Cap-Haïtien

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Eco-friendly travel guide to Cap-Haïtien advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti.

Aerial view of Cap-Haitien


  • Air quality: 3.5 / 5
  • Exploring by foot: 3.9 / 5
  • Exploring by bicycle: 4 / 5
  • Public transportation: 3.9 / 5
  • Parks: 3.9 / 5
  • Outdoor activities: 4 / 5
  • Locals' English level: 3.8 / 5
  • Safety: 4 / 5
  • Accommodation: US$1200 - $1500
  • Budget per day: US$900 - $1000

Responsible Travel

Known for its French colonial architecture, Cap-Haitien is a port city on the north coast of Haiti. It is also the capital of the department of Nord and also the capital of the Northern department. This city is Haiti's third most populous state capital. Because of its wealth and sophistication, expressed through its architecture and artistic life, it was historically nicknamed the Paris of the Antilles. Besides being a tourist destination, Cap-Haitien is known as the nation's largest center of historic monuments. The bay, beaches, and monuments located here have made it a resort and vacation destination for Haiti's upper classes, in comparison to Petion-Ville. This port has also attracted more international tourists, as it has been isolated from the political instability in the south of the island. Northwest of the city, beaches including sandy Cormier. To the south is the Laferriere Citadel, which is a hilltop fortress is built by the revolutionary leader Henri Christophe. The ruins of his Sans-Souci Palace are situated in the nearby town of Milot. Facing the Place de la Cathedrale is the landmark early 20th-century Norte-Dame Cathedral. Further, Cap Haitien is also home to the Cap-Haitien Faculty of Law, Economics and, Management; the Public University of the North in Cap Haitien (UPNCH). The central area of the city is between the Bay of Cap Haitien to the east and nearby mountainsides to the west. This historic city has numerous markets, churches, and low-rise apartment buildings that are mainly of three-four stories, constructed primarily before and during the U.S. occupation.

  • Consider using public transportation to explore all the major destinations in the city.
  • Opt to stay in the eco-friendly hotels available in the city. It will positively affect the city to stay pollution-free.
  • The short distance localities in the city can be traveled by eco-friendly transportation like walking or bicycles. You can organize your trip accordingly so that it can assist you to perform your responsibility as an eco-friendly tourist.
  • The city has national parks which you should consider visiting while exploring. You can enjoy the beauty of nature in a fresh environment.
  • Try to travel using local transport available in the city. This will provide support to the locals. Rented cars, taxis can be some of the best options.
  • Try to visit local markets for food and lodging to contribute positively to the economy of the country. You can also taste the street foods offered by the city.
  • You should always go for the ways that help the environment to maintain its freshness. This will assist you to fulfil your duty as a responsible tourist.
  • Try the meals in the city’s local restaurants. The street foods found in Cap-Haitien are very popular among tourists. You are highly recommended to try these amazing street foods during your trip.
  • Being a responsible tourist, you should respect cultural resources and perform activities with respect for the artistic, archaeological, and cultural heritage.
  • Make sure to explore the unknown places, as you might come across some amazing hidden gems that are not popularly known but are worth visiting.


Air Quality and Pollution

The air quality of Haiti is considered to be moderately unsafe. The most recent data indicates the country’s annual mean concentration of PM 2.5 is 15 ug/m3, which exceeds the recommended maximum of 10 ug/m3. Therefore, the governments have taken several measures since the problem started and they have asked the public to play their part positively by using fewer fuel-based gadgets. Further, the same goes for using public transports or carpools. Thus, various actions have been taken to decrease the amount of usage of such devices that causes more pollution. The government is also working to keep the air quality level at a proper rate so that the city air remains good. Also, the government is effectively working on the procedure to fulfill the target of controlling the pollution rate in the city.

With the help of these measures, they have managed to reduce pollution to a certain level. These authorities are repeatedly working to provide a better life in the city. At the present date, the air quality, and pollution are very much in control. Therefore, you can plan a comfortable trip to Cap-Haitien.


Respect the Culture

The island was occupied for thousands of years by cultures of indigenous peoples, who had migrated from present-day Central and South America. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers in the Caribbean began to colonize the island. They adopted the native name, Guárico for this area that is today known as Cap Haitien. Also called Le Cap, this city has historically been nicknamed the Paris of the Antilles, because of its wealth and sophistication, which was expressed through its architecture and artistic life. It was an important city during the colonial period, serving as the capital of the French Colony of Saint-Domingue from the city's formal foundation in 1711 until 1770 when the capital was moved to Port-au-Prince.

Other Haitian Carnival includes Carnaval des Fleurs (Flower Carnival), and Koudyay. Haitien Carnival is a celebration held over several weeks each year leading up to Mardi Gras. Haitian Defile Kanaval is the Haitian Creole name of the main annual Mardi Gras carnival held in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The parade is known as Kye Marn. Haiti's largest carnival is held in the capital and largest city, Port-au-Prince, with smaller celebrations taking part simultaneously in Jacmel, Aux Cayes, and other locations in Haiti. The annual carnival celebrations coincide with other Mardi Gras carnivals around the world.

Haiti has a unique traditional carnival, Rara that is separate from the main pre-Lent carnival celebrations. It has its roots in Haiti's and deyo areas, which are the rural areas around Port-au-Prince. It is based on peasant Easter celebration customs. The celebration includes parades with musicians playing drums, tin trumpets, bamboo horns called vaksens, and other instruments.

Further, these parades also include dancers and costumed characters such as Queens, Presidents, Colonels, and other representatives of a complex area band hierarchy that are similar to the krewe organization of New Orleans Mardi Gras bands. About leisure, the commune of Cap-Haïtien contains two libraries, four theaters, and five cinemas. The sports practiced in the city are football, volleyball, basketball, tennis, athletics, judo, and karate, amongst others.


Top 10 Places to Visit

As known that Cap-Haitien is one of the best cities for tourist attractions. It holds several sites of attractions and people love to visit the place. It is because there you will get some beautiful spots that have the most attractive views for your holiday trip. Read further to know about some of the interesting spots that are worth visiting, during your tour to the city.

  • Citadelle Laferriere – This is a mountaintop fortress, located on the northern coast of Haiti on the top of mountain Bonnet a L’Eveque. It is also known simply as the Citadelle or as Citadelle Henri Christophe in the honor of its creator. This massive stone construction is the largest fortress in the Americas and is built to demonstrate the power of the newly independent Haiti. It was essential for the security of Haiti’s newly formed state. It is often called the Eighth Wonder of the World and is accessible only by a two-hour ascent by mule.
  • Sans-Souci Palace – It is described as one of the most remarkable attractions in the Western Hemisphere. It was the principal royal residence of Henry I, king of Haiti, better known as Henri Christophe. It is located in the town of Milot, northeast of the Citadelle Laferriere, southwest of the Three Bays Protected Area.
  • Cathedrale Notre-dame Du Cap-Haitien – Also called Cap-Haitien Cathedral, it is the name that receives a temple affiliated to the Catholic Church that is located in the city of Cap-Haitien in the Department of the North in the Hispaniola island and to the north of the Caribbean country of Haiti. The temple follows the Roman or Latin rite and is the mother church of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cape Haitian.
  • Unique City Jacmel – It is a commune in southern Haiti founded by the Spanish and repopulated by the French. The town's name is derived from its indigenous Taino name of Yaquimel and was dubbed as the City of Light. The city is known for its well-preserved French colonial architecture and accepted as a World Heritage site.
  • Musee du Pantheon National Haitien – This is a museum featuring the heroes of the independence of Haiti and the Haitian history and culture. This cultural center is to perpetuate and disseminate the memory of the Fathers of the Nation. One of its main missions is to participate in heritage conservation and dissemination of national culture. The museum traces Tainos, Spanish, and a section dedicated to the heroes of independence, including the silver gun with which Henri Christophe committed suicide, and the bell used to announce Haitian independence. It also contains torture instruments, slavery chains, sculptures, and temporary exhibitions of paintings.
  • Heros de Vertieres – Vertieres is situated just south of Cap-Haitien in the Department du Nord. It was the last major battle of the Haitian Revolution and the final part of the Haitian Revolution under Jean Jacques Dessalines. It was between the Haitian indigenous army and Napoleon's French expeditionary forces, who were committed to regaining control of the island.
  • Cormier Plage – The beach off of the Cormier Plage Resort is a hidden paradise. The beachfront is a stretch of sand set in a prime location to visit many Haitian tourist attractions such as cultural sites like the Citadelle Laferriere. The opportunity to experience the beautiful crashing waves on the silky sand from morning until night makes this worth visiting place.
  • Parish of St. Philomena – The parish was named after the legendary virgin and martyr St. Philomena. Daniel Twomey founded the parish in 1948 as the first Sacramento suburban church of the post-war era.
  • Museum Ogier-Fombrun – The Ogier Fombrun Museum is located on the premises of the Moulin sur Mer Beach Resort. The property is an authentic sugar cane plantation whose ruins were totally recovered by the work of the late Gerard Fombrun, a famous Haitian architect who dedicated over 35 years of his life to restore them. He was moved by a patriotic desire to contribute to the conservation of national and historical heritage.
  • Mountains of Kenscoff – It is a commune in the Port-au-Prince Arrondissement, in the Ouest department of Haiti, located in the foothills of the Chaine de la Selle mountain range. The town the highest permanent settlement in the Caribbean. Kenscoff has a subtropical highland climate and borders a tropical savanna climate. The town is the home of the Baptist Haiti Mission, Hospital De Fermathe, the Wynne Farm Ecological Reserve, and the Architectural Association Haiti Visiting School.
Citadelle Laferriere


Explore

Above are the mentioned top ten tourist attractions, which you can opt to pay a visit while traveling to Cap-Haitien. In addition, there are some other places in the city like parks and museums that you can consider checking out during your tour in the city. Here is a list of such places that you can explore.


City Parks

  • Cathedral Square – The present name of the Square is derived from the towering Notre Dame cathedral which is at the southern end of the Square. The Square was also the site where Léger-Felicite Sonthonax, then Civil Commissioner, proclaimed the freedom of the slaves in the Northern Province.


National Parks

  • Pic Macaya National Park – This is one of two national parks of the Republic of Haiti. It is located in the country's southern peninsula, within the Massif de la Hotte, and features the country's last stand of the virgin cloud forest. One of the biggest challenges to the park is the practice of charcoal burning, in which large swathes of biomass are burned to produce charcoal, which can be sold at a high price by local inhabitants. The park features endangered plant and animal life, including some endemic to the island of Hispaniola. There are 220 species of birds present in the park, 141 species of orchids, and 367 flowering plants. Six species of frogs, believed to be extinct, have been seen in the region in the past several years. Over 6,500 species of plants live at Pic Macaya.


Beaches

  • Labadie Beach – It is a port located on the northern coast of Haiti within the arrondissement of Cap-Haitien in the Nord department. It is a private resort leased to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Attractions include a Haitian flea market, beaches, watersports, a water-oriented playground, an alpine coaster, and the largest zip-line over water. Royal Caribbean has contributed the largest proportion of tourist revenue to Haiti.
Labadie Beach


Landmarks

  • Jean-Jacques Dessalines Statue – Jean-Jacques Dessalines was a leader of the Haitian Revolution and the first ruler of an independent Haiti. Under Dessalines, Haiti became the first country to permanently abolish slavery. He served as an officer in the French army when the colony was fending off Spanish and British incursions.
  • The Bottle Gate – The monument is on the western outskirts of the city. These iconic bottle-shaped structures mark the historic entrance to the city.
Jean-Jacques Dessalines Statue


Museums

  • Expressions Art Gallery – This is a popular Haitian art gallery that consists of original paintings from Haitian artists living in Haiti and outside of Haiti. Located in Petion-Ville, the gallery is a celebration of the talent of over one hundred Haitian artists. In addition to displaying and selling artwork, the gallery hosts exhibit and appraise paintings.


Eat

The Haitien cuisine is famous in the world and has several influences such as African, French, Arab, Spanish, and those of the Taino natives. Both the traditional and the contemporary dishes from the island of Haiti have a uniqueness that is typical only to the nation. This is what exactly the visitors find appealing while being in the city. Famous cultural food from Haiti made with marinated fried pork is called Griot. This common dish is also a favorite choice for all kinds of public gatherings such as Easter, Good Friday, and Christmas. The crispy texture of the pork and the aroma of the spicy marinade rendered to it gives a unique taste to the dish. Another popular dish is Accra. It is a vegan malanga fritter, which is a fried dish made from malanga, an edible tuber from Central and South America, and various other spices.

Labouyi Ble is a typical Haitian porridge made from Bulgur wheat. It is usually consumed as a breakfast, or main course dish. Further, it can be eaten by itself, or with a spicy side dish, especially in the main course. Its sweet and salty taste, mixed with spices like cinnamon, star anise, and nutmeg, is very much liked by the locals. Kibi is another popular dish offered in the city. It is basically a loan dish from the Arabian cuisine that has become a part of the traditional Haitian culture foods. This appetizer is one of the most favorite choices for traditional parties such as weddings, thanksgiving, and even a casual get-together. In addition, its rich taste, being quite spicy with its filling of ground meat, usually of beef or lamb makes it a must-try dish.

Mayi Moulin is a staple Haitian cornmeal dish. In many parts of Haiti, cornmeal is used as a substitute for rice, and this dish is one example of its regular consumption. Mayi Moulin is often consumed with smoked herring. Fresco is basically shaved ice topped with different flavors of thick, colorful syrup, and its sweetness is an irresistible attraction to locals as well as tourists. Pain Patate, also known as sweet potato bread or sweet potato bread pudding, is a popular dessert. Its rich softness is almost more of a cake than a bread, and its profile just bursts on the tongue with the flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, brown sugar, and molasses.


Traditional Local Restaurants

  • Auberge du Picolet Restaurant – Located in Boulevard de Caranage, this restaurant is known to serve a great variety of menu that consists of Caribbean and International cuisines. With excellent taste and quality of food, they also offer a decent selection of French wines. Some of its popular dishes that are worth trying include prawns, spicy meatballs, fish with shallots, chicken with djon djon mushrooms, and a final rhum raisin glace. The ambiance of the restaurant is quiet and charming, and the prices are reasonable.
  • Sublime Bar Restaurant – Located in Rue in Cap-Haitien, this restaurant serves amazing American, Caribbean, Pizza, International, and Barbecue menu options. It is one of the most recommended places for food. The quality and quantity served are appropriate. You will the freshly cooked food that is really flavorful and will suit your taste buds. Besides, this restaurant also offers a good drink menu including cocktails and juices. The ambiance is cozy and decent. You can opt to visit this place for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, late-night, and drinks.


Vegetarian and Vegan

  • Lakay – This vegetarian-friendly restaurant is located in Boulevard du Carenage. It is popular for offering a delicious range of food items that include Caribbean cuisine. They also serve a bar with a wide range of drinks. The decent ambiance is filled with music, which will ensure that the passersby visit the restaurant. The food served here is excellent and has large portions that can easily be consumed by two. Further, the price reasonable too and the staff are friendly.
  • Boukanye – Situated in Blvd in Cap-Haitien, this vegetarian-friendly restaurant is quite popular among the locals. Besides, serving as a pub and bar, they offer great pizzas and Caribbean cuisines. You will also get to taste a mixture of traditional foods and American Foods. Many people opt to visit this place to get the taste of the local cuisines that are served here. The staff is helping and the ambiance is classy. You can visit this place for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.


Street Food

Haitian street foods are more about traditional Haitian dishes than usual rice and beans. One of the most common food items on the street is pate, which is a deep-fried savory pastry, flour crust stuffed with sausage, chicken, or egg omelets. Sos Pwa Rouj is a red bean soup, which is served over white Jasmine rice with Haitian stewed chicken. This is another famous street food served in the city. Haitian spaghetti is served as a popular breakfast with ketchup, mayonnaise, an egg, and a banana. Fritay emerges on every street corner. Therefore, the city serves several of this kind. Bannann Fri, which is a fried plantain; lam veritab Fri, which is fried breadfruit; and marinated, which is a fried ball of dough mixed with spices are some of the standard options available at any fritay vendor’s table. They also offer fritay’s of chicken, beef, pork, or hotdogs.


Drink

Kleren is the most popular spirit in Haiti. It is more affordable than rum, and due to its long history of being produced here, there are many suppliers in Haiti. It is what is called a rhum Agricole. This means that unlike the majority of rums in the world, it is processed from the juice of sugar cane, instead of molasses. From this, you will get a strong, smooth, and sharp, and powerful taste that is to the point. Kleren is enjoyed in its pure, unaltered state, but it is quite popular in various flavors as well. Further, when a root or leaf is added to kleren to soak and infuse, the finished product is called tranpe. You can find Kleren in neighborhood liquor stores and on the menu at some restaurants and street vendors. Cremas is an alcoholic beverage that lives up to its name with its creamy, milkshake-like consistency. The base of this beverage is creamed coconut, and the alcoholic boosts come from either white or dark rhum. Jus grenadia is one of the more famous varieties. It is the pulp of a passion fruit mixed with sugar, water, orange juice, and occasionally alcohol.

Akasan is a cross between a milkshake and a smoothie. It is a thick, sweet beverage that is made with milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. But it also throws in some of the cornflour that Haitians keep around for breakfast. It can be served either hot or cold depending on the season. Besides, its savory component often leads to it being a meal substitute instead of just a snack. Cola Couronne is the Haitian equivalent of Coca-Cola. It is hugely a popular soft drink that is available everywhere starting from vending machines to sit-down restaurants. Further, it has a fruity flavor that includes oranges, pineapples, and hints of bananas. Also, milk and sugar are added for those who like it sweet; and cinnamon and anise are added for those who like it hearty. In addition, pastries are usually served along with it.


Tap-water

The water quality of Cap-Haitien is moderately safe to drink. In some regions of the city, locals refer to use tap water for drinking and other purposes. But being a tourist, you might not feel assured about the quality of the tap water resourced in the city. Hence, you are suggested to ask the locals about the quality of tap water that flows in different regions of the city. Besides, it is obvious that you will not suffer from the scarcity of water in the city as every hotel and local region provides the facility of tap water. Further, you can opt to fill your bottles anytime during the tour in the city or can consider using the bottled or mineral water that is easily available in the city at a reasonable price, depending on the drinkability of the tap water.


Organic Cafés

There is no specific café in the city. But there are numerous restaurants and bakeries where you can enjoy a variety of coffee, besides enjoying the lip-smacking food, snacks, and desserts.


Breweries

There is no such specific brewery in the city. But the National Brewery of Haiti, which is also called BRANA is the foremost brewery and bottler in Haiti, besides being a top Caribbean beer producer as well. The brewery manufactures the popular Prestige beer, which is one of the premium American-style lagers produced in the Caribbean whose popularity is gradually crossing national boundaries in terms of consumption and marketing. Hence, you will easily get beer in pubs, bars, and restaurants located across the city of Cap-Haitien.


Activities

Beyond the beautiful architecture in the city and the two most famous historical monuments that stand outside of the city, Cap-Haitien is also known for offering various sites which you can prefer for relaxing and conducting several activities during your vacation trip. You can visit Amiga Island, which is a tiny island off the beaches west of Cap-Haitien. It is said to present the paradise that makes Haiti one of the greatest little countries in the Caribbean, with fine white sand beaches, shady palm trees, warm turquoise waters, incredibly fresh seafood. Further, swimming is superb here, and snorkelers can find half-buried colonial artillery and anchors. Next, you can hire a boat to reach Kay Lolo Plage, which is a boutique B&B secluded in a private cove and surrounded by tropical forest.

The separate bungalows and villa here are in great condition and offer travelers a private beach with stunning views. Further, you will find kayak and paddle boats here that you can opt to ride on. While visiting Sans-Souci Palace and the Citadelle Laferriere, you can prefer hiking or horse ride that are available in the region. Besides, you can enjoy this mountaintop fortress that has other amazing spots for you, such as fortification walls, large storages of food and water, royal mansions, dungeons, bathing quarters, etc.


Yoga and Retreats

The city, Cap-Haitien offers several yoga centers that you can opt for according to your preference. Doing yoga is said to be the best solution to get relief from the tiredness after a whole day’s journey in exploring the city. It will help you to restore your peaceful mind besides providing you relief from getting restless. In just a few minutes of investing the time, you will get the desired result of relaxation and regain the energy. These yoga centers will assist you to feel more calm and energetic. Hence, you can consider being a part of the relaxing sessions. You can also meditate after the yoga session. Therefore, you can check the details online and can book your spot, and carry out attending some yoga sessions to revitalize your strength.


Accommodation

As this city of Cap-Haitien, remains crowded with tourists throughout the year, the accommodation facility here is highly maintained and the lodging structure is truly engrossing. This facility helps you to get a place where you can stay while you visit a city or country. It is a place where you can spend your peace and get relief from your tiredness. However, to keep the city pollution-free and reduce waste, this city offers some green hotels, besides apartments, hostels, and guest houses.


Green Hotels

Green Hotels are widely available in the city and are very much in demand, especially among eco-friendly tourists. These hotels are known to play a positive role in the betterment of the city’s atmosphere. Hence, they are known to provide all the basic facilities that any individual gets in an average hotel. In addition, the cost of these hotels can be comparatively low or similar to the normal hotels available in the city. Here is a list of some of the popular green hotels that you can consider for your stay in the city.

  • House of Lauriers
  • Satama Hotel
  • Hotel Mont Joli
  • Auberge Villa Cana
  • King Christophe Hotel
  • Residence Royale Hotel
  • Soft Stay Vertieres


Hostels and Guest Houses

The hostels and guest houses available in the city are quite affordable. These lodging systems are highly suitable for the ones, who are planning to stay in the city for two or three weeks. Though there are some expensive guest houses and hostels available in Cap-Haitien, most of them are low-priced and pocket-friendly. Further, in some of these lodging facilities, the options of sharing rooms are also available to divide the room charges with others. You will get almost all the basic benefits along with some extra benefits from them. Some of the well-known lodging options available in the city are:

  • Marcie Guesthouse
  • Villa Prosper Guest House


Apartments

Apartments provide many advantages and benefits for tourists to stay comfortable during the tour. There are many cheap to expensive apartments available in different ranges which provides some premium features to the tourists. These lodging options are considered to be the best if your lodging duration is of more than a month. Besides, you can freely stay in the city for business purposes or study. It also helps you to save a lot of money in the long stays. In most of the apartments, you will be surrounded by local people who will help you to know and observe their lifestyle more closely. There are some rental apartments available in the city.

  • Auberge du Parc Dondon (AP Hotel Resort)
  • Auberge du Parc Dondon (AP Vacation Residence)
  • Chateau Coise
  • Hotel Tita
  • Pablo Guest House


Couchsurfing

This accommodation option is getting popular in the world and is available in almost all countries. Haiti is one of the countries, where Couchsurfing is widely available. It is the best way for tourists to save money and explore the culture more closely in the travel location. You will find many hosts in the country who are ready to provide shelter and food to other tourists. As it takes a lot of time to find someone as a host and discuss the stay and other things with, make sure to look for it from a very early time to get all the things prepared before starting the journey. Besides, it is the best way to get accommodation if you want to spend less or if you are worried about your low budget traveling.


Camping

Camping is for people who like to stay close to nature while exploring the amazing views of mountains, forests, lakes, and other suitable places. The country Haiti offers amazing campgrounds that are located at a distance from the city of Cap-Haitien. These places have beautifully landscaped grounds. Further, the campsites provide all the basic facilities like toilets, food arrangements, and others that can ensure your stay be pleasant and relaxing as highly possible. They are available at affordable prices and provide very eye-catching and amazing views that tourists look for.


How to Get There

Cap-Haitien provides well-connected and highly-maintained transportation services that are widely available in the city. Airways is the most suitable and fastest way to get in the city as compared to others. Furthermore, if you are traveling from nearby cities, then you can prefer buses that widely cover various regions in and around the city. The roadways that link the city with other destinations are also well-interlinked. The options of rental cars, taxis and, shuttle to cover the distance inside the city. You can also opt to travel through waterways that are connected to the island of the city.


Air

Cap-Haitien is served by the Cap-Haitien International Airport (CAP), which is Haiti's second busiest airport. It is a hub for Salsa d’Haiti. The city became only accessible by air travel through limited flights into Port-au-Prince's Toussaint Louverture International Airport. American Airlines has service from Miami with once-daily flights and is the only major air carrier with service to the airport. Sunrise Airways provides service from Providenciales and Port-au-Prince. The interCaribbean Airways provides service from Providenciales. Caribbean Air provides excellent charter flights for missionary groups from Ft Lauderdale to Cap-Haitien. Cabin service and bathroom available on 30 passenger flights. Tortug’Air is a local airline, which has also flown to Cap from Port-au-Prince.

Cap-Haitien International Airport


Bus

The bus is one of the most convenient modes to get in the city if you are traveling from nearby cities within the country. The capital city Port-au-Prince also provides this facility of transportation through buses that operate in connection with other cities including Cap-Haitien. You can opt for this mode as it costs less as compared to the airways journey.


Train

Currently, there is no railway service in the city.


Hitchhiking

As the city is well connected with roadways that link to other nearby locations, you will easily be able to hitchhike your way through the city. Hitchhiking is the method of taking a lift to reach other locations while being on your way has become very common in different cities located across the world. This will help you to gain some of the best experiences on your way to the city as there are plenty of views to admire along the way. Also, you can cover the nearby distance with a comfortable ride and in short time duration.


Others

The Port international du Cap-Haitien is Cap-Haitien's main seaport. Therefore, you can consider getting in the city through waterways. Further, the Boulevard du Cap-Haitien also called the Boulevard Carenage is Cap Haitien's main boulevard that runs along the Atlantic Ocean in the northern part of the city. Besides, Route Nationale#1 connects Cap-Haitien with the Haitian capital city Port-au-Prince via the cities of Saint-Marc and Gonaives. Route Nationale#3 also connects Cap-Haitien with Port-au-Prince via the Central Plateau and the cities of Mirebalais and Hinche.


Moving Around

The city provides you several options to visit the interior of the city. Therefore, getting an idea about the various modes of traveling will help you get familiar with transport services available in Cap-Haitien. Being a tourist, you should always opt to go with the transportation options that will help you to spend less money and get the chance to explore more. Hence, you can opt for transport services like bicycles, cars, etc.


Walk

Walking down the lanes and streets will also help you to understand the culture of the city. It is not only the best eco-friendly mode of transportation but also the most common way to get around the city and explore the interiors. Also, it is one of the best ways of traveling when you want to explore the nearby market areas without missing anything.


Bicycle

Being an eco-friendly tourist you can prefer bicycling or motorcycle tours to explore some of the destinations in the city. Besides, it will help you to cover the nearby short distances. This means of transport will help you to explore the nearby localities a bit faster as compared to walking.


Electronic Vehicles

There are no electric car services in the city, to date. But, the city is planning to introduce electric cars in the coming years. They are also working to establish charging stations in various regions of the city. Doing this will assist in the smooth functioning of these electric cars.


Public Bus

The main form of public transport is a bus, which runs connecting several lanes and streets. This bus facility also provides services to tourists that help them to reach the tourist attractions located across the city. Further, the city of Cap-Haitien is also served by tap-tap and local taxis.


Tram, Train and Subway

There is no service of trams, trains, and subways in the city.


Sustainable Shopping

Shopping is an important part of your tour as it helps you to understand the culture very closely and become more conscious about their tradition. Instead of casual shopping, people around the world are now opting for sustainable shopping that helps to shop lovely things at low costs and decreases the waste of the city. You will be able to see some of the popular markets in the city that offer antique and vintage items. From clothes to accessories, you will find various types of items while exploring these markets. Purchasing items from the small shops will support them a lot, as most of them are dependent on tourism.


Food Markets

Kokiyaj Market and Bar & Grill are some of the popular markets in the city. It is basically a small supermarket on the first floor with a bar and grill upstairs. The market has all the necessities such as food, toiletries, water, alcohol, and many more. The local market is known to sell locally produced food products such as bananas, pineapples, sugarcane, coffee, and cacao. The food market of the city remains crowded by the locals as well tourists. The city also holds meat and fish markets, where you will get a variety of meats and fishes.


Flea Markets

Named after the iconic Port-au-Prince Iron Market, Cap-Haitien’s Iron Market or the Marche au Fer is a lively market that is housed inside a Victorian-era cast-iron pavilion. It has attracted tourists for its impressive period architecture and the huge range of handicrafts that are sold here, especially colorful ritual objects associated with Vodou practice. This Iron Market is a chaotic sprawl of craftspeople and food vendors who hawk their produce.


Second Hand Stores

The thrift stores located in the city are known to provide a big collection of used books, and souvenirs that include paintings, handicrafts, shoes, furniture, handbags, jewelry, kitchen supplies, and many more. Hence, you are recommended to visit these stores to supports the locals of the city.


Eco-Fashion

The city holds some of the stores and shops that sell eco-fashion clothes. In addition to the extensive use of natural dyes, these clothes are manufactured by using raw materials that are obtained from organic plants. Hence, it is considered to be a part of the sustainable clothes that are highly produced by various brands. The clothing and other goods under eco-fashion are made from recycled materials or otherwise produced by methods that are not harmful to the environment. Further, they are launched to provide an alternative to chemically treated clothing.


Recycling

Recycling is an effective way to preserve nature. Also, recycling helps to reduce the toxins that harm the environment. Therefore, the government is planning to increase the recycling product percentage to bring change to the country. They have taken various measures in the last few years to recycle as much they can and make the country free from wastes. Therefore, the country as a whole has started this process early and the waste products of the country are gathered for the recycling process. . Further, these recycled products are turned into new items that are usable.


Waste

The collection of this waste has assisted to keep the city clean and free from impurities. Hence, the country has taken the necessary steps to improve the environment and reduce waste collection. They are working to take the necessary steps to reduce the waste, which will further help the urban living style better. Somehow, they had made a lot of progress in a short time. Their efficient work to collect the wastes from the different regions of the city and then send them for treatment has positively helped in the waste management program.


Work and Study Abroad

Cap-Haitien is not only popular for having a lot of historical sites and its history, but also for its educational facilities. There are many colleges available in the city which offer benefits like exchange students that help the students to study in the country at a low cost. Furthermore, various types of jobs are also available in the city as well as in the country. This helps many workers from different countries to visit Haiti with the purpose to earn a lot. Therefore, there are many migrants as well who are working and earning their living pretty well.


Exchange Student

The facility of an exchange student is getting popular around the world, and most of the universities in different parts of the world have partnerships to offer this facility to their students. Therefore, an exchange student program is highly served by the colleges and universities of the city. The best thing about this facility is that students can study at foreign universities only with the college fee. They assist to provide an effective way of education to foreign students from across different countries. They also aid to provide beneficial methods for foreign students to boost their skills.


Au Pair

Au pair is a useful job service that provides a good source of income for outsiders. The benefit of this facility is that it will provide you the convenience to be able to get shelter, food, and even some money. Therefore, the options of au pair in the city are quite helpful for the people who came to earn a living in the city. Any person can get this facility under which they have to work for a host family and take care of the house, children, or elderly person. However, you will need to take the help of the online services to find the host easily and quickly. You need to make sure that you are contacting the host earlier, as the procedure might take some time.


Volunteering

Volunteering is highly conducted across the city. Many people love to participate in the social events organized under volunteering. This will also help you to gain a lot of knowledge about the local people, their culture, their traditions, and many such other things. Working weekly or monthly as a helping hand for the betterment of society is really admirable and contributes towards the noble cause. You will come across many foreigners who are participating in the volunteering work conducted in the country.


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