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Facts About Port Of Spain |
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|---|---|
| Country | Trinidad and Tobago |
| State | Port of Spain City Corporation |
| Founded | 1560 |
| Area | 13.4 km2 |
| Population | 49301 |
| Lat Long Coordinates | 10°40′N61°31′W |
| Time Zone | Trinidad and Tobago |
| area Code | -866 |
| Language | English |
| Major Religion | Christian |
| Point of interest | Emperor Valley Zoo, National Museum and Art Gallery, Trinidad, Independence Square (Port of Spain), The Red House (Trinidad and Tobago), Port of Spain International Waterfront Center, Queens Park Savannah, Movie Towne, Royal Botanic Gardens, Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago, National Academy For The Performing Arts Port of Spain |
About City :
Port of Spain is the capital of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and has a population of over 50,000. It is the administrative and the industrial center of the nation as well as an important shipping center in the Caribbean. This city is the only production center of the popular cocktail ingredient, the aromatic Angostura bitters.
The city was originally founded by the Spanish in 1560 who named it Puerto de los Hispanloes. Later, it was renamed to Puerto de España. Spain ruled the area throughout the 16th and 17th century and it was in the year 1757, Port of Spain was established as the de facto capital of the country. The city was invaded by the British Empire and remained in its power until the country gained independence in the year 1962. English is the official language here.
Geography :
Port of Spain lies at the northwestern coast of Trinidad Island and covers a total area of about 10 sq km. It is bordered by the Northern Range, the Gulf of Paria as well as the Caroni Swamp. A part of the city lies in a calm bay sheltered on the reclaimed land of the northern area of the gulf which separates the country from Venezuela while another part is on the slopes of the hills which rise above the city.
How to Reach (Transport) :
Port of Spain is served by the Piarco International Airport which lies about 25 km from the city. It is connected to most of the major cities of Europe, South America, United States and Canada by frequent flights operated by airlines like the Caribbean Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines and West Jet.
The city is also connected to Venezuela, Tobago and Scarborough by ferries. Inside the city, taxis, public buses and private buses are readily available. Taxis and other vehicles for hire can be easily distinguished from private vehicles by their license plates which start with H.
When to Visit :
Port of Spain has a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons. The city experiences high temperatures throughout the year and heavy rainfall from the month June until November. The best time to visit is from December to May when the temperature is relatively lower and the weather is dry. The famous pre-Lenten Carnival also takes place during this period.
Fairs and Festivals :
There is a lot to experience in this little port city throughout the year. Other than the fact that Trinidad and Tobago holds the largest Carnival of the Caribbean, Port of Spain also celebrates several other festivals displaying the rich culture of the area.
- Carnival, one of the best in the world, is celebrated right before Lent. It lasts for about two days when over 40,000 dancers take to the streets flaunting elaborate costumes and masks. The parade heads over to the Queen’s Park Savannah where a band competition takes place.
- Independence Day, celebrated on 31st August, is a widely celebrated day in the country. A picnic at the Queen’s Park Savannah accompanied by a ceremonial parade and a march through the city’s streets are the highlights of this day.
Other festivals include Emancipation Celebrations, Tobago International Gospel Festival and Buccoo Goat Race Festival.
Points of Interest (Places to Visit) :
Port of Spain has a tremendous natural appeal with an overwhelming biological variety. The following are some of the must see places of this true Caribbean gateway:
- Maracas Bay, about 45 minutes away from the city, offers a captivating view of the Caribbean Sea. Coconut trees, beaches and away from the hustle bustle of the city, this is the perfect tourist destination in the area. Maracas Falls is also located here.
- Queen’s Park Savannah, located in the center of the city, is the largest traffic roundabout of the world. It is an open space sprawled in an area of about 1.1 sq km and offers a brilliant variety of tropical flora.
- Royal Botanical Garden, established in 1818, is one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens. It has about 700 trees and covers an area of 25 hectares.
- Emperor Valley Zoo, covers an area of about 7 acres, is principal zoo of the country. It has a collection of over 200 species including lions, parrots, macaws and wildfowl and has several ponds and aquariums.
- The Archbishop’s House, located opposite to the Queen’s Park Savannah, is where the Archbishop of the nation resides. It is built in a Roman-Irish style.
Other places to visit in this city are the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, Red House, National Museum and Art Gallery, Fort George and Independence Square.
Accommodation :
Port of Spain has several hotels, both mid range and expensive as well as bed and breakfasts, guest houses and inns. Luxury hotels include some of the best international chains like Hyatt, Marriott and Hilton along with Carlton Savannah, Coblentz Inn Boutique Hotel and Crowne Plaza. These hotels offer all the luxury amenities like restaurants, pools, bars, free wireless internet and some even have conference rooms for hire.
Kapok Hotel, Par-may-la’s Inn and Capital Plaza Hotel are popular mid range hotels which offer comfortable services and facilities at a reasonable price. Annie’s Bed and Breakfast, Carnetta’s House & Inn and Monique’s Guest House are some of the famous and well reputed budget accommodation options. The cheapest choices include Tony’s Guest House, The Little Inn and Copper Kettle Grill.