Things to know before going to Trinidad

Outstanding architectural beauty

Trinidad lies just 11 km east of the Venezuelan coast, but South American culture has little influence or dominance here. In fact, the twin-island nation of Trinidad & Tobago is a cultural melting pot. Founded by Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar in 1514, Trinidad & Tobago has a strong colonial influence combined with indigenous traditions. Many consider Trinidad to be one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Latin America.

In fact, every major architectural structure in Trinidad has precious historical value, from large and small museums, ancient churches, magnificent castles and colonial-era aristocratic residences.

The cobblestone streets from the 18th and 19th centuries are still in use today, with houses that still retain their ancient architectural features, common rooms with rocking chairs, and courtyards in the middle of the house that cool the hot air...

Old Trinidad is so prized that it is now listed by UNESCO to be protected from modernization and the ravages of over-tourism.

Opposite Plaza Mayor, Iglesia Parroquial de la Santísima Trinidad - Trinidad's main church was built in the 19th century over a period of 75 years, with an impressive neoclassical style. Standing from the high tower here, looking out over the entire city, you will see the tiled roofs that have faded with time, the colorful and cheerful painted walls, the small alleys interwoven in a checkerboard pattern... typical Caribbean style.

Visit tobacco and coffee plantations

In Trinidad, you can book a horseback ride to visit tobacco and coffee farms. It's relatively cheap: $20 for a full day tour.

The roads are rough and bumpy - but you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Escambray Mountains. Be sure to dress comfortably, have your camera ready, and don't forget to get friendly with your horse!

Ancón Beach

Trinidad is bustling day and night, with plenty to see and do, including Playa Ancón, a lovely 4km stretch of white sand beach on the Ancón Peninsula, 12km south of Trinidad. You can take a day trip to Playa Ancón from the centre of Trinidad, or stay at one of the hotels along the beach, where you can watch the local fishermen at work, or buy souvenir shells and mother-of-pearl from the divers.

Salsa dance all night long

When in Trinidad, don’t miss the chance to salsa dance the night away under the stars at Casa de la Música, an open-air bar on the wide stone steps next to the Iglesia Parroquial, Trinidad’s most iconic nightspot. Visitors are always welcome in the relaxed and fun atmosphere. Those who don’t like salsa but just want to sit back and sip a Mojito and watch others dance should stay away from the stage, or they’ll easily be lured into the fun by the enthusiastic locals!

Or you can visit Disco Ayala/La Cueva, which is actually an underground nightclub – in a cave to be exact. It is very dank inside but worth a visit! It is only about a 15 minute walk from the center.

rooftop restaurant

Trinidad has many lively restaurants along Simon Bolivar Street (mostly converted colonial houses) that offer good food and live music. There are also a growing number of rooftop restaurants that offer an elegant dining experience for visitors.

Some notable local eateries:

• Bar Cafe Restaurante Giroud J&J- a very trendy little restaurant, airy decor, indoor swings at the tables with delicious pizza and seafood.
• Cafe Fortuna- Walk up a narrow set of stairs to the cafe that makes Trinidad's best iced coffee with condensed milk. This is a perfect stop for breakfast and a cortadito (espresso with condensed milk).
• Los Conspiradores Restaurante- Located on a corner of the plaza, this restaurant is the perfect place to listen and watch people having fun and dancing at Casa de la Música while enjoying fresh seafood and other local dishes.

Get to know the locals

In Trinidad, the locals are warm and welcoming. They may open their homes to strangers to shelter from the rain, and they will certainly invite you to join in when they play music on the street.

Don't forget to stop by a small roadside shop to buy some souvenirs from the locals!

Rosemary