The Best Trinidad Review is here! If you’re planning a tropical getaway, Trinidad should be high on your list. This lush Caribbean island mixes natural scenery with lively culture, incredible food, and gorgeous beaches. I know how overwhelming it gets when trying to pick where to stay, what to do, and the best time to visit, but after spending time exploring Trinidad and talking to locals, I’ve gathered my top tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip. Visit here for more information on the Lesser Antilles, or visit us on Pinterest.
y Trinidad Offers a Unique Caribbean Experience
Trinidad stands out from many other Caribbean islands because of its distinct mix of cultural influences, beautiful wildlife, and a cosmopolitan vibe. The island is popularly known for hosting world-famous events like Carnival, but there’s so much to experience beyond the parties. I really enjoy how you can go from hiking in a rainforest to taking in live music and sampling street food all in the same day. Trinidad has kept a lot of its authentic charm, with an emphasis on local traditions, vibrant rum shops, and bustling fish markets. The atmosphere feels friendly and open to visitors, and there’s something for almost every traveler, whether you love adventure or just want to chill under a palm tree.
Beyond Carnival, Trinidad is bursting with cultural gems that reflect its rich history. The mix of African, Indian, indigenous, and European influences shows up in festivals, architecture, and family-run markets dotted across Port of Spain and smaller towns. If you’re interested in history, check out the National Museum and Art Gallery for a snapshot of Trinidad’s past. For music lovers, soca and calypso performances are easy to stumble upon in local bars or street gatherings, especially during festival seasons. You’ll spot the rhythm of steelpan bands as the sun dips over Queens Park Savannah. Trinidad’s diverse wildlife, including rare birds and butterflies, gives nature lovers endless options outside the city.
The Best Beaches in Trinidad
Trinidad has some of the most scenic beaches I’ve seen. While neighboring Tobago is often more famous for its beaches, Trinidad has spots that are just as eye-catching and usually less crowded. Here are a few beaches I think you’ll want to visit:
- Maracas Bay: This is probably the most iconic beach on the island. It’s great for swimming, with golden sand and strong waves that attract surfers. The road out to Maracas Bay offers a stunning view, and the beach is lined with huts selling the famous “bake and shark.” I tried it here, and it’s no exaggeration to say it’s a must-eat local snack.
- Las Cuevas Beach: Just a short drive from Maracas, Las Cuevas is quieter and perfect for families or anyone looking to relax. I liked the calm water and the shady almond trees along the sand. It’s well maintained and feels very safe.
- Macqueripe Bay: Tucked into a bay surrounded by rainforest, this beach has deep water and is popular for snorkeling. The drive down is steep, but the secluded feel and clear water are totally worth it. There’s also a ziplining course nearby if you’re up for an adventure.
- Blanchisseuse Beach: Located on the North Coast, this stretch of beach has dramatic scenery and fewer crowds. If you like to hike, the Three Pools waterfalls and Avocat Waterfall are not far away, offering a cool dip after an easy rainforest trek.
Not every beach is suitable for swimming, especially during the rainy season when currents can be strong, so checking local advice before heading out makes sense. Looking for somewhere hidden? Locals often mention Paria Bay, which requires a hike through lush rainforest but rewards you with seclusion and unspoiled scenery.
The Best Restaurants and Bars in Trinidad
The local food scene in Trinidad is bursting with flavor, thanks to its diverse heritage mixing African, Indian, Chinese, and European influences. Here are a few places I recommend after tasting my way around the island:
- Richard’s Bake & Shark: Located at Maracas Bay, this beachside food shack is popular for a reason. I love building my own sandwich with fresh fried shark, lettuce, pineapple, and their unique homemade sauces.
- Kariwak Village (Port of Spain): For those nights when you want something a little higher-end, try this cozy spot serving local favorites like curry crab and dumplings or callaloo. Everything is prepared with fresh island ingredients.
- Chaud Café & Wine Bar: Ideal for a night out in Port of Spain. The atmosphere is relaxed, and they offer a creative Caribbean-inspired menu with lots of vegetarian options. The wine list is one of the best I’ve seen here.
- Veni Mange: If you want something traditional, Veni Mange delivers. I tried the pelau (rice cooked with peas and chicken) and the stewed oxtail. Service is friendly and the vibe is relaxed.
- Shaker’s on the Avenue: For live music and drinks, this is my go-to in Woodbrook. The bartenders mix classic rum cocktails, and there’s often a band or DJ late into the night. Trinidadians love to lime (which means to hang out and enjoy life), and this spot is a real favorite with locals.
If you want to track down Trinidad’s true flavors, also keep an eye out for the street food vendors and night markets, where you can pick up doubles (curried chickpeas in fried dough), aloo pies, and roti on the go. For adventurous eaters, try souse or corn soup from roadside stands after a night out; you won’t regret it.
When To Visit Trinidad
Choosing the right time to visit Trinidad depends partly on what you want from your trip. The most popular time is Carnival season, which usually falls in February or March. The island comes alive with parades, costumes, soca music, and nonstop parties. If you’re looking for excitement and don’t mind crowds, this is an experience like no other. I’ve never seen anything quite like Trinidad Carnival; it’s energetic, fun, and very colorful.
If you want a quieter trip, plan for May through November, which is the low season. Flight prices are lower and you can often find great hotel deals. The rainy season runs from June to December, but showers are usually brief and the island looks especially lush. Birdwatchers might enjoy visiting between October and March to catch the migration season at Caroni Bird Sanctuary, where you’ll spot the vivid scarlet ibis and other exotic species.
Christmas is another lively period, filled with local traditions, music, and special foods like black cake and pastelles. No matter when you go, remember to check ahead if your visit lands during public holidays or festivals, as accommodations and transportation can fill up fast.
Trinidad Weather: What to Expect
Trinidad’s climate is humid and tropical, with warm temperatures all year. Most days see highs between 29°C and 33°C (about 85-91°F), and evenings are balmy and pleasant. The dry season, January to May, is ideal for outdoor activities like sunbathing and hiking. During the rainy season, afternoon showers are common, but they usually stop quickly and don’t spoil the day. I found evenings can feel muggy, so I like to pick hotels with air conditioning.
While hurricanes can affect the broader Caribbean, Trinidad’s position near the equator means it’s mostly outside the main hurricane belt. Still, it’s a good idea to check weather alerts before booking your trip—especially if you plan to spend time on the water or in remote parts of the island. Mosquitoes can be active during wetter months, so pack some repellent for comfort.
The Best Hotels in Trinidad
Trinidad’s accommodation options range from ecolodges tucked inside lush forests to luxury hotels in Port of Spain. I think anyone can find something to match their style and budget. Here are a few hotels I can personally recommend based on comfort, value, and location:
- Hyatt Regency Trinidad: If you’re staying in Port of Spain, this waterfront hotel is modern and convenient. The infinity pool overlooks the Gulf of Paria, rooms are big and quiet, and business travelers will appreciate the amenities. The onsite restaurants serve excellent Caribbean fusion dishes.
- Coblentz Inn Boutique Hotel: This boutique option has lots of local art, cozy rooms, and a personal touch from the staff. It’s close to Queens Park Savannah, so you can walk to local attractions and dining spots.
- Asa Wright Nature Centre: Bird lovers and hikers will love this ecolodge set inside a nature reserve about an hour from Port of Spain. I enjoyed watching rare birds right from the balcony and falling asleep to jungle sounds. It’s basic but feels immersive and special.
- Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre: Known for its big hilltop location, this hotel has sweeping city views, a pool, and comfortable rooms. It’s popular with both business and vacation travelers. I liked the Sunday brunch here. The spread has lots of local flavors and makes for a delicious mid-morning meal.
- Grand Diamond Hotel Trinidad: For quick airport access, this budgetfriendly hotel offers simple, clean rooms and friendly service. It’s perfect for stopovers or short stays.
Trinidad also has smaller guesthouses and short-term rental apartments, especially if you’re traveling on a tighter budget or want a more local feel. Consider staying in St. Augustine or San Fernando for a quieter vibe away from the city rush but still within easy reach of major sights.
Common Questions About Visiting Trinidad
I get a lot of questions from friends and readers who want to make the most of their trip. Here are answers to a few things I’m asked the most:
Is Trinidad safe for tourists?
Most visits to Trinidad go smoothly. Use basic common sense in urban areas, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar spots, and stick to recommended travel routes. Following local advice is always helpful. I felt comfortable during my trips, especially in busy places and at major hotels or beaches. Port of Spain is lively but safe if you’re staying alert and aware of your surroundings.
How do I get around the island?
Buses and shared taxis connect most towns. Car rentals are available but watch out for city traffic and narrow mountain roads. Hiring a local taxi driver for the day is a good way to get personalized tours, and rates are usually reasonable if you agree on the price before setting out. Apps like Drop or TT RideShare can be reliable alternatives to hailing a cab on the street.
Are there any unique festivals besides Carnival?
Yes, Trinidad’s calendar is full of festivals, including Divali (the Hindu festival of lights), Emancipation Day, jazz festivals, and Parang concerts during Christmas. Each festival offers a look at local traditions and music. I try to time my visits to catch a different event every year, and I always leave with a fresh appreciation for the island’s lively spirit.
Trinidad is a lively, colorful, and welcoming island that rewards curious travelers with unforgettable experiences. From hidden bays and tasty food to vibrant festivals and friendly locals, there’s always something more to track down. Planning ahead and knowing what to expect helps make any Trinidad trip smooth, and I think you’ll fall in love with this place just as I have.
This Trinidad guide is fantastic! I had no idea the island had such an amazing mix of rainforest hikes, culture, and beaches all in one place. Maracas Bay and Las Cuevas both sound incredible, and now I definitely want to try that famous bake and shark! Thanks for making the planning part feel so much easier.
I’m so happy it helped! Trinidad really is one of those islands that surprises you with how much it offers in a single day. And yes—once you try bake and shark at Maracas, you’ll understand why everyone talks about it! If you ever want help choosing where to stay or narrowing down the must-see beaches and hikes, I’d love to help you plan the perfect trip.
I absolutely loved reading this! Trinidad has always been on my radar because of Carnival, but I never realized how much more there is to the island. The wildlife, the cultural festivals, the food scene—everything sounds so rich and inviting. I’m especially interested in the hikes near Blanchisseuse and the bird-watching spots you mentioned. And that ecolodge at Asa Wright sounds like such a peaceful escape. This guide definitely convinced me that Trinidad is worth more than just a quick weekend. Thank you for such a detailed breakdown!
I’m thrilled this opened your eyes to everything Trinidad offers beyond Carnival! The nature side of the island is honestly incredible—Asa Wright is one of those places where you wake up to birdsong and feel completely immersed in the rainforest. And the Blanchisseuse area is perfect if you love mixing hiking with beach time. If you’re thinking about planning a longer stay, I can help you put together a route that combines culture, wildlife, and those relaxing coastal days.
Pingback: Trudy W
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Trinidad is absolutely worth visiting year-round — in fact, visiting outside of Carnival lets you experience the island’s local rhythm at a slower, more authentic pace. You can still enjoy live music, street food, and vibrant “lime” spots where locals gather, but without the big crowds. The beaches, bird sanctuaries, and hiking spots are quieter too, which makes exploring them even better. While Carnival is one of a kind, the rest of the year gives you a more personal look at the island’s natural beauty and culture.
Absolutely love your page and website! Love travelling and beaches, and am now looking forward to checking out Trinidad as a destination for next year’s travels! 🙂 You have a really comprehensive and easy-to-follow page, from transportation (which is so important!!) to weather to things to do to accommodation; the pictures and video make me feel excited about booking my next holiday already. 😉 I’ve just bookmarked your website; will definitely be back again to check out the other recommended destinations!
I am so glad you enjoyed visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com and reading our Trinidad Travel Guide Grace! You would find vacationing to Trinidad (and Tobago of course) to be absolutely amazing! Please come back when you are ready to plan!
Wow, it looks so beautiful there! I was considering Bora Bora, but Trinidad and Tobago look like a much more economical trip. I mean, as long as it is sunny and warm right?
Are there packages that allow for trips around the island, to see all the fun sights or even to move hotels? After reading your article, I would like to see everything as well as participate in the water activities.
Oh yes, it is way more economical than Bora Bora for sure, and just as beautiful. Yes, you can get tours in abundance. I would stick with Island Experiences, TrinTours, or Tours by Locals.. I don’t know of any packages that include changing hotels. The best for that is to reserve a room at more than one hotel if you want to stay in different locations 🙂 I would be more than glad to help, just shoot me a message. Thanks for visiting the Trinidad Travel Guide!
Such a great guide to Trinidad! You cover everything a traveler would need to know. I am planning a trip to Tobago and Trinidad for this coming winter. So this travel guide is awesome. I am going to bookmark your site, so I can reference all the information! Thank you!
Hi Sandra, and thank you for reading the Trinidad Travel Guide. I am glad you will be able to use the guide to plan your trip to Tobago and Trinidad. You are going to have an amazing time. Please let me know if I can help in any way. Thank you so much for visiting!
Trinidad sounds like a great place to visit as long as I time it right. At least I wouldn’t have to worry about hurricanes on this trip like I would on many other islands. The beaches might not be as ideal as some, but they look very inviting nonetheless.
I like to go on hikes and I see they have a hiking service. Very cool. How much does that cost though?
Hiking in Trinidad is ideal. If you go thru Nature Trek TnT (they have a huge selection of hikes), then most hikes are around $90. Some are higher. I think that if you enjoy hiking, then this would be the way to go for sure. Thank you for reading the Trinidad Travel Guide, and please let me know if you have any additional questions.
Hi, Leahrae. My sister’s partner is from Trinidad, (as well as this gal’s nephew). I am positive that she could attest to everything that you provided as a source of information to people reading this article. My sister has of course been to Trinidad, (the last trip several years ago). Although I have never been to any part of the Caribbean at all, from what I hear and read in your excellent article, the country is absolutely beautiful.
The prices are very reasonable, as well as the fact that the country’s accommodations and sight-seeing trips/tours/attractions appear to be fabulous. From what I understand, Trinidad was not hit nearly as hard a few months ago by the series of hurricanes as was the case with other island countries – Puerto Rico being one such example.
The video that you embedded in your article shows the beauty, cultural/historical sights that can be found and the overall friendliness exhibited by natives towards tourists who visit the island country.
As was stated in the video, and in a way backed up through all of the info that you provided in your review Leahrae, indeed Trinidad, (and Tobago) are on the rise!
Jeff
HI Jeff, thank you for your wonderful comments regarding the Trinidad Travel Guide! I agree that Trinidad and Tobago are on the rise, and you are correct that they did not get the damage from the hurricanes this past hurricane season that some of the other unfortunate Caribbean islands received. I think you will find that these two islands are a bargain, beautiful, and well worth a visit for sure. Thanks for visiting!
That’s the thing most people don’t understand about travel. You have to time your travels not only for cheaper tickets, but also so you don’t get caught in a time when the weather is not so great. I see the dry season runs from December thru May. What kind of temperatures can I expect during this time? This is going to be the ideal time for me to travel to Trinidad and Tobago. I am also curious how much rates change during this time? I see that they do raise their rates in December. Thanks!
Hi Dan, the temperatures in December are going to be around 80 degrees, which is a wonderful temperature. I am not really sure how much they raise the rates, but if you go towards the beginning of December, thru the middle of the month, you will find that they have not been raised yet. I am glad you enjoyed reading the Trinidad Travel Guide. Thanks for visiting!
Hi there, Tobago I think of a fine cigar. The music and beach life seems to be inviting too though. They have a well-going economy, that sounds great. How much do I have to calculate for a stay of two weeks for two adults? Not posh but comfortable.
Thanks Stefan
If you were to go during off season (January to May), you could be spending as little as $500 for a two week stay at a 4 star rated hotel, with great reviews. You could also go in between, or posh to $7000 for the two weeks. So, there is lots of room for a GREAT rate at just $500 for 2 weeks! Please let me know when you are ready to plan, as I know I can get you the best deals. Thanks for visiting the Trinidad Travel Guide!
Wonderful guide and they do have quite a party culture. I’ve never been to Trinidad but years ago I had some friends from their and they taught me all about soca.
I was surprised that they had so many places related to birds. With that and all of the hiking, it seems like a great place to truly enjoy nature.
Yes, Trinidad doesn’t have the beaches that Tobago has, but they have great wildlife and hiking. So if you want something more than just the beach and sunshine, Trinidad is definitely the place. Thanks for visiting!
As always, this is a great in-depth look at what Trinidad is all about. I do have one question though. I’m not sure about Trinidad’s situation, but I know safety can sometime be an issue on some Caribbean Islands. Is that a concern in Trinidad or is it on the safer side?
It is on the safer side, but there are a possibility of threats to visitors right now. I would wait until these threats are no longer a possibility, that is for sure. I am sure that Trinidad is doing all they can to neutralize this situation. Thanks for vising the Trinidad Travel Guide.
Thank you for a great review of Trinidad & Tobago and I was all set to consider taking my other half there for a surprise holiday however now reading the comments on the possible terror attacks I am reconsidering.
Have there actually been any Islamic State-orchestrated attacks on the isalnds Or is this just a warning of possible attacks?
Hi Moni, Thanks for reading the Trinidad Travel Guide. No terror attacks have taken place, just a warning that there is a possibility of it. I know, it is probably better to wait until this is all in the past. I don’t think I am ready to visit until this threat is no longer a possibility. Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com
One day I am going to jump on one of these nice places that you always bring to us. You do an excellent job of giving us detailed information on each destination. Planning a trip will be a breeze because of you. Thanks..
You are very welcome Ronnie! Let me know when you are ready plan a trip, you will have an amazing time!
Hi Leahrae,
Your posts are so thorough! You cover everything. Thanks for another great review of a place I long to visit. Trinidad is a name I always associate with cricket and the great West Indian cricketers who come from there. It sounds amazing and I love that many of the beach areas are not over run with high rise apartment blocks. Sounds like the perfect place for a holiday 🙂 I am looking forward to planning a Caribbean Cruise, maybe I should just take the time and spend all the time here on the wonderful island of Trinidad! You have surely provided me with a great visual, and I feel like I am already there when reading you article!
Kev
Thanks Kev! I am glad you have enjoyed reading and, yes going to stay on an island as opposed to a cruise is more appealing to me as well. Instead of just getting a small sampling of each port you stop in, you will get to immerse yourself in the Caribbean life and truly will have a great time! Glad you enjoyed reading the Trinidad Travel Guide!
Trinidad & Tobago has always been a dream destination for me to visit with a significant other, because I love Calypso Music and walking on empty beaches at Sunset. Two things that will concern me. The devastation after the Hurricane(s) and the terrorism threat currently. Most of the tourists there are Europeans and they have been warned off the island for now. As an American, I’m not sure how safe we would be in this political environment, so I will stay away for now. As always, though, a great review of what the island has to offer. Thank you !
Oh boy I did not know about the terrorism going on there. I had to do some research, and yes, Trinidad and Tobago is at risk of Islamic State-orchestrated attacks, as well as lone wolves inspired by al Qaeda. Now, Trinidad was not impacted by the latest onslaught of hurricanes. They were actually not affected at all. I think because they are outside of the hurricane belt, and don’t even usually get severe thunder storms. But the threat of terrorism, is a good reason to wait until this has been resolved for sure. Thanks for alerting me Rico! Thanks for visiting the Trinidad Travel Guide!