Things to do in  St Kitts and Nevis

Basseterre, the vibrant capital of St. Kitts and Nevis, is the heart of the Caribbean twin-island nation. You can stroll through its picturesque colonial-era streets, explore bustling markets, and tour historic landmarks such as Independence Square, the National Museum of St. Kitts, and the central Circus Square. The city’s lively waterfront and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal starting point for the island’s many adventures.

For a gorgeous view of St. Kitts and neighboring island of Nevis, head up to the top of Timothy Hill, a popular lookout spot where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea at the island’s southeast peninsula. See Friar’s Bay and Frigate Bay below, alongside green gently sloping hills falling into the water below.

Smaller than its sibling isle St. Kitts, sleepy Nevis has a decidedly more elegant and old-fashioned vibe than its big sister’s capital city, Basseterre. Set on the western shore of the island, Charlestown’s charming narrow streets are lined with colorfully-painted 18th- and 19th-century Victorian and Georgian-style buildings.

Once a slave-holding sugar plantation, the 17th-century Romney Manor has been given new life as one of the island’s most beloved local crafts boutiques, Caribelle Batik. While here, make time to explore the grounds featuring gorgeous tropical botanical gardens and a host of ancient Carib petroglyphs on lava rocks.

Set atop a steep volcanic hill overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Brimstone Hill Fortress is a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site and feat of engineering. Designed by the British and built by African slaves, the fortress was finished in 1790 after 100 years of construction. Though fitted with powerful cannons, the fortress fell after a month-long siege by the French.

In the middle of the Circus—a roundabout named after London’s Piccadilly Circus—in the center of Basseterre, the Berkeley Memorial is an ornate green tower built in 1883 in honor of Thomas Berkeley, a legislator and owner of several estates on St. Kitts. It has a drinking fountain at the bottom, and on the top is a clock with four faces.

Founded on the west coast of St. Kitts, Old Road Town was settled in 1624 by a small group of settlers interested in trying their hand at tobacco farming. Old Road Town was the first settlement in the Caribbean established by the British. Highlights include a thriving farming industry, a historic Wingfield Estate, and a number of ancient Carib petroglyphs.

Constructed in the late 1700s for slave auctions and colonial council meetings, Basseterre’s main public square was rechristened Independence Square in 1983 to commemorate the liberation of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis from Great Britain. A large fountain at its center, excellent examples of British Colonial architecture, painted in white and pastels, line the perimeters.

The biggest (and best) cruise port in St. Kitts and Nevis, Port Zante is both a world-class cruise port and a tourist attraction in its own right. Steps from the island nation’s historic capital, Basseterre, Port Zante is a shopping haven, a welcoming jumping-off point to explore the island, and a great spot to grab some food or a drink.

Bloody Point along the western coast of St. Kitts is named after a tragic historical event there in 1626, when French and British colonies were being developed on the island, each claiming land as their own. As they expanded, the original native Carib Indians, led by Chief Tegremare, attacked the colonizers. But since the two nations had learned of his plan beforehand, they banded together, killing over 2,000 natives.

With more than 3 miles (5 kilometers) of golden sand fringed with palm trees and clear turquoise waters, Pinney’s Beach is a stretch of classic Caribbean coastline just outside Charlestown on the island of Nevis. Visitors come to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and watch the world go by at one of the beach bars.

In the foothills of St. Kitts’ central mountain range, Wingfield Estate is a 17th-century sugar plantation originally owned by Sam Jefferson, the great-great-great-grandfather of Thomas Jefferson. It was the first working estate on the island for tobacco, sugar and rum, and while here, you may inspect the ruins and visit the rum distillery to learn how sugar was converted into rum back in the day.

Soaring to 3,792 feet (1,155 meters), Mt. Liamuiga is the highest point in Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the entire British Leeward Islands. Climbing past farmlands and tropical cloud forests to the summit offers an invigorating adventure and an unparalleled vantage point for taking in the stunning expanses of the Eastern Caribbean.

Located about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) from Basseterre, Frigate Bay along the Atlantic Ocean is one of the most popular beaches on St. Kitts. During the day, activity buzzes with water sports (windsurfing, kayaking, and jet skiing), and beach volleyball. After nightfall beach bars showcase live music, dancing, and bonfires. Every year in June, the bay hosts the St. Kitts Music Festival.

Originally built to transport sugar cane, the St. Kitts Scenic Railway is a unique way to explore a Caribbean island. The train winds along the island’s coastline, past cane fields and abandoned plantations, providing visitors with panoramic views along the way.