Top Things To Do
Haiti’s attraction mostly resides in its abundant nature, majestic landscapes and powerful heritage. As a result, Haiti is a destination that will fascinate nature lovers and culture or history enthusiasts, whilst also satisfying the need for some relaxing time by one of the beautiful coastal stretches.
Despite the various natural catastrophes that have struck the country, Haiti’s main sights remain accessible to the public, and visitors will enjoy the impressive historical edifices that, to this day, vouch for this nation’s journey towards freedom and independence. Fast-forwarding to present times, the urban settings of Port-au-Prince, upmarket charms of Pétionville, or cultural atmosphere of Jacmel will give visitors an experience of the different aspects of the modern Haitian life.
PORT-AU-PRINCE
Despite being one of the country’s regions to be most affected by the 2010 earthquake, Haiti’s capital has not lost its bustling atmosphere and, although still in the process of rebuilding, is far from projecting the desolate sight such tragedy could convey.
PETIONVILLE
An attractive spot to tourists, this hillside suburban part of the capital is a display of western amenities and luxuries where visitors, expats, and affluent Haitians get together in fancy bars and restaurants, or enjoy one of the gated neighbourhood’s various salons, nightclubs, and boutiques.
BARBANCOURT RUM DISTILLERY
For those visiting Haiti when the distillery is not closed for its yearly refurbish, enjoy a tour around this historical distillery which is claimed by some to produce one of the Caribbean’s finest rums.
CAP HAITIEN
Founded in 1670, Haiti’s second largest town was once the Caribbean’s largest and wealthiest settlement, as well as being the centre stage of the 18th and 19th centuries’ revolutions. Cap Haitien was built on a bay chosen for both its natural defense, provided by the surrounding reef, and its natural facilities, which enabled the town to develop its commercial activity via maritime transportation.
KENSCOFF
Nestled at the heart of the mountains that rise South of Port-au-Prince, Kenscoff is a display of inspiring landscapes that demand to be explored, making it one of Haiti’s most scenic hiking spots.
PIC MACAYA
Haiti’s second and the Caribbean’s fifth highest mountain stands at a height of 2,347 metres and is located 36 km northwest of Les Cayes and 195 km west of Port-au-Prince, in the Massif de la Hotte. The mountain is part of the Pic Macaya National Park, a dense pine forest which is a nestling ground to the endangered Black-capped Petrel.
CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION
Found in Port-au-Prince, the cathedral was built between 1884 and 1914, and became the church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince with its consecration in 1928. Unfortunately, the 2010 earthquake destroyed most of the cathedral, leaving some of its internal structure standing.
MARCHE DE FER
Although there are several Iron Markets throughout the country, Haiti’s most notable one is found in its capital, within the red metal structure that’s been housing this traditional event since 1889.
CITADELLE
Located at the northern end of the country, near Haiti’s second largest town Cap Haitien, La Citadelle Henry (also known as Laferrière) strategically sits on a 900 metres-high hill that protected the country against potential invasions.
LA VISITE NATIONAL PARK
Haiti’s beautiful national park is crossed by a medium-level, half-day-long hike that will delight the nature lover in you. This perfect escape from the busy urban atmosphere of the island’s main tourist attractions takes visitors deep into Haiti’s natural gems, at the heart of its flamboyant flora and fauna. Most visitors start the walk at Furcy and finish at Seguin, where accommodation options are available.
BASSIN BLEU
A picturesque and somewhat adventurous hike leads to this site of natural beauty, where you’ll find three pools known as Bassin Bleu, Bassin Palmiste, Bassin Clair, which are linked by impressive waterfalls. Charming turquoise waters and tales of local mermaids make it hard for visitors to not fall in love with this place.
COCKFIGHTING
Unlike many other countries, cockfights are a non-violent and non-abusive practice in Haiti. The tradition here does not involve any blade or doesn’t require the animals to fight to death, but remains a cultural practice that may offend some tourists.
MUSEE DU PANTHEON NATIONAL HAITIEN
Located in the capital of Port-au-Prince, this museum showcases the history and culture of Haiti as well as immortalising the heroes behind the 14 years-long rebellion that shaped the Nation. The MUPANAH was founded in 1983 with the main focus of preserving the country’s heritage and sharing it with both locals and visitors.
CHAMP DE MARS
A nice spot to take a break from the busy pace of the city, Port-au-Prince’s Champ de Mars is the capital’s main park as well as Haiti’s political hub, with the country’s official and governmental establishments surrounding the area.
SANS SOUCI
Located near Citadelle Henry and Cap Haitien, Sans Souci was created by self-proclaimed King Henri Christophe shortly after his coronation in 1811. Inspired by the grand architecture of Versailles, it was built as an open symbol of Haiti’s strength and glory, and was strategically positioned to prevent potential invasions.
JACMEL
Developed in 1698 by the French on the remains of an old Taino settlement, Jacmel is located a three hours-drive south from Port-au-Prince. Separated from the capital by a mountain range, the town started as a small commercial hub that boomed in the 1770s with the introduction of coffee plantations in the area.
ETANG SAUMATRE
Haiti’s largest lake is found within the Plaine du Cul-de-Sac, 22km from Port-au-Prince, and is home to over a hundred wildlife species such as American crocodiles, flamingos and other waterfowls, making it one of the World’s few lakes to display such natural ecosystem, and a great spot for nature lovers.
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