Top Things to do in Charlotte Amalie
What to do and see in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas: The Best Historic Sites
The largest city in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a popular shopping center, home to 20,000 people, upscale shops, ecotours and underwater safaris. This former haunt of pirate ships now hosts millions of cruise passengers every year. Look beyond the boutiques and discover historic sights such as the bright red, 17th-century Fort Christian, the graceful green Legislature Building, the 1793 brick Lutheran Church and the taxing 99 steps stairway. Charlotte Amalie is easy to explore on foot.
Restaurants in Charlotte Amalie
1. Beracha Veshalom Vegimulth Hasidim Synagogue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Sephardic Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition built the oldest active synagogue in the U.S. territories.
Reviewed By MrBlech - Deerfield, United States
Our cruise excursion took us to the most commercial areas, unfortunately; however, friends had recommended that we search out this synagogue, and we were glad we did. Docent Agi was highly informative about the origins of the congregation and its historic building - the oldest in continuous use under the American flag, and the second oldest in the Western Hemisphere. It's also one of only four synagogues in the world with a sand floor, connecting it directly with the Spanish Inquisition and the expulsion of Jews from Spain. Just a five-minute walk from downtown, it was well worth exploring, and a highlight of our cruise.
2. Frederick Lutheran Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
This place is temporarily closed. A Georgian-style church with a sweeping stairway and antique chandelier.
Reviewed By 152colleenc - Independence, United States
This building is worth a visit when in St. Thomas. The pulpit is very unusual. The church welcomes tourists and the architecture is interesting.
3. Blackbeard’s Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 741 reviews
This place is temporarily closed due to a natural disaster. One of St. Thomas's most famous historical sites. A Walking Tour rich in History and Beauty. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Spectacular views, sparkling pools, life size pirates and more.
Reviewed By georgevE5533BX - Fort Worth, United States
My 15 year old swashbuckling daughter and I went to the castle as a tour while on a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2016. We did not book a tour through the cruise ship company -- we just winged-it on our own. No worries, we always felt safe and was fairly obvious where we needed to go. We took a shuttle from the port to the downtown area (shuttles run every 20 or 30 min), walked the 99 steps and then hiked the rest of the way up to the Castle. It's a steep hike so if you're a little light winded its probably best to take a taxi. Went to the top of the observatory/look-out and could see our cruise ship. What a view! Probably the funnest part was the pirate museum. Actually was a fun experience hearing about the woman pirates of the day. When we finished we walked back to the cruise ship. Frankly, it was a long walk and we probably should've taken the shuttle back. We had such a great time that we went again this past summer. Unfortunately, the Castle and pirate museum were closed for repairs. I recommend going but be sure to check if its open before going.
4. Grand Hotel
5. Legislature Building
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 22 reviews
This elegant lime-green building was where ownership of the Virgin Islands was transferred from Denmark to the U.S.
6. 99 Steps
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 637 reviews
Step streets used by the residents of Charlotte Amalie, these historical 99 steps (the actual count is 103) were built from the ballast bricks of the tall ships coming from the old world, which would then return to Europe loaded with products from the islands.
Reviewed By reedmangreg - Chicago, United States
I would not call it a must but if you like walking and sightseeing this area of St Thomas has quite a few points of interest along the way; starting from Fort Christian, you can then go up using 99 Steps to arrive at to at Hotel 1829 and Blackbeard's Castle (unfortunately closed during our June 2020 post COVID trip) where you will also bump into Three Queens Statue. (the yellow steps in front of the Hotel 1829 aren't the 99 steps - so don't get disappointed at first, like we did hehe) It's a very safe area with many governmental buildings, some buildings are renovated in the area to still preserve that colonial vibe - probably the best well preserved "old Caribbean town" I have seen in our many trips to this amazing part of the world. TIP: there is a paid parking right by the Fort, in front of the police department where you can start the walk up or continue along to shore to check other stuff as well
7. Government House
8. Fort Christian
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 187 reviews
This 17th-century Danish fort houses a museum featuring a collection of Amerindian relics.
Reviewed By midwaytoheaven - Midway, United States
We have been to St Thomas several times but have never seen this old fort. This time around we got dropped off at the end of our excursion from Magens Bay Beach, just out side of Fort Christian. Boy if walls could talk what tells would be told here! Located right next to the flea market across the street & on Veteran's Drive. (the main road on the waterfront). BOTTOM LINE: Loved seeing this fort. Time did not permit us to enter but we still got some great photos from the outside and through the iron gates just inside the main wood doors. Cost to enter inside & museum for non-residents adults is $10 and for children 5-12 yr old is $7 each. This fort was first started and first phase opened in 1671 and finally completed in 1880. Up on the upper roof corners are heavily fortified sniper turrets. You can also see a cannon looking over the roof edge. The fort was used from 1874 to 1983 as the island's only prison. Well worth seeing when visiting the downtown shops. It is in very good condition. MY RATING: 9/10.
9. Market Square
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 300 reviews
Formerly a slave-trading market, this open-air fruit and vegetable market is a great place to stop and sample the fresh produce, especially the local specialty - genips.
Reviewed By MKTravelingMed - Trenton, United States
several vendors with trinkets, clothing, bags, and what-not. negotiate for the best price. nice walking around there to see the Historical Fort, and several small shops along the bay area
10. Seven Arches Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 11 reviews
This 19th-century artisans home has been converted into a lovely museum offering a look at St. Thomas bygone glory days.
