Places to Vist in Haiti

Haiti's capital is a popular destination not only for its demographics and for being the cultural and economic center of the country, but also because of its 500-year history. While the main architecture of the city is Spanish colonial, tourists seem to be drawn to the gingerbread houses that populate the area around the National Palace and the city center in general. Despite having a population of over four million, the city feels more like a Victorian small town, and most of its attractions seem to fit that bill, with highlights being the Basilica of Notre Dame, the 18th century French quay and the National Museum (which houses the much-debated anchor of the Santa Maria, Columbus' main ship). Up until 2007, the UN warned Americans against visiting Port-au-Prince because of the high number of kidnappings, armed crime and frequent fires that plagued the city.

A seaport town in the south of Haiti, Les Cayes is famous for its pristine white beaches and warm ocean waters. Most tourists arriving here head to the seaside resorts, which usually offer water-related activities such as swimming, windsurfing, boatsailing and snorkeling. There are also several small islands just a few minutes away by boat from Les Cayes, where tourists can enjoy the Saut Mathurine waterfalls or join a scuba diving certification course. Honeymooners can even rent their own private island.

Jacmel is best known for its carnival celebrations, held in late February and consisting of parades, street music, live band entertainment and great roadside food. Visitors also come to Jacmel for the shopping, especially at the Iron Market, where you can find anything from tennis shoes to potatoes. Not far away, the Rue du Commerce coffee warehouse offers tourists a chance to see and understand the history behind Haiti's famous connection to coffee.