Predominantly seafood, cooked in French, Creole, African or South-East Asian styles. The spicy flavour of Creole cuisine is unique. Dishes include lobster, turtle, red snapper, conch and sea urchin. The more formal restaurants will require appropriate dress.
Things to know: The legal drinking age is 18 and there are no licensing restrictions.
Island specialities:
• Stuffed crab.
• Stewed conch.
• Roast wild goat.
• Jugged rabbit.
• Broiled dove.
Island drinks:
• Rum punch (a brew of rum, lime, bitter and syrup).
• French wines.
• Champagnes.
• Liqueurs.
Tipping: 15 per cent is sometimes included on the bill. 10 per cent is normal.

There are plenty of restaurants, bars and discos, with displays of local dancing and music. The famous dance of the island is called the Biguine, where colourful and ornate Creole costumes are still worn. There are two casinos on Guadeloupe and opening hours are 2100-0300, which are extended on Fridays and Saturdays.

Worthwhile purchases are French imports, including perfume, wine, liqueurs and Lalique crystal. Local items include fine-flavoured rum, straw goods, handmade lace, bamboo hats, voodoo dolls, and objects of aromatic Vetevier root. Traveller's cheques give a 20 per cent discount in some shops. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1800, Sat 0830-1300.