Things To Do
in Delmas
Delmas is a densely populated commune in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, Haiti. It blends residential neighborhoods with busy commercial corridors and lively street life. Visitors experience a vibrant, improvisational urban culture defined by music, resilience, and community networks.
It serves as a gateway to Port-au-Prince's urban rhythms and Haitian everyday life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your morning with a stroll through the bustling streets of Delmas Centrale, where colorful vendors line the sidewalks. Sip hot Haitian coffee from a local kiosk as the town comes alive with chatter and laughter. Feel the rhythm of the city as motorbikes weave through traffic and children head to school.
Visit a neighborhood art studio to watch local painters create vibrant murals celebrating Haitian life and history. Sample street food like marinad fritters and spicy pikliz while chatting with friendly artisans about their craft. Wander into small shops filled with handmade jewelry and fabrics for a truly authentic shopping experience.
Dine at a family-run restaurant serving tasso and diri kole ak pwa under lantern-lit tables. Enjoy live kompa or rara music drifting through the air as neighbors gather to dance and sing. Cap the night with a sweet Haitian patisserie treat and a stroll under the starlit sky.
Begin with a guided tour of a local gallery showcasing Haitian paintings, sculptures, and vodou-inspired art. Engage with the artists as they explain their techniques, materials, and cultural inspirations. Capture photos of bright canvases filled with scenes of rural life and spiritual symbolism.
Participate in an art workshop to try your hand at painting on metal or canvas with natural pigments. Learn traditional motifs and patterns from a master artist who shares stories of Haiti’s creative roots. Create a personalized keepsake to remember your journey into Haitian artistry.
Attend an outdoor screening of a documentary on Haitian art and folklore. Discuss the film’s themes with locals over fresh fruit juice and grilled plantains. End the night with a leisurely walk through illuminated alleyways dotted with impromptu art installations.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride within city | $2-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🧺Groceries for a few days | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant culture and welcoming people
- Rich street food and market life
- Proximity to various neighborhoods within Port-au-Prince
- Safety concerns and uneven infrastructure
- Limited English in some areas and variable internet access
- Variable public transport reliability
- "Bonjou" - Hello / Good morning
- "Kijan ou ye?" - How are you?
- "Mwen kontan rankontre ou" - Nice to meet you
- "Wi, tanpri" - Yes, please
- "Non, mesi" - No, thank you
- "Kòman pri sa ye?" - How much is this?
- "Mwen pa konprann" - I don’t understand
- "Èske ou pale angle?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Delmas
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant street scenes, colorful storefronts, and the bustle of market life provide lively urban photography opportunities.
Dynamic public spaces with people, architecture, and daily activities; best during late afternoon light.
Escarped streets and vantage points above the city offer sweeping views and cooler air for portraits and cityscapes.
Food in Delmas
Delmas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy, marinated pork often served with pikliz and diri (rice).
Must-Try!
A staple combination of rice and red beans, frequently accompanied by meat stews.
A celebratory pumpkin soup; available at larger eateries and during special occasions.
Chicken in a seasoned tomato or pepper sauce, commonly served with rice.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Markets along major streets with fresh produce, spices, and quick bite stalls.
Fried plantains, fritters, grilled meats, and fresh fruit sold by mobile vendors and stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with Bonjou/Bon aprè-midi/ Bonswa; a handshake is common, and people often ask about family or health as part of polite conversation.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in private homes or small shops.
Dressing modestly is appreciated in markets and religious spaces; respectful attire is advised.
Haggling is common at markets; smile, be polite, and agree on a fair price.
Safety
Tipping in Delmas
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10-15% tip is common in restaurants if a service charge isn’t included; rounding up for street vendors and small cafes is appreciated.
Cash is widely used; US dollars and Haitian gourde are common. Credit cards are less frequently accepted in informal places; carry small bills for markets and taxis.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant days with lower humidity and cooler evenings; ideal for outdoor exploring and street photography, but evenings can get cool in hillier areas.
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers and potential tropical storms; plan indoor activities for peak heat and carry a compact rain poncho.
Delmas at Night
Hiking in Delmas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hiking and scenic viewpoints just outside Port-au-Prince; cooler air and forested trails for a day trip.
Accessible trails offering city views and a break from the urban heat, suitable for casual hikes with local guidance.
Airports
How to reach Delmas by plane.
Port-au-Prince's main international gateway; typically a 20–60 minute drive to Delmas depending on traffic. Taxis and rideshares are available at the airport.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of the population works in commerce, services, and transportation, contributing to a lively street economy.
Active in the markets and on street corners, forming a key part of the local economy.
Many families maintain ties abroad, influencing remittances and cultural exchange.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Haiti, with street games and local leagues common in urban areas.
Widely played in schools and community centers; informal courts can be found in many neighborhoods.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Delmas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Ask for legume-based dishes, vegetable stews, or plant-based side dishes; many soups and stews can be adapted; clarify no meat or fish when ordering.