Port-au-Prince

Port-au-Prince is the capital and largest city of Haiti, set on the Gulf of Gonâve in the country's Ouest department. It functions as Haiti's political, economic and cultural centre, combining a busy port, government institutions and a dense metropolitan area with a strong artistic tradition.

The city was founded in 1749 by French colonists and later played a central role in the Haitian Revolution. Its history is visible in landmarks such as the Champs de Mars, the Iron Market, the National Pantheon Museum and the early 20th-century gingerbread houses, although the 2010 earthquake and subsequent crises have reshaped much of the urban fabric.

Port-au-Prince's metropolitan area includes communes such as Pétion-Ville, Delmas, Carrefour and Tabarre. Pétion-Ville is known for its hotels, restaurants, cafés and galleries, while the Iron Market and museums such as MUPANAH and the Haitian Art Museum offer a window into Haitian art, craft and history.

As the seat of government and the country's main transport hub, the city is served by Toussaint Louverture International Airport and remains the gateway for business, diplomatic and relief activity. However, armed gang violence and insecurity affect large parts of the metropolitan area, and travelers should follow official advisories and arrange secure local transport.

For both leisure and business travelers, Port-au-Prince remains the natural starting point for understanding Haiti's history, art, music and food, with the mountain and coastal surroundings of the Ouest department nearby.