Places / North & Central America / Haiti
Port-au-Prince
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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
- Ouest
- Population
- 1 million
- Best time to go
- December to April
- Main airport
- Toussaint Louverture International (PAP)
- Coordinates
- 18.59°N, 72.31°W
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Overview
Port-au-Prince spreads around a wide bay and climbs into the mountains behind it. Haiti's capital has endured severe hardship, including the 2010 earthquake and a long period of insecurity, and it is not a place for casual travel at present.
This guide is written for a time when visiting is safer. When that comes, the city's remarkable art scene, its history as the capital of the first Black republic and the cool hill suburbs above it will reward the visitor.
Things to see
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Photo: book by Jacques Nicolas Léger, photo uncredited, Public domain Iron Market
The red-painted metal market hall, with its clock tower and minarets, has long been a city landmark.
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Photo: Bdx, CC BY-SA 4.0 Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien
A national museum devoted to Haitian history, from the Taíno era to the revolution and independence.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Jules Gaildrau / Charles Fichot, Public domain Champ de Mars
The large central park and plaza, lined with statues of the heroes of independence.
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Photo: Lee Haywood from Wollaton, Nottingham, England, CC BY-SA 2.0 Atis Rezistans
A collective of Grand Rue artists who turn salvaged scrap and car parts into powerful sculpture.
Things to do
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Photo: Yinan Chen, Public Domain Visit the art galleries
Pétion-Ville's galleries show Haitian painting, from naive market scenes to bold contemporary work.
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Photo: Rhum Barbancourt CEO, CC BY-SA 4.0 Taste Rhum Barbancourt
Haiti's best-known rum has been distilled near the capital since the 19th century.
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Photo: Lëa-Kim Châteauneuf, CC BY-SA 2.0 Eat griot
Crisp fried pork served with pikliz, a fiery pickled cabbage relish, and fried plantain.
Where to stay
Pétion-Ville
The hillside suburb where most hotels, restaurants and galleries have traditionally been found.
Hotels in Pétion-VilleKenscoff
Cooler mountain air and pine forests further up the hills, for a quieter stay.
Hotels in Kenscoff
Getting around
In normal times visitors relied on hotel drivers or trusted local fixers rather than public transport. Always take current local advice.
In normal conditions the drive from the airport to Pétion-Ville takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
When to go
The dry season from December to April is the most comfortable. Carnival is held in the days before Lent, and hurricane season runs from June to November.
Plan your trip to Port-au-Prince
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.