Best Things to Do in Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas
Looking for things to do in Charlotte Amalie? From historical sites to scenic views and local shopping, here are the top experiences to enjoy.
Explore waterfront Charlotte Amalie and feel the rhythms and influence of Danish history made hundreds of years ago in the capital of both St. Thomas and the U.S. Virgin Islands. See artifacts left behind by settlers, go shopping for one-of-a-kind artisan wares and pair Caribbean cuisine with harbor breezes and stunning sunsets.
Charlotte amalie Attractions
Skyride to Paradise Point
For the absolute best views on the island, see Charlotte Amalie from above during a thrilling aerial tram trip aboard the Skyride to Paradise Point. Look in all directions to see the harbor, cruise ships and bustling streets lined with shops during a seven-minute ride that climbs 700 feet above sea level. Take panoramic photos from the summit’s observation deck and new Skywalk. Make sure your visit to the top allows time to dine on steak and seafood at the upscale PRIME at Paradise Point restaurant, shop for souvenirs or visit taste at Paradise Point for casual fare and to sip a signature Baileys Bushwacker. Sometimes called a chocolate pina colada, the drink is made with Baileys, vodka, coconut rum, amaretto, Kahlua, Coco Lopez and whipped cream with a cherry on top.
Fort Christian and the St. Thomas Historical Trust Museum
Duck inside the red brick Fort Christian and explore the oldest structure still standing in the territory. Completed in 1680 along Charlotte Amalie’s waterfront, the National Historic Landmark features a museum housing 300-year-old Danish relics. Go to the roof to see cannons that once protected the harbor and peer into re-creations of rooms from the past, including when the fort served as the only prison on the island from 1874 to 1983. To learn more about the area’s history — and to see more treasures, including documents, books, artifacts, furniture and more — tour the St. Thomas Historical Trust Museum, open mid-day Thursday, Friday and Saturday. While you’re here, sign up for a guided walking tour of downtown’s historical sites or book the boat tour that will take you to the 135-acre Hassel Island.
99 Steps and Blackbeard’s Castle
Don’t walk by 99 Steps without climbing the 18th-century “step-street,” built to the help navigate the steep terrain. This must-do St. Thomas activity rewards visitors who put in a little effort. Ascend the 103 steps — trust us, it’s not really 99 — that were made with stone bricks brought here aboard Danish tall ships. Pretty palms and tropical foliage line the path on the way to the summit. This is where you’ll see Blackbeard’s Castle, named after the infamous English pirate. While it’s no longer open to the public, you can admire the exterior of the 1679 lookout tower built by Danish settlers. Spectacular views of the city and harbor below become your instant reward for making the climb.
charlotte amalie shopping
Main Street
Shoppers can easily spend a day wandering Charlotte Amalie’s Main Street and its cobblestone side streets. The 18th-century stone buildings, once warehouses for sugar and rum exports, now hold luxury shops, high-end boutiques and restaurants perfect for quick respites from a shopping spree. Also known as Dronningens Gade, Main Street is a great place to purchase mementos that will remind you of your time spent on the island. Specialties include elegant watches and fine jewelry, local art, fashions, perfume and popular duty-free items like liquor and tobacco. You get a bonus when you shop here: Each person can bring up to $1,600 worth of duty-free merchandise back to the mainland.
Palm Passage
Relax in a peaceful, breezy, shaded courtyard during a shopping excursion to Palm Passage, a former warehouse converted into shops between Waterfront Highway and Main Street. Locals own and operate this eclectic collection of boutiques, where you’ll find original pieces not available elsewhere. Peruse island fashions and artwork at Fish Face, handcrafted jewelry at Okidanokh, sparkling silver pieces at .925 Silver World and even metaphysical items at Mystic by the Sea. While you’re here, savor a serene courtyard meal of Spanish tapas, salads and entrees paired with sparkling, red or white wines from Amalia Cafe. (Fun fact: Be sure to notice the arched shop doorways that are original to the 1800s; they were just big enough for horses and ox-drawn carts.)
Vendors Plaza
Stroll through open-air Vendors Plaza to find locally made items and island souvenirs. Artisans create and sell their handcrafted wares every day in kiosks lined up along Charlotte Amalie’s waterfront. You’ll see brightly colored clothing, painted gourds, watercolors of island scenes, candles and sterling silver jewelry. Value-priced beaded necklaces are among the array of goods that are perfect take-home souvenirs. This is also the place to get your hair braided. While chatting with vendors, be aware that negotiating a deal is an accepted and expected practice. When you need a shopping break, fuel up with a fruity cold drink and small bites like johnny cakes and jerk chicken kebabs at one of the food trucks.
charlotte amalie dining
Virgilio’s
Visitors have likely heard the accolades attached to Virgilio’s — inviting atmosphere with artwork covering the walls, outstanding Italian menu and excellent service. To enjoy the dining experience here, especially for the dinner service, you’ll want to make a reservation. Order an espresso martini and antipasti while perusing the menu of authentic Italian favorites. Start with the classic minestrone, then try the chicken, veal or eggplant parmigiana or the restaurant’s signature Lasagna di Maria made with founder Virgilio Del Mare’s grandmother’s recipe. Excellent options also include roasted lamb accompanied by fettucine Alfredo or simply a margherita pizza. End the meal with a requisite serving of tiramisu or a cappuccino spiked with Italian liqueurs.
Rendezvous on the Waterfront
Rendezvous on the Waterfront offers just about everything you’d want for lunch or dinner while exploring the downtown area — gorgeous harbor views from the second floor, accommodating service and tasty Caribbean flavors. Try appealing appetizers such as crab fritters and grilled shrimp skewers, then savor entrees like an 8-oz. filet mignon with black garlic butter, curry chicken or the fisherman’s special of the day. To fully enjoy the scenery, linger a bit longer over a serving of rich crème brulee, a scoop of ice cream paired with a shot of Cruzan Guava Rum or fruit punch with hibiscus and ginger. The sunsets here are a memorable way to end your day.
Gladys’ Cafe
Make it your St. Thomas tradition to dine at Gladys’ Cafe, serving island specialties to locals and visitors for more than 30 years. You can opt for American fare, but why not order perfectly spiced Caribbean specialties? Enter via an alleyway, then step inside to admire the stone walls and shiny, polished wood bar. Sip a fresh fruit colada and start with callaloo soup or jerk wings. Choices for main dishes include curry goat, jerk pork chop and conch in lemon butter sauce. Before you leave, buy a bottle of one of Gladys’ potent hot sauces — or a sampler featuring the flavors of oil and vinegar, mango, tomato and mustard — to take home as a reminder of your trip to Charlotte Amalie.
Discover More Things to Do on St. Thomas
Indulge in St. Thomas luxury resorts
