Shopping
If you’re in need of a little retail therapy, you’re in luck. There are many malls and shopping districts in both Trinidad and Tobago that could keep you occupied for hours. Trust us when we say there won’t be any buyers’ remorse as most items are reasonably-priced. Most established stores accept major credit cards or US currency at an approximate exchange rate of TT$6 to US$1 however cash is required when buying from street vendors. For bargains in Trinidad, the place to be is “town,” specifically Frederick, Henry and Charlotte Streets in Port of Spain. These three streets boast arcades, street vendors and some of the hottest fashionable items in cozy shops. You can also score great bargains at shops in St. James and Woodbrook which are just outside Port of Spain.
Popular malls are Movietowne Complex, Ellerslie Plaza, the Falls at West Mall and Long Circular Mall. Trincity, Grand Bazaar and Valpark Shopping Plaza in Valsayn, East Trinidad, and Gulf City Mall in La Romaine are really reasonable and offer a different variety from the urban shops. In Central, Mid Centre Mall, Centre Point Mall and even roadside vendors give some of the best bargains. In fact, Chaguanas is known by all to be the place to get the finest deals on anything! Depending on the time of year you visit, certain areas transform into thriving business centres for street vendors. For instance, each year at Carnival time, booths go up around the Queens Park Savannah and other key points for vendors to sell food, clothing, jewellery, arts and craft and other knick knacks. There are trade fairs and expositions throughout the year that offer one-of-a-kind deals. Additionally, there are a few local artisan markets that have been creating a noisy buzz. Upmarket and the Green Market Santa Cruz is definitely the place for the Naturalista!
Tobago, on the other hand, has the new Gulf City Lowlands Mall and the Movietowne Multiplex. Some stores like Shore Tings, Bago-to-go and the Craft Market carry the very best in Tobago wares, arts and craft, fabric, jewellery, ceramics, and pottery. Tobago-print T-shirts are a must as well as beach wraps. Most are sold on or near the popular beaches.
