Port-au-Prince
Port-au-Prince, also known as PAP, is the capital and largest city in Haiti. The city's layout is a unique one where commercial districts are located near the water and residential neighborhoods on the hilltops. In January 12 of 2010, a 7.0 earthquake hit the island causing important structures such as the National Palace to collapse. Even though the city is still recuperating five years later, it has a strong sense of vibrancy and magnetic energy.
Places to Sleep
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Hotel Oloffson: Built in the late 19th century as a private home for the influential Sam family, it is the oldest hotel in PAP and the cutest in Haiti. They have free Wi-fi, a swimming pool, a famous bar and a live band every Thursday night. Standard room $68.90/night; cottages $86.50/night and Suites $112.90/night
Ave Christophe #60, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Email: Oloffson.reservation@gmail.com
Tel: 509-3810-4000
Website
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Wall's International Guesthouse: This guesthouse offers competitive prices. For $40/night including breakfast and dinner and also have a swimming pool and a rooftop to chill.
8 Rue Mackandal, Delmas 19
Email: wallsguesthouse@gmail.com
Tel: 509-37-03-47-88 or 509-33-97-45-82
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Estinfil Guesthouse:​ This was the very homey place I stood at in Port-au-Prince. They include breakfast and dinner for $45/night and airport pick-up for $20. Barbara, the assistant of Jude (the owner), is wonderful. Her food is to die for. Sit down with them and talk. They are so funny.
Delmas 31, Rue b. de Marbois, Epinard #6
Tel: 786-268-9328 or 786-441-1915 or 509-3896-1592
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​Diquini Guesthouse: ​​This other guesthouse was on my list of places to stay. They also have transportation to and from the airport, free Wi-fi and laundry service. Starting at $55/night
Diquini 63, Rue Pompee #26-B
Email: info@diquinigh.com
Tel: 301-685-3626 or 509-3151-7181
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St. Joseph's Home for Boys: This place is wonderful for anyone that would love to interact with the Haitian community. You will be supporting an organization that helps children. The building has been reconstructed after being destroyed by the earthquake in 2010. $50/night including breakfast and dinner. Reservations are required.
For more info, reach out to Renee Dietrich at sjgrants@hotmail.com
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Healing Hands for Haiti: This guesthouse is a little more costly but I chose it because it is good for anyone that wants to be away from the noise. Also if you are looking for an organization to empower this might be your place. $60/night including breakfast and dinner
9 Interior, Rue Dalencourt
Email: gailbuck@healinghandsforhaiti.org
Tel: 509-3702-4432 or 011 509 2813 0433
Things to Do
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Tap-taps​:​ Get on these pick-up trucks, converted into buses for cheap transportation; one of the best experiences in Haiti. They are also very cheap compared to taxis and motorcycle taxis.
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Museums: There aren't too many museums in Port-au-Prince but the two I recommend is the Haitian National Museum of Art, which contains Pre-Columbian works of art from all over the country and the National Museum of Haiti (Route Nationale No. 1), which was created in 1938 and cultivates historical artifacts from the time of the Arawak and Taino Indians until the 1940s.
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Shopping in Petionville:​ Petionville in the day is like no other place I've been to. Tons of people are selling everything you can imagine. If you really look around there are really good shops such as one with nice fashion jewelry for both men and women. (Haitian men love their bling-bling).
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Visit the Barbancourt Distillery: This exquisite rhum dates all the way back to 1862 and is now the most awarded rum in the island. Visit the distillery to sample its rums, however, contact them first to make sure it's open. In Petionville
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Day-trip or overnight stay at Jacmel: I didn't get to go to Jacmel but every local I spoke to told me it was beautiful. They also told me you have to go very early in the morning if you want to come back the same day before sunset. Lonely Planet has excellent directions.
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Church: The Haitian culture is very religious and an interesting scene. Because it gets so crowded, people wait for hours outside the church waiting for an opportunity to enter. So if you plan to go, go early.
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National Palace: When I went to Haiti in 2012, the palace was indeed in shambles as all the locals told me. In 2010, France offered to rebuild the presidential palace but in April the Haitian government announced that they would demolish the building and reconstruct a new. Demolition and clearance of the site began in between September and December of 2012. Morne A Tuff, Port-au-Prince
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Champs de Mar Park: One of Haiti's biggest parks, located across from the National Palace, became home to thousands displaced by the 2010 earthquake, becoming one of PAP's main tent cities. Recently, since last year, the tents have been cleared and visitors and locals alike can now enjoy its beauty.
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Fort Jacques and Fort Alexandre: Both built on the hilltops near Petionville as a defense system by Emperor Jean-Jacques Dessalines to prevent the return of the French. From Fort Jacques you can fully see the Bay of Port-au-Prince whereas Fort Alexandre is pratically in ruins.
Nightlife
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Many may believe that nightlife in Port-au-Prince is non-existent but EVERYONE is wrong! While knowing where to go is a challenge, once you do you will be unexpectedly and pleasantly surprised. Note: It is still unsafe to walk the streets of PAP at night. Make sure to schedule a driver ahead of time or go out with a local. Your hotel or guesthouse should know of a secure taxi service.
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Thursday nights at Hotel Oloffson: I was sitting in the balcony of the Estinfil Guesthouse on a Thursday night when I started hearing the most amazing compa from what seemed like 10ft away. If you do nothing else, go and dance to RAM's music, a local Haitian band. Ave Christophe #60
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​Gasoline-station at night: ​​The gasoline station is a hang out spot for Haitians. They have a fancy shop (like a 7-Eleven) with seating inside so you can chill, drink your Prestige and talk to friends.
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La Reserve: Tucked away in what seems like a magical wonderland in the midst of the busy streets of Petionville, this hotel is a safe and romantic haven surrounded by luscious greenery. Walk upstairs to their bar, order a cocktail and enjoy the fresh, cool air - open until 11pm. Their Creole Fusion Cuisine restaurant open until 10:00pm is also a good choice for dinner. 2, rue Marcel Toureau
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Brasserie Quartier Latin: BQL is really one of the greatest spots in PAP for its diversity of people and events, live music and rum sours! 10, rue Goulard, Place Boyer, Pétionville
Check out their schedule of events:
- 1st Tues of the month - Mongolian Wok
- 2nd Tues of the month - Indonesian Buffet
- 3rd Tues of the month - Indian Buffet
- Last Tues of the month - Thai Buffet
- Every Tues night - JMJ Trio plays jazz
- Every Wed night - Alex Jacquemin in the gardens
- Every Thursday night - Cuban Salsa band Melao Latino live music
- Every Fri night - Rhythm and Blues with LIFE
- Every Sat night - Darline Normil sings in the gardens
- Sun brunch as of 10:30am! With a live jazz trio in the gardens!
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Haitian Vodou Ceremony: Dates back to the 18th century, created by West African slaves in the Caribbean when African religious pratice was surpressed. The ceremonies are intense and explicit which isn't for everyone. Authentic vodou ceremonies are by invitation only. Ask around!
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Haunted Cemeteries: If you want to opt out of a Vodou ceremony but still looking for an adventurous and possibly haunted nightlife, visit one of PAP's cemetaries such as the Grand Cimetiére or PAP's City Cemetary. Cemeteries in Haiti have had a long reputation as hot spots for paranormal activity.