National Academy of the Performing Arts

Port of Spain


The glinting curves of this arts center, looming over the southeast corner of Queen's Park Savannah, are an eye-catching backdrop to the park, a sort of Sydney Opera House in glass and steel. Despite its good looks, NAPA is something of a white elephant, having been plagued by structural problems that have left the space under-utilised. Nonetheless, its Kitchener Auditorium does host a regular roster of arts events, and plans are underway for a new hotel within the complex.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Port of Spain attractions

1. National Museum & Art Gallery

0.09 MILES

Housed in a classic colonial building, the rather dry historical exhibits range from the oil industry to Amerindian settlers, the colonial era and…

2. Queen’s Park Savannah

0.25 MILES

Once part of a sugar plantation, formerly home to a racecourse and now the epicenter of the annual Carnival, this public park is encircled by a 3.7km…

3. Hall of Justice

0.61 MILES

All pointy balconies and angular turrets, this 1980s concrete building houses Trinidad and Tobago's main criminal court.

4. City Hall

0.65 MILES

Painted a fetching shade of burnt umber, this block-like concrete construction from 1961 is the HQ of Port of Spain's mayor and the local governing body,…

5. Queen's Royal College

0.69 MILES

Resplendent with red and gray brickwork, and topped with a looming central clock-tower, QRC is home to one of Trinidad's most prestigious boys schools.

6. Red House

0.69 MILES

Named for its burgundy paintwork, this imposing Renaissance-style parliament was constructed in 1906, having been rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire…

7. Woodford Square

0.69 MILES

This grassy square with its central Eros and Aphrodite fountain and ornate bandstand is the symbolic center of downtown Port of Spain. Dr Eric Williams,…

8. Hayes Court

0.69 MILES

Built as the residence of Trinidad's Anglican bishop (but now in private hands), this French Colonial–style building features intricate stonework and a…