
Pointe-à-Pitre Old Town
A city of contrasts, where vibrant street art meets crumbling colonial charm and a lively Caribbean market.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Markets are open, lively atmosphere

Pointe-à-Pitre Old Town
Best Time
Markets are open, lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A city of contrasts, where vibrant street art meets crumbling colonial charm and a lively Caribbean market.
"Discover a unique Caribbean vibe with colorful streets and a bustling market, despite some areas showing wear."

🚶♀️ Stroll with an open mind
Embrace the Caribbean vibe, but be aware some buildings are in disrepair. Focus on the market and street art.
📅 Check market days
Saturdays are best for the main market. Sundays can be very quiet with limited transport.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Marché de la Darse
Central Market Square
A bustling hub of local life, offering spices, crafts, and a true taste of Caribbean culture.

Colorful Creole Architecture
Various Streets
Wander through streets adorned with vibrant, distinctly Caribbean-style buildings.

Vibrant Street Art
Throughout the Old Town
Discover dynamic murals and artistic expressions that add a modern flair to the historic setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations for Old Town Charm
Timing is Key for a Better Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Stroll with an open mind
Embrace the Caribbean vibe, but be aware some buildings are in disrepair. Focus on the market and street art.
📅 Check market days
Saturdays are best for the main market. Sundays can be very quiet with limited transport.
💰 Bring cash for market
Many vendors at the Marché de la Darse prefer cash for purchases.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on potentially uneven streets.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stroll with an open mind
Embrace the Caribbean vibe, but be aware some buildings are in disrepair. Focus on the market and street art.
📅 Check market days
Saturdays are best for the main market. Sundays can be very quiet with limited transport.
💰 Bring cash for market
Many vendors at the Marché de la Darse prefer cash for purchases.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on potentially uneven streets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for Pointe-à-Pitre Old Town are sharply divided. Some visitors find it a vibrant Caribbean town with friendly locals, colorful streets, and a great market, while others are disappointed by the dilapidated state of historic buildings and a perceived lack of upkeep, describing it as an 'ugly city' or 'dump'.
"Calling it a "historic district" is being generous. The terms "slum" and "shanty town" are more accurate. There are a handful of beautiful colonial buildings, but it's not enough to make up for everything else. I legit don't think I've ever seen such an ugly city. I've seen cities in third world countries that looked better than this, and this is the EU for goodness sake! The theater has crumbled, the cathedral was closed and the few museums they had, have been shut down. We also saw burned cars from the riots they had a few months ago. Being the department's main city, it should have nice museums, shops and restaurants.
Not to mention there were so many sketchy people hanging around. No one really bothered us, but I could hear them laughing at us and talking about us and I could not wait to get out of there.
But the place was almost deserted. Almost NO tourists, and the groups of sketchy locals had dispersed by afternoon and the place was practically a ghost town.
In addition, we took a bus there on a Sunday and ended up stranded for over 3 hours and having to take a taxi back.
Maybe it's not so bad during Saturdays and weekdays when the markets are open, but I definitely wouldn't recommend going there on a Sunday.
But overall, I think Basse-terre is a far better city to visit if you want to see old colonial architecture.
I don't even want to come back here to take a ferry/bus.
What a dump!"
briantravelman
"Amazing typical caribbean town, streets are amazing and colored. Local people have different origins (Africans, Indians, Europeans...) and are very welcoming and friendly. restaurants are diversified with local food (creole, indian, french, lebanese...). The market in the center offers local products and excellent spices... You could walk through the streets and enjoy the creole atmosphere of the caribbean !"
Jérémy
"Few "historic" buildings are in good condition. Even the cathedral is dilapidated. It's a shame they didn't preserve their heritage!"
Sonya Thuilier
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pointe-à-Pitre is served by Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP). From the airport, you can take a taxi or a local bus into the city center. If you're arriving by ferry, the port is also within walking distance of the Old Town.
Public buses operate within Pointe-à-Pitre, but schedules can be infrequent, especially on Sundays. Taxis are available but can be more expensive. Renting a car offers more flexibility for exploring the island, but parking in the Old Town can be challenging.
Yes, the Old Town is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be navigating streets and potentially uneven sidewalks.
While most visitors report no issues, some reviews mention feeling uneasy due to 'sketchy people' hanging around. It's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in less populated areas or after dark.
The ferry terminal is conveniently located near the Old Town, making it an easy walk. If you have heavy luggage, a short taxi ride might be more comfortable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission tickets required to wander through the streets of Pointe-à-Pitre's Old Town. Access to public areas is free.
The Old Town itself is always accessible. However, individual shops, restaurants, and attractions within the Old Town will have their own operating hours, which can vary, especially on weekends.
The Marché de la Darse and other local markets are free to enter. You'll only pay for any goods you choose to purchase.
Unfortunately, many of the museums and historic buildings, including the theater and cathedral, have been reported as closed or in disrepair. It's best to check locally for any current openings.
Sundays are generally not recommended due to limited public transport and many businesses being closed. Weekdays and Saturdays offer a more vibrant experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for the colorful Creole architecture, vibrant street art murals, and the bustling activity at the Marché de la Darse. The contrast between old and new can make for striking shots.
It's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially vendors at the market. Street scenes and architecture are generally fine to photograph.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, which is ideal for photography. Midday sun can be harsh.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography in public areas. However, be mindful of private property and always be respectful.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing street scenes and architecture. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the street art.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Old Town offers a diverse culinary scene, reflecting its multicultural heritage. You can find Creole, Indian, French, and Lebanese influences in local restaurants and food stalls.
The Marché de la Darse is a great place to sample local snacks and dishes from various vendors. For sit-down meals, explore the streets for restaurants offering Creole specialties.
While traditional Creole cuisine often features meat and fish, many restaurants are becoming more accommodating. Look for dishes with plantains, rice, beans, and local vegetables. Asking for 'sans viande' (without meat) or 'sans poisson' (without fish) can help.
Don't miss out on accras (cod fritters), boudin créole (blood sausage), and various curries. Fresh tropical fruits and local spices are also highly recommended.
Prices can vary. Food stalls at the market offer more budget-friendly options, while sit-down restaurants might be moderately priced, reflecting French Caribbean dining standards.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Landscape: A Tale of Two Cities
Despite the state of some structures, the vibrant street art scene offers a contemporary artistic layer to the Old Town. These murals inject life and color into the urban landscape, providing a different kind of visual appeal. For those who appreciate this blend of history and modern art, Pointe-à-Pitre's Old Town can be a fascinating, albeit sometimes challenging, place to explore.
Navigating the Local Markets
Visiting the market is a fantastic opportunity to interact with locals and experience the authentic Caribbean atmosphere. Be prepared for a lively and sometimes crowded environment, especially on Saturdays, which are considered the best day for market visits. While exploring, remember that many vendors prefer cash payments, so it's wise to have some on hand for your purchases.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit