Port of Spain

DESTINATIONS trinidad and tobago portofspain

Port of Spain

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.

The Port The City Restaurants & Cafes

The Port

Unlike its more popular Caribbean counterparts, Trinidad is not commonly frequented by cruise ships. As a result, disembarking at Port of Spain offers a unique experience that sets it apart from other cruise ports in the region. This distinction can be attributed to Trinidad and Tobago's status as a highly industrialized nation, with its port being a bustling commercial hub. Consequently, the cruise terminal in Port of Spain may differ significantly from the typical Caribbean cruise ports, adding a touch of distinctiveness to your visit. If your cruise ship docks on the island of Tobago, your cruise ship will likely make its berth at Scarborough, the conveniently located cruise terminal nestled in the heart of the town. On certain occasions, however, ships may anchor off the western tip of the island and tender passengers to Pigeon Point, which is situated approximately 8 km away from Scarborough. Due to its southerly position in the Caribbean, Trinidad receives fewer visits from major cruise lines compared to other destinations. Notable cruise lines that include Port of Spain in their itineraries are Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, and Fred.

The City

Located on the northwest coast of Trinidad Island, Port of Spain is the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago. This bustling metropolis is famous for its rich history and diverse cultural influences, not to mention its vibrant nightlife, colourful festivals, delicious cuisine and its golden sand beaches. Since Spain was one of the countries colonizing the islands, the city was originally named Puerto de los Españoles, which translates to Port of the Spaniards. Columbus stumbled upon Trinidad and Tobago on his third voyage in 1498. Back then, Trinidad was inhabited by the Arawak Indians, who were wiped out by early European settlers. The island was colonized by the Spanish in 1592 and continued under their rule until 1797, when it was captured by the British. Today, with a transient daily population of about 545,000, Port of Spain's culture is a blend of various cultural influences including Indian-South Asian, African, Indigenous, European, Chinese, North American, Latino, and Arab cultures. Unlike many other Caribbean islands, Port of Spain is not dependent on tourism. The city has a diversified industrial base that includes the production of various goods such as rum, beer, margarine and oils, cigarettes, plastics, and building materials. Port of Spain is an exciting destination that offers something for everyone. Its convenient location and beautiful natural surroundings make it a must-visit stop for any Caribbean cruise itinerary.

Restaurants & Cafes

Trinidad and Tobago's cuisine is popular for its diverse array of seafood dishes, fresh fruits and vegetables. Although Callaloo, a hearty stew made from young dasheen or taro leaves, is considered the national dish of Trinidad & Tobago, there are other famous dishes such as curried crab, dumplings, fish soup and saltfish buljol. Trinidad and Tobago offer a delightful range of beverages to try. Don't miss the creamy and indulgent peanut punch, the refreshing Angostura Chill made with bitters, and the robust Demerara rum crafted from sugarcane along the Demerara River. These drinks showcase the unique flavours and traditions of the islands. Make sure you make time to try Trinidad and Tobago's divine cuisine and exotic drinks.

Do & See Shopping Tourist Information

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Maracas Waterfall

Maracas Waterfall is the tallest waterfall on the island of Trinidad. This breathtaking natural beauty is easily accessible via Waterfall Road in Maracas Valley in St Joseph. If you get there by car, you can drive to the end of the road and park by the Naranjo Intake Station, then begin your walk from …

Maracas Beach

Located 16 kilometres (10 miles) away from Port of Spain, Maracas Bay is Trinidad's most famous beach given its two kilometres of white sands, swaying palm trees, and turquoise waters. It is one of the busiest beaches, particularly at weekends, where locals and visitors flock to swim, surf, and indulge in the island's street food. …

Las Cuevas Beach

Compared to Maracas Beach, Las Cuevas is a less popular beach with smaller crowds, which makes it ideal for beachgoers looking for a more peaceful environment. You can visit both Marcaras and Las Cuevas on the same day, as it is only a 15-minute drive from one another. If you are planning to spend the …

Blanchisseuse Bay

Blanchisseuse Bay is a secluded beach, ideal for adventurous travellers. This quiet beach with gentle waves perfect for swimming is over a kilometre long. It is surrounded by coconut trees that provide shade and the chance to taste freshly cut coconuts. Blanchisseuse Bay is further from the most popular beaches on the island, and it …

Tobago Island

The smaller of the two sibling islands, Tobago radiates an undeniable allure that has earned it a reputation as a hidden gem in the Caribbean. Blessed with a captivating fusion of colonial heritage, vibrant traditional festivals and a delectable cuisine influenced by India and South America, Tobago offers an enchanting experience like no other. …

Shopping

Port of Spain offers a diverse range of souvenirs and products for different budgets. Some of the common items bought on the island are; palm hats, hand-made jewellery, paintings and leather sandals. Trinidad is also famous for its local musicians selling their Calypso music CDs, which are great souvenirs to take home. Most shops are concentrated in Port of Spain and San Fernando. Opening times may vary, but for the most part, most shops open from Monday to Friday 8am–5:30pm and Saturday 8am–5pm. Shopping centres typically open from 10am to 8/9pm. Supermarkets are generally open from 8am to 8pm daily.