Castries

Travel Guide

La Toc Beach
Castries
Castries
Vigie Beach
Castries

Dive head first into St. Lucia’s vibrant capital city to experience Creole-inspired cuisine, funky nightclubs, historic buildings and bustling markets.

Castries is a wonderful feast for the senses. In this bustling city, home to 40 percent of St. Lucia’s population, music wafts along the streets, colorful fruit and vegetables grown on the island’s fertile soils decorate market stalls and women sport brightly colored traditional dress. Set off on a walking tour of this enigmatic city to experience the heart of St. Lucian life.

Start your explorations in Derek Walcott SquareOpens in a new window, named in honor of one of the country’s two Nobel laureates. Colonial buildings line the edges of the square, which features carefully tended gardens, as well as a memorial to fallen soldiers.

From there head to the nearby Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate ConceptionOpens in a new window. Admire the stone exterior of one of the city’s most important cultural centers before heading inside, where bright colors adorn the walls and high ceilings.

Haggle for souvenirs and trinkets at the Castries Central Market. Buy plump fresh fruit and vegetables and sample some local cuisine from the food stalls. Food is an important part of St. Lucian life and Castries is home to excellent haute cuisine restaurants as well as local eateries. Enjoy dishes with ingredients such as coconut, papaya, mango, fish and green figs.

Make your way to the top of Morne Fortune, which looms 852 feet (260 meters) above the city. Visit the fortress there and learn about Castries’ military history at the small museum. It also boasts some excellent views so don’t forget your camera.

When your feet are tired from walking, head to the beach for a well-deserved rest. Lay on the warm golden sands of Vigie BeachOpens in a new window, La Toc Beach or Choc Beach, where turquoise-colored waters lap against the sand. Find shade under swaying palm trees.

There are two arrival points into Castries: George F.L Charles Airport, located a short distance from downtown, and Pointe Seraphine Port for cruise ships. It is a small city and easily navigable. Hail a cab to get out to the beaches in just a few minutes or hop on a catamaran to explore the beautiful west coast including famous Marigot Bay.

Where to stay in Castries

Vigie Beach

Vigie

If you're spending some time in Vigie, Saint Lucia National Archives and Vigie Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Vigie
Diamond Falls changes colors due to the volcano

Coubaril

Though Coubaril might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like La Toc Beach and Eudovic's Art Studio.

Coubaril
StolenTime St Lucia
StolenTime St Lucia
4 out of 5
Cap Estate, Castries
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$879 nightly
The price is $953 total per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
$953 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Castries. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (111 reviews)
"Everything was really nice, the staff is really friendly and the facility was great, I hope to come back soon"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

StolenTime St Lucia
Bel Jou Hotel – Adults Only – All Inclusive
Bel Jou Hotel – Adults Only – All Inclusive
3.5 out of 5
La Pansee, Castries
$282 nightly
The price is $316 total per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
$316 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa property in Castries. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (468 reviews)
"great"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Bel Jou Hotel – Adults Only – All Inclusive
Villa Beach Cottages
Villa Beach Cottages
3 out of 5
Choc Bay, P.O. Box 129, Castries
$272 nightly
The price is $303 total per night from Jul 12 to Jul 13
$303 total
Jul 12 - Jul 13
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Castries. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (415 reviews)
"Loved everything about the property--on the beach/clean/quiet/beautiful landscape.Extremely helpful staff Could not ask for anything more and if I did I am sure they would try to provide it"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Villa Beach Cottages
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Seaview Apartel
Seaview Apartel
2.5 out of 5
John Compton Highway, Castries, Castries
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Castries. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 beach bars. Popular attractions Serenity Park and Vigie Beach ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (14 reviews)
"The staff was really welcoming"

Reviewed on May 24, 2025

Seaview Apartel
Union Hilltop Paradise Villas
Union Hilltop Paradise Villas
3.5 out of 5
Union Hilltop, Castries, Castries
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Castries. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and furnished patios. Popular attractions Choc Beach and Vigie Beach are located ...
Union Hilltop Paradise Villas
Blu Vista Cottages
Blu Vista Cottages
5 out of 5
Forestierre, Castries
Stay at this 5-star luxury apartment in Castries. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions St. Omer Artmagic and Rainforest ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"The host Donalyn was great. The place was very clean and safe. Great Communication with the host and staff during the stay. Overall lovely place and highly recommend Blu Vista"

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2025

Blu Vista Cottages
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Castries

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
12
5 - Excellent 32%
4 - Good
17
4 - Good 45%
3 - Okay
9
3 - Okay 24%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I highly recommend going to the Big Chef Steak House in Rodney Bay Village. One of the best restaurants that I have ever been to. The meal was absolutely delicious. Also, I have to say that I found the people of St. Lucia to be very nice.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Some vendors a little to aggressive in the market.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

our hotel Auberge saraphine was conveniently located

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Lovey, rustic island space that sits outside of the walls of the resort world. Real people at their best.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful place, Lovely scenery.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

We only stayed one night and left to bunk in with relatives at Coco beach.

Cities near Castries