Photo Credit: Kenny Mitchell

Trinidad and Tobago is a good place for shoppers, with a variety of stores, arcades, and malls to choose from. There is a thriving local handcraft industry, particularly for beads, jewelry, leather belts, and shoes. Miniature steelpan instruments and cocktail-making kits featuring local rum make popular souvenirs and gifts.

On Trinidad, Port-of-Spain is the main shopping area. Some of the best known stores are the Golden Doors Plaza on Frederick Street or Time Plaza on Henry Street. Street vendors abound on Charlotte Street, selling everything from local snacks to handicrafts and small electronics. The biggest and best place to get fresh meat, fruits or vegetables is at the Port-of-Spain Central Market (Beetham Highway, Sea Lots, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad). Those who would prefer to stay in the comfort of air-conditioning can head to the large indoor malls, such as the trendy The Falls at West Mall (West Mall Road, Westmoorings, Trinidad) or the Movie Towne Entertainment Complex (Chaguanas, Trinidad), which has 10 movie theaters, restaurants, fast food, and 28 stylish boutiques set around a Mediterranean style courtyard.

On Tobago, Scarborough is the main place to shop. The Scarborough Market (Market Square, Scarborough, Tobago) is a must for visitors wanting to try local foods or to pick up hand-made leather goods. The market is open every day, with Friday to Sunday being the busiest times. Scarborough’s Milford Road Esplanade has a selection of shops selling craft and consumables. Further afield, Store Bay has a craft market with 35 stalls selling everything from sandals and sarongs to jewelry and woodcarvings. Tobago only has one major mall, Gulf City Mall (Gulf City Blvd, Lowlands, Tobago), which is air conditioned and has lots of clothing and accessories, as well as a cinema and food court.

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