Among the oldest botanic gardens in the West Indies, Port of Spain’s Royal Botanic Gardens showcases trees, shrubs, and colorful flowers from Trinidad and around the world, including African tulip trees and fragrant magnolias. The gardens also attract plenty of birds and are a popular spot for picnicking during the dry season.
While trees, flowers, and tropical birds are among the gardens’ biggest draws, it is also a great place for architecture lovers, as the stately President’s House is located right in the park. There’s also a small cemetery where many government officials and their family members were buried between 1819 and 1983. Some half- and full-day tours of Port of Spain include a visit to the gardens, often in conjunction with Queen’s Park Savannah across the road.
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The Royal Botanic Gardens is great for families with kids, offering plenty of green space to run around.
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Public restrooms are available at the park.
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Much of the gardens are paved and accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
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Admission to the Royal Botanic Gardens is free.
Trinidad’s Royal Botanic Gardens is located directly north of Queen’s Park Savannah, about a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the National Museum & Art Gallery and a 10-minute drive from Woodford Square and the Port of Spain City Hall. Maxi taxis on the Cascade/St. Ann’s route run from the corner of Frederick Street and Hart Street to the gardens and beyond.
The Royal Botanic Gardens are open daily, from early morning until early evening. The best time to visit is first thing in the morning before the heat sets in and it’s a bit quieter. However, if you plan to combine your visit with a trip to Queen’s Park Savannah across the street, you may prefer to explore the gardens in the afternoon before heading to the park’s nightly food court.
Just south of the gardens, on the opposite side of Circular Road, Queen’s Park Savannah is the largest green space in Port of Spain. This massive park is popular among joggers and picnickers, and it is one of the key staging areas for festivities during the annual Carnival celebrations. It’s particularly lively around sunset when food vendors set up in the parking lot to serve up local favorites such as doubles and corn soup.
