Roseau

Roseau (rose-oh) is Dominica’s noisy and chaotic but vibrant capital, situated on the southwest coast along the Roseau River, which became a raging monster during 2017's Hurricane Maria, washing away bridges and cars. During the day reggae pours from the windows of traditional Caribbean houses while locals compete with the heavy traffic for right of way in the narrow streets. By nightfall the town all but empties, with most people returning to the nearby valley villages, and the capital slumbers like any other Caribbean town.

Sadly, many of Roseau's most historically important structures were either seriously damaged or totally destroyed by Hurricane Maria, and the town is still visibly recovering. Don't let that deter you from a visit, however; stroll around the historical French Quarter, south of King George V St, and absorb the charisma of Dominica's tiny capital.