St. John's

St. John's is a port town located in West Indies (Leeward Islands, Caribbean Sea) as well as the capital city of Antigua and Barbuda. It lies on the northwest coast of Antigua and is a resort community and the island’s main port (handling sugar, cotton, foodstuffs, machinery, and lumber). Take a trip around Betty's Hope, the 17th-century ruins of the island's greatest sugar plantation, for a taste of Antigua's past. The lives of the slaves who built it are commemorated in a small museum here.

It's no wonder that shopping is one of the most popular things to do in St. John's, Antigua, given that the city is a frequent cruise ship stop. Both the Heritage and Redcliffe quays have lovely shops to entice cruise passengers, with everything from clothing to hand-crafted souvenirs to tempt shoppers. On Friday and Saturday mornings, the farmers' market (southern St. John's) sells local crafts and fresh produce.

• Ideal for: Relaxing
• Recommended hotels: Jag Boutique Hotel & Best Western Plus St. John's Airport Hotel and Suites
• Location: St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda