Trinidad Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago)



Photo of landmark building in Port of SpainWhilst it is true to say that many of the biggest tourist attractions on the island are the actual beaches of Trinidad themselves, there are countless other wonderful sights to see, away from the coastline. At just 2.5 acres / 1 hectare in size, Trinidad's extremely popular Emperor Valley Zoo may be on the small size, but it is certainly packed with animal attractions, which number more than 100 and include deer, jaguars, horses, monkeys, ostriches, lions and tigers.

Trinidad and Tobago's fourth-biggest town and known for its plentiful tourist attractions, the Royal Borough of Arima is just under 20 km / 12 miles from Sangre Grande and around 26 km / 16 miles to the east of Port of Spain. The Arima Dial and its neighbouring Asa Wright Nature Centre are just two of Arima's many highlights, while elsewhere on Trinidad, do consider visiting Paramin Village, the River Estate Water Wheel, San Fernando and St. James Barracks.


Asa Wright Nature Centre photograph

Asa Wright Nature Centre

Address: Blanchisseuse Road, Spring Hill Estate, Arima Valley, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, TT
Tel: +1 868 667 4655
Famed throughout Trinidad and Tobago for its exceptional bird watching opportunities, the Asa Wright Nature Centre was formerly a vast cocoa plantation. Guided tours will ensure that you will learn everything that you could ever wish about the indigenous flora and fauna, with small lizards being frequently spotted. Staff at the Asa Wright Nature Centre actually regularly feed the wild birds, making them easier to observe from a distance. There is even a fresh water pond here, where swimming is permitted.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00, tours with naturalist guides - 10:30 to 13:30
Admission: charge, discounts for children under 12 years old

Arima

Address: Arima, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, TT
Tel: +1 868 675 7034
Arima is an especially historical town with Amerindian descendants, and was granted municipal status by Queen Victoria in 1887. Many festivities take place in Arima each year, such as the street parades of the February carnival, and each August, Borough Day and the Santa Rosa Festival. One of the town's most notable tourist attractions is the Arima Dial, a giant clock standing on the corner of Broadway and Queen Street, and rather surprisingly originating from Nice, Italy, and dedicated at the end of the 19th century. This elegant clock stands on a tall silver pole and has recently been completely restored.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Emperor Valley Zoo image

Emperor Valley Zoo

Address: North of the Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, TT
Tel: +1 868 667 4655
Founded in 1952 and close to both Port of Spain's Botanical Gardens and Queen's Park Savannah, the Emperor Valley Zoo is perfect for those holidaying with young children. This is the country's main zoo and offers the chance to learn a little more about some of the island's indigenous species, such as the Red Howler monkeys.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 17:30
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Paramin Village

Address: Paramin, Port of Spain, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, TT
Lying to the west of Maraval, on the slopes of the Northern Range and just a short distance to the north-west of central Port of Spain, Paramin Village is a quiet suburb and well known for its herbs. The local cottage industry here produces huge quantities of its very own 'Paramin Seasoning' mixture, which comprises peppermint, onions, and both Spanish and French thyme. The village community is quite friendly and of Spanish / Venezuelan ancestry and many traditions are still closely observed, including its much-celebrated Parang singers. It is well worth coming to the Paramin Village for the scenery and views alone, with lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls and beautiful hillsides.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

River Estate Water Wheel

Address: Diego Martin Main Road, Diego Martin, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, TT
Tel: +1 868 675 7034
The River Estate Water Wheel is easy to find and stands just off the Diego Martin Main Road and is an important reminder of the island's rich colonial days. This particular water wheel is actually part of the Diego Martin Estate (also known as the River Estate) and was once used to supply the local sugar cane plantation, to crush the actual harvest, ready to create molasses. Onsite attractions include gardens, an area suitable for picnicking, an elegant wooden estate house, barrack houses, a coach house, and a small museum, filled with related artefacts, old photographs and an interesting diorama.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Picture of San Fernando's City Hall

San Fernando

Address: San Fernando, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, TT
San Fernando is amongst the largest cities within Trinidad and Tobago and stands on the south-westerly side of the island, alongside the Guaracara River. A very lively and enticing city, San Fernando is called home by more than 60,000 residents and is rather dominated for its towering hill, named simply the San Fernando Hill or 'Anaparima'. From the top of the hill, the views really are exceptional and on the clearest of days, they stretch as far as the Northern Range and even the outline of Venezuela is often visible. There are innumerable worthy attractions to be found around San Fernando, such as the King's Wharf and also the City Hall, which dates back to the 1830s although was rebuilt around 100 years later. Harris Promenade is another highlight and features an amphitheatre, where many live concerts are often staged. If for a looking for souvenirs, then the nearby Gulf City Shopping Complex is not to be missed.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

St. James Barracks

Address: Long Circular Road, Port of Spain, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, TT
Tel: +1 868 675 7034
Dating back to the late 1820s, the St. James Barracks reside in the Port of Spain area of Trinidad and took around three years to build, using local stone from an estate in Maraval. Upon completion, the St. James Barracks were reputed to be the biggest man-made structure in the whole of the Caribbean and is today used by the police service of Trinidad and Tobago. If you do decide to visit the barracks, try to arrive early, to avoid the likely crowds.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Woodford Square picture

Woodford Square

Address: Frederick Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, TT
Tel: +1 868 675 7034
Located off Lower Frederick Street and within Port of Spain, Woodford Square is an important meeting place and is surrounded by historic attractions, including the Hall of Justice, Holy Trinity Cathedral and also the Red House. Woodford Square was named after the Governor Sir Ralph Woodford, being previously known as Brunswick Square. This plaza serves as a good place to meet up and is often used to stage local events and celebrations.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free