Haiti doesn’t try to impress with polish. It pulls you in with soul. Perched on the western third of Hispaniola, this Caribbean nation is all rhythm, resilience, and raw natural beauty. Think misty mountains, colorful tap-taps, rara street parades, spicy street food, and beaches that don’t beg for attention. They earn it.
Port-au-Prince is bold and buzzing, filled with murals, markets, and music that spills into the street. Just outside the capital, the noise fades into quiet hills, colonial forts, and coastlines kissed by calm turquoise waves. Haiti is less about resorts and more about realness. It’s a place where history and hope live side by side.
Why Go to Haiti?
Because it’s the Caribbean with character. Haiti carries centuries of stories in its soil. From the world’s only successful slave revolt to a culture that blends West African roots with French flair, Vodou mysticism, and island creativity.
You’ll hear drums in the distance, taste pikliz that bites back, and see art in everything. From recycled sculptures to painted buses, Haiti is proud, poetic, and pulsing with life.
And there’s plenty of nature too. Forested mountains, hidden waterfalls, coral reefs, and offshore islands barely touched by time. It’s a paradise for travelers who want more than a pretty view. They want a story to tell.
Must-See Attractions in Haiti
Citadelle Laferrière
A mountaintop fortress that looks like it came out of a fantasy film. Built after independence to protect against the French. Now a UNESCO site and symbol of freedom.
Bassin Bleu
A trio of stunning waterfalls near Jacmel, perfect for swimming and cliff jumping. Turquoise pools in a lush jungle setting.
Jacmel
A laid-back coastal town known for its artsy vibe, French colonial architecture, and papier-mâché carnival masks. Great beaches nearby too.
Île-à-Vache
Off the southern coast with untouched beaches, coconut groves, and no crowds. Just you and the sound of waves.
Iron Market (Marché en Fer)
In Port-au-Prince, this historic marketplace is chaos and color at once. Spices, handicrafts, Vodou offerings, and daily life collide here.
Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien (MUPANAH)
A museum that tells Haiti’s powerful story of revolution and resilience. Don’t miss the anchor from Christopher Columbus’s ship.
What to Eat in Haiti
Griot
Pork chunks marinated, fried, and bursting with flavor. Served with pikliz (spicy pickled veggies) for a spicy-sour crunch.
Diri ak Djon Djon
Black mushroom rice, dark and earthy. A specialty for celebrations with an unforgettable umami flavor.
Soup Joumou
Pumpkin soup symbolic of freedom. Once forbidden to enslaved Haitians, it’s now eaten proudly every New Year.
Akasan
A thick, sweet cornmeal drink flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg. Breakfast in a cup.
Marinade
Savory fried dough balls spiced with herbs. Snackable, crispy, and addictive.
Essential Travel Tips for Haiti
Best Time to Visit
November to March is dry and comfortable. Summer brings heat and some rain. Peak hurricane season runs August to October.
Money & Payments
- Currency: Haitian gourde (HTG). US dollars are accepted in many places.
- Cards: Often not accepted outside hotels or large restaurants.
- Cash: Essential, especially in markets, taxis, and rural areas.
- Tipping: 10 percent is appreciated if not already included.
Getting Around
- Tap-taps (colorful shared taxis) are cheap and chaotic.
- Private drivers are safer and more convenient for long distances.
- Roads can be rough, so factor extra time for travel.
Staying Safe
Haiti has challenges, but many travelers visit safely with preparation.
- Stay updated on local conditions and avoid demonstrations.
- Hire local guides and use trusted transportation.
- Stick to known tourist areas and travel during daylight hours.
Staying Connected in Haiti
Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and some cafés, but connection quality can vary. Mobile signal is decent in cities and along the coast, but weaker in rural or mountainous areas. Roaming with your regular provider can lead to a hefty bill.
A local SIM card requires a store visit, local ID, and cash top-ups. Not always convenient when you’ve just landed.
JetSet eSIM simplifies everything.
Activate your Haiti JetSet eSIM before arrival and connect the moment you touch down. Whether you're navigating from Port-au-Prince to Jacmel, uploading Citadelle photos, or booking a boat ride to Île-à-Vache, you’ll stay online with no lines, no paperwork, and no stress.
Real connection, no matter where the road takes you.
