Royal Botanic Gardens, Port of Spain

The Royal Botanic Gardens were laid out in 1818 on the northern side of the Savannah, which makes them among the oldest botanical gardens in the western hemisphere and older than Kew's palm house. They cover about twenty-five hectares of mature planting, with specimen trees from across the tropics, a small zoo alongside, and the President's House and the Prime Minister's residence within the grounds. Guides wait at the gate.

What you actually see

• The specimen trees - mature tropical species planted from the early nineteenth century.
• The 1818 layout - the original design still legible in the paths and plantings.
• The President's House - the official residence standing within the gardens.
• The orchid house - the collection of local and imported orchids.

When to go

January to May is driest. Mornings are coolest and best for birds in the trees. The gardens close in the early evening.

Honest expectations

Labelling of the collection is patchy and many trees are unmarked. Guides at the gate expect payment and their knowledge varies. Maintenance is uneven in parts of the grounds.

Nearby

Queen's Park Savannah is south, and Fort George is west.