Trinidad is an island of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the West Indies. Trinidad and Tobago is the name of the nation, and Trinidad is the larger island of that nation – Trinidad is 1,864 square miles, whereas Tobago is just 116 square miles. The capital city of this republic is Port of Spain, located on the northwest of the island. San Fernando is the second city, located on the southwest of Trinidad, and between Port of Spain and San Fernando is the town of Chaguanas, Trinidad’s largest city and its central shopping area. Although Trinidad is considered a third-world country, it attracts a large crowd of tourists throughout the year. Trinidadians are known for their love of culture, music, and dancing. Plus, the island has so much natural beauty to offer – there are several gorgeous beaches, such as Las Cuevas, Maracas, and Mayaro. While there are several nightlife venues to enjoy while vacationing in Trinidad, travelers should beware: the crime level is high – travel in packs, and don’t venture out alone, especially after dark. Here are some of the most popular nightlife activities and establishments to check out if you are in Trinidad:
DANCING
Port of Spain is the cultural center of Trinidad, and there are several hot nightclubs to enjoy. This is a fairly developed area; in fact, they even have a Tony Roma’s and a TGI Friday’s Restaurant in this capital city. Shakers is one of the most popular nightclubs. Located on Saddle Road, this is the venue to visit for lively Latin music and dancing. Shakers is an outdoor pub, and it’s usually packed with party-loving locals and tourists. Another great club is Fifty-One Degrees, located on Cipriani Boulevard. This is a favorite spot for twenty-somethings, where live music and comedy acts are regularly featured. If rock music is what you’re craving, go to HiRPM, a hip rock club in San Fernando that is known for throwing wild parties.
BARS
If you aren’t a fan of dancing and the club scene, Trinidad also has several more laid back bars to choose from. In the town of Chaguanas, there is a bar inside the Crews Inn Hotel called The Lighthouse. The Lighthouse, as its name implies, offers a lovely view of the water, and it provides a relaxed and casual environment with plenty of comfortable seating both indoors and on a large outdoor patio. In Port of Spain, visit the Carnival Bar, inside the Hilton Trinidad. The Carnival Bar is one of the most upscale bars in Trinidad; the atmosphere is very intimate, and the staff is very attentive and friendly.
FESTIVALS
Trinidad has some of the most impressive and exciting festivals in the world. If there is a festival going on during the time of your visit, you are in for a real treat because the celebrations are filled with great cultural dancing, live music, and delicious cuisine. Carnival is the most famous festival, which features locals in colorful and artistic masquerade costumes, live steel bands, parades, and more. The Carnival festival takes place annually during the two days leading up to the Lenten period on the Christian calendar.
