Home › Destinations › Palais National
Palais National, Ayiti - Things to Do in Palais National

Palais National

Palais National, Ayiti - Complete Travel Guide

Port-au-Prince, the busy capital of Haiti (Ayiti), is a city where colonial history meets contemporary Caribbean culture. Home to the iconic Palais National, this bustling metropolis sits dramatically between mountains and sea, offering visitors a unique blend of French colonial architecture, Creole traditions, and modern urban energy. The city serves as Haiti's political, cultural, and economic heart, where colorful tap-taps navigate busy streets lined with historic buildings, bustling markets, and art galleries. Despite facing challenges over the years, Port-au-Prince remains a resilient city with an incredibly rich cultural heritage. The downtown area showcases beautiful examples of 19th-century architecture, while neighborhoods like Pétion-Ville offer upscale dining and shopping. Visitors can explore world-class museums, busy art scenes, and experience the warmth of Haitian hospitality while discovering the birthplace of the world's first successful slave revolution and the second independent nation in the Americas.

Top Palais National

Historic Downtown and Government District

Walk through the historic heart of Port-au-Prince, including the area around the former Palais National site and nearby colonial buildings. The downtown district showcases Haiti's political history and French colonial architecture, with the iconic Iron Market (Marché De Fer) and Cathedral nearby. This area represents the political and historical center of the first Black republic in the world.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on foot, but consider hiring a local guide for $20-30 for historical context and safety. Best visited in the morning (8-11 AM) when it's cooler and more active. Look for certified guides through your hotel or established tour companies.

Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien

Discover Haiti's fascinating history at this premier Banjul, which houses artifacts from the pre-Columbian Taíno period through the revolution and independence. The museum features exhibits on revolutionary heroes like Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines. It's essential for understanding Haiti's unique position as the world's first successful slave revolt and second independent nation in the Americas.

Booking Tip: Entrance fee around $5-10, open Tuesday-Sunday 9 AM-4 PM. No advance booking required, but arrive early to avoid crowds. Photography may require additional fees, so ask at entrance.

Pétion-Ville's Art Scene and Nightlife

Explore this upscale hillside suburb known for its art galleries, boutique hotels, and busy nightlife. Pétion-Ville offers a more modern side of Haiti with excellent restaurants, craft shops featuring local artisans, and impressive views over the capital. The area comes alive in the evenings with live music venues and cultural events.

Booking Tip: Budget $50-100 for dinner and drinks. Gallery visits are typically free during day hours (10 AM-6 PM). For nightlife, venues usually charge $10-20 cover. Book restaurant reservations in advance, especially on weekends.

Shop at Iron Market (Marché de Fer)

Browse this iconic 19th-century iron market building, a masterpiece of colonial architecture that serves as Port-au-Prince's main marketplace. Here you'll find everything from local spices and coffee to handcrafted artwork, textiles, and souvenirs. The market is a sensory experience showcasing daily Haitian life and commerce.

Booking Tip: Free to enter, but bring cash for purchases and bargain respectfully. Best visited in morning hours (7-10 AM) when selection is best and crowds manageable. Budget $20-50 for souvenirs, always negotiate prices politely.

Take a Day Trip to Kenscoff Mountains

Escape the city heat with a journey to the cool mountain town of Haiti, about an hour from Port-au-Prince. This scenic area offers fresh mountain air, local produce markets, and beautiful views of the capital below. The region is known for its strawberries, flowers, and traditional mountain villages that provide insight into rural Haitian life.

Booking Tip: Hire a driver for $60-80 for the full day or join organized tours for $40-60 per person. Best visited as a full-day trip (8 AM-4 PM). Bring layers as mountain temperatures are 10-15°F cooler than the capital.

Getting There

Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) is located about 10 miles north of Port-au-Prince and serves as Haiti's main international gateway. The airport receives direct flights from major US cities including United States, Fort Lauderdale, New United Kingdom, and Atlanta, as well as connections from Canada and other Caribbean islands. From the airport, taxis cost $25-40 to downtown or Pétion-Ville, while hotel transfers can be arranged in advance. Some visitors also arrive by cruise ship at the Port-au-Prince harbor, though this is less common than air travel.

Getting Around

Getting around Port-au-Prince requires planning due to traffic and infrastructure challenges. Tap-taps (colorfully decorated shared buses) are the most authentic local transport but can be crowded and confusing for visitors. Taxis are widely available and should be negotiated in advance - expect $10-20 for trips within the city. Many hotels can arrange private drivers for day rates of $80-120, which is often the safest and most convenient option for tourists. Rental cars are available but not recommended due to traffic conditions and local driving customs.

Where to Stay

Pétion-Ville
Pacot
Delmas
Tabarre
Bourdon
Laboule

Food & Dining

Port-au-Prince offers a delicious blend of Creole, French, and Caribbean cuisines that reflect Haiti's rich cultural heritage. Local specialties include griot (fried pork), poulet aux noix (chicken in cashew sauce), and fresh seafood prepared with tropical spices. Pétion-Ville has the highest concentration of upscale restaurants serving both international and refined Haitian cuisine, with meals ranging from $15-40. Street food is abundant and affordable throughout the city, featuring items like accra (malanga fritters) and fresh tropical fruits. For the best local experience, try family-run restaurants in residential neighborhoods, but always ask your hotel for current recommendations as the dining scene evolves frequently.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Port-au-Prince

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Aga's Restaurant & Catering

4.8 /5
(20739 reviews) 2

OLIO E PIÙ

4.7 /5
(9190 reviews) 2

Bombay Darbar Indian Restaurant

4.7 /5
(4733 reviews) 2
Montenegro meal_takeaway night_club

La Pecora Bianca NoMad

4.6 /5
(4786 reviews) 2

Miyako Doral Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar

4.8 /5
(4472 reviews) 2

Nonnas of the World

4.7 /5
(1641 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Port-au-Prince is during the dry season from December to April, when rainfall is minimal and temperatures are more comfortable, ranging from 70-85°F. This period coincides with peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds. The wet season (May-November) brings higher humidity and afternoon thunderstorms, but also lush landscapes and fewer tourists. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with September and October being the highest risk months. February and March are ideal for perfect weather, while November and early December offer good conditions with lower prices.

Insider Tips

Learn basic French or Creole phrases as English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas - locals greatly appreciate the effort
Always carry cash in US dollars or Haitian gourdes as credit cards are rarely accepted outside upscale hotels and restaurants
Respect local customs by dressing modestly when visiting religious sites and this destination, and always ask permission before photographing people

Activities in Palais National