What to do in Roseau, Dominica There’s so much to see in this small town: here’s a top 8 must-do list for visiting Roseau!
What to do in Roseau, Dominica Situated between the two French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, Dominica, discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, is an English-speaking but sometimes forgotten gem of the Caribbean archipelago. It is sometimes even confused with the Dominican Republic… The island is the most mountainous of the Lesser Antilles. The capital, Roseau, with a population of 16,582, is located in the south-west of the island, but it’s well worth a visit, and its heritage is the envy of many a traveller. Its tropical climate is already the stuff of dreams: it never gets below 21°C at night and the thermometer never exceeds 28°C on average.
Crossed by the coastal river of the same name, the town of Roseau boasts a unique heritage, combining Caribbean architecture with the French style: the town got its name from the French colonists who, astonished to see so many reeds growing on the banks of the river, named the town after this plant. The city is colorful and dynamic, with postcard-perfect scenery.
Not sure what to do in Roseau? We’ve put together a list of must-do’s when visiting Roseau.
1. Le Vieux Centre
Photo credit: Flickr – Wayne Hsieh
After more than a hundred years of covetousness and conflict between France andEngland for possession of the island, France finally ceded the island to the English in 1763, following the signing of the Treaty of Paris. The old town center dates back to the 18th century, although it was destroyed by natural disasters and rebuilt several times. Until the city’s development in the 19th century, the city was confined to the old town.
In the old town, admire the facades of colorful wooden houses. The downtown area resembles an obstacle course: the sidewalks are raised to protect against flooding during hurricanes and torrential rains. The level of these sidewalks is uneven, so you also have to watch where you step!
2. The Old Market
Photo credit: Flickr – anax44
If you’re visiting Roseau, it would be a shame not to do what the locals do: the Old Market is one of Roseau’s most popular activities. The Old Market – also known as Old Market Plaza or Dawbiney Market Place – is located behind the Dominica Museum, near the waterfront.
Colorful stalls of handicrafts, bags, carpets and various knick-knacks: no, this isn’t the Christmas market, but in the people’s market that was the city’s nerve center for over 300 years. It was also – much less amusingly – a target venue for political meetings, executions and the slave market. Even today, locals flock here to glean fresh produce from the land.
3. The New Market
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – giggel
What to do in Roseau The new market, for a taste of the town’s popular, friendly atmosphere! Held every working day and Saturday – not Sunday, that is! – where you’ll find all the best fresh produce on the island: tropical fruits, vegetables, local produce and even sumptuous seasonal flowers.
4. Stroll the streets of Roseau
Photo credit: Flickr – David Kirsch
This is the West Indies: when you visit Roseau, you can expect to hear reggae and see smiles. The streets of the town center exude a popular atmosphere, as long as you respect local habits and customs (and yes, this isn’t our home!). You’re sure to see the children in their uniforms going to and from school, and smell the many flavors of the Antilles. If you’re lost, don’t hesitate to ask passers-by for help rather than taking refuge on the Internet.
The center is home to a multitude of small Creole and French restaurants, bars where you can sample the island’s rums, and numerous shops where you can do your shopping, from supermarkets to small independent boutiques.
5. The Dominica Museum
Emblematic of the city, the Dominica Museum, housed in a small orange building, dates back to 1810. The museum is part of the old colonial town, adjacent to the old market. If you’d like to learn more about Dominica’s history and culture, this archaeological museum is a must: it contains numerous exhibits on the island’s cultural, archaeological and regional history.
6. Our Lady of Fair Heaven Cathedral
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – giggel
This cathedral, built of volcanic stone, took over 100 years to erect: construction began in 1800 and was inaugurated in 1916. Originally known in French as Église de Notre-Dame du Bon Port du Mouillage de Roseau, Roseau Cathedral is a Romanesque cathedral that also represents the Creole influence. The building also contrasts with Caribbean architecture.
7. The Botanical Garden
Photo credit: Flickr – Roger W
Visiting Roseau without visiting the Botanical Gardens would be blasphemous! A must-see green lung on the heights of the capital, it boasts 50 species of tree, several varieties of bird and two species of lizard endemic to the island. The gardens were severely affected by Hurricane David in 1979, when a baobab fell on a school bus that was fortunately empty of schoolchildren. To reflect the power of the winds, the bus and tree were left as they were. Before the hurricane, the Botanical Garden was one of the largest plant conservatories in the Caribbean.
8. Climb Morne Bruce
Photo credit: Flickr – David Kirsch
Looking for a green way to visit Roseau? If so, you’ll need to climb to Morne Bruce, via a 35-step stone staircase and steep, shaded paths. The site offers a 30-minute hike to the summit, for a splendid view of Roseau.
How do I get to Roseau?
To travel to Dominica, you’ll need to pass through another Caribbean island. France has no flights to Dominica, so you’ll need to take a first flight to Guadeloupe, Martinique or Saint Lucia. To find a flight at the best price, take a look at the website of our partner Ulysse.
Once there, you have a choice:
– By boat: Departing from Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia, Les Saintes and Marie Galante, L’Express des îles operates between 3 and 7 crossings per week to the Roseau terminal in Dominica. In terms of price, expect to pay €119 for a return crossing and €79 for a one-way ticket.
– Car: To get to Roseau, you can rent a car, but the roads are winding and dangerous: Dominicans drive fast. Rent a 4×4 if you can afford it, as they are expensive, but it’s the ideal way to get everywhere and explore the island freely. Some beaches are difficult to get to, for example. Note that driving here is on the left. You’ll need a local driver’s license, issued on presentation of a French driver’s license (proof of at least 2 years’ experience and over 25 years of age). Cost: EC$30 (€8.40) per driver.
– Plane: This is the fastest way to travel, but not the cheapest (between €150/190 return). From the French islands, Air Caraïbes and Liat operate several flights, mainly toCanefield airport in Roseau (10 minutes from Roseau). Please note, however, that Dominica’s second airport, Melville Hall, is 1.5 hours from Roseau. Please note that these flights are not direct, and require a stopover of between 2 and 4 hours.
– Bus: If you don’t want to rent a car, you can take a minibus from Canefield airport. Lines in the southwest are well served, Monday to Saturday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., except Sundays. As in South-East Asia, you’ll often have to wait until the bus is full before setting off (as independent drivers try to make the most of their journeys): you’ve got to have the time! Cabs are very expensive…
Where to stay in Roseau?
There are several neighborhoods and other popular locations for accommodation in Roseau. As the city isn’t very large, the French Quarter – the old colonial district -, the Newton waterfront district along Victoria Street, and the Pottersville area are all good places to stay. To find a cheap hotel in Roseau, consult this hotel comparator which, depending on your dates of stay, will be able to propose you the best offers.
Map of hotels and accommodations – Roseau,dm