Introduction
Port of Spain is nothing if it is not fun. A bustling capital city of Trinidad and Tobago, the place is home to the only musical instrument invented in 20th century, the steel pan, the calypso music, and carnivals that are as good as of any other place in the world. Apart from being a fun place, Port of Spain is also a great place to explore the cultural harmony that different ethnic groups have created over a long period of time. Be it Africans, East Indians, Europeans, or Chinese every ethnic group has its own culture, traditions, celebration, but all of them have created a new identity for their adopted land, much energetic, much open, and multicultural.
What to do
Explore the city to know about it better, to familiarise with the culture and traditions, to see the beautiful structures, and to appreciate the achievements it has made. Basking in the sun on the beautiful beaches of Port of Spain to knock out the stress you may have in the mad, muddling world of larger cities. Drench yourself in the calypso music beats and dance through the night at the nightclubs of the city option is yours.
City at a Glance
| Latitude | 10° 40' N |
| Longitude | 61° 31' W |
| Population | 350,000 |
| Language | English, Hindi, French, Spanish |
| Religion | Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam |
| Telephone Code | 0868 |
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History
A small sleepy village in the early part of 16th century, Port of Spain came into contact with the Spaniards in 1832, who named it as Puerta de Espana. In 1797, the British captured Trinidad and for the first time, a Central Governmental System was introduced here. After a major fire in 1808, which destroyed entire Port of Spain, the city was reconstructed under new construction laws that gave the city a new character. Indians, who now make a formidable population, started flowing in the early 20th century to in sugar plantations. 1956, a new era started in Trinidad and Tobago when the democratic system was introduced and led to emergence of Peoples National Movement.
Weather and Best Season to Visit
The climate of Port of Spain is tropical, but you may not experience extreme hot conditions thanks to trade winds. December to April is the best time to be there in Port of Spain as the temperature during this time is mild and with sunny rays becomes quite enjoyable on the beaches. January to mid-May is the dry period in Port of Spain followed by the rainy season form June to November when most of the precipitation takes place here.
Attractions
Woodford Square
Woodford Square is the main centre of attraction in the city around which are many monuments, parliament, and government offices. The square was named after the former governor, Sir Ralph Woodford. The major attractions here are Anglican Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, The Red House (House of Representatives), the Senate, Hall of Justice, Central Library, and City Hall.
The Independence Square
Not far away from Woodford Square, The Independence Square is home to the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Frederick Street, Lara Promenade, and Columbus Square that has been created in remembrance of Christopher Columbus who discovered the island.
Queen's Park Savannah
This is the favourite place for the health buds and joggers with a large open space and playing fields. There is a cemetery in the middle of the Savannah and below are the Rock Gardens. Botanic Garden opposite the Savannah has an amazing variety of tropical and sub - tropical plants from many parts of the world.
Other important attractions near Savannah are Emperor Valley Zoo, Magnificent Seven (some Edwardian - Colonial mansions), Queen's Royal College, Hayes Court, Prada's House, Ambard's House, the residence of Anglican Bishop, the prime minister's office, and many more buildings.
National Museum
National Museum near Savannah has sections on petroleum, natural history of the country, archaeology, geology, costumes, and photographs of kings and queens. Art exhibitions (permanent as well as changing) continue throughout here and a good way to know what is happening in the world of art and craft in Port of Spain.
Important Festivals and Exhibitions
Major religious festivals of Port of Spain include Hosay festival, a Muslim religious festival, Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, and Easter and Christmas.
The city celebrates many secular functions also like African Liberation Day, Indian Arrival Day, and Shouter Baptists Liberation Day. Carnival in Port of Spain marks the beginning of the Christian season of Lent with Mas' camps, calypso performances during the nights, and impressive panorama. Carnival is the best period of year when you can really enjoy your holidays.
AFTER HOURS
The city is full of the places to spend a great evening and environment is great. There are nightclubs, pubs and bars where you will be drenched with music and dance pure Caribbean style. For the serious tourists, theatres are the good way to know what is going in the world of art and culture in this beautiful city. Cinemas can be another good way to enjoy your evenings and there are enough of good ones.
Shopping
In Port of Spain, you can look forward to jewelleries (gold or silver), perfumes, china and crystal items, handicrafts, paintings by local artists, books, and last but not the least music whether it is calypso, steel band, soca, or chutney music (a blend of Indian and Caribbean music).
WHERE TO STAY
There are hotels of all categories, hostels for the backpackers, apartments for the homely, and guesthouses for the lonely. So, just choose what you like and enjoy.
WHERE TO EAT
There are enough places to eat and cuisine has a variety that matches up to the cultural diversity of this place. To be more precise, you can choose from the cuisine styles from almost all part of the world that matters. Ethnic cuisine has strong East Indian influence and that gives it special character. Choose from mouth - watering dishes of Indian, Chinese, Créole, and continental cuisines.
Travel Information
Air Travel Resources
Piarco International Airport is situated at a distance of around 26 km from the city centre and connected by flights to Europe and North America. There are regular buses and taxies that operate between the city centre and the airport and transportation should not come as a problem.
Land And Water
For places beyond the vicinity of Port of Spain, there are buses and route taxis and they are cheap and convenient. Though private taxis are expensive but the route taxis are cheap, but you need to ask the driver what kind of taxi is it? You can also hire cars though advance reservations are necessary.
There are regular cruises and ferries to Guiria, Margarita, St Vincent, Barbado, and St Lucia from Trinidad. Schedules are printed in the daily newspapers in advance and it is better to check them for exact information.
Local Transport
Most of the city can be explored on foot and transportation means are required only for the places beyond the city or if you have to travel from one corner to the other. Again taxis, cars, max - taxis, and buses are the means to travel around.
