Port of Spain

Dating back to the 18th century, the Carnival in Port of Spain, Trinidad is one of the most vibrant festivals in the Caribbean, and the world over. It begins on the Monday before Ash Wednesday and ends the following day. Before the festivities kick off, there are a series of pre-Carnival events and parties, in which visitors will experience firsthand the best of Trinidad's music and entertainment. The Calypso Monarch competition and the Soca Monarch competition are two of the most important ones. After that, the streets of Port of Spain come alive with a massive parade showcasing elaborate costumes. Participants dance through the streets to the beat of soca and calypso music. Last but not least, as in any other major event, local authorities recommend that visitors take precautions to ensure their safety and enjoy the carnival to the fullest. If you are lucky enough to be in Port of Spain at this time of the year, do not miss out.

Queen’s Park Savannah, also known as "The World’s Largest Roundabout", is a public park in downtown Port of Spain. The park is located across the street from the Magnificent Seven, which are large mansions built during the colonial period. The busiest time at the park is usually in the early evening, when the intense heat has diminished. Locals gather at the park to play cricket or football. If you walk around the perimeter of the park, you will find local vendors selling coconut water, however, if you want to try some of the street foods and drink, there is an open air night market in the car park of Queen’s Park Savannah.

The Central Bank Money Museum is a newly refurbished museum closely located to the cruise port. The museum has a strong focus on the history of currency offering a range of interactive exhibits, including a replica gold bar, an infrared reader to verify banknotes, and a display featuring birds that appear on Trinidad and Tobago's currency. If you are travelling with children, there is a simulated supermarket where kids can engage in fun activities to understand food prices and how the food economy works. The museum is an air-conditioned indoor space that provides a break from the heat of downtown Port of Spain.

Located right next to Queen's Park Savannah in downtown Port of Spain, these serene gardens are one of the oldest and most famous botanical gardens in the Caribbean. The gardens cover 61 acres of land and are a popular attraction for picnics and photography, with hiking trails and a wide variety of trees. The Botanical Gardens are home to different plant species, including palms, ferns, cycads, orchids, and other tropical plants. The gardens are open to the public every day, and the admission is free.

Located 16 kilometres (10 miles) away from Port of Spain, Maracas Bay is Trinidad's most famous beach given its two kilometres of white sands, swaying palm trees, and turquoise waters. It is one of the busiest beaches, particularly at weekends, where locals and visitors flock to swim, surf, and indulge in the island's street food. The waves here can reach an average height of about a meter (3 feet), which makes it perfect for surfing. Last but not least, if you plan to visit Maracas Beach, make sure you try the most popular food here; Shark and Bake, a local dish prepared using fried flatbread, shark meat and additional ingredients.

Compared to Maracas Beach, Las Cuevas is a less popular beach with smaller crowds, which makes it ideal for beachgoers looking for a more peaceful environment. You can visit both Marcaras and Las Cuevas on the same day, as it is only a 15-minute drive from one another. If you are planning to spend the day at Las Cuevas, bare in mind that there are no food stands on the beach. You can either buy food or snacks before heading there or you can pick it up from the establishments on Maracas beach on the way. Apart from that, the beach offers chairs and umbrellas for rent, bathroom facilities, and lifeguards. If you get there by car, there is parking available, but spots are limited, so it is recommended to get there early.

Blanchisseuse Bay is a secluded beach, ideal for adventurous travellers. This quiet beach with gentle waves perfect for swimming is over a kilometre long. It is surrounded by coconut trees that provide shade and the chance to taste freshly cut coconuts. Blanchisseuse Bay is further from the most popular beaches on the island, and it is difficult to access. If you are looking for a quiet, peaceful beach, the hike to get there is definitely worthwhile.

The smaller of the two sibling islands, Tobago radiates an undeniable allure that has earned it a reputation as a hidden gem in the Caribbean. Blessed with a captivating fusion of colonial heritage, vibrant traditional festivals and a delectable cuisine influenced by India and South America, Tobago offers an enchanting experience like no other. Its landscapes, adorned with lush volcanic formations, paint a picturesque backdrop for pristine white-sand beaches. With its unique blend of cultural treasures and natural wonders, Tobago stands as an idyllic haven for those yearning for a truly unforgettable and rejuvenating vacation. Since most cruise ships dock in Port of Spain on Trinidad, cruise passengers who want to visit Tobago have to catch a ferry to Scarborough, the terminal on Tobago island. The ferry terminal is at walking distance from the cruise terminal, however, the ferry ride to Scarborough takes roughly 3 hours and 30 minutes. Make sure you have enough time to make the trip to Tobago.