Haiti is a country with so much to offer. This Caribbean island has beautiful beaches, lush rain forests and a rich culture. Haiti is the poorest and most densely populated country in the Western Hemisphere. The landscape varies greatly from mountains to plains, coastal lowlands to valleys of coffee plantations.
The best places for tourists are located in Port-au-Prince where you can find great museums, world famous restaurants as well as shops that sell Haitian arts and crafts such as paintings, sculptures and pottery made from local materials like clay or wood.
Haiti is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and has a rich history that you will never forget. With so many tourist attractions to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. The first thing you should do is decide on what kind of traveler you are: Do you want seclusion or adventure? Here are some suggestions for our top Haiti Tourist Attractions!
16 Top Most Haiti Tourist Attractions
If you are planning a vacation or just want to visit the beautiful country of Haiti, then you’re in luck. There are many awesome places to visit in this Caribbean island nation. In this blog post we’ll discuss the top haiti tourist attractions and where they are located so that you can plan your trip accordingly!
1. Citadelle Laferriere
Located in Haiti’s capital city of Port-au-Prince, the Citadelle Laferriere is a massive fortress that was originally built to protect Haitian slaves from France and provide protection for any future rebellions. The construction started in 1805 and took about 14 years before it could be completed. It became an important symbol during the slave revolution because many Haitians who fought against slavery were educated at this site due to its proximity to Fort Liberte which served as one of their military bases. Today, tourists can tour inside the fortification walls but there are no tours available onsite as it remains operational today with only 350 soldiers stationed here!
2. Labadee
Labadee is a beach resort near Cap-Haitien in Haiti on the Atlantic coast. It was developed by Royal Caribbean Cruises, and it has been operated solely by them since 1997. The resort includes shops, restaurants and beaches with watersports facilities available for guests to use at no additional charge. Labadie is best known for its beach, which is one of the nicest in Haiti.
Labadee was created by Royal Caribbean Cruises and they have operated it since 1997. Labadie has nice beaches with watersports available at no additional charge for guests to use. It also features shops and restaurants that are open all day long so you can enjoy an afternoon snack or a late night meal.
3. Kokoye Beach
Kokoye Beach is a very nice beach and well worth the trip. The sand is white, you can swim off the rocks just offshore and there’s plenty of shade to escape from the sun if it gets too hot or too intense for your skin type. There are small restaurants on site for those who enjoy fresh seafood and plenty of coconut trees dotting the landscape, both providing shade if it’s sunny or a place to rest when you’re not feeling too energetic.
Kokoye Beach is located in the Labadie region of Haiti, just a few kilometers from Cap Haitien. This beach is popular with Haitian locals and visitors alike because it’s never too crowded and often has space for everyone to enjoy themselves on this stretch of white sand shoreline which runs around two kilometres.
Best Time: Open all year round but best during dry season (November to April).
Haiti Travel Tip: Be careful about buying goods along Labadie Avenue – they could be fake!
4. Saut-Mathurine
Saut-Mathurine is a little village in the northwest of Haiti and only 50 kilometers from Cap Haitien.
It really has everything – colonial architecture, preserved Creole houses with their decorative wrought iron balconies and plazas where people sit to chat. Plus it’s not too far away or expensive for those who don’t want to stray too far from capital city Port Au Prince but still enjoy themselves on holiday by exploring more remote areas of the country which are less touristy than others like Jacmel or Jérémie.
The area also has many beaches close by so plenty of time can be spent relaxing on sand instead if wandering around Saut-Mathurine admiring all its other features (plus there are some nice restaurants and cafes to take a break in).
And for other beach-lovers, the village of Cabaret is also nearby where you can enjoy not only its beautiful beaches but also explore an old colonial fort or hike up Mount Quirisso which overlooks both Saut-Mathurine and Cabaret.
5. Sans Souci Palace
The Sans Souci Palace is a palace in Pétion-Ville, Haiti where the Haitian emperor Henri Christophe lived. It was built by Henri’s imagination and completed as his summer residence on June 16 1818. The grounds were designed to imitate those of Versailles for it served not only as an imperial villa but also had many agricultural functions such as livestock to produce milk, crops like cotton that could be exported to France or processed locally into cloth, a fruit orchard with citrus trees from Europe and cedars imported from Lebanon.
Tourists come here to visit the palace and enjoy its tranquil gardens.
The Sans Souci Palace is a beautiful example of haiti’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty. Explore Sans Souci Palace to gain a deeper understanding of the haitian culture. Be sure to take in its breathtaking views and stunning architecture, as well.
6. Jacmel
Jacmel, on the southern coast of Haiti, is haiti’s second largest city and a popular destination for travelers. Tourists can explore Jacmel as they walk through its small streets or take in a local dance show at one of the many cultural centers. The highest point in Jacmel is Fort Jacques where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of this quaint town while taking in their surroundings.
The architectural wonders found throughout this town are preserved by UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Saint Jacques Cathedral to honor their importance in history and to preserve them for future generations.
6. Wahoo Beach
As the largest and most popular beach in Haiti, Wahoo Beach is a great place for people of all ages to enjoy. The heavy undertow makes swimming difficult for inexperienced swimmers so make sure you take a lifeguard’s advice before venturing in the water. There are plenty of beach activities to keep visitors occupied, including volleyball and surfing lessons on offer from local vendors. The food here is also excellent as there are numerous places to find everything from fresh seafood platters to barbecue.
For honeymoon in Haiti, Wahoo Bay Beach is one of the best places to go. Couples can choose Wahoo Bay Beach for their honeymoon with the assurance that they will have a relaxing and peaceful vacation. There are many resorts where travelers can stay at or visit as well as many restaurants that serve delicious food.
At the southern end of Wahoo Beach is Hotel Christopher, an upscale hotel with its own private beach and pool that can be rented by guests for a small fee. If you’re visiting Haiti on business or are looking to get away from it all but want some nice amenities, this is a great place to stay. In addition to the hotel, there are also restaurants and bars onsite.
7. National Museum
The National Museum of Haiti is located in Port-au-Prince, and it houses a collection that includes artifacts from the country’s history. The museum has been open to the public since its founding on December 22nd 1894 by decree, but did not become official until 1900. In 1915, under president Vilbrun Guillaume Sam they began adding more items such as paintings and sculptures which are still housed today.
The National Museum of History and Geography – formerly known as “Museum d’Histoire Naturelle” which opened in 1894, is an excellent place to visit. It features a vast collection that includes artifacts from the country’s history such as paintings and sculptures which are still housed today. Most recently, there have been efforts to provide better lighting for these exhibits so people can enjoy them during nighttime hours.
8. Cormier Plage
Cormier Plage is one of the best places to visit in Haiti. It features a variety of activities for visitors, such as swimming and surfing depending on your skill level. There are also some other attractions you may not find elsewhere like scuba diving, banana boating, snorkeling and body boarding. The sand dunes and the water at this beach are always pristine and clean.
To reach Cormier Plage from Port-au-Prince, you have to take a bus or taxi for about an hour. The ride is scenic with views of several mountain ranges, Haiti’s only natural lake called “Pitot Lake” and other historic landmarks like Sans Souci Palace.
Cormier Plage is a staple on the tourist circuit for two reasons: its proximity to this little known gem of Haiti and the lack of crowds that usually haunt other popular attractions in Port-au-Prince, such as Pétionville’s Palais National or Delmas’ Parc de la Paix (Peace Park).
This beach is named after a French pilot who died here on September 23, 1979. The story goes that he was transporting medical supplies in his small plane when it crashed into Cormier Plage while trying to land for lack of visibility from the sandstorm. Ever since then, this place has been known as “the Place where Pilots Die” and a monument to the French pilot is erected on this beach.
In addition, Cormier Plage’s proximity to Pitot Lake offers visitors an opportunity to picnic or swim in pristine waters while taking in stunning views of Haiti’s only natural lake. This freshwater body of water has also been listed as one of the top places for bird watching in the country.
9. Chouchou Bay Beach
Chouchou Bay Beach is a small cove with white sand and crystalline waters that are perfect for swimming. The beach is located on the west coast of Haiti near Cape Haitian, about 66 kilometers from Port-au-Prince. Here visitors will find many places to stay including hotels, campsites, bungalows and restaurants along this stretch of coast.
The beach at Chouchou Bay is a popular destination for picnics or swimming in pristine waters while taking in stunning views of Haiti’s only natural lake. The water is incredibly clear and the sand is soft. The bay also has a serene atmosphere which makes it popular among those looking for more peaceful days on the beach.
10. Grann Do Beach
Grann Do Beach is one of the best places to visit in Haiti. The beach can be found on a small island near Saint-Louis, and it features crystal clear waters perfect for swimming or relaxing. Grann Do has no hotels, but visitors are welcome by all locals.
What to bring: Towel, sunblock, swimsuit.
Best haiti attractions for couples: Grann Do Beach offers a romantic getaway with crystal clear water perfect for swimming or relaxing.
11. La Gonave Island
La Gonave is an island, situated at the entrance of Port-au-Prince Bay. It was once a French colony and has very beautiful beaches (e.g., Anse à Pitre). Visitors can also find plenty of native artisans selling their products on the streets of the capital.
The island has an area of 14 km², and is part of Haiti’s Southern Department. The main village on La Gonave Island is Anse-à-Pitre (formerly known as Petite Rivière de l’Artibonite). Visitors can also find plenty of native artisans selling their products on the streets of Port-au-Prince.
The island is famous for its salt industry and has a population of around 57,000 people. The main village on La Gonave Island is Anse-à-Pitre (formerly known as Petite Rivière de l’Artibonite). Visitors can also find plenty of native artisans selling their products on the streets of Port-au-Prince.
12. Amiga Island
This island is located in the southwest region of Haiti. The name Amiga Island comes from a Spanish word meaning friend or companion, and this island has proven to be just that for many Haitians who have found refuge there since its discovery by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to America in 1493.
This Caribbean island is home to an incredible variety of wildlife and boasts ancient caves with evidence of Haitian-Arawak Indian occupation dating back over a thousand years before Christ was born. With its rich history steeped in African culture and traditions that are still practiced today, it is one of the best places to visit in Haiti.
The island is home to the famous Bois Cayes National Park which boasts a variety of flora and fauna, including some endemic species. One can also find a wealth of marine life such as urchins, starfish, coral reefs that are perfect for exploring by snorkeling or scuba diving. There are many places to visit in Haiti, but this is the best place for adventure seekers.
13. Bay Of Acul
One of the best places to visit in Haiti is Bay Of Acul. It was first settled by French colonists who began sugar production on the island and this industry continues today with a number of large plantations that are open for visitors. The bay has also become a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts, especially when whale sharks come close to shore to feed on plankton.
The island also features spectacular coral reefs that are perfect for exploring by snorkeling or scuba diving. Visitors can enjoy other activities, such as swimming in fresh water lagoons, trekking along the rugged coastline, or bird watching in some of Haiti’s most pristine forests.
The Ministry of Tourism has dubbed this area “Haiti’s Living Museum;” and there are a number of small museums on the island that visitors can explore while learning about Haitian history, art, culture, and natural wildlife.
14. Waterfall of Saut-Mathurine
The Saut-Mathurine Waterfall is located near the town of Fond Jean Marie Vincent, and it features a massive waterfall that drops around 400 meters into a river below. Visitors can enjoy hiking along this rugged trail with views of lush greenery on all sides as well as falls throughout the journey.
There are also several hiking trails in the area that feature less of a steep drop. The Nakanchelle trail is a great example which features an incredible 600-meter fall and plenty of greenery on all sides as well as waterfalls to explore along the way.
15. Gelee Beach
Gelee Beach is the perfect spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. With crystal clear waters, this beach has a nice sandy bottom that makes it great for swimming and sandcastle building. It’s also possible to see stingrays in certain spots along the shoreline as well as small turtles which can be quite entertaining when they swim by.
Gelee beach is the longest sandy beach in haiti. Gelee beach is located at the north of haiti.
Its name is derived from its crystalline waters and white sand which looks like egg whites when they come in contact with sunlight because it reflects.
It’s a very popular tourist attraction for people to visit all year around, but especially during high season (December through April).
16. Museum of Haitian Art
The Museum of Haitian Art was founded by the artist and historian Gerard Lespinasse in 1974. It is located at 31 Rue Jean Jacques Dessalines, Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The museum displays art from all over haiti with a focus on contemporary painting.
It has an outdoor sculpture garden as well as a walled garden with a large variety of tropical plants.
If you are interested in the history and contemporary art of haiti this spot should be on your list of places to visit while visiting haiti.
This gallery will provide visitors with a sense of haiti’s past as well its present.