Best Travel Guide Port of Spain

Port of SpainGuide was updated: 2025-01-08

Port of Spain, the vibrant capital and the third largest city of Trinidad and Tobago, entices travellers from far and wide with its undeniable charm. Basking in a tropical climate that ensures a constant dose of hot, humid weather, this city has become a beloved hotspot for tourists seeking an all-year-round beach paradise, caressed by the gentle waves of the Caribbean Sea to the west and the Gulf of Paria to the east. With a plethora of hotels, restaurants and shops, Port of Spain promises a truly memorable experience.

Do & See

Port of Spain is a thriving, major city in the Caribbean. Its tall buildings, busy streets, and bright lights, might make you think it is similar to many other cities, however, Port of Spain has a unique Caribbean flair. The city boasts a range of activities such as cricket and football matches, shopping centres, an art and history museum, historic landmarks and of course, the Trinidad Carnival in Easter. What is also worth checking out during your visit to Port of Spain is Calypso music, an Afro-Caribbean musical tradition that emerged in Trinidad and Tobago. There are many bars and clubs in the city where it is possible to experience Trinidad's Calypso music. There are several stunning beaches in the region, ranging from the ones most frequented by visitors on day trips from Port of Spain to peaceful and secluded spots, which are preferred by the locals.

Trinidad Carnival

Dating back to the 18th century, the Carnival in Port of Spain, Trinidad is one of the most vibrant festivals in the Caribbean, and the world over. It begins on the Monday before Ash Wednesday and ends the following day. Before the festivities kick off, there are a series of pre-carnival events and parties, in which visitors will experience firsthand the best of Trinidad's music and entertainment. The Calypso Monarch competition and the Soca Monarch competition are two of the most important ones. After that, the streets of Port of Spain come alive with a massive parade showcasing elaborate costumes. Participants dance through the streets to the beat of soca and calypso music. Last but not least, as in any other major event, local authorities recommend that visitors take precautions to ensure their safety and enjoy the carnival to the fullest. If you are lucky enough to be in Port of Spain at this time of the year, do not miss out.

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Queen’s Park Savannah

Queen’s Park Savannah, also known as "The World’s Largest Roundabout", is a public park in downtown Port of Spain. The park is located across the street from the Magnificent Seven, which are large mansions built during the colonial period. The busiest time at the park is usually in the early evening, when the intense heat has diminished. Locals gather at the park to play cricket or football. If you walk around the perimeter of the park, you will find local vendors selling coconut water, however, if you want to try some of the street foods and drink, there is an open air night market in the car park of Queen’s Park Savannah.

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Central Bank Money Museum

The Central Bank Money Museum is a newly refurbished museum closely located to the cruise port. The museum has a strong focus on the history of currency offering a range of interactive exhibits, including a replica gold bar, an infrared reader to verify banknotes, and a display featuring birds that appear on Trinidad and Tobago's currency. If you are travelling with children, there is a simulated supermarket where kids can engage in fun activities to understand food prices and how the food economy works. The museum is an air-conditioned indoor space that provides a break from the heat of downtown Port of Spain.

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Royal Botanical Gardens

Located right next to Queen's Park Savannah in downtown Port of Spain, these serene gardens are one of the oldest and most famous botanical gardens in the Caribbean. The gardens cover 61 acres of land and are a popular attraction for picnics and photography, with hiking trails and a wide variety of trees. The Botanical Gardens are home to different plant species, including palms, ferns, cycads, orchids, and other tropical plants. The gardens are open to the public every day, and the admission is free.

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Fort George

Built on the hills north of St James in 1804, Fort George served as a defensive measure against the Napoleonic fleet. Nowadays, this historical landmark provides a panoramic view of Port of Spain and the Gulf of Paria. It takes about an hour and half to reach the top on foot. This effort, however, is worthwhile as you will be rewarded with the gorgeous view of the city. Visitors can also see the original cannons, dungeons, and artefacts from the era while touring the well-preserved structure of Fort George.

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Emperor Valley Zoo

The Emperor Valley Zoo is the only zoo in Trinidad and Tobago and one of the main attractions in Port of Spain. Up to this day, it is the only zoo in the Caribbean to house lions, giraffes, a giant otter and a 12-foot crocodile. Visitors can also find a variety of other wild animals, including monkeys, snakes, fish, birds, llamas, flamingos, warthogs, and white Bengal tigers. The zoo is located near the Botanic Gardens. It provides a relaxing environment with its lush vegetation. It is a popular attraction for cruise passengers travelling with their families.

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