Cap-Haitien
Also referred to as O'Cap or Le Cap and historically known as the, "Paris of the Antilles," Cap-Haitien is a city of 190,000 people on the north coast of Haiti. O'cap was an important city during the colonial period, who served as the capital until 1770 when the title was moved to Port-au-Prince. The city's airport name is Hugo chavez International Airport, in honor of the late Venezuelan President, after the Haitian gov't struck a deal with Venezuela to renovate it.
Places to Sleep
​
-
Mont Joli Hotel​: At $55/night Mont Joli is known to be one of the better hotels in O'Cap providing guests with free high speed internet, a restaurant, room service, recreation facilities, and a swimming pool.
Rue 29 B, Cap-Haitien, Haiti
Tel: 509-2260-5847
Contact them
Website
-
​Norm's Place: Built from a restored French fort this charming guesthouse overlooks beautiful Labadee beach. Has large rooms with four poster beds and mosquito nets. $40/night including breakfast
​
Email: normsplacelabadee@yahoo.com
Tel: 509-3780-5680 or 509-3810-5988
-
Hotel Imperial: Originally established in 1974, this very chic and hospitable hotel is located 5 mins away from the town proper, 20 mins from the Citadelle and 30 mins from Labadee Beach. Starting at $60/night including free Wi-Fi
Route Nationale 1
Email: info@hotelimperialcap.com
Tel: 509-2260-6673
-
Metro Residences: A 10-minute drive from Labadee, with each room equipped with air-conditioning, free breakfast and their magnificent restaurant on the rooftop, this hotel is a steal at $60/night.
9 Ruelle Casimir, Charrier
Email: info@metrohaiti.com
Tel: 509-2218-1073 or USA 305-906-5586
-
Auberge au Picolet: Known as one of the best places to stay in O'Cap, this cozy hotel offers views of the sea, a terrace, air-conditioning and free airport shuttle! Starting at $130/night
90, Boulevard du Carenage
Tel: 509-2810-1111 or 509-3438-6357
Things to Do
​
-
The Citadelle: This huge fortress on the mountains is one thing you have to do in Haiti. It is a UNSECO World Hertiage Site built in the beginning of the 19th century to prevent another French invasion by Henri Christophe, the main leader during the Haitian slave rebellion.
-
Sans-Souci Palace: Closed to the the Citadelle, Sans-Souci used to be the royal residence of King Henri the I of Haiti (Henri Christophe), his wife and two daughters. During his reign, the palace was an impressive and opulent place, particularly because the king wanted to demonstrate to mostly Europeans and Americans the power and capability of the black race.
This magnificent place is rarely visited by foreigners because of the political chaos of Haiti but it is highly recommended.
Directions: Take a tap tap to Milot. Have the driver drop you off as close as possible to the town. The entrance is near a Catholic Church. Once you get there, admission for both sites is $5 or $20 with a guide for one or two people.
After you pay, you have three options to make your way to the top:
1. Walking: 2-hr hike in the Haitian sun
2. Motorcycle: $15; carries two people + the driver but a rougher journey; doesn't take you all the way to the top since 3km until the sites it is closed to vehicles
3. Horse/donkey: $15 for each person; slower journey but takes you all the way to the top
-
Cormier Plage Hotel: This place is so relaxing and just for $5 to visit the hotel and beach (not including drinks or food) you can spend the whole day here. Since it's away from the center of O'Cap, the most fun way is to take a motorcycle taxi. I warn you, though, you might get off with a sore booty because the rodes are unpaved but the scenery is absolutely magnificent. It should be about 100 gourdes per person. Route de Labadie, Bande du Nord
Nightlife
​
-
Eat at Lakay: I was reluctant to go here because it seemed like such a touristic place but I'm glad I did. Lakay has such a feel-good vibe to it and the food is delicious. There are definitely people from all around the world here, with very interesting stories. I met a Cuban guy that was living on his boat permanently and was just stopping by in Haiti to eat! Boulevard du Carenage
-
Have a drink at Hotel du Roi Christophe: My first night I went to have a drink at this hotel with a Canadian woman I met at the guesthouse I was staying at. This place can also be touristic but only if that's what you're seeking. One of my missions in this backpacking trip was to dance, but to dance like I have never danced before. So I asked our waiter if there was any dancing. After I had my drink, he took my hand and led me to a ballroom. We danced Zouk ... all night. Rue 24 B
-
​Walk around at night: I say this because in Port-au-Prince this is not possible. Haiti at night is different and you will definitely run into different hangouts. This was the first thing I did when I got there. It is safe and easy to walk at night, mostly because O'Cap's city layout is shaped as a grid, but you know, always be careful! 
-
Riarmanita: A small but fun standing-only bar located near Hotel du Roi Christophe that plays dance music and has hospitable staff. There is no sign outside but look out for the open door and follow the loud music. Rue D near Rue 24
-
Deco Bar: Located near the hotel Auberge au Picolet, this bar plays disco music, contrary to what is typical of Haiti but still worth checking out! Rue A & Blvd. du Carenage