Port of Spain is the capital of Trinidad and Tobago.
Several sources claim that it was founded by Spanish conquistadors who settled there in the 16th century.
The Spanish arrived and settled in the area near an Amerindian fishing village.
The Amerindians, who were there before the Spanish, called their village Cumucurapo, which means place of the silk cotton trees.
The village was just west of the city center.
Once the Spanish arrived, they built a small fort.
The city began to grow and prosper, which likely led other countries to recognize the economic importance of the area.
Efforts to control Trinidad and Tobago lasted for centuries until, in 1962, it gained its independence from the British.
Travelers who visit Port of Spain can see landmarks and other sites that reflect its deep history and culture.
People also visit Port of Spain for its natural beauty, the beaches, the lush gardens, galleries, and museums.
Some of the more than 250,000 travelers who want to visit Port of Spain are likely to wonder about safety issues.
Learning about possible safety risks and about the safe places to visit can help tourists plan an enjoyable, memorable trip to Port of Spain.
Warnings & Dangers in Port of Spain
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Port of Spain has high rates of some types of crimes. Travelers who take safety precautions like not walking alone after dark and following local security guidelines are likely to have a safe, enjoyable trip.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Do not use any transport other than a taxi from a reputable, registered taxi company. Some tourists rent a car when they visit Port of Spain. Public transportation is not safe.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Do not carry your wallet, cash, or other important items in a pocket or an open handbag. Use an inside pocket. Carry only the things that you really need each time you leave your hotel. Pickpockets often target tourists who visit Port of Spain. Do not carry personal items during events such as festivals, carnivals, or other large gatherings or celebrations.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Port of Spain is prone to natural disasters like flooding, including flash flooding. Hurricanes are another natural disaster that may affect the area. Port of Spain is near a tectonic plate boundary, so earthquakes also occur at times.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
People who visit Port of Spain should not go out on the streets late at night because of the risk of mugging. Do not interact with drug dealers or people who offer to take you to a drug dealer to buy drugs. Do not meet anyone in person that you communicate with on social media if you do not know them. There have been incidents where tourists meet up with someone who they communicated with on social media, only to become mugging victims.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for travel to Trinidad and Tobago, including Port of Spain, because of terrorism risks. Terrorists may target areas where there are large gatherings of people, including at festivals, markets, cultural events, or at popular tourist locations. Foreign visitors have been victims of kidnappings.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
ATM card skimming is a crime that targets tourists who visit Port of Spain. Check ATMs for skimmers, which are placed over the keyboard area. Another scam associated with ATM use is the thin piece of magnet sheeting that scammers place in ATM card slots. You cannot remove your card or get your money. Use ATMs inside reputable locations, like inside a bank. Do not use ATMs on the street or in small shops or businesses. Internet romance scams are another scam that criminals use to target tourists. Do not agree to meet up with anyone in Port of Spain if the only information that you know about them is what you learned through a dating app.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
The U.S. Department of State says that sexual assaults and domestic violence incidents are underreported in Trinidad and Tobago. Women who travel alone to Port of Spain are at risk of sexual assault or other crimes that target foreign women travelers. Women should stay with their travel group or with friends. They should not go to bars or nightclubs alone.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
The tap water in Port of Spain undergoes treatment to make it safe for the locals and tourists to drink. The aging pipes and infrastructure, along with inconsistent monitoring, are the issues that make the tap water unsafe to drink or to use for ice or washing produce. Avoid the risk of bacteria, parasites, and viruses by using bottled water or filtered water.
Safest Places to Visit in Port of Spain
Travelers who visit Port of Spain can have a good time if they visit landmarks and attractions that are the safest places to visit.
Visitors may want to consider traveling with a tour group or with a group of friends to increase their safety.
The National Museum and Art Gallery is a popular destination for travelers who visit Port of Spain.
It is more than an important landmark.
It is the place that houses many historical artifacts, art, and other things that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the area.
The art displayed includes works by both contemporary artists and past artists who are important to Trinidad and Tobago.
Visitors also enjoy live demonstrations and cultural events.
Queen’s Park Savannah is a haven for local foodies and for tourists who visit Port of Spain.
People can enjoy a variety of local culinary creations.
The scent of the homemade delicacies, street food, and traditional dishes is sure to delight anyone who wants to enjoy a unique dining experience.
The food is not the only reason that travelers visit Queen’s Park Savannah.
They visit because of the local events, including festivals, fairs, and weekend events.
Lush greenery also provides a welcoming atmosphere.
The Royal Botanical Gardens offers nature lovers or those who just want to see the gardens the chance to stroll along pathways that have stunning flowers, lush tropical plants, and unique plant species.
Relax by the ponds or the picnic areas to enjoy the sounds of nature, including the many bird species.
Listen to the calming waves of Maracas Bay as you relax on the sandy shores or gaze at the crystal blue water.
Beach lovers can bask in the sun, people-watch, or engage in watersports.
Enjoy the food from the vendors, including the popular Shark and Bake.
Explore a historic fort, visit the Anglican Cathedral, or enjoy the colorful and vibrant Savannah Market.
Make sure you visit during the daytime, since some places are not safe to visit at night.
Places to Avoid in Port of Spain
Some places that tourists visit during the daytime are not safe at night for either travelers or residents.
Port of Spain also has some areas that visitors should avoid completely for safety reasons.
Do not go downtown or to any of the beaches at night.
It is not safe because of the risk of mugging, sexual assault, or other crimes.
The U.S. Department of State indicates that government workers are not allowed to go to certain areas of Port of Spain at any time, even during the day.
Pickpocketing, armed robberies, kidnappings, gang-related activities, and murder are some crimes that have occurred in unsafe areas.
Some of the places to avoid include Besson Street, Sea Lots, Laventille, Beetham, and Cocorite.
The May 2025 warning also says that government workers should avoid Downtown Port of Spain, Fort George, and Queen’s Park Savannah after dark.
Tourists also need to avoid these areas.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Port of Spain
- Do not go into any areas that are known for narcotics or gang activities. Travelers risk their safety if they go to these areas on their own or with someone who lures them away from more populated areas.
- Use reputable, registered taxi companies. Do not take a taxi that parks on the street. Do not get into any taxi with a driver who tries to encourage you to take their taxi. Call for a registered taxi service.
- Stay alert to your surroundings. The high crime rate in Port of Spain and throughout Trinidad and Tobago is a main reason that travelers need to stay alert about their safety.
- Avoid off-the-beaten-path areas. Port of Spain has a rich history and is a vibrant city. Tourists need to resist the urge to go off-the-beaten-path to see the sites or explore the city to protect their safety.
- Keep hotel doors and windows locked at all times. Keep doors and windows locked when you visit Port of Spain, including in the daytime. Do not open your hotel door if you do not know who is at the door.
- Stay especially alert during Carnival or other events. Many people enjoy the Carnival, which brings many travelers to Port of Spain. It also brings many criminals to Carnival and other events. Do not let your guard down during these crowded celebrations.
- Use ATMs inside banks. Do not use ATMs that are on the street or inside small businesses. They may have skimmers or other devices attached to steal cash from ATM users.
- Leave valuables at home. Do not carry valuables or wear expensive jewelry, clothing, or shoes when visiting Port of Spain. Showing any signs of wealth can make travelers a target for criminals.
- Stay away from protests or demonstrations. Do not go near protests or demonstrations. If they suddenly occur, get away as quickly as possible.
- Update all mobile devices. Update all your mobile devices before traveling to Port of Spain. Consider using a U.S.-based virtual private network (VPN) or an encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) application. Do not use an unknown open Wi-Fi.
So... How Safe Is Port of Spain Really?
Port of Spain has high crime rates, considering some violent crimes.
Travelers may fall victim to pickpockets and other petty criminals.
Yet, many thousands of people visit every year to enjoy the items, culture, and vibe of Port of Spain.
People who use common sense and who practice good safety tips often have an enjoyable time with no safety issues when they visit Port of Spain.
Staying aware of your surroundings, staying alert to people around you, and not flashing valuables, including cash, are some things that can help travelers have a safe trip.
How Does Port of Spain Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
 Port of Spain |
50 |
 Marrakech | 60 |
 Dell City | 81 |
 Munich | 90 |
 Punta Arenas | 77 |
| Wiesbaden | 57 |
| Eugene | 52 |
Useful Information
Visas
U.S. travelers are required to have a visa before they visit Trinidad and Tobago, including Port of Spain.
Currency
The dollar is the official currency in Port of Spain and throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
Weather
Port of Spain has hot weather year-round. People likely want to plan their trip around times that they know there will be heavy rain. The temperature does not vary much throughout the year.
Airports
The Piarco International Airport is the airport that serves travelers who visit Port of Spain. It is close to the city center.
Travel Insurance
All travelers who plan to visit Port of Spain should purchase travel insurance. The U.S. Department of State says that they "highly recommend" that people purchase travel insurance. Speak with your travel insurance provider to learn about the best policy options for you.
Port of Spain Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
30 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 30 |
| Low °C |
22 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 |
| High °F |
86 | 86 | 88 | 88 | 90 | 88 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 86 |
| Low °F |
72 | 72 | 72 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 72 |
Trinidad and Tobago - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Port of Spain | 50 |
Port of spain
Its capital is called port of spain?
how i got my loan
City of Port of Spain
Don’t come here
It was very strange to learn that the capital of Trinidad and Tobago is called Port of Spain. It just sounds weird to say the least. Went there because of work related things and it was mostly a bad experience. This city is dangerous, with many potential risks all over the place, mostly during the night but also some during the day. In my short stay (6 days) I had 2 dealings with pickpockets who didn’t manage to steal anything fortunately. They operate in crowded areas but sometimes they can be spotted in groups of 4+ and they try to box you in some location and one of them tries to steal from you. I had this happen and it wasn’t pretty. I don’t know how I managed to stay calm and composed in the moment and how they didn’t manage to steal my phone or wallet.
I didn’t travel at night so chances of mugging were lower. I heard from other people in my hotel that they had heard of people getting mugged or had been mugged themselves and most said they will never return to this city again. It’s disappointing to see that the police doesn’t seem to do much or doesn’t have enough power to counteract all these criminals. Something else that happened to me was the magnetic sheet scam that is also mentioned in this page. Yes, that actually still happens now. My card got stuck in the ATM. Fortunately I knew about this kind of scam and instantly blocked my card using my phone and they couldn’t do anything with it. I actually left the card in there and went on my way and when I looked back there was someone trying to take it out, probably one of the scammers. I would have liked there to be police or guards near such ATMs so that they could arrest these people but this is just wishful thinking.
My Experience in Trinidad
Sad that it has become a different place than when I worked there for two years in the early 1960’s and enjoyed the entire Island. Was there when they received independence and Erick Williams became Prime Minister. The Trinidad Hilton was on the side of a Mountain and often referred to as the upside down Hotel. Thoroughly enjoyed Carnival. To drive around, especially the viewing pull offs in the mountains where Calypso singers would sing referring to our Children. Stayed at cabins at several isolated beaches and never experienced a problem. I’d bought a VW bug and had to replace several fenders before my wife learned to drive on the Left lane and go left at roundabouts. I was in the oil field business and Golf was near free at Oil Co. Owned Golf Courses. I lived in San Fernando – never had a problem. Was considering a Vacation there but believe I’ll pass.
Be sensible
I was in Trinidad in November 2024 for about a month. I must admit it was a great experience. We took public transport during the day (local air conditioned buses) and walked around in Port of Spain without any incidents at all. People were always very kind and helpful. In my experience if you are careful, respectful and stay in areas where there are a lot of other people around you will be absolutely fine. I do the same wherever I go. I was in Mexico last year and it was exactly the same. Living in London and there are many places that I don’t go to alone or at night. Some areas I avoid all together. In Central London you are always a potential target for pick pockets. I think one needs to always be aware of your surroundings and only take what is needed with you. Overall, when you travel anywhere it is a lot about being sensible.
The people, weather, food and natural beauty of the place was wonderful.
Is the crowd during carnival just a bonus for the excitement, or is it more of a test of patience?