Charlotte Amalie

Travel Guide
Charlotte Amalie showing a coastal town and general coastal views
With jaw-dropping viewpoints and numerous historical attractions, this active town is so much more than just a cruise ship stopover.

Charlotte Amalie has shops, markets and historic attractions aplenty to entertain the throngs of cruise ship passengers who disembark here daily. Get quality Caribbean liquor at affordable prices, ride the tramway to the top of Flag Hill and scour the seas for pirates from historic Blackbeard’s Castle.

This idyllic waterfront town has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Sip fruity cocktails at one of the busy bars by the pier. Make the most of the great shopping scene. Head to Main Street or to Havensight Mall, a 10-minute drive east from town. Explore more than 60 shops here, selling fine liquor, designer clothes and perfume at duty-free prices.

Step aboard the Skyride to Paradise Point, which carries passengers more than 700 feet (213 meters) above sea level to the summit of Flag Hill. Try to spot your hotel or cruise ship during the journey. From the top, stunning vistas stretch out below.

Back on ground level, stroll north from the center of town up Government Hill to Blackbeard’s Castle. Built by the Danish in 1678, this stone tower was used as a military lookout point. The pirate ships that once troubled the town are no longer around although yachts and ships still navigate through the harbor below.

Wander over to St. Thomas Synagogue. Inside, this serene structure features exquisite mahogany furnishings and an unusual sand-covered floor.

Charlotte Amalie has excellent restaurants with many of the best establishments located in Frenchtown on the west side. Find small restaurants serving succulent fresh fish among the brightly painted houses.

Choose from a range of hotels and resorts here to suit all budgets. Many visitors arrive in Charlotte Amalie by boat, but others come via Cyril E. King Airport, just a 10-minute drive west of town.

Where to stay in Charlotte Amalie

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Bellevue

While Bellevue might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Havensight Mall and Skyride to Paradise Point.

Bellevue
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Havensight

If you're spending some time in Havensight, Havensight Mall and Frenchman's Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Havensight
The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef
The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef
4.5 out of 5
5 Estate Bakkeroe, Po Box 7100, St. Thomas, St. Thomas
The price is $466 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
$466
includes taxes & fees
$424 per night
Aug 18 - Aug 19
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
Fabulous resort!
"This resort is incredible! The grounds are beautiful and well maintained and the three pools are wonderful. Over all our stay was fabulous but the out door pool bar staff could have been more accommodating. We asked for straws and were told there were none when another server walked by with a tray ..."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2024

The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef
Hilltop Villas at Bluebeard's Castle by Capital Vacations
Hilltop Villas at Bluebeard's Castle by Capital Vacations
3 out of 5
1331 Estate Taarneberg, Bluebeard Loop, St. Thomas, St. Thomas
The price is $221 per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
$221
includes taxes & fees
$196 per night
Jul 29 - Jul 30
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the bar and the property condition in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,253 reviews)
"Very quiet and clean! It was convenient to all the beaches,downtown was in walking distance. The on sight bar and restaurant was very good. I would recommend this location to my friend and family!"

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2024

Hilltop Villas at Bluebeard's Castle by Capital Vacations
Windward Passage Hotel
Windward Passage Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Veterans Drive Charlotte Amali, Po Box 640, St. Thomas, St. Thomas
The price is $237 per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
$237
includes taxes & fees
$213 per night
Jul 28 - Jul 29
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Magens Bay Beach and Bolongo Bay are ...
6.8/10 (1,549 reviews)
"Good for the trip"

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2024

Windward Passage Hotel
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.
Hilltop Villas at Bluebeard's Castle by Capital Vacations
Hilltop Villas at Bluebeard's Castle by Capital Vacations
3 out of 5
1331 Estate Taarneberg, Bluebeard Loop, St. Thomas, St. Thomas
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the bar and the property condition in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,253 reviews)
"Very quiet and clean! It was convenient to all the beaches,downtown was in walking distance. The on sight bar and restaurant was very good. I would recommend this location to my friend and family!"

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2024

Hilltop Villas at Bluebeard's Castle by Capital Vacations
Castle Villas at Bluebeard's by Capital Vacations
Castle Villas at Bluebeard's by Capital Vacations
2.5 out of 5
1331 Estate Taarneberg, St. Thomas, Bluebeard Loop, St. Thomas, Taarneberg
Stay at this aparthotel in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Magens Bay Beach and Bolongo Bay are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (827 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay and the view from our room was amazing. The room was clean and the staff were very friendly. We would stay here again."

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2024

Castle Villas at Bluebeard's by Capital Vacations
Pirates Pension at Bluebeard's Castle by Capital Vacations
Pirates Pension at Bluebeard's Castle by Capital Vacations
3 out of 5
1331 Estate Taarneberg, Bluebeard Loop, St. Thomas, Charlotte Amalie
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Magens Bay Beach and Bolongo Bay are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (579 reviews)
"Nice property.. will visit again soon"

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2024

Pirates Pension at Bluebeard's Castle by Capital Vacations
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 Charlotte Amalie

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
162
" "5 - Excellent 29.347826086956523%
4 - Good
255
" "4 - Good 46.19565217391305%
3 - Okay
102
" "3 - Okay 18.47826086956522%
2 - Disappointing
26
" "2 - Disappointing 4.7101449275362315%
1 - Terrible
7
" "1 - Terrible 1.2681159420289856%

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

Would never go back.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Everything beautiful about the Caribbean is in st Thomas

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Much too crowded and busy. That is why we spend three weeks on Virgin Gorda. You have created a perfect oasis in St. Thomas for us.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

It's an urban area. The city obviously needs our help now that cruise ships are not able to dock due to coronavirus. It was hit hard by back to back cat 5 hurricanes and it is slow to bounce back. Spend your money here to help the locals!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

St Tomas is continuing to recover from the Hurricane. The beaches and water, and snorkeling were all wonderful. Food was a little on the expensive side. ($18 Cheeseburgers.) Taxi services was reasonable. Roads are horrendous! We will go back soon!

5/5 - Excellent

Alejandro

I just like the islands too much

Cities near Charlotte Amalie