Cheap Car Rentals in Port au Prince (PAP)

It is a modern, mostly subterranean history museum, set below gardens, hosts a permanent exhibition chronicling Haiti’s history, from the Tainos and slavery to independence and the modern era. Fascinating exhibits include exquisite Taino pottery; the rusting anchor of Columbus’ flagship, the Santa Maria; a copy of the fearsome Code Noir that governed the running of the plantations; the silver pistol with which Christophe took his own life; Emperor Faustin’s ostentatious crown; and ‘Papa Doc’ Duvalier’s trademark black hat and cane. Architecturally, the design of the museum echoes the houses of Haiti’s original Taino inhabitants. This design ethos is also visible internally, whereby a conical central light well illuminates a gold monument that recreates the cannons and banners found on the national flag. The bodies of Haiti’s founding fathers are interred below this tribute, and the names of other independence heroes are marked on surrounding walls.

The Maison Dufort is a historic building in the city of Port au Prince. It is been recently restored gingerbread home is the first of its kind to be not only preserved by a nonprofit, but also opened to the public. The creamy-yellow wood and brick home was renovated by Foundation Connaissance et Liberte (Fokal), a nonprofit organization partnering with architecture schools countrywide, and is a shining example of Haiti's unique and charming architecture.

At the outbreak of the Haitian Revolution, the Plaine du Cul-de-Sac was one of the richest parts of St-Domingue. Little remains of this period, but one important sugar mill constructed at the end of the 19th century now stands as a museum. Exhibits are mainly open air, surrounded by low colonial-style buildings that comprised factories and shops, plus a collection of sugarcane presses, boilers and part of the aqueduct used to drive the mills. The park is also a popular outdoor venue for music concerts, and every October hosts the Artisanat en Fête, Haiti’s largest crafts fair. Held over two days, artisans gather from across the country, along with Haitian fashion designers and food producers.

Fort Jacques was erected during the burst of fort-building following independence in 1804. It was built by Alexandre Petion and named after Jean-Jacques Dessalines, and though it is well preserved, the structure was slightly damaged in the 2010 earthquake. The ruined Fort Alexandre is a short walk away. Overlooking Port-au-Prince, they both offer grand views. The forts are a 3km walk or moto ride from the main road – take the sharp uphill road opposite Fermathe’s covered market.