Weekend in Jacmel

Public beach right in town. Sand is dark volcanic, water calm. Locals swim, play football, or just sit under almond trees. No facilities beyond a few vendors selling fried plantain

Tip: Go early, around 7am, to avoid crowds and see fishermen hauling in boats. Don't leave valuables on the sand.

Catholic cathedral built in the 19th century. Twin bell towers, a pale yellow façade, and a simple interior with stained glass. Mass happens most evenings; visitors are welcome to

Tip: Sunday mass at 9am is energetic — live choir and drums. Dress respectfully (cover shoulders and knees). No photography during service.

Covered market built from a metal frame, similar to Port-au-Prince's famous version. Stalls piled with fresh fruit, dried fish, spices, woven baskets, and second-hand clothes. It's loud, colourful, an

Tip: Bring small bills (gourdes, not dollars). Haggle gently — a 10–15% reduction is normal. Go in the morning when produce is fresh; by noon it's mostly empty.

Main square at the centre of Jacmel. Surrounded by wrought-iron balconied buildings painted in pastels. Benches under big shade trees, a statue of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, and a bandstand used for wee

Tip: Sit on a bench around 5pm — that's when kids play, old men play dominoes, and the light makes the buildings glow.

Tiny museum in a colonial house dedicated to Jacmel's famous carnival masks. Exhibits show papier-mâché masks, costumes, and photos from the annual parade, plus a workshop where masks are made.

Tip: Entry costs about 50 Haitian gourdes (roughly 30p). Ask the caretaker to show you the back room — that's where the real craftsmanship happens. Takes 20 minutes max.