Things To Do
in Port-au-Prince
Port-au-Prince is a bustling coastal capital with a dynamic mix of markets, murals, and music that reflect Haiti's enduring culture. The city is a hub of commerce, politics, and creativity, where street life unfolds around busy avenues and busy harbors. Its architectural remnants and colorful waterfront provide a dramatic backdrop for exploring Haitian history and daily resilience.
While it faces ongoing development and safety challenges, careful planning reveals warm hospitality, rich flavors, and a thriving arts scene.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the vibrant Iron Market, a bustling hub where local vendors sell fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets, admiring the colonial architecture that tells the story of Haiti’s rich history. Don’t forget to grab a traditional breakfast at a nearby café, savoring the flavors of fresh coffee and local pastries.
Visit the National Palace, where you can appreciate the grandeur of this historical building, although currently under restoration. Afterward, explore the Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien, which showcases the achievements of Haiti's heroes and rich cultural heritage. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local eatery to experience the delicious Haitian cuisine, including griot and pikliz.
As the sun sets, head to the lively neighborhood of Pétion-Ville for a taste of the city's nightlife. Choose a popular restaurant for dinner, where you can indulge in local dishes while listening to live music. After dinner, take a stroll to a nearby bar or lounge to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Port-au-Prince after dark.
Begin your day with a visit to the Atis Rezistans Gallery, where you'll find striking works of art created from recycled materials. Engage with local artists who passionately share their stories and inspirations behind their creations. Enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café, where you can relish the local flavors and blend in with the artistic vibe of the area.
Head to the Centre d'Art, one of the oldest art galleries in Haiti, showcasing an extensive collection of Haitian art. Participate in a workshop to learn about traditional Haitian painting techniques, guided by a local artist. Afterward, grab lunch at a local restaurant known for its artistic ambiance and delicious dishes.
Spend your evening at the vibrant Champs de Mars, where locals gather for social activities and entertainment. Enjoy street food delicacies as you mingle with locals and soak in the lively atmosphere. As night falls, consider catching a performance at the Théâtre National, where you can experience the rich cultural expressions of Haitian theater.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🧭Mid-range restaurant meal for two | $20-40 |
| 🚖Taxi or rideshare start (local currency/USD) | $2-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry at cafe | $1-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant culture, music, and cuisine
- Warm hospitality and resilience
- Accessible markets and art scene
- Proximity to hillside viewpoints and beaches
- Safety concerns in certain areas
- Inconsistent infrastructure and occasional service interruptions
- Traffic and crowded streets
- Varied reliability of public transportation
- "Bonjou" - Hello (Good morning)
- "Kijan ou ye?" - How are you?
- "Tanpri" - Please
- "Mèsi" - Thank you
- "Eskize m" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Kote twò gen?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Mwen pa konprann" - I don't understand
- "Konbyen li ye?" - How much does it cost?
- "N'ap boule" - We are just looking
- "Bòn fèt" - Happy to meet you (nice to meet you)
Places to Visit in Port-au-Prince
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful stalls, textiles, and candid street life—best with early morning light and a respectful approach.
Overlook the city from elevated neighborhoods with red-tile roofs and lush hills surrounding Port-au-Prince.
Industrial waterfront shots and the bay horizon provide atmospheric maritime scenes.
Bold wall art and community murals offering strong color and storytelling visuals.
Food in Port-au-Prince
Port-au-Prince Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Marinated fried pork bites often served with pikliz (pickled cabbage relish) and rice and beans.
Must-Try!
Rice cooked with black mushrooms (djon djon) giving a deep, earthy color and aroma.
Pumpkin-based soup traditionally enjoyed on Independence Day, enriched with beef, vegetables, and spices.
Herb and vegetable stew (often with chayote and spinach) that pairs well with rice.
Crispy fritters made with seasoned fish or codfish and cornmeal, popular as street snacks.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market in central Port-au-Prince offering produce, spices, crafts, and street bites.
Vendors along main roads selling fresh fruit, fried plantains, and quick Haitian dishes.
Try mayi moulin (cornmeal porridge), fried plantains, and accra from trusted stalls with good hygiene.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with Bonjou/Bonswa; a handshake or light hug in familiar circles; address elders with respect.
Be respectful around Vodou spaces; ask permission to photograph and avoid intrusive behavior.
Public spaces can be crowded; maintain calm conversation and show patience in queues and transit.
Safety
Tipping in Port-au-Prince
Ensure a smooth experience
10-15% is customary in restaurants; small tips for drivers, guides, and hotel staff are appreciated.
Cash is widely used (HTG and USD); some places take credit cards, but carry cash for street vendors and small shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant days with cooler evenings in the hills; lower rainfall makes for easier sightseeing and photography.
Higher humidity and frequent brief showers; tropical greens are vibrant, so pack a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof bags.
Increased risk of tropical storms; monitor forecasts and have flexible itineraries and travel insurance.
Port-au-Prince at Night
Hiking in Port-au-Prince
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Trail network on the Kenscoff hillside offering forested paths, cooler temperatures, and city views, a popular escape from the capital.
Scenic overlooks and short hikes on the edge of Port-au-Prince’s mountain region.
Airports
How to reach Port-au-Prince by plane.
Port-au-Prince's primary international airport; serves international and domestic flights and provides ground transportation to the city.
Major airport on the northern coast; a common nearby gateway for travelers heading to the north or to Cap-Haïtien region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents living in the capital region, including diverse communities from working-class neighborhoods to expat-friendly areas.
A significant international Haitian diaspora connected to the city through business and culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, with local leagues and lively street games throughout the city.
A popular sport in schools and communities; pick-up games occur in parks and gyms.
Common social activities in cafes and parks, especially among adults.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Port-au-Prince.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many vegetarian options include legim without meat, bean dishes, cornmeal-based dishes, fruits, and visible vegetables. Look for places that can omit meat stock and sauces—communicate clearly with staff.