Top Things to do in St. Thomas
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What to do and see in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands: The Best Historic Sites
Like all of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas has plenty of opportunities to lounge on the beach, splash in the sea, or amp it up with watersports. It also boasts a bountiful duty-free shopping scene – just be prepared to brave the cruise ship crowds. Charlotte Amalie swells with Danish colonial architecture and pirate legend. Shiver ye timbers at Blackbeard’s Castle, then work up an appetite by climbing the historic 99 Steps, constructed from the ballast bricks of 18th century Danish ships.
Restaurants in St. Thomas
1. WIT Shoal
2. Beracha Veshalom Vegimulth Hasidim Synagogue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Sephardic Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition built the oldest active synagogue in the U.S. territories.
Reviewed By MrBlech - Deerfield, United States
Our cruise excursion took us to the most commercial areas, unfortunately; however, friends had recommended that we search out this synagogue, and we were glad we did. Docent Agi was highly informative about the origins of the congregation and its historic building - the oldest in continuous use under the American flag, and the second oldest in the Western Hemisphere. It's also one of only four synagogues in the world with a sand floor, connecting it directly with the Spanish Inquisition and the expulsion of Jews from Spain. Just a five-minute walk from downtown, it was well worth exploring, and a highlight of our cruise.
3. Frederick Lutheran Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
This place is temporarily closed. A Georgian-style church with a sweeping stairway and antique chandelier.
Reviewed By 152colleenc - Independence, United States
This building is worth a visit when in St. Thomas. The pulpit is very unusual. The church welcomes tourists and the architecture is interesting.
4. St Thomas Reformed Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By 979stevent - Hudson River Valley, United States
Visitors are welcome for Sunday service. The church was open through the week as well. Around 80 were in attendance the Sunday we visited. It was a "light" 60 minute service in a beautiful light-filled, breezy sanctuary. Worth a visit for everyone needing a bit of reflection amidst the shopping, eating and sight-seeing of Charlotte Amalie.
5. Blackbeard’s Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 741 reviews
This place is temporarily closed due to a natural disaster. One of St. Thomas's most famous historical sites. A Walking Tour rich in History and Beauty. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Spectacular views, sparkling pools, life size pirates and more.
Reviewed By georgevE5533BX - Fort Worth, United States
My 15 year old swashbuckling daughter and I went to the castle as a tour while on a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2016. We did not book a tour through the cruise ship company -- we just winged-it on our own. No worries, we always felt safe and was fairly obvious where we needed to go. We took a shuttle from the port to the downtown area (shuttles run every 20 or 30 min), walked the 99 steps and then hiked the rest of the way up to the Castle. It's a steep hike so if you're a little light winded its probably best to take a taxi. Went to the top of the observatory/look-out and could see our cruise ship. What a view! Probably the funnest part was the pirate museum. Actually was a fun experience hearing about the woman pirates of the day. When we finished we walked back to the cruise ship. Frankly, it was a long walk and we probably should've taken the shuttle back. We had such a great time that we went again this past summer. Unfortunately, the Castle and pirate museum were closed for repairs. I recommend going but be sure to check if its open before going.
6. Grand Hotel
7. Legislature Building
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 22 reviews
This elegant lime-green building was where ownership of the Virgin Islands was transferred from Denmark to the U.S.
8. 99 Steps
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 637 reviews
Step streets used by the residents of Charlotte Amalie, these historical 99 steps (the actual count is 103) were built from the ballast bricks of the tall ships coming from the old world, which would then return to Europe loaded with products from the islands.
Reviewed By reedmangreg - Chicago, United States
I would not call it a must but if you like walking and sightseeing this area of St Thomas has quite a few points of interest along the way; starting from Fort Christian, you can then go up using 99 Steps to arrive at to at Hotel 1829 and Blackbeard's Castle (unfortunately closed during our June 2020 post COVID trip) where you will also bump into Three Queens Statue. (the yellow steps in front of the Hotel 1829 aren't the 99 steps - so don't get disappointed at first, like we did hehe) It's a very safe area with many governmental buildings, some buildings are renovated in the area to still preserve that colonial vibe - probably the best well preserved "old Caribbean town" I have seen in our many trips to this amazing part of the world. TIP: there is a paid parking right by the Fort, in front of the police department where you can start the walk up or continue along to shore to check other stuff as well
9. Government House
10. Bluebeard's Tower
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 27 reviews
Legend has it that this stone tower on the grounds of the Bluebeard Castle Hotel was built by the pirate Bluebeard for his lover, Mercedita.
