Trinidad and Tobago is a vibrant twin-island nation in the southern Caribbean, famous for its spectacular Carnival, diverse culture blending African, Indian, European, and indigenous influences, and stunning natural beauty from tropical rainforests to pristine beaches. Trinidad offers bustling Port of Spain and the world-renowned Caroni Bird Sanctuary, while Tobago delivers idyllic beaches and world-class diving.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Steelpan
Trinidad invented the steelpan, the world's only new acoustic instrument of the 20th century. Miniature pans make perfect souvenirs and can actually be played.
Price: $50-300 USD
Where: Steelband yards, craft markets, Port of Spain
Trinidadian Pepper Sauce
Fiery hot sauces made with local scotch bonnet and congo peppers. Chief, Matouks, and home-made varieties are all popular. Essential Trinidadian condiment.
Price: $3-8 USD
Where: Supermarkets, markets, airport
Batik Fabric and Clothing
Hand-dyed batik textiles featuring tropical motifs, made by local artisans in Tobago. Sarongs, shirts, and bags make colourful souvenirs.
Price: $15-60 USD
Where: Tobago craft markets, Crown Point boutiques
Angostura Rum and Bitters
World-famous Angostura Aromatic Bitters has been made in Trinidad since 1875. Also produces excellent aged rums including 1824 and 1919 premium bottles.
Price: $8-80 USD
Where: Duty-free shops, supermarkets, Angostura visitor centre
Carnival Mas Costumes and Accessories
Miniature Carnival costumes, feathered headdresses, and masquerade accessories showcase Trinidad's greatest cultural tradition. Unique mementos of the world's best Carnival.
Price: $10-50 USD
Where: Craft markets, Carnival Road, Frederick Street
Cocoa Products
Trinidad produces some of the world's finest Trinitario cacao. Local artisan chocolate bars, cocoa balls for hot chocolate, and cocoa nibs from estates like Montserrat Hills.
Price: $5-20 USD
Where: iCocoa, specialty food stores, airport
Carib and Amerindian-Inspired Pottery
Handcrafted pottery influenced by the Arawak and Carib indigenous peoples who first inhabited the islands. Bowls, plates, and decorative items with indigenous motifs.
Price: $15-80 USD
Where: Craft markets, art galleries in Port of Spain
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Port of Spain Central Market
The main public market of Port of Spain, a bustling hub selling fresh produce, spices, herbs, and local provisions. The best place to see the vibrant food culture of Trinidad with vendors selling christophene, dasheen, plantain, and local seasonings.
Where: Charlotte Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Hours: Mon-Sat 6AM-6PM
Tobago Craft Village
Purpose-built craft village showcasing Tobagonian artisans selling handmade jewellery, batik, wood carvings, and pottery. Directly supports local craftspeople and offers authentic island-made souvenirs.
Where: Signal Hill, Scarborough, Tobago
Hours: Mon-Sat 9AM-5PM
Chaguanas Market
Central Trinidad's largest market catering to the Indo-Trinidadian community. Excellent for Indian fabrics, spices, and foods including roti ingredients, lentils, and Hindu puja items. Authentic cultural experience.
Where: Market Street, Chaguanas, Trinidad
Hours: Mon-Sat 5AM-6PM, Sun 5AM-2PM
Arima Market
Historic market town east of Port of Spain with excellent produce market. Known for fresh vegetables, local fruits, and traditional street food including doubles and corn soup.
Where: King Street, Arima, Trinidad
Hours: Wed, Fri, Sat 5AM-4PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Frederick Street, Port of Spain
Port of Spain's main shopping thoroughfare lined with department stores, clothing shops, electronics retailers, and local businesses. Busy and vibrant pedestrian shopping area in the heart of the capital.
Best for: Clothing, electronics, everyday goods
Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook
Trinidad's premier dining and nightlife strip also features boutique shops, art galleries, and specialty stores. Cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating create a lively atmosphere perfect for leisurely shopping and dining.
Best for: Boutiques, art, dining, craft cocktail bars
Crown Point, Tobago
Tobago's main tourist hub near the airport clusters small boutiques, craft shops, and souvenir stores. Convenient for beach wear, local crafts, rum, and last-minute souvenirs before departure.
Best for: Beachwear, souvenirs, local crafts, rum
Scarborough Market, Tobago
The market area around Scarborough's waterfront offers fresh produce, seafood, and local goods. The town centre has pharmacy, clothing, and household goods shops serving the local community.
Best for: Fresh produce, seafood, everyday local goods
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Long Circular Mall
Popular shopping centre in Maraval featuring a supermarket, pharmacy, fashion retailers, and food court. Convenient for practical shopping with air-conditioned comfort in a residential area of Port of Spain.
Hours: Mon-Sat 10AM-8PM, Sun 12PM-6PM
Gulf City Mall
South Trinidad's premier shopping destination in La Romaine, San Fernando, featuring over 100 stores including fashion brands, electronics, cinema, and food court. Largest mall in the southern region.
Hours: Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 11AM-8PM
Movietowne Complex
Entertainment complex in Port of Spain combining cinema multiplex with restaurants, shops, and bars. Popular evening destination with cinema, dining, and entertainment under one roof.
Hours: Mon-Sun 10AM-11PM
C3 Centre, Chaguanas
Modern shopping mall in central Trinidad serving the rapidly growing Chaguanas area. Supermarket anchor, fashion stores, electronics, pharmacy, and food court make it a one-stop shopping destination.
Hours: Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 11AM-7PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Fixed prices apply in malls and established stores — do not attempt to bargain there
At craft markets and with street vendors, gentle negotiation is acceptable especially for multiple items
Larger purchases of craft items may get a 10-15% discount if you ask politely
Always confirm prices before purchasing — especially for crafts and tourist items
USD is widely accepted but you'll get better value using TTD (Trinidad and Tobago dollars)
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Cannot export endangered species, coral, certain plants without permits. Alcohol allowance for personal use unlimited but commercial quantities restricted.
Tax Refund: No formal VAT refund scheme for tourists. VAT of 12.5% is included in prices.
Duty Free: Duty-free shops at Piarco International Airport (Trinidad) and ANR Robinson Airport (Tobago). Allowances: 1 litre spirits, 200 cigarettes on departure.
Shipping: International shipping available from main post offices. For fragile items like steel pans, specialist packaging recommended. DHL and FedEx available in Port of Spain.