Pirate islands of the Caribbean Sea attract more and more tourists every year and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is no exception. The colonization and development of the small archipelago has been conducted since the time of Columbus, and the capital of the islands is a direct proof: it is a very unusual in structure and layout of the city, where various styles of architecture, religions and traditions are mapped.
What kind of city is Port-of-Spain?
Port of Spain (Port of Spain) since 1757 is the capital of Trinidad and Tobago and in combination the real center of politics, economy and culture of the country. It is the fourth largest city in the country, its area is about 13 sq. Km. km, and every year its population only grows.
Historically, many nationalities passed through the city, as a result we can observe the peaceful neighborhood of mosques and Christian cathedrals, the Caribbean bazaars and modern glass skyscrapers. The whole city in its chaotic development of different epochs is full of squares and parks where you can hide from the ruddy sun.
Around the city there are interesting sights and reserves, which even more attracts foreign tourists. This city is an excellent and safe place for families with children.
Where is Port of Spain?
The capital of Port-of-Spain is located on the main island of Trinidad , north-west of the center, on the site of the ancient Indian settlement of Concerbia. Port of Spain is located on the shore of the Gulf of Paria, which belongs to the Caribbean Sea basin.
Climate in Port-of-Spain
The islands of the Republic are located in a hot and humid subequatorial belt, that is, the weather conditions differ little from the set geographic standards. The average daily winter temperatures of January are kept at around +26 degrees, and in the hot summer the air warms up to +40 in the daytime, dropping at night to + 25 + 30 degrees.
The main winds come from the northeast, in connection with which, from January to May in the capital there is a so-called dry season caused by the trade winds. And from June to December, the rainy season lasts. Precipitation falls often in the form of strong showers with gusty winds.
Natural landscapes
The city of Port-of-Spain is a very beautiful corner of the island of Trinidad with its unique landscapes. In coastal waters, a huge number of sea turtles and various species of tropical fish float.
The city's parks and parks are decorated with trees that grow around the city with dense forests: cypresses, sandals, fuschiki and even mango trees. Among the flowers there are about 40 species of hummingbirds, and in more often live elegant ibises - an animal symbol of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. In the suburbs there are many lizards and snakes.
Who lives in Port-of-Spain?
The bulk of the citizens - people from Africa and descendants of former slaves, Europeans and Chinese in the city live very little. As in the whole country, the official language of Port-of-Spain is English, but in some parts of the city the residents communicate in Spanish, Creole and some other languages.
The total number of inhabitants is approximately 55 thousand townspeople.
History of Port-of-Spain
The modern Port-of-Spain was founded by the Spaniards, hence the roots of an interesting name - "The Spanish Port". At the end of the XVII century, the city was the main center of the entire Spanish colony, and the current name went down in history after 1797, when the island became part of the British Empire.
And although in 1962 the independence of the country was proclaimed, the capital decided to leave the familiar city of Port-of-Spain.
Capital attractions
The foundations of tradition and culture in Port-of-Spain form Christianity, Islam and Buddhism. In the city, many Christian cathedrals and churches have been built, the oldest 460 years old. The most beautiful and special are two beautiful cathedrals: the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Trinity , which was built at the very beginning of the XIX century, and the Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (1832). In addition, the city is full of high minarets and bright Hindu temples.
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All the important museums of the country are traditionally gathered in the main city. In the halls of the National Museum of the Republic you can see more than 3000 exhibits telling about the history of the island, its ancient inhabitants and their culture in different centuries. The Art Gallery exhibits around 500 paintings, most of which are considered the cultural heritage of the country.
Nature lovers will not be indifferent to the Royal Botanical Garden of Port-of-Spain. In it you can relax from the city bustle, have a great time among the many exotic plants, not only endemic, but also brought once to the island. Beautiful rare butterflies flutter in the garden and unique birds nest.
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The ancient part of the city has its name - Downtown (Downtown), its center is the ancient area of Woodford (Woodford Square). On the square there is the Supreme Court, the City Council, the Parliament ( Red House ), the National Library and the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Trinity.
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Cafes and Restaurants Port of Spain
Throughout the city there are many different cafes and restaurants, some of which belong to one particular kitchen. But all establishments are just full of seafood dishes, since in Trinidad it is the main food of the population. The main sauce, which is offered to all dishes - is an acute curry sauce, and from plain drinks is famous for coconut water.
Separately worth noting fish restaurant The Waterfront Restaurant, the basis of the menu is excellent Japanese cuisine and a variety of seafood. Vacationers, sometimes do not know what it is more pleasant to look at: a beautiful sea, which has a beautiful view, or as a cook masterly prepared dishes ordered.
The restaurant of Mediterranean cuisine Aioli offers the best dishes: first of all from French, Italian and Spanish cuisines. Romantic atmosphere, helpful invisible staff and delicious menu will perfectly brighten up your evening.
Any capital is quite an expensive city, in Port-of-Spain a modest two-course dinner will cost you about $ 30 or more. In fast food and fast food establishments you will pay less, but their national menu can not be called exactly.
Trinidad and Tobago Hotels
As in any major city, in Port-of-Spain, the choice of housing for every taste and purse is very large. Along the bank of wealthy tourists luxury apartments are waiting for, but there are also more modest options, rather than houses, and spacious rooms, similar to the usual apartments. For example, fully equipped apartments The Cannons, which have their own kitchen. Separately it is worth noting their convenient location: literally 5-10 minutes both to the center and to the main city attractions.
Closer to the center of the city is built up with inexpensive hotels of different stars. For those who want to save a little, away from the coast you can rent an apartment or a room with local residents.
In the city there are such famous chain hotels as the Hilton Trinidad & Conference Center, the Crowne Plaza Hotel Trinidad, the Hotel Sundeck Suites and the Ambassador Hotel. These hotels have a very convenient location and accommodation conditions of the highest quality.
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Entertainments and rest in Port-of-Spain
If you are tired carelessly basking on the Caribbean coast, you can stroll through the old interesting streets of Port-of-Spain. The city has preserved many buildings built in the XVII-XIX century. Many tourists leave the countryside to get acquainted with flora and fauna of subtropics in reserves, parks or simply in beautiful places.
From entertainment the most striking and beautiful event is the annual carnival, noisy and merry festivals which are second only to the Brazilian carnival. Carnival is held in 1997 at the end of February - early March, this is the most tourist boom in Trinidad, as a cheerful national holiday gives incredible impressions. By the way, many tourists bring home carnival costumes and accessories as souvenirs. The fact is that the local people never dress twice, and they sew themselves a new dress for each carnival. And next morning after the completion of all the festivities here and there lie the mountains of discarded outfits.
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For those who love sports and outdoor activities Port of Spain offers a variety of water activities. In hotels or with local tour operators, you can order skating on yachts, training and diving, windsurfing, water skiing and much more. Many holiday makers compare local coral reefs with underwater pictures of the Red Sea. Well, after a light walk or dive, you can visit one of the nightclubs, which in the capital is a sufficient number.
What to bring from Port-of-Spain?
Souvenirs in any city of the islands of Trinidad and Tobago are sold a great variety. On the islands there are widely developed handicrafts and small workshops where you can find a gift for yourself and your family: articles and articles made of bamboo, jewelry, of course, beads, national drums. Very famous for handwork from the shell of tortoises, which are made by local Indians, you can also buy a bottle of local dark rum .
It should be noted that everything costs a little more in the capital.
Transport
Unlike many cities in the Republic of Port-of-Spain, there is a city transport: it is convenient buses and a fixed city taxi. Tickets for public transport are sold in kiosks at stops, the approximate cost of one trip is $ 0.5.
Minibuses in use are called "Maxis", their main and, perhaps, the only difference from buses, the number of passengers. In this transport you will reach the desired place with great comfort, and you can pay off the driver. The city also operates a familiar and comfortable private taxi.
If you are going to take a car for rent, keep in mind that compliance with traffic rules here are mandatory and punishable by serious fines. In the city, accidents occur very rarely, and residents drive slowly and carefully, almost all the roads of the city are well asphalted.
Already from the name of the capital - Port of Spain - it becomes clear that this is not just a city, but a port city. Moreover, it is the largest port not only in Trinidad and Tobago, but also in the Caribbean. From ancient times to this day through it the trade of European ships with South America and other islands of the neighboring archipelagos was carried out.
By the way, the port provides a sea taxi service, so they call small boats that carry a group of passengers to the island of Tobago. If you do not hurry, then you can use the ferry.
Almost next to Port-of-Spain is the largest international airport of the country " Piarco " (Port Of Spain Piarco International Airport). They take planes from all over the world, and also carry out flights with other cities of the state.
How to get to Port-of-Spain?
Since the capital of Trinidad and Tobago is the main airport of the country, you can get to the city only after making an international flight. From Europe, Russia and the CIS countries, a convenient route is a transfer via London or some US cities: Houston, New York and Miami.