Things to know before visiting Trinidad

Outstanding architectural beauty

Trinidad is located just 11 kilometers east of the Venezuelan coast, yet 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 is deeply influenced by colonialism 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 holds valuable historical significance, from museums of all sizes, ancient churches, magnificent castles, and opulent colonial-era mansions.

The cobblestone streets, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, are still in use today, with houses retaining their original architectural features, communal living areas furnished with rocking chairs, and courtyard gardens that provide shade from the heat...

Trinidad' Old Town is so highly regarded that it has now been included by UNESCO on a list of protected areas, shielded from modernization and the destructive effects of overtourism.

Opposite Plaza Mayor stands Iglesia Parroquial de la Santísima Trinidad – Trinidad's main church, built in the 19th century over a period of 75 years, with an impressive neoclassical style. From its high tower, overlooking the city, you'll see weathered tiled roofs, brightly painted walls, and a grid of narrow streets – all reflecting a typical Caribbean style.

Visit tobacco and coffee plantations.

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

The road is rough and quite bumpy, but in return you'll get to admire the stunning scenery of the Escambray mountain range. Make sure you have comfortable clothing, your camera ready, and don't forget to make friends with the horse you're riding!

Ancón Beach

Trinidad is bustling day and night, with many places to visit and have fun, including Playa Ancón, a beautiful 4-kilometer-long white sand beach located on the Ancón Peninsula, 12 kilometers south of Trinidad. You can travel from the center of Trinidad to Playa Ancón and return on the same day, or rent a room at one of the hotels along the beach. Here you can observe local fishermen at work, or buy seashells and mother-of-pearl from divers as souvenirs.

Salsa dancing all night long

When in Trinidad, don't miss the experience of dancing salsa all night under the stars at Casa de la Música, an open-air bar on wide stone steps next to Iglesia Parroquial, one of Trinidad's most iconic nightlife spots. Visitors are always welcome in the relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. Those who don't like salsa and just want to sip Mojitos and watch others dance should stay away from the stage, otherwise they'll easily be drawn into the fun by the enthusiastic locals!

Alternatively, you could visit Disco Ayala/La Cueva, which is actually an underground nightclub – more precisely, inside a cave. It's damp inside, but definitely worth a visit! It's only about a 15-minute walk from the city center.

rooftop restaurant

Trinidad boasts a vibrant array of restaurants along Simon Bolivar Street (mostly renovated colonial buildings) offering delicious food and live music. Increasingly, rooftop restaurants are emerging, providing an elegant dining experience for visitors.

Some notable local eateries include:

• Bar Cafe Restaurante Giroud J&J- A very trendy little restaurant with airy decor, featuring indoor swings right at the tables, and serving delicious pizza and seafood.
• Cafe Fortuna- Walk up a narrow flight of stairs to reach the café that makes the best iced latte in Trinidad. This is a perfect stop for breakfast and a cortadito (espresso with condensed milk).
• Los Conspiradores RestauranteLocated on a corner of the square, this restaurant is the perfect place to listen to 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 very warm and hospitable. They might open their homes to strangers seeking shelter from the rain, and they'll certainly invite you to join them when they play music in the streets.

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

Huong Thao