Weekend in Saint-Marc

The main central square surrounded by low-colonial buildings and the occasional vendor selling fried plantains or mangoes. Benches under shade trees make it a decent spot to rest.

Tip: Come before 9am to see the morning bread market. After dark the square gets quiet, but it's fine with a group.

A Catholic cathedral rebuilt after the 2010 earthquake, with simple stained-glass windows and a calm interior. Mass draws a crowd and you'll hear traditional Haitian hymns.

Tip: Attend a Sunday mass at 9am for the full experience—choir singing in Creole. Dress conservatively; shorts are frowned upon inside.

A bustling open-air market selling locally grown produce, spices, used clothing, and handmade brooms. No souvenir stalls—this is for daily life, not tourism.

Tip: Bring small bills and keep your bag zipped. Try a dried coconut or fresh sugarcane from the sellers near the east entrance.

A 19th-century cemetery with above-ground tombs, cast-iron crosses, and faded frescoes reflecting Haitian funerary traditions and Vodou symbolism. Overgrown in parts.

Tip: Wear closed shoes as the ground is uneven. A local guide from the nearby church might offer a tour for a small tip.

A long, public black-sand beach along the Gulf of Gonâve. Locals gather here for swimming, football on the sand, and street food stalls selling grilled fish and accra.

Tip: Go early on Sunday mornings when the water is calmest. Avoid the middle section after heavy rain as runoff can be murky.