Ten free things to enjoy in Trinidad

You don’t have to break the bank to explore Trinidad or have some fun. Here are are top 10 things you can do for free.

Our top 10 free things to do in Trinidad

Carnival spirit

If you’re here for Carnival, listen to the steelbands rehearsing in the panyards, watch the costumed bands on Monday and Tuesday; catch traditional Carnival characters appearing in the week before Carnival. All for free.

Birds & butterflies

Trinidad has a staggering number of birds and butterflies. Drive up to Mount St Benedict in Tunapuna and walk the grounds or the butterfly trail.

Browsing

Frederick Street runs through the heart of Port of Spain and gives a fair idea of what you’ll find all over the island in shopping areas and malls. Plenty of local craft and hand-made goods.

Visit a Hindu temple

Those in central Trinidad have become quite grand. The one on Ethel Street in St James was the first in the country to be built with actual architectural plans. For some fine colonial architecture, look out for Anglican and Catholic cathedrals and churches.

Hit the beach

Most beaches in Trinidad and Tobago are public. If you’re in Tobago, you should be able to walk to one. In Trinidad, you’ll need to work out transport.

Discover the artists

Port of Spain has some good private, commercial art galleries, often showing work by leading painters, sculptors and jewellers. The National Museum and Art Gallery has some treasures too, but the space itself is not in excellent condition.

Alice Yard

On Roberts Street in Woodbrook, this is a contemporary arts/performance space and network, and there’s usually something interesting going on there. www.aliceyard.blogspot.com or www.facebook.com/aliceyard

Queen’s Park Savannah

Walk, ride, or run around the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain. Nearby, the Botanical Gardens and the row of eclectic, eccentric buildings called the Magnificent Seven. Hot work maybe – have a coconut or sno-cone for recovery. Or both.

Chaguaramas

The Chaguaramas peninsula, west of Port of Spain, has a new waterside boardwalk. Find out what the “bamboo cathedral” is, or walk to Edith Falls from the car park of the golf course; check out the marinas and enjoy the breeze off the sea and the boats at anchor.

Check the calendar for celebrations and festivals

It’s a rare week when there’s nothing happening, secular or religious, day or night. Carnival, Divali, Hosay, Emancipation Day, various Borough Days, Independence and Republic Days. You can often catch live music at various clubs and bars (check the daily papers).

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  1. VermillionQueen 20 May, 2017 at 12:47 pm

    Love this

    Reply

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