Haiti offers a unique Caribbean experience with stunning mountain fortresses, pristine beaches, and vibrant Creole culture. From the UNESCO World Heritage Citadelle Laferrière to the beautiful shores of Île-à-Vache, Haiti showcases resilience, natural beauty, and rich African-influenced traditions.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Haitian Paintings
Vibrant naïve art paintings depicting Haitian village life, vodou ceremonies, and Caribbean landscapes. Port-au-Prince's Marché en Fer and Pétionville galleries offer both originals and affordable prints.
Price: $20-500
Where: Galerie Monnin, Pétionville; Marché en Fer, Port-au-Prince
Papier-Mâché Carnival Masks
Handmade papier-mâché masks in the tradition of Jacmel's famous carnival, featuring bold colors and mythological figures. Each mask is hand-painted and unique.
Price: $15-60
Where: Jacmel artisan workshops; Marché en Fer
Recycled Steel Drum Art
Intricate wall art cut from recycled oil drums by skilled artisans in Croix-des-Bouquets village. Animals, nature scenes, and religious motifs are common designs.
Price: $25-200
Where: Croix-des-Bouquets village artisan workshops, 30 min from Port-au-Prince
Woven Straw Goods
Beautifully woven hats, baskets, and bags made from sisal and vetiver grass using traditional techniques. These practical and decorative items reflect Haiti's rural craft heritage.
Price: $5-30
Where: Marché en Fer; local markets in Cap-Haïtien
Café Haïti Coffee
High-quality Haitian mountain coffee grown in the Kenscoff and Thiotte highlands. Rich, full-bodied with low acidity — considered among the Caribbean's finest beans.
Price: $10-25
Where: Supermarkets, Pétionville shops, airport duty-free
Barbancourt Rum
Haiti's world-famous rum distilled since 1862 using French cognac double distillation techniques. Barbancourt Five Star and Reserve du Domaine are prized collector bottles.
Price: $15-80
Where: Supermarkets, liquor stores, airport duty-free
Haitian Vodou Flags (Drapo)
Elaborate sequined ceremonial flags used in vodou rituals, featuring depictions of lwa (spirits) in vibrant beadwork. Both religious items and collector's art pieces.
Price: $40-300
Where: Galerie Monnin, Pétionville galleries, Marché en Fer
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Marché en Fer (Iron Market)
Haiti's most iconic market housed in a magnificent red iron Victorian structure, originally built in Paris in 1891. Hundreds of vendors sell crafts, food, clothing, electronics, and spices across two main halls.
Where: Rue du Quai, Port-au-Prince
Hours: Mon-Sat 7AM-5PM
Marché de Pétionville
Busy open-air market in Pétionville serving both locals and expats. Vendors sell fresh produce, spices, household items, and Haitian crafts. Good for local flavors and affordable finds.
Where: Place Boyer, Pétionville
Hours: Daily 7AM-6PM
Marché de Croix-des-Bouquets
Village market and artisan center specializing in Haiti's famous recycled steel drum metal art. Watch craftsmen at work and buy directly from the artisans at the best prices.
Where: Croix-des-Bouquets, 30km from Port-au-Prince
Hours: Mon-Sat 8AM-4PM
Marché de Cap-Haïtien
The north's main market with a lively atmosphere and wide array of goods from fresh seafood to handcrafts. Less touristy than Port-au-Prince markets, offering authentic local shopping experience.
Where: City center, Cap-Haïtien
Hours: Daily 6AM-5PM
Marché de Jacmel
Jacmel's Saturday market is a must-visit event featuring produce, livestock, crafts, and artisan goods. The town's artistic community makes this particularly rich in unique handmade items.
Where: Rue du Commerce, Jacmel
Hours: Sat 6AM-2PM (main market day)
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Pétionville
Port-au-Prince's most affluent suburb hosts the best art galleries, boutique shops, and international brands available in Haiti. Rue Lamarre and Place Boyer are the main commercial streets with restaurants, banks, and high-end stores.
Best for: Art, jewelry, upscale souvenirs, dining
Rue des Miracles, Port-au-Prince
Historic commercial street in downtown Port-au-Prince with fabric shops, electronics stores, and household goods. Bustling local atmosphere with vendors spilling onto sidewalks.
Best for: Fabric, electronics, everyday goods
Croix-des-Bouquets Artisan Village
This small town east of Port-au-Prince is globally renowned for recycled metal art. Dozens of studios line the main road where you can watch artists create and buy directly at workshop prices.
Best for: Metal sculpture, recycled art, wall hangings
Jacmel Historic District
Jacmel's well-preserved colonial streets house numerous artist studios, craft workshops, and galleries. The town is famous for papier-mâché masks, paintings, and handmade carnival costumes.
Best for: Carnival masks, paintings, artisan crafts
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Delimart Supermarket & Shopping Center
Port-au-Prince's most modern shopping center with supermarket, pharmacy, clothing stores, and food court. Popular with expats and middle-class Haitians for reliable quality products. Located in Pétionville.
Hours: Mon-Sat 8AM-9PM, Sun 9AM-7PM
Caribbean Market
Well-stocked supermarket in Pétionville carrying imported goods, local products, wine, and specialty foods. Features a deli section and bakery. Good for self-catering supplies and quality Haitian products.
Hours: Mon-Sat 8AM-8PM
Megamart
Large-format retail store in Port-au-Prince offering groceries, electronics, clothing, and household goods. One of Haiti's largest retail establishments with reliable stock and air-conditioned shopping environment.
Hours: Mon-Sat 8AM-9PM, Sun 9AM-7PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected at open-air markets and from street vendors — start at 50-60% of the asking price and negotiate politely
Fixed prices apply in supermarkets, malls, and established art galleries — don't attempt to bargain there
Always inspect craft quality carefully before purchasing — workmanship varies widely at market stalls
Building rapport with vendors by chatting in basic Creole (even just 'bonjou' and 'mèsi') often leads to better prices
Bundle purchases for better deals — buying multiple items from one vendor usually unlocks discounts
Carry small USD bills for markets as vendors may struggle to make change for large notes
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Exporting Haitian art over 50 years old requires a cultural heritage permit from the Ministry of Culture. Vodou objects with religious significance may be subject to export restrictions.
Tax Refund: No VAT refund system for tourists in Haiti.
Duty Free: Travelers may bring $800 worth of goods back to the US duty-free. Rum is limited to 1 liter. Keep receipts for all major purchases.
Shipping: International shipping available through DHL and FedEx offices in Pétionville. Local artwork can be carefully rolled and shipped in tubes. Budget $50-150 for shipping to North America.