Tourism in Haiti

Explore notable sights and destinations in this country

Americas / Caribbean

Tourist attractions

Citadelle Laferrière

Region: Milot, Nord Department

Cultural Heritage

Mountain fortress built post-independence. World Heritage listed.

Sans-Souci Palace

Region: Milot

Cultural Heritage

Haitian Kingdom palace ruins. Neoclassical style ruined beauty remains.

Labadee

Region: Near Cap-Haïtien

Beach Resort

White sand beach and marine activities popular with cruise passengers exclusively.

Bassin Bleu

Region: Outside Jacmel

Nature

Waterfall and emerald natural pool. Rope jumping famous.

Île-à-Vache

Region: Off Sud Department

Nature

Pristine beaches and fishing villages remain on "Caribbean's last secret island".

Musée du Panthéon National

Region: Port-au-Prince

Museum

National history museum exhibiting national treasure-grade items like independence war materials and crown.

Saut-d'Eau Waterfall

Region: Centre Department

Pilgrimage site

Famous for Virgin Mary miracle tradition. July pilgrimage sees tens of thousands bathing.

Fort Jacques and Fort Alexandre

Region: Pétion-Ville hills

Fortress ruins

Early 1800s mountaintop batteries overlooking capital and bay.

Port-au-Prince Craft Market

Region: Around Iron Market

Cultural experience

Colorful paintings and Croix-des-Bouquets ironwork displayed.

Cap-Haïtien Old Town

Region: Nord Department

Colonial architecture

Port town preserving French colonial-era colonial architecture.

Suggested itineraries

Northern World Heritage Historical Tour

Duration (days): 3

Highlights: Cap-Haïtien, Citadelle, Sans-Souci Palace, Labadee

Short trip efficiently touring world heritage sites and beach from Cap-Haïtien base.

Southern Peninsula Eco & Culture Route

Duration (days): 5

Highlights: Jacmel, Bassin Bleu, Île-à-Vache, Port-Salut

Tour experiencing Jacmel art and nature, fishing village food culture.

Capital Vodou and Arts Weekend

Duration (days): 2

Highlights: Musée du Panthéon, Iron Market, Croix-des-Bouquets workshop

Concentrated Haitian history and folk art experience near capital. Sunday night Rara music viewing also.

Travel tips

  • Strictly prohibited solo night outings. Arrange trusted vehicle transport.
  • Small U.S. dollar bills accepted almost everywhere.
  • Rainy season (May–October) frequent road flooding and landslides.
  • Card payments unavailable except luxury hotels. Cash essential.
  • English only understood at major hotels. Simple Creole useful.
  • Always use bottled drinking water, avoid ice.
  • Strong sunlight requires hat and high SPF sunscreen.
  • Hurricane season (June–November) check latest weather information.
  • Before photography, greeting "M'pran pran foto, silvouplè?" creates good impression.
  • Hotels fully booked during festivals; early reservation needed.
  • Moto-taxi fare negotiation required; helmet carrying desirable.
  • Local cuisine has strong chili; spice adjustment requestable.
  • Entry to gang-controlled areas prohibited even by tour companies.
  • Confirm vaccinations (Hepatitis A, tetanus, cholera vaccine, etc.).
  • Cross-border bus to Dominican Republic requires cash for entry/exit taxes.

Back to list