Cap-Haïtien

Haiti, The Caribbean

Cap-Haïtien, the picturesque coastal gem of Haiti, is renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture. Nestled between stunning mountains and the Caribbean Sea, it is the gateway to iconic sites such as the Citadelle Laferrière, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the beautiful beaches of Labadee. The lively local markets, colonial architecture, and warm hospitality make it an appealing destination for those seeking adventure and cultural immersion. Visitors can enjoy both historic exploration and relaxation by the sea in this enchanting city.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

City

Vibe

History

Airport

Cap Haitien

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

8 Best Things to Do in Cap-Haïtien

1

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Citadelle Laferrière

Visit the largest fortress in the Americas, a UNESCO site.

No booking required
2

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Sans-Souci Palace

Discover the opulent ruins of Haiti's royal palace.

No booking required
3

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Relax at Labadee Beach

Enjoy the pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

No booking required
4

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Wander Cap-Haïtien's Old Town

Stroll through charming streets with colonial architecture.

No booking required
5

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Taste local cuisine at a market

Savor authentic Haitian dishes at local food stalls.

No booking required
6

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Musée du Cacao et du Chocolat

Learn about Haiti's chocolate-making history and process.

No booking required
7

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Take a tour of the Iron Market

Shop for crafts and local goods in a vibrant market.

No booking required
8

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Hike to the Saut d'Eau Waterfall

Experience breathtaking views at this stunning waterfall.

Booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

No data

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Low

LGBTQ+ safety score

-10 (#143 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Gourde

Majority religion

Christian

Language

French

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Griots

Fried pork marinated in citrus. (National dish)

Tasso

Spicy fried beef or goat meat.

Diri ak Djon Djon

VE

Rice cooked with black mushrooms.

Soup Joumou

Pumpkin soup with beef and vegetables.

Tassot de Cabrit

Fried goat meat seasoned with spices.

Phrases to learn

English

French

Hello

Bonjour

(Bohn-zhoor)

Yes/No

Oui / Non

(Wee / No)

Thank you

Merci

(Mehr-see)

Excuse me

Excusez-moi

(Ex-kew-zay mwah)

How much?

Combien?

(Kohm-byen)