning
:

Begin your day with a short drive to the nearby coastal area where you can walk along pristine, sandy beaches lined with swaying palm trees. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and watch local fishermen casting their nets in the early light. Capture photos of colorful fishing boats and the tranquil blue waters stretching to the horizon.

afternoon
:

Participate in a guided snorkeling excursion to explore the vibrant underwater world just off the coast. Discover coral reefs teeming with tropical fish and perhaps spot sea turtles gliding gracefully beneath the surface. Afterward, relax on the beach with a refreshing coconut drink from a beachside vendor.

evening
:

Dine at a seaside restaurant where freshly caught fish is grilled to perfection, paired with traditional Haitian side dishes. Take a moonlit walk along the shore, listening to the gentle waves and the distant sounds of local storytelling. Consider joining a small bonfire gathering where locals share folklore and songs under the starry sky.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Street-food meal$2-6
🍜Casual restaurant meal$6-15
🚕Short taxi or tap-tap ride$0.25-3
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$30-80
💧Bottled water (1.5L)$0.50-1.50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic, everyday Haitian urban life and culture close to Port-au-Prince.
  • Affordable food and markets with vibrant street-level experiences.
  • Proximity to the coast and options for day trips to nearby islands and hills.
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and services compared with established destinations.
  • Elevated security concerns and need for vigilance about personal safety.
  • Unreliable public utilities and occasional disruptions to transport and communications.
  • "Bonjou" - Good morning / Hello
  • "Bonswa" - Good evening
  • "Mesi" - Thank you
  • "Tanpri" - Please
  • "Ki kote mache a ye?" - Where is the market?
  • "Konbyen sa koute?" - How much does this cost?

Places to Visit in Carrefour

Visit one of these nice places.

Carrefour Market Streets

Vibrant street scenes full of color, produce stalls, and daily commerce—excellent for candid portraits and market-detail shots (ask permission before close-up portraits).

Coastal Views over Port-au-Prince Bay

Sunrise or late-afternoon light over the bay offers dramatic water and city vistas—good for wide landscapes and fishing-boat silhouettes.

Local Artisans and Workshops

Capture craft processes like metalwork, painting, and flag-making in nearby artisan communities—ask artisans first and consider buying as thanks.

Neighborhood Churches and Community Gatherings

Architectural and cultural focal points where festivals, music, and daily rituals provide evocative photo opportunities—respect services and customs.

Culinary Guide

Food in Carrefour

Haitian cuisine blends African, French, and indigenous Taíno influences: expect bold flavors from garlic, scotch bonnet peppers, epis (seasoning base), citrus, and slow-cooked meats served alongside rice, beans, plantains, and root vegetables. Street food is affordable and central to daily life; seafood is plentiful near the coast. Drinking water quality can be inconsistent, so bottled or treated water is recommended.

Carrefour Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Griot

Crisply fried marinated pork, often served with pikliz (spicy pickled vegetables) and bannann peze (fried plantain); widely available at roadside stalls and local restaurants.

Must-Try!

Diri ak pwa / Diri kole ak pwa

Rice cooked with red or black beans, often served as the staple with stews or fried meats; a daily staple found everywhere.

Soup Joumou

Pumpkin-based soup traditionally eaten on Independence Day but also enjoyed year-round; hearty and spiced with root vegetables and beef.

Lambi (conch) or local seafood

Fresh sea bivalves and fish cooked in creole sauces or grilled at coastal shacks near Carrefour; freshness depends on the seller and time of day.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Carrefour Local Markets

Open-air markets where you can find fresh produce, spices, fried snacks, pastries, and small hot-cooked meals; try pâté (savory pastry), bannann peze, and freshly fried akra (malanga fritters).

Coastal Stalls

Small seaside vendors sell grilled fish, lambi, and seafood plates—best tried midday when catches are fresh; check local recommendations for the cleanest stalls.

Climate Guide

Weather

Carrefour has a tropical climate with relatively warm temperatures year-round. The dry season generally runs from November to April with lower humidity and clearer skies; the wet season from May to October brings higher humidity, frequent afternoon showers, and the risk of tropical storms and hurricanes during peak months. Coastal areas are breezy but can become hot and humid inland; pack light clothing, sun protection, and rain gear if visiting during the wet season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Polite greetings are important—say bonjour or bonswa (French) or bonsoir/bonjou in Kreyòl and shake hands when meeting people. A brief greeting before launching into requests or questions is customary.

Respect and Modesty

Dress modestly in public, especially in residential neighborhoods and places of worship. Show respect for elders and community leaders.

Photography

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in intimate or religious settings. Many vendors expect a small purchase or tip if you take close portraits.

Religion and Traditions

Religion plays a strong role—respect church services and be sensitive when discussing voodou (Vodou), which is a complex spiritual system with deep cultural roots.

Safety Guide

Safety

Haiti has elevated security risks compared with many destinations: petty crime, armed robbery, kidnappings, and civil unrest can occur, especially in Port-au-Prince and some suburbs. Stay informed of local conditions, register with your embassy if appropriate, and avoid demonstrations or large gatherings. Use only trusted transport providers or hotel-arranged drivers, avoid displaying valuables, and travel during daylight wherever possible. For longer stays, hire reputable local guides and follow up-to-date travel advisories from your government.

Tipping in Carrefour

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; small tips for restaurant servers (5–10% if service isn’t included), drivers (a few dollars for short rides), and guides are common. In informal food stalls, tipping is not required but leaving small change is welcome.

Payment Methods

The Haitian gourde (HTG) is the official currency but US dollars are widely accepted, especially for tourism-related services. ATMs are limited and may not always work—carry enough cash, use reputable exchange points, and be cautious when handling money in public.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Winter (Dec–Feb)

One of the most pleasant times to visit: drier, slightly cooler temperatures, and clearer skies—good for outdoor activities and travel between towns.

Spring (Mar–May)

Warming temperatures and the start of more humid conditions; occasional heavy showers increase toward late spring—be prepared for heat and sun.

Summer (Jun–Aug)

Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers and heightened hurricane season risk; expect higher humidity, possible disruptions from storms, and busy local markets during harvest times.

Fall (Sep–Nov)

Peak of the Atlantic hurricane season through early November—stay alert for storm warnings and travel delays; otherwise warm with intermittent rain.

Nightlife Guide

Carrefour at Night

Nightlife in Carrefour is primarily local: small bars, live music sessions, and community gatherings where kompa and rasin music are played. For more extensive club scenes, live bands, and expat-oriented venues, travelers typically go into Port-au-Prince or Pétion-Ville, where nightlife is more developed. Night travel should be planned with trusted drivers; avoid walking alone after dark and keep to well-lit, populated areas.

Hiking in Carrefour

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Pic la Selle / Morne La Selle (day trips)

The highest mountain range in Haiti — trails require a guide and a full day; offers cooler temperatures, forested slopes, and panoramic views for those prepared for a strenuous hike.

Local Coastal Hills and Neighborhood Trails

Smaller, informal paths around Carrefour’s hills are suitable for short hikes or walks with local guides; these provide perspectives over the bay and community life.

Hiking near Port-au-Prince and Pétion-Ville

Shorter, organized hikes in the hills above Port-au-Prince or toward Pétion-Ville can be arranged with local operators and are accessible from Carrefour with a taxi or driver.

Airports

How to reach Carrefour by plane.

Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP)

The main international airport serving Port-au-Prince, approximately 20–40 minutes from Carrefour by car depending on traffic; the usual entry/exit point for international travelers.

Jacmel Airport (JAK)

Regional airport serving Jacmel on the south coast; useful for accessing southern beaches and arts communities, a longer drive from Carrefour or a short regional flight from Port-au-Prince.

Cap-Haïtien International Airport (CAP)

Northern international airport serving Cap-Haïtien and northern attractions; farther away but an option for travelers planning to visit the north of the country.

Getting Around

Walkability

Carrefour is walkable for short trips within neighborhoods and to local markets, but sidewalks are inconsistent and street conditions can be uneven. For longer distances or after dark, use a taxi or a trusted driver. Walking with a local guide enhances safety and cultural insight.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Urban working-class families

Most residents in Carrefour are working-class Haitians who commute locally or into Port-au-Prince for work; neighborhoods are dense and family-centered.

Small-scale vendors and artisans

A large portion of the population is involved in informal commerce—market sellers, craftspeople, and street vendors who form the economic backbone of the area.

Rural migrants

Many residents are migrants from rural areas who moved to the commune for work and trade, contributing to a mix of urban and rural traditions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport nationwide—local pickup games and community matches are common in open lots and fields.

Basketball

Basketball has a strong following in urban areas; courts and informal games are popular with youth and adults alike.

Fishing

Coastal communities engage in small-scale fishing, both as livelihood and sport; you can often observe or join local fishermen for shoreline activities.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be congested, especially along routes toward Port-au-Prince, and road conditions vary—potholes, narrow streets, and informal parking are common. Public transport is informal: tap-taps (shared minibuses), motos (motorbike taxis), and private taxis operate throughout Carrefour. Plan extra travel time, use reputable drivers, and avoid unlit roads after dark.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Carrefour.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist but are limited—rice and beans, fried plantains, and vegetable stews are common. Communicate clearly (in French or Kreyòl) and avoid assumptions: request no meat or fish stock and confirm ingredients at small eateries.

Vegan/Gluten-free

More challenging outside major hotels—many dishes use lard or meat-based broths and wheat-based pastries. Bring snacks or rely on markets for fresh fruit, legumes, and boiled root vegetables; ask about preparation methods.

Food Safety

Stick to busy vendors with high turnover and cooked-hot foods; avoid raw salads unless you’re confident about water and washing practices. Prefer bottled water and avoid ice of uncertain origin.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities in Carrefour are limited to small clinics and pharmacies; for serious medical care, patients typically travel to larger hospitals in Port-au-Prince (e.g., Hôpital de l'Université d'État d'Haïti or HUEH) where services are more comprehensive but may still be basic by international standards. Travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Bring essential medications and a basic first-aid kit.

Discover Haiti

Read more in our Haiti 2025 Travel Guide.

Haiti Travel Guide