Top 10 Places to Visit in St John's
St John’s is the capital of Antigua and Barbuda. It is also the island's principal port, which, along with its size and variety of locations to visit, is the ... read more...main reason the city is popular with Caribbean island-hopping cruises. This largest city on the island also promises a sensory overload. The colorful colonial-style houses make up the eye-catching environment, while weekly markets dazzle with local farmers selling an array of fresh fruits and vegetables. Let's take a look at the list of places to visit in St John’s that Toplist offers you.
-
If you are seeking for truly one-of-a-kind artwork that reflects Caribbean culture and Antiguan traditions, stop by Zemi Art Gallery. Aside from stunning works of art, there are also handcrafted necklaces, bracelets, t-shirts, earrings, mugs, home decor items, and a plethora of other artistic trinkets on exhibit.
Zemi Art Gallery's aims to capture the essence of indigenous artistic expressions and true Caribbean culture through a modern and one-of-a-kind approach to local arts and crafts. The Gallery's mission is to present tourists and the general public to the vast amount of handcrafted and unique artwork and craft created in Antigua and the surrounding islands.
The artwork on display at Zemi to the touches on sland's heritage and customs in novel ways. Visitors struggle to prevent their jaws from dropping to the floor when they see all of the unique objects available at this shop. Nothing you find here is "Made in China." Everything is made either by Stephen or one of several local artists. If it is sold at Zemi, it can not be sold anyplace else on the island, making everything unique. Therefore, on your trip to the island, stop by Zemi Art Gallery and pick up some great souvenirs.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Phone: +1 268 562 7662
- Opening Hours: Mon to Sat - 9:30 to 17:00
- Address: 45C3+3P9, Redcliffe St, St John's, Antigua and Barbuda
-
Galley Bay Beach spans for about a mile adjacent to the Galley Bay Resort & Spa, whose cottages are set into the coves of beautiful green scenery. Galley Bay Beach has the shimmering turquoise water you would expect from Antigua, as well as a nice, clean stretch of beach that recent visitors praised.
This beach has some of the best surfing waves in Antigua. It is also a must-see for animal enthusiasts. Sea turtles frequently leave their eggs here to nest (several times a year, but most frequently in summer). Bring your camera and schedule a midnight visit: you could just witness the baby turtles hatch. If you prefer to spend the day, prepare your snorkeling equipment and catch a look of Galley's underwater biodiversity.
Three of the resort's open-air restaurants are located near the water's edge, on the white sand. Be aware of the strong undertow and harsh waves that can make swimming difficult on this beach; for the calmest seas, avoid the rock formations out to the side of the beach. If you are bringing the kids, keep a close check on them while they are swimming. Visitors who are not resort guests are invited to spend the day at the beach for free, but they will not have access to the on-site facilities.
- Google Rating: 4.4/5
- Website: N/A
- Phone: +1 954-481-8787
- Opening Hours: Daily
- Address: 44F5+5J8, St John's, Antigua and Barbuda
-
Towering above the city of St John’s in Antigua is St John’s Cathedral also known as St. John the Divine, the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba. The old Anglican cathedral was a wood construction completed in 1681 that was destroyed by the earthquake of 1683. This was rebuilt by a stone structure, which was also destroyed in an earthquake in 1843. The current cathedral, which features two white twin towers designed by Bath architect Thomas Fuller, inaugurated in 1847. It is visible from most sections of the city and is located at the top of a hill that is accessible through an outdoor staircase.
Visitors can climb the stairs to the 18th-century iron gates on the church's southern façade and examine the fascinating pillars. These columns have engravings of the biblical figures St. John the Baptist and St. John the Divine. The famous twin towers, which stand 70 feet (21 meters) tall, flank the church.
When you first enter the church, you will see the large nave, which is largely made up of magnificent wooden features. The pitch pine interior is sturdy, built to withstand earthquakes and hurricanes. You can enjoy the tranquil environment by sitting in one of the handmade wooden pews and view the collection of stained-glass windows, through which light beams to create vivid artwork.
- Google Rating: 4.4/5
- Website: http://thestjohnscathedral.com/
- Phone: +1 268-462-0820
- Opening Hours: Daily
- Address: 45F5+36M, Church St, St John's, Antigua and Barbuda
-
Cedar Valley Golf Club, nestled in the hills of northern Antigua, is one of the Caribbean's hidden jewels. The Cedar Valley Golf Course, opened in 1970, was designed and built by Ralph Aldridge. This gorgeous par 70, 6,157-yard golf course is set among mature tropical trees, vistas over hills, and the Caribbean Sea, offering an entertaining, inspirational, and challenging golf experience. The golf club welcomes players of all skill levels; it is set in exciting, gorgeous environment that makes for a wonderful golfing experience in Antigua that even non-golfers will enjoy.
The clubhouse also features a lovely terrace restaurant and bar serving golfer's meal and favorite beverages. The golf shop offers logo'd gear and golf goods, as well as golf club and shoe rentals. A grass range, as well as a chipping and practice putting green, are available on the property. Individual or group lessons with a skilled trainer can be arranged (advance notice required).
Cedar Valley Golf Club focuses in outings and tournaments, and membership is limited. The course encourages tourism, and visitors to the island appreciate the reasonable rates. Players can booking their round through their lodging host or ship because the course is affiliated with many hotels and cruise ship lines.
- Google Rating: 4.3/5
- Website: https://cedarvalley.golf/
- Phone: +1 268-462-0161
- Opening Hours: Mon to Sun - 6:15 to 18:00
- Address: Cedar Valley, P.O Box 198, St. John's, Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda
-
Heritage Quay, located in the heart of St. John's and overlooking the harbor, is an urban jewel. The largest and modern of two Quays in St. John’s, Heritage Quay is a shopper's paradise, with two floors of duty and tax-free items for visitors wishing to save money on retail prices in Europe and the United States.
Electronics, local music, cigars, liquors, fine crystals & ceramics, designer apparel & footwear, swimwear, sporting equipment, fragrances, skincare cosmetics, fine jewelry, high-end watches, and other souvenir items are just a few of the items on offer. There is also a broad variety of sports bars and speciality restaurants nearby to get a tropical drink after a day of shopping fun, while the evening comes alive with a flicker of cards from a world-class casino and nightclubs always bouncing with musicians from all over the world.
Duty-free shopping in Antigua and Barbuda is simple; unlike other Caribbean islands, there are no limits on shoppers; simply show proof of your travel status, such as an airline ticket and some form of personal identification, and make your purchase. Heritage Quay also provides visitors with a beautiful view of St. John's Harbour, which becomes lively with local and steel pan music when cruise ships arrive at the harbour's finger piers. The complex also houses two hotels and a picture studio.
- Google Rating: 4.3/5
- Website: N/A
- Phone: (268) 462-1247
- Opening Hours: Daily - 8:00 to 18:00
- Address: 45C3+FM6, High St, St John's, Antigua and Barbuda
-
Historic Redcliffe Quay, which overlooks St. John's harbour, is one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. It was once a major waterfront docking location, generally recognized as the Caribbean's business and trading center. Slaves, rum, sugar, and coffee were traded between Antigua, Europe, and Africa through this port.
Today, it is a tranquil and quiet haven overlooking the sea, and it is the ideal place to escape the heat and bustle of St. John's. You may watch the yachts and boats come and go from the harbor or marvel at the massive cruise ships that visit the island on a regular basis during the season.
It also includes many boutique boutiques built in a disused warehouse with a shady courtyard and tree-lined streets. There is a mix of local and independent retail establishments selling handicrafts and gifts, as well as high-end jewelry and clothes. Redcliffe Quay is particularly widely renowned for its food scene, which includes anything from a pizzeria to a gourmet ice cream shop. If you have shopped up an appetite, Cutie's is a terrific spot to stop in for some scrumptious pasta or seafood matched with a suitable mouth-watering wine.
- Google Rating: 4.3/5
- Website: http://www.historicredcliffequay.com/
- Phone: +1 268-562-5610
- Opening Hours: Mon to Fri - 9:00 to 21:00, Sat - 10:00 to 22:00, Sun - 11:00 to 18:00
- Address: 45C3+2Q5, Redcliffe St, St John's, Antigua and Barbuda
-
The Antigua and Barbuda Museum was founded in 1985 and is run by the Historical & Archaeological Society, a private non-profit organization. The museum is located in the former St. John's Courthouse, which was established in 1750 and is thought to be the oldest building in town. Recent visitors consider it as interesting and worth a visit.
Collecting is important to the Museum's mission. It collects objects and specimens on the island through field collecting, gifts, loans, and exchanges, and it encourages participation from everyone who is interested in conserving and conveying the island's past. Education and research into the nation's history are also goals. It provides visitors with an insight of the island's natural and historical background. There is a good reference library, as well as various computer databases totaling 25,000 entries that may be accessed quickly.
Some of the Museum's programs include an education program for kids in Antigua and Barbuda, special talks, and monthly field visits to historic places. Cultural evenings for the general public are held, and the Society's members get a newsletter. The Museum has something for everyone, so come in and enjoy the historic ambiance in a cool oasis in the center of St. John's, buy gifts, contemplate, and forget about the troubles of the world.
- Google Rating: 4.2/5
- Website: https://www.antiguamuseums.net/
- Phone: +1 268-462-1469
- Opening Hours: Tue to Sat - 8:30 to 16:30
- Address: 45C4+VC5, Long St, St John's, Antigua and Barbuda
-
Fort James is a fort at the entrance of St. John's Harbour in Antigua and Barbuda. The British built it between 1706 and 1739 and named it after King James II of England. It served as a fort to guard both the city and the island. Although just the foundation walls and a few cannons remain now, the fort provides an interesting glimpse into the island's history. During the nineteenth century, the cannons were constantly fired to salute visiting warships and to provide "signals" for sunrise and sunset.
Nowadays, the fortress is a famous tourist attraction for both locals and visitors to the island. The fort and its grounds provide tourists with unrivaled views of the North Atlantic Ocean's pure blue waves and the green hills and mountains that flank Saint John's northern waterfronts. Fort James Beach, which is located next to the fort, is one of the most popular sand beaches in the area. Many people are taken aback by the scenery and the history of this castle as they gaze out over the vast St. John's Harbour.
- Google Rating: 4.2/5
- Website: N/A
- Phone: +1 268-732-0580
- Opening Hours: Daily
- Address: 44JP+4G5, St John's, Antigua and Barbuda
-
Jabberwock Beach is located on Antigua's northeastern coast and has a mile-long white sand beach. This is one of the beaches in Antigua that you should not miss. Jabberwock Beach is strewn with kites of various colors, creating a spectacular skyline.
Its pale sand serves as a hub for water sports, with the offshore wind attracting windsurfers and kite surfers, who congregate in huge numbers from January to June. There is even a kite surf school near the southern end of the beach, where helpful instructors can help you achieve your goals. This pristine sandy beach is also ideal for taking your first wind-surfing instruction. However, the powerful winds of Jabberwock Beach may provide specialists with an unforgettable windsurfing experience.
On weekends, it is a lovely spot for everyone to enjoy, with palm palms and picnic tables. Jabberwock Beach is also the home of Kitesurf Antigua and is only a few minutes' walk from various eateries such as Le Bistro, Garden Grill, La Bussola, and Cecilia's High Point Café. If you are going to Jabberwock, do not forget to bring your camera; you can capture some really unusual photographs of the surfers while lounging on the beach!
- Google Rating: 4.2/5
- Website: N/A
- Phone: N/A
- Opening Hours: Daily
- Address: Hodges Bay, St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda
-
Betty's Hope is a sugar plantation site where one of the two sugar mill towers, complete with sails, has been fully restored. This heritage property is definitely worth a visit, with a modest interpretation center and interpretive markers across the estate. Betty's Hope was one of the first sugar plantations, established in 1651.
Betty's Hope, like other large estates, was an agricultural and industrial complex that housed a huge number of people. Hundreds of individuals of African heritage lived out their lives on these and similar plantations, first as slaves, then as laborers following their emancipation in 1834, under the supervision of a few of European administrators. They gained remarkable talents as craftsmen, boilers, and distillers as a result of the hardships of harvesting and refining sugar under grueling conditions. Betty's Hope residents were extremely adept, and the Estate's reputation for brilliance endured to this day.
Betty's Hope has played an important role in Antigua and Barbuda history and has influenced the lives of many generations of Antiguans. Today, around 112 sugar mill towers dot the countryside of this independent nation, reminding people of the days of enslavement under King Sugar. The Interpretation Centre displays a map of the remaining mills.
- Google Rating: 4.1/5
- Website: N/A
- Phone: +1 269-462-1469
- Opening Hours: Daily, Interpretive Center - Mon to Sat 9:00 to 16:00
- Address: 37J3+9PW, Pares, Antigua and Barbuda