Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

According to abbreviationfinder, Port of Spain is the capital and main city of Trinidad and Tobago, located on the northwest coast of the island Trinidad, bathed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a city surrounded by hills near the mouth of the Caroni River.

History

The island of Trinidad, where the city is located, was discovered by Christopher Columbus on the third voyage, in 1498. The city was founded by the Spanish in 1560, when they established in Laventille Hills in the eastern part of the present city.

Location

It is located in the northwestern part of the island of Trinidad.

Population

It has an estimated population of 49,031 residents. See population of Trinidad and Tobago.

Architecture

The architecture and religious buildings are the reflection of the miscegenation of the two islands, in it is the Anglican Cathedral of Holy Trinity (XIX century), Jama Masjid mosque, Catholic cathedral of the Immaculate Conception dominating the Independence Square, Hindu temple, buildings with Victorian style facades or the Red House parliament, named for the reddish tones, Renaissance style.

Bazaars, boutiques and department stores are lined up on Frederick Street, located near the port. The street leads to the National Museum and Gallery, dedicated to the history of Port of Spain and the country, and features works by Trinidadian artists.

Today, the city has modern parts, with wide avenues and office buildings, as well as luxurious areas. All these parts are close to the sea, and occupy, from the shore, an area of about 10 kilometers.

Transport

It has different transport options, such as buses, mini buses and taxis. There is also the Piarco International Airport, a few kilometers from the city. It has maritime routes, operated by the ferry that runs between Port of Spain and Scarborough in Tobago.

The airport is located in; Airports Authority of Trinidad & Tobago, Caroni North Bank Road, Piarco, Trindad.

Restaurants and bars

Among the main restaurants and bars in the city are mentioned, Apsara: It is an Indian restaurant in Trinidad; El Vigas: It is a grocery store, about 100 years old, converted to a restaurant; La Boucan Restaurant: It is located in the heart of the city, and is the main dining room of the Hilton Hotel in Trinidad.

Other places are the Roti Patraj: It is an Indian restaurant; Tamnak Thailand: This restaurant offers affordable, oriental dishes and classic Thai cuisine; The Pink Anthurium Restaurant: This is a restaurant that serves local and international dishes.

Also located are the Vecindad Jalepenos Restaurant and Bar; the Jenny on the Boulevard and the Roxan’s.

Hotels

Among the main hotels in the city are:

  • D Islas Inn
  • Hotel Golden Tulip capoc
  • ASA Wright Lodge and Nature Center
  • Crowne Plaza Trinidad
  • Courtyard by Marriott of Port of Spain
  • Coblentz Inn Boutique Hotel
  • Hilton Trinidad Conference Center
  • Normandie Hotel
  • Trinidad Vacation
  • Hotels in Port of Spain
  • Bel Air Intl. Airport Hotel
  • Villas Caribe Condominium
  • Chancellor Hotel
  • Crowne Plaza Trinidad
  • Le Sportel Inn
  • Melbourne Inn Trinidad
  • The May Par’s Inn
  • Sundeck Suites and
  • The Ville

Tourist attractions

Among the main tourist places of the city, are; the Carona Bird Sanctuary; The Lara Promenade, – formerly known as Independence Square, the promenade has recently been renamed for Brian Lara cricket superstar.

Other places are; The seven magnificents; the National Museum and Art Gallery; the Queen’s Park Savannah; the Red House Parliament, Woodford Square.

Trinidad and Tobago

Productive industry

The main economic wealth of the country is oil and gas. The fall in prices together with the reduction in production, throughout the 90s, produced an economic recession. However, now it seems that there are prospects for improvement thanks to foreign investment projects. In the past, oil revenues were invested in industry, especially plastics and electronics. Trinidad has the largest asphalt deposit in the world; the exploitation of this mineral has experienced a great increase throughout the 90’s. The agricultural sector is very small and the main crops are sugar cane, coffee, cocoa and citrus. The islands have to import most of the general consumer products. Before, Trinidad and Tobago had one of the most state-controlled economies in the entire region, but the situation changed with the impositions of the IMF to free the fiscal and commercial regime, as well as to privatize state industries.

The economy has a stable growth of 3%, an inflation rate below double digits and a substantially reduced external debt. In return, social assistance has been cut and the poverty level of the majority of the population has increased.

Its main regional trading partners are Jamaica, Barbados and Guyana. These are joined by the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil and Germany.

Sightseeing

Tourism constitutes an important inflow of foreign currency in the country.

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

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