Live Steel Drums & Street Food Experience!

Trinidad , Trinidad and Tobago

Live Steel Drums & Street Food Experience!

Active

(9 reviews)

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience LIVE music in Port of Spain by night! From 8.30pm we will tour you through the energetic capital of Trinidad to various “steel pan yards” where the local steel-bands practice. Trinidad is the birthplace of the versatile "steel-drum" and we hear Soca, Calypso and sometimes even some Classical music - the steel-bands are everywhere! Listen to the pulsating rhythms of "Phase 2 Pan Groove" and others in their authentic neighborhoods - and of course taste some delicious street food as well. Let's check out the busy night strips (optional), we will give excellent insider tips. After the tour you can choose to stay and "lime" (hang out) or we drop you back to your hotel by 10.30pm.

Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Available options

Live Steel Drums & Street Food Experience!

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Live Music by authentic steel drums invented in Trinidad

Bottled water, soft drink or 1 alcoholic drink (beer or rum)

Local driver guide

Private tour or Small-group tour

Transport by private vehicle or air-conditioned minivan

One "Doubles" (local street food) or other, according to availability

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Tonight you will experience the steel-bands practice in their neighbourhood “pan-yards”. Created over 75 years ago from discarded oil-drums, this versatile instrument is now known and used all over the world, well-suited to play any type of music. Your 2.5-3 hour night-time tour of Port of Spain starts with a pickup from your hotel. During the short drive to your first 20 minute stop, the friendly guide will tell you all about the history and evolution of the “pan”.

Listen to the sounds of the steel-band – it could comprise of 120 players or more during Carnival. During regular practice over the rest of the year there will be 20+ players. The sounds of local Calypso or Soca will fascinate you! Sometimes you are treated to some Classical music as well. It is fascinating and amazing that such a sophisticated instrument was made out of a simple oil-drum. Our guide will explain how this is done.

Let’s continue your pan-yard hopping experience. We make stops at a few other pan-yards in different areas of Port of Spain, where we listen to the Steel-bands practice - each one with another level of musical expression and arrangement. Every yard has its own atmosphere and typical flair. Just please remember, this is not a concert, it is a spontaneous practice!

Hang out with the locals, Trinidadian people (“Trinis”) are friendly and always up for a chat! If available we will stop at a “mascamp” where Carnival costumes are displayed and you will learn all about our fascinating Carnival.

We will also introduce you to our most popular nightlife areas, lined with bars, pubs, casinos, restaurants, if you feel like “liming” (hanging out), we will give you the latest insider tips. Epic, believe me!

Our return to the hotel is at between 10.30-11.30pm according to the season.

Availability:

During Carnival Season Jan/Feb/March - on a daily basis.8.30-11.30pm

Out of Carnival Season - every Tues/Wed/Thursday. 8.30-10.30pm

Stop 2

Your belly is grumbling? You are looking forward to the typical local specialties? Now it’s your time, we are sampling some street food! Taste a “doubles”, a roti, a corn-soup, a whole fried fish or BBQ or Caribbean Gyros – it’s all up to you and your taste buds! Due to its cosmopolitan nature, our island has a wide range of culinary delights to offer!

Enjoy a refreshing drink, try the local beer or rum, or even a delicious coconut water – 1 drink is included in the cost of the tour.

What's not included

Gratuities

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), except 1 drink (beer or rum)

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children over the age of 7 years can participate in this family friendly tour of local "panyards"

Important notes

• Dress code is smart casual

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

About Trinidad

Trinidad, the larger and more populous of the two main islands of Trinidad and Tobago, is a vibrant blend of cultures, landscapes, and experiences. Known for its rich Carnival celebrations, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural beauty, Trinidad offers a unique Caribbean experience that combines Afro-Caribbean, Indian, European, and Chinese influences.

Top Attractions

Caroni Bird Sanctuary

A protected area known for its diverse birdlife, including the iconic Scarlet Ibis.

Nature 2-3 hours TT$150-200 (USD$23-30) for boat tours

Asa Wright Nature Centre

A renowned eco-tourism destination with lush rainforests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

Nature Full day TT$150-200 (USD$23-30) for guided tours

Maracas Beach

One of the most famous beaches in Trinidad, known for its golden sand and clear waters.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Queen's Park Savannah

A large open space in Port of Spain, surrounded by historic buildings and used for various events and sports.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Trinidad Carnival

One of the biggest and most vibrant carnivals in the world, celebrated with colorful costumes, music, and dance.

Cultural Two days (Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday) Free to watch, tickets for special events

Must-Try Local Dishes

Roti and Curry

A flavorful Indian-influenced dish consisting of a soft, flatbread (roti) served with a spicy curry, often made with chicken, goat, or vegetables.

Main Course Can be vegetarian or vegan if requested.

Bake and Shark

A popular street food consisting of fried dough (bake) filled with fried shark, topped with various condiments like garlic sauce, cheese, and peppers.

Lunch Contains fish, can be adjusted for dietary preferences.

Doubles

A popular street food made with two fried flatbreads (bara) filled with curried chickpeas and topped with chutney and mango sauce.

Breakfast/Snack Vegetarian.

Pelau

A one-pot dish made with pigeon peas, rice, meat (usually chicken, beef, or pork), and coconut milk, cooked with spices like turmeric and pimento.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Northern Range Scuba diving in Tobago White-water rafting in the Caroni River Beach lounging at Maracas Bay Spa treatments in Port of Spain Sunset boat tours in Caroni Swamp Attending Carnival Visiting historic sites in Port of Spain

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season, offering pleasant weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. It's ideal for outdoor activities and beach trips.

24-30°C 75-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Trinidadian English, Trinidadian Creole, Hindi, French, Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD)

Time Zone

GMT-4

Electricity

115VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

Trinidad is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution, especially at night.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas
• Use reputable taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Piarco International Airport • 20 km from Port of Spain

By bus

Port of Spain Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport. They are affordable but can be crowded and slow due to frequent stops.

Taxis

Available • Apps: iTaksi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Port of Spain San Fernando Chaguanas Toco

Day trips

Tobago

40 km from Trinidad (by air) or 60 km (by ferry) • Full day to overnight

Tobago is a smaller island known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and relaxed atmosphere.

Caroni Swamp

30 km from Port of Spain • Half day

A protected wetland area known for its diverse birdlife and scenic boat tours.

Asa Wright Nature Centre

60 km from Port of Spain • Full day

A renowned eco-tourism destination with lush rainforests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

Festivals

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival • February or March (Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday) Diwali • October or November (date varies based on the Hindu lunar calendar) Hosay • October

Pro tips

Visit the Caroni Bird Sanctuary at sunset to see the Scarlet Ibis return to their roosting trees
Try the famous Bake and Shark at Maracas Beach and experiment with different toppings
Explore the local markets for unique souvenirs and fresh produce
Attend a local festival or event to experience the vibrant culture and hospitality of Trinidad
Hire a local guide for hiking and nature tours to learn about the island's diverse wildlife and ecosystems