Things To Do
in Laventille
Laventille is a vibrant hillside district overlooking Port of Spain, renowned for its rich musical heritage and panoramic city views. The area pulses with street life, colorful murals, and a strong sense of community rooted in reggae, calypso, and steelpan traditions. You’ll encounter welcoming locals, busy markets, and intimate, music-driven experiences that reveal Trinidad’s cultural heartbeat.
While safety requires common-sense caution, Laventille offers an authentic glimpse into Trinidad and Tobago’s creative spirit when visited thoughtfully.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Piarco International Airport and take a scenic drive to Laventille, where you'll be welcomed by the rich culture and vibrant colors of the community. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a traditional Trinidadian breakfast at a local eatery. Explore the surrounding area and get your first glimpse of the stunning views over Port of Spain.
Embark on a walking tour to discover the history and heritage of Laventille, visiting key landmarks and meeting local artisans. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a street vendor, sampling local favorites like doubles or bake and shark. Engage with the residents and learn about their daily lives and traditions.
Stroll through the neighborhood as the sun sets, taking in the lively atmosphere filled with music and laughter. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor more of Trinidad's diverse cuisine. Wrap up the evening by attending a community event or live performance, experiencing the island's rhythm.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the Laventille community center to participate in a traditional music workshop. Learn about calypso and soca, two vital parts of Trinidadian culture, from local musicians. Immerse yourself in the rhythms and melodies that shape the island’s identity.
After your workshop, visit the nearby Queen's Park Savannah for a leisurely picnic lunch surrounded by lush greenery. Explore the art and craft stalls that often pop up in the evenings, offering handmade goods by local artisans. Take a moment to relax and enjoy the buzz of activities around the park.
As night falls, indulge in a delicious dinner at a family-owned restaurant that specializes in local dishes. Engage in conversation with the owners about their culinary traditions and recipes passed down through generations. Enjoy an evening of outdoor dance or music in the park, where the community gathers to celebrate life.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $2-5 |
| 🥗Local street food snack | $2-4 |
| 🚖Taxi or ride-hail (short ride) | $5-15 |
| 💧Bottle of water | $1-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant music and cultural scene with authentic local experiences
- Stunning city views from hillside vantage points and murals to photograph
- Safety considerations in certain areas, especially after dark
- Some local facilities may be basic compared to tourist hubs
- "Wha gwan?" - What's going on? / How are you?
- "Tank yuh" - Thank you
- "Good morning" - Good morning
- "How much is this?" - How much is this?
- "Eh, my friend" - Hey, my friend
Places to Visit in Laventille
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic overlooks offering sweeping views of Port of Spain and the Gulf of Paria, especially striking at sunset.
Colorful street art and tightly packed hillside houses provide vivid, intimate street photography opportunities.
A vantage point near the hills where you can capture the city skyline with the lights beginning to glow in the evening.
Food in Laventille
Laventille Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A beloved street snack of two bara (fried dough discs) sandwiching spiced chickpeas with chutneys. Widely available from doubles stalls across Laventille and Port of Spain.
Must-Try!
A one-pot dish of caramelized rice with pigeon peas and meat (often chicken or beef) cooked with coconut and spices.
Crispy fried shark served in a fried bake (bread) roll, a coastal favorite commonly found at seaside stalls.
Thick roti wrapped around curried meat or vegetables, a staple across Trinidad with regional twists.
A creamy leafy-green soup or stew, often enriched with crab or other seafood, served as a side or main.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market where you can sample doubles, roti, pelau, fresh produce, and a variety of Caribbean staples from multiple vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting (Good morning/afternoon) is appreciated. Address elders with courtesy and avoid loud, confrontational behavior in public.
Modest, comfortable attire is appropriate in many local settings; beachwear should be limited to beaches and resort areas. Ask for permission before taking photos of people.
Safety
Tipping in Laventille
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a 5-10% tip is customary if service is not included. For street food and markets, tipping is optional and at your discretion.
Cash is widely accepted, with credit/debit cards common in larger eateries and hotels. Mobile payments and local bank cards are increasingly available in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
January to May brings warm, mostly sunny days with lower rainfall. Ideal for outdoor exploration and long walks, though it can still be humid.
June to December features brief, frequent afternoon showers and lush greenery. Pack a light rain jacket and be prepared for possible slower travel after rain.
Laventille at Night
Hiking in Laventille
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short, scenic trail offering city views and an intimate look at the surrounding landscape.
Accessible trails along the foothills of Trinidad’s Northern Range, with opportunities to see birds and lush vegetation.
A longer route with coastal and hillside vistas, suitable for a day hike from the city.
Airports
How to reach Laventille by plane.
Main international gateway to Trinidad, located near Piarco. Traffics to Port of Spain are common; taxis and shuttle services are available, and many hotels offer airport transfers.
Location in Tobago; accessible for regional connections and cruises. Useful if combining a Tobago leg with a Laventille visit.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
One of the major demographic groups in Laventille, contributing significantly to the area’s cultural and musical heritage.
A substantial community in Trinidad, adding to the island’s diverse cultural and culinary landscape.
A dynamic mix of families and individuals who contribute to Laventille’s music, markets, and daily life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A staple sport across Trinidad and Tobago, with local leagues and school-level play adding to the sports culture.
Widely followed and played; local clubs and street games are common in urban areas.
Historically significant in Caribbean sports culture with gym facilities and occasional local matches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Laventille.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose roti with aloo (potato) or chana (chickpea) curries, and seek pescatarian options without meat. Ask for no meat stock in sauces and look for plant-based stews or callaloo variants.