Travel Guide to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

The capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), Charlotte Amalie is one of the Caribbean’s most popular cities. Located on St. Thomas, this bustling harbor town is famous for its duty-free shopping, historic landmarks, and role as a hub for cruises, ferries, and yacht charters. Whether you’re arriving by cruise ship at Crown Bay or Havensight, or flying into Cyril E. King Airport, Charlotte Amalie is often the first stop on any adventure through the USVI and nearby British Virgin Islands.

Founded during the Danish colonial period, Charlotte Amalie is full of history. Visitors can explore Fort Christian, the oldest standing structure in the Virgin Islands, or climb the steps to Blackbeard’s Castle, a 17th-century watchtower more formally known as Skytsborg (a literal translation from Danish is Sky Tower. One thing that’s fascinating is that the city’s architecture and street names, like Dronningens Gade (Main Street) still reflect its European past.

For a cultural highlight, don’t miss the St. Thomas Synagogue, built in the 1830s. It’s often cited as the second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, which is up for debate, but it is also the oldest synagogue in the United States. Other points of interest include Emancipation Garden, built in the 19th century, which is a public square commemorating the abolition of slavery. Another popular destination is the neighborhood of Frenchtown, known for its fishing traditions and seafood restaurants.

Beyond its historic landmarks, Charlotte Amalie offers plenty of other tourist attractions. Take the tram up to Paradise Point for panoramic views over the harbor, stroll downtown Charlotte Amalie, or relax in its parks. For those extending their stay, nearby beaches and excursions offer opportunities for snorkeling and watersports, while ferries connect visitors to St. John, St. Croix, Puerto Rico, Tortola, and beyond.

Charlotte Amalie is also known for duty-free shopping. Along Main Street, visitors will find luxury jewelry shops, boutiques, and open-air markets. With no sales tax, it’s one of the best places in the Caribbean to shop for watches, diamonds, luxury goods, and local crafts.

Travel and Cruises from Charlotte Amalie

As the largest city in the USVI, Charlotte Amalie is a major hub for Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines. Its two main ports are Havensight and Crown Bay. For travelers continuing on to the British Virgin Islands, private boat transfers and ferries make it easy to cross over to Tortola or Virgin Gorda. Chillout Charters can offer transfers from the USVI to the BVI for visitors to the Virgin Islands.

What are the best things to buy in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas?

Charlotte Amalie is one of the Caribbean’s top duty-free shopping destinations. Visitors often buy jewelry, watches, liquor, fragrances, and local crafts. With no sales tax, it’s an excellent place for high-end purchases.

Where can I find historical sites in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas?

The city is filled with historic landmarks, including Fort Christian, Blackbeard’s Castle (Skytsborg), the St. Thomas Synagogue, and Emancipation Garden. Each offers a glimpse into the island’s Danish colonial past.

What are the must-see attractions in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas?

Top attractions include climbing to Blackbeard’s Castle, strolling Main Street and Dronningens Gade, exploring the Virgin Islands’ second-oldest synagogue, and taking the tram up to Paradise Point for breathtaking harbor views.

What kind of shopping is available in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas?

Shopping ranges from luxury boutiques and international brands to local artisan shops. Along Main Street you’ll find jewelry and designer goods, while open-air markets offer Caribbean crafts and souvenirs. One of the main attactions is that shopping is duty free meaning that visitors can often pick up a bargain or deal on luxury goods.

Where can I find the best views of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas?

For panoramic views, take the Skyride to Paradise Point, which overlooks the harbor and downtown. Hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding hills also provide stunning views of the city and the Caribbean Sea. If it’s a nice day, which it often is in the USVI, then you’ll get some fantastic shots for social media.

What are some popular activities in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas?

Visitors enjoy shopping, exploring historic sites, dining along the waterfront, and day trips to nearby beaches. Many also use Charlotte Amalie as a jumping-off point for snorkeling, sailing, and island-hopping to the BVI or Puerto Rico. Full day and half day powerboat tours are also extremely popular. Check out the ones that Chillout Charters operate to find more about the types of activities that you can do.

How do I get around Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas?

Downtown is walkable, especially around Main Street and the waterfront. For longer trips, taxis are widely available, and rental cars are an option for those wanting to explore beyond the city. If you want to visit the other islands in the Virgin Islands, then a service such as Chillout Charter’s Water Taxi can get you around the islands quickly and reliably.

What are the best places to eat in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas?

Dining ranges from casual open-air cafés to upscale restaurants overlooking the harbor. Frenchtown is especially popular for fresh seafood, while downtown offers both Caribbean and international cuisine.

As for recommendations we can suggest checking out the following spots:

Amalia Café is an open-air Spanish restaurant located in Palm Passage in downtown Charlotte Amalie. They’re known for tapas, paella, seafood specialties, and sangria.

Petite Pump Room Bar & Restaurant can be found right on the waterfront, and it is a great spot for breakfast and lunch. Their menu includes tropical cocktails, local seafood, conch fritters, and their signature cocktails. You’ll find it by Cay Bay at 3400 Veterans Dr Ste 6.

Gladys’ Café is located in an alley off the main shopping district and offers authentic Caribbean cuisine. Come here for jerk chicken or curried goat. It’s a great spot for breakfast as well.

Cutlass & Cane is located at Yacht Haven Grande, and this is a great upscale option. You’ll find an ocean-front setting, modern cuisine with local seafood, and a chic ambiance.

Virgilio’s is a great spot for Italian food. Expect a cozy indoors, coupled with great dishes. It’s perfect if you’re looking to mix up your dining a little and experience a restaurant that has been open in the USVI for over 30 years!

Where can I find examples of Danish architecture in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas?

Historic streets like Dronningens Gade (Main Street) feature Danish-style buildings with stonework and red-tile roofs. Landmarks such as Fort Christian and the St. Thomas Synagogue are also excellent examples of the island’s heritage.

Plan Your USVI and BVI Adventure with Chillout Charters

Whether you’re exploring its historic landmarks, shopping along Main Street, or planning a private boat transfer to the British Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie is a fantastic destination to visit in the Caribbean. With Chillout Charters, you can travel between the United States Virgin Islands and BVI, enjoying history, culture, and island-hopping adventures.

With a full-day powerboat tour, Chillout Charters gives you the freedom to explore the best of the British Virgin Islands at your own pace. Spend the day island-hopping to spots like Virgin Gorda’s Baths, Jost Van Dyke’s beach bars, and snorkeling spots. A full day means there’s time to relax, swim, and soak up the Caribbean.

For a shorter adventure, our half-day tours are the perfect fit. Ideal for families or couples, these trips give you a taste of BVI life where you can enjoy a few hours cruising the turquoise waters of the VI before heading back to your villa or hotel.

For visitors to the BVI and USVI, Chillout Charters’ private water taxi service is the prefect way to navigate around the islands. We’ll take you directly between islands such as Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke, or connect you seamlessly with the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s the fastest way to travel across the Caribbean Sea.