Places / North & Central America / Haiti
Cap-Haïtien
Not been yet
The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of Haiti. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Country
- Haiti
- Region
- Nord
- Population
- 275,000
- Best time to go
- December to April
- Main airport
- Cap-Haïtien International (CAP)
- Coordinates
- 19.76°N, 72.20°W
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Cap-Haïtien, known simply as Le Cap, was the richest city of the French colony of Saint-Domingue and later the royal capital of King Henri Christophe. Its grid of old streets, with balconies and colonnades, still hints at that past.
Haiti faces serious instability, and this guide is written for a future, safer time. When travel is advisable again, the mountain fortress of the Citadelle nearby is one of the most extraordinary sights in the Caribbean.
Things to see
-
Photo: Rémi Kaupp, CC BY-SA 3.0 Citadelle Laferrière
A colossal hilltop fortress built after independence to repel the French, with views to the sea.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Iconem, CC BY-SA 4.0 Sans-Souci Palace
The haunting ruins of Henri Christophe's palace in the village of Milot, at the foot of the climb.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Rémi Kaupp, CC BY-SA 3.0 Old town
Streets of colonial houses with wooden balconies, centred on the cathedral square.
-
Photo: SpaceEconomist192, CC BY-SA 4.0 Labadee peninsula
A green headland west of the city with small coves and beaches reached by road or boat.
Things to do
-
Photo: Rémi Kaupp, CC BY-SA 3.0 Climb to the Citadelle
Walk or ride a horse up the steep path from Milot, ideally early before the heat builds.
-
Photo: Andrew Wiseman, CC BY-SA 3.0 Beaches of the north coast
Cormier and the coves beyond it offer calm water and fresh seafood.
-
Walk the waterfront
The seafront boulevard is where the city comes to stroll and catch the breeze in the evening.
Where to stay
Old town
Historic guesthouses within walking distance of the cathedral and the waterfront.
Hotels in Old townCormier coast
Small beach hotels west of the city, quieter and more relaxing.
Hotels in Cormier coast
Getting around
Taxis and hotel drivers are the practical way to get around and to reach Milot or the beaches. Always follow current local advice.
The airport sits on the edge of the city, a short drive from the centre.
When to go
December to April is dry and pleasant. Rain increases from May, and hurricane season runs from June to November.
Plan your trip to Cap-Haïtien
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.