Trinidad and Tobago are an unusual blend of cosmopolitan urbanity and Old World charm. While these islands are the birthplace of calypso, limbo and the steelband, countries from almost every continent have influenced the culture and heritage. In Trinidad, there is a certain sophistication that is not found elsewhere in the Caribbean, while the lush tropical environment of Tobago offers scenic beauty and excellent diving.

Adjacent to South America, Trinidad and Tobago were once attached. Together they form the southernmost islands of the Lesser Antilles chain. Often claimed the best islands in the Caribbean for eco-tourism, their flora, fauna, geological formations and wildlife are similar to the South American mainland in many ways.

Port of Spain

As the capital city, Port of Spain is where you will find historical buildings, formal parks, museums, zoos, the commercial district and the Cruise Ship Complex. At Woodford Square, soapbox politicians expound the probing issues of the day. Central to the city is the Queen's Park Savannah, the largest park on the islands. This venue combines athletic and cultural activities, inclusive of an aerobic centre, concert hall, Carnival stage, football and cricket fields, jogging tracks; in addition to housing some of the finest restaurants and casual pubs. The Magnificent Seven is a row of Colonial great houses built in various European styles circa 1900. Also of architectural interest are the Queen's Royal College; Whitehall, the Prime Minister's office and the George Brown House on the south side of the Savannah.

Port of Spain Suburbs

Port of Spain was developed around the Harbour that is protected by the hills of the Northern Range. The city's oldest suburb is actually the birthplace of the modern day Carnival. It is a community that is influenced greatly by African traditions. The crowded ‘hill' district is home to the Shrine to Our Lady of Laventille and the residence of Trinidad's leading bands, the Witco Deperadoes.

In the southwest, Maraval Road is the suburb that features small businesses, restaurants, and where modest residential houses line the streets. On Marli Street, one can find the US Embassy.

St Clair is a residential community that developed in the 1960s. It is home to the Canadian, British and French Embassies and the Queen's Park Oval, a popular cricket ground.

Ariapita Avenue that runs the length of Woodbrook, east to west is being reinvented and is often described as a smaller version of New York City's Greenwich Village. Here you will find entertainment venues and restaurants that feature every conceivable type of cuisine.

Western Main Road to the Sea at Cocorite is an East Indian immigrant district. It features Moslem Mosques, a Hindu mandir and Christian churches and is a busy commercial and shopping area.

The Maraval valley was first settled by French families and today features attractive shopping, restaurants, bakeries and several guesthouses. The St. Andrew's Golf Course is an 18-hole course that can be found at the far end of the Maraval valley.

Chaguaramas

This district features wooded hills and uninhabited valleys, which have remained relatively undeveloped. Chaguaramas Public Golf Course is a challenging 9-hole course, which is within walking distance of Edith Falls. The Trinidad and Tobago Yachting Association is based here and there are a number of marinas that accommodate boats from all over the world. The underground limestone caverns on Gasparee Island Gasparee Island & Gasparee Caves may be visited here as well.

North Coast

The Northern Range is a rocky coast that includes a dense rainforest. Here you will find one of Trinidad's favourite beaches at Maracas Beach and El Tucuche; one of the highest peaks is situated between Maracas and Las Cuevas. Nestled within the Arima Valley is the Asa Wright Nature Centre (The), which provides birdwatchers with access to the colony of oilbirds.

East-West Corridor

The Eastern Main Road traverses along the Northern Range from Port of Spain to Matura and Manzanilla. The towns along this strip all seem to have converged into one continuous urban sprawl. At the Fernandes compound you can tour the Angostura distillery. If you are nature lover or picnicker, the sacred region of the Maracas Waterfall is very popular. Mount St. Benedict Church and Monastery is the oldest Benedictine Monastery in the Caribbean and overlooks St. Augustine and the Caroni Plains in this district as well.

Crown Point

Tobago's tourism mecca is at Crown Point. Here you will find many hotels, guesthouses and beaches. Store Bay is one of the most popular beaches on the Island. Known for its excellent snorkeling, it is a haven for brain coral, trunkfish, parrotfish and baby squid. Families will enjoy Pigeon Point where the waters are calm and watersports, restaurants, entertainment and shopping are all within close proximity.

Scarborough

The small capital town of Scarborough houses 50,000 locals. Cruise passengers frequent this port of call for shopping, the Botanical Gardens, Fort King George and Tobago Museum (The).

The Lowlands

Tobago's biggest resort project can be found at the Lowlands. The Hilton Tobago houses 200 guestrooms and a championship golf course. The additional phases are scheduled to include a 120-berth marina and a yacht club.

Unique architecture, religious diversity, cultural traditions and cosmopolitan populations accentuate the towns and cities. Virtually a melting pot Trinidad and Tobago are home to Africans, Chinese, Hindus, Muslims, Indians, Syrians, Portuguese, Spanish, French and the English. Collectively called ‘Trinbagonians', they co-exist in harmony and pride of their multicultural heritage. The national psyche is one of peace and their inherent enjoyment of life can be found in all of their neighbourhoods.