Number 17 Attraction in All of Haiti By Skite Polis
Like Central Park in Manhattan, Pétion-Ville, Haiti has a splendid square with fresh air and added nostalgia. Welcome to Place Saint-Pierre!
If you’ve been to New York, you’ve heard of Central Park, the green urban expanse that forms the beating heart of busy Manhattan. Like Central Park in Manhattan, Pétion-Ville, Haiti has a splendid square with fresh air and added nostalgia. Welcome to Place Saint-Pierre! Located across from the busiest street in Pétion-Ville, it’s right in the heart of the city. The square is perfect for many activities, but of course it serves mostly those looking for quieter spaces during their stay in Haiti. A short walk can turn to a long one if you fancy talking to locals. They’re so friendly that they almost make you feel like you’re a local yourself!
This is not just a park, but there are other fascinating things to do here. Perhaps you can propose to your lovely partner or simply run off some of the calories you gained from eating delicious Haitian food. Kids are welcome here and – unlike some other bustling urban parks – Place Saint-Pierre sports the freshest air there is. The crowd is thin, so you’ll never have to fight for a picnic spot. The people here are so welcoming that you’ll always get that special spot you’re looking for. Just ask anyone in the park.
Place Saint-Pierre also has a wonderful history. It’s old – in fact, it is already ancient – but the renovation efforts probably removed some of its historic natural scenery. Still, the landscape can remind you of the wonderful times you grew up in. The square was originally built in the 1800s but has undergone many changes, most recently in 2009, just before the earthquake. (The park was largely unscathed.)
There are hotels nearby, particularly the impressive Kinam. It has cool rooms and, of course, splendid pools. The staff are friendly and the food delicious. The square is visible from the hotel – but since it’s just a stone’s throw away, why not take a walk there and get some fresh air?
If you’d like to buy souvenirs to bring home to your family and friends, look for some shops in the area. However, visit other parts of the city to search for better crafts, particularly in Kenscoff and Mountain Maid at the Baptist Haiti Mission, where you can find lovely handicrafts. Some tourists swear by them. You will not be disappointed, although some of the same goods can also be found near the square. Still, having lots of choices is always better.
Place Saint-Pierre has a traditional homey charm that’s hard not to like. It’s perfect for photos during the golden hour, so if you’d like a unique portrait of you in a historic city, this square is the best place to be.
COME EXPERIENCE IT:
Location: Pétion-Ville, Haiti
Transportation: Local transportation
Hotels nearby: Kinam, Karibe
Restaurants nearby: Observatoire, Quartier Latin
