Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe
Museums
If you're in Pointe-à-Pitre and interested in visiting museums, a great place to start would be the Memorial ACTe. It's a museum dedicated to the history of slavery and the slave trade in the Caribbean and is located in nearby Les Abymes. Other museums in the area that may interest you include the Schoelcher Museum, which is located in the former home of abolitionist Victor Schoelcher, and the Edgar Clerc Archaeological Museum, which has exhibits on the pre-Columbian history of Guadeloupe.
Food
Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat in Pointe-à-Pitre and Guadeloupe include:
1. Accras: These are small, fried fritters made from salt cod or other types of fish, mixed with flour, peppers, and spices.
2. Bokit: A sandwich made with deep-fried bread that is stuffed with a variety of fillings such as smoked herring, chicken, or vegetables.
3. Colombo: A spicy stew made with meat (usually chicken or goat) and vegetables such as potatoes, eggplant, and okra. It's seasoned with a blend of spices including turmeric, cumin, coriander, and ginger.
4. Court-bouillon: A fish stew made with a variety of seafood such as red snapper, mussels, and shrimp. The broth is flavored with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and hot peppers.
5. Plantains: A type of banana that is cooked and served as a side dish. It can be boiled, fried, or mashed.
6. Creole-style seafood: Various seafood dishes such as grilled lobster, conch, and crab prepared in a creole-style sauce with tomato, onion, garlic, and hot peppers.
7. Ti Punch: A traditional cocktail made with rum, sugar cane syrup, and lime juice.
Activities
Some fun activities that locals enjoy in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe include:
1. Visiting the local markets such as the Marché Saint-Antoine and the Marché de la Darse to sample local foods and buy souvenirs.
2. Taking a stroll along the waterfront at La Marina to enjoy the sea breeze and the view of the harbor.
3. Participating in outdoor activities such as hiking in the Parc National de la Guadeloupe or snorkeling at Plage de la Datcha.
4. Attending cultural festivals such as the Carnaval de Guadeloupe, which takes place in January or February.
5. Sampling local rum at distilleries such as Damoiseau Distillery or Depaz Distillery.
6. Enjoying live music performances at venues such as Le Touloulou or Chez Henri.
7. Exploring historic sites such as the Fort Fleur d'Épée, which is a fortification that dates back to the 18th century.
