Port of Spain

Cruise ships berth in the capital at the Cruise Ship Terminal Complex of Port of Spain. Locals welcome arriving passengers by dancing in dazzling Carnival costumes, singing calypso or playing steel pan. Inside are a Tourism Information Office, duty-free stores, clothes boutiques and souvenir shops. A craft market stands immediately outside, where taxis also offer island tours. For independent exploration, Port of Spain's shopping and financial district is just a 15-minute walk away.

For safety, walk in groups where possible and use the same care as in any large city. Do not carry substantial amounts of money, enter dark streets or cross a park at midnight. Remain on well-used routes and enjoy the places recommended by relatives and friends.

Take a printable map along.

Trinidad lies nine miles from Venezuela's coast and is both a Caribbean paradise and the southernmost link in the Antillean island chain. It forms part of the two-island country of Trinidad & Tobago. Although joined by government and geographical proximity, the two islands are very different.

Trinidad's recorded past extends thousands of years, but Europeans became aware of the region in the 15th century when Columbus sailed around its southern bay. After seeing three large mountain summits, he called the land La Trinidad in reverence to the Holy Trinity. The British Empire seized Trinidad from Spain in 1797, ending more than three hundred years of Spanish rule.

In more recent times, success in the oil industry helped turn Trinidad into a major tourist destination. The area's booming petroleum trade made it an ideal base for upmarket business travellers, prompting an entire industry catering to these overseas visitors. Trinidad remains prosperous today and receives cruise ships from around the world at its picturesque capital, Port-of-Spain.

Port-of-Spain is a cultural and visual highlight of any cruise trip. With just over fifty thousand residents, it is recognised worldwide for vibrant, colourful festivals including the yearly Carnival. Its great cultural mixture includes prominent African, European, Indian and Asian food, architecture and language.

In and around Port-of-Spain, and throughout Trinidad itself, visitors encounter a land spared the huge over-development that has affected other prominent ports of call. Instead, the island provides ample beaches that remain pristine, both casual and elegant dining in welcoming local restaurants, and a great variety of activities and events. These options allow you and your family to discover this magical island and everything it offers.

Official taxis carry an 'H' registration. A private taxi costs much more but gives you freedom to travel where you wish. Although certain journeys have fixed prices, establish the fare before setting out.

Remember that $1.00 U.S = $6.30TT, although the tourism industry rounds this to a flat $1,00 = $6.00. Always ask a taxi driver which currency is being quoted.

Public transport comprises MaxiTaxis, or shared taxis, and Buses, which are not recommended.

Traffic is horrendous, so do not hire a car.

Maracas Beach is on the northern side of Trinidad, an hour's mountainous drive from the capital city of Port of Spain. The journey there climbs up and over The Northern Range rainforest area. Most drivers pause at Maracas Lookout, positioned about a mile before they reach the beach area.

Trinidad remains a major Caribbean shopping centre, attracting customers from throughout the region and neighbouring Latin American countries.

Shopping choices are fairly extensive, with bargains in downtown Port of Spain, San Fernando, Chaguanas, Arima, Tunapuna and the main streets of other districts.

Trinidad and Tobago uses the Trinidad and Tobago dollar, also called the TT and pronounced teetee. US dollars are widely accepted. Many shops take Visa and Mastercard, while American Express, Diners' Club, Discover, JCB and other cards are accepted in only a few places.

ATM (ABM) cards on the Cirrus and Plus networks work in local ATMs, allowing withdrawals in TT dollars converted to your home currency.

Languages are English (official), Hindi, French, Spanish and Chinese.

The terminal has free but somewhat slow WiFi.

Opening times are Mon-Thurs 0800-1600, Fri 0800-1800 and Sat 0800-1300. Some Port of Spain shops close later, while shopping centres often stay open until 2100. Shops close on public holidays, particularly during Carnival.

Everything is closed on Sundays and certain holidays, making a walk through town no fun; take a tour instead. Some shopping centres now open on Sundays.