Charlotte Amalie is the historical heart of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. Full of not only history, it is also a hub for shopping, sightseeing, bars, distilleries, museums and galleries.
So whether you are coming on a cruise ship (they all dock within a cannonball shot’s distance of Charlotte Amalie) or staying on island you must make a stop in the cultural center of St. Thomas.
1. Tour a distillery
An absolute must-do in Charlotte Amalie. 3 Queens Distillery is just one street over from Main Street…slightly off the beaten path. Once inside the distillery you are transported to an oasis far from the bustling and crowded tourist haunts and street solicitors.
You can learn about the rum-making process, taste rum, grab a beer or cocktail and relax in the tropical garden in the back. There is also a hot sauce kitchen and coffee roastery onsite for more tasting or to take home for a souvenir.
2. Get ice cream and explore the streets and alleys
Head over to Banana Split and grab an ice cream cone. They also have coffee drinks, milkshakes and snacks. You can enjoy your cone or drink in the air-conditioning or you can hit the streets.
Banana Split is just a 100 feet off Main Street so close to everything.
3. Go shopping
I recently took a group on one of our walking tours. It was a private group with just their family that included two teenage boys. We were about 30 minutes into the tour when the boys got super excited…and it wasn’t about pirates. Our tour stopped in front of a perfume/cologne shop.
We spent the next 20 minutes spraying and smelling.
The point is, there are hundreds of shops in Charlotte Amalie. Boutiques, jewelry stores, souvenir shops, coffee roasteries, liquor stores and everything you can imagine.
4. Try local food
Food trucks, sit-down restaurants and walk-up windows are plentiful in town. I would recommend getting a Pate or Roti. They are hand-held and easy to grab and go. So you can keep touring town or find a curb or bench to devour these local favorites.
For a more in-depth look at local food, check out Local Foods to Try in St. Thomas. or Charlotte Amalie Restaurant Guide.
5. Play video poker
In my old age I enjoy slot machines more than the tables when visiting a casino. Not having to think and a little less human interaction is nice sometimes. Here in the Virgin Islands video poker is allowed. The machines are old and antiquated, but the thrills are the same.
You can head over to Taphus for some screen time and also grab a drink.
6. Tour Jewish Synagogue
On most days you can visit the Jewish Synagogue in town and it is open to the public. Usually there is a parishioner there for a short history tour of the structure. See the torah scrolls and learn about the artifacts and history of Jews in St. Thomas.
7. Art Galleries and Museums
Not known for a huge art scene, there are several galleries worth a look.
My favorite is The Creative Native. Ama is the proprietor and artist behind the photography. Her images celebrate the beauty of the island and local culture.
A small museum collection lives at The Slave House at 13 Wimmelskafts (also the home of 3 Queens Distillery). See the collection of old photos, maps and memorabilia from the islands’ past. Learn about slavery, rum-making, music, folklore and more. Educational yes, boring no.
8. Cocktails in historic Hotel 1829
Soak up the history of this beautiful old hotel. Dating back 2 hundred years and full of historical items and photos. They make a brilliant cocktail and you’ll have picture perfect views of town and the harbour.
9. Fort Christian
The easiest to find as it is a massive military fortification with red walls. The oldest building and the most impressive you can take in the front entrance and grab a quick photo. Or you can pay the admission fee of $10 and walk inside.
Only open during the week and closed on weekends and holidays, you should plan your trip to include a visit.
10. 99 Steps
Everything you could ever hope from a flight of stairs.
Each step is slightly higher than the next. So with each step you get higher and higher. Miraculous.
But they are pretty iconic and are one of the most beautiful examples of a step street.
Honorable Mention
11. Take a walk along the waterfront
There is a large apron next to Charlotte Amalie Harbour. It isn’t covered but you can enjoy the ocean breezes while watching the boats and occasional sea turtle. The apron is usually pretty empty making this activity pair well with #2 or #4 above.
When visiting St. Thomas you should schedule at least 3-4 hours in Charlotte Amalie to see one of the most beautiful and picturesque towns in the Caribbean.
