Top Things to Do in Port-au-Prince

About the City

Port-au-Prince, a city of contrasts and vibrant energy, sits on the Gulf of Gonâve, offering both the chaotic charm of a bustling metropolis and the serene beauty of the Caribbean. Imagine the vibrant streets, lined with colorful markets where the scent of fried plantains and pikliz fills the air, and the sound of Kompa music creates an ever-present rhythm to the city's heartbeat. However, the city is not without its hurdles—infrastructure challenges and overcrowding narrate the daily lives of its resilient inhabitants. Amidst this, historical gems like the Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien stand proud, whispering tales of a rich cultural past. While the roads might test your patience with their unpredictability, the local moto-taxis offer an adventurous (albeit bumpy!) way to navigate through the city's lively hues. Port-au-Prince's tale is one of stark contrasts: from the dazzling artistic expressions displayed in street art and the famous Iron Market to the pressing need for reconstruction and betterment in the wake of past natural disasters. An unyielding spirit is reflective in every corner of the city, where despite hardships, the local 'Lakou' communities thrive, sharing resources and a deep-seated sense of camaraderie. Port-au-Prince is not just a place—it's an experience, with each day painting a new story on its canvas.

Things to Do in Port-au-Prince

Pate Kode

Food & Drink

Let's talk munchies, Haiti-style! Pate Kode is the quintessential Haitian street food, a flaky puff pastry filled with spiced meat that’ll give your taste buds a lil’ island shake-up. Imagine sinking ...

Fortify Your Day with a Trek to Fort Jacques

Outdoors

Wanna play king of the castle? Well, at Fort Jacques your kingdom awaits! Lace up for some rugged trekking and conquer your way to this hilltop historical gem. The views are no joke – you'll see Port-...

Bookworm Bonanza: Dive into Haitian Literature

The Unexpected

Fancy a page-turner that's got more than just a good plot twist? Head to Port-au-Prince and unleash the bookworm within! You'll get to crack open tales that will transport you through time in Haiti, a...

Kaleidoscopic Kite Crafting

The Unexpected

Feel the joy of making your own traditional Haitian kite and watch it soar! This isn't just about running with the wind; it's about crafting a masterpiece of paper and bamboo that carries your spirit ...

Sublime Street Food Safari

The Unexpected

Hungry for some authentic eats? Hit the streets and seek out the local favorite - Haitian Patties! Flaky pastries stuffed with savory goodness that makes your belly sing. Just follow the aroma and let...

Herbal Healing, the Ancestral Way

The Unexpected

Ready to get schooled in ancient wellness? Dive into the world of traditional Haitian herbal remedies where magic meets medicine. Learn the secrets of leaves and roots that have kept folks healthy lon...

Coastal Kiteboarding Kraziness

Outdoors

Ever dreamed of soaring over the sea like a seagull with style? Kiteboarding in Port-au-Prince is your ticket to ride – or, uh, fly! Grab a board and catch some air off the coast, where the wind's jus...

Histo-buff Hangout at La Citadelle

Outdoors

Ready to flex those muscles and your history knowledge at the same time? Lace up your hiking boots and set off on an adventure to La Citadelle Laferrière! You'll be trekking up to a mountaintop fortre...

Explore the Enchanting Gardens of La Reserve

Outdoors

Get ready to lose track of time in the botanical bliss that is La Reserve! We're talking lush greenery, tropical plants that'll have you feeling like you're on a set of a jungle movie, and the sweet h...

Take a Beach Day to the Max at Kaliko Beach

Outdoors

Calling all sun-seekers and beach bums! Prepare for a chill day lounging on the sands of Kaliko Beach, where the sun's always shining and the sea's calling your name. Splish-splash in the sea, sip on ...

Poul ak Nwa

Food & Drink

Strut over to a street corner and get yourself some Poul ak Nwa – that's chicken with cashews for you non-Creole speakers. It's a savory sensation that combines the tender, juicy goodness of chicken w...

Bask in the Beauty of Bassin Bleu

Sights

Time for a splash in Mother Nature's own Jacuzzi! Bassin Bleu is a trio of cobalt-blue pools snuggled away in the mountains near Jacmel. It's a little trek to get there, but oh baby, is it worth it. D...

Feel the Rhythm at the RaRa Festivities

Sights

Jump into the pulsating heart of Haitian music and culture with the RaRa Festivities! It's the kind of street festival that gets your feet moving and hips shaking without even trying. Surrender to the...

Behold the Beauty of Barbancourt Rum Distillery

Sights

Wanna see how Haiti rolls out the liquid gold? Buckle up for a tour of the Barbancourt Rum Distillery, where you can witness the magic of rum-making, from sugar cane swaying in the fields to the amber...

Discover the Grandeur of the National Palace

Sights

Check out the grounds where the grand ol' National Palace used to stand before it was downed by the earthquake. Now a symbol of regeneration and hope, this spot is all about the awe-inspiring vibes an...

Marvel at the Musée d'Art Haïtien

Sights

Get your art on at the Musée d'Art Haïtien, a sweet spot chock-full of stunning Haitian masterpieces. From vivid paintings to bangin' sculptures, this museum's got swag for days. It's like a feast for...

Soup Joumou

Food & Drink

Every Sunday's a party when you've got Soup Joumou in your bowl! This Haitian pumpkin soup isn't just food; it's a celebration of freedom. It’s a hearty, soul-warming dish with beef, veggies, and past...

Akasan

Food & Drink

Time to get sippin' on Akasan, the Haitian answer to milkshake heaven. This creamy, milky corn-flour based drink is spiced up with cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. Chug it for breakfast or as a sweet ki...

Mayi Moulen

Food & Drink

Are you even in Haiti if you haven't loaded up on Mayi Moulen? This cornmeal mush is a staple, dished up saucy and often enjoyed with a side of everything – from avòká (that’s 'avocado' for the uninit...

Caribbean Cinema: Open-Air Movie Night

The Unexpected

Who needs Netflix when you can catch a flick under the stars in Port-au-Prince? Snuggle up with a bag of fresh popcorn and let the Caribbean breeze be your AC as you watch a Haitian cinematic masterpi...