Exploring Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Last updated: March 9, 2024

Staying on St. Thomas with almost half of the U.S. Virgin Islands population was not a bad choice given it’s the Capitol and the largest city. It’s the busiest port in all of the Caribbean with 1.5 million-plus cruise ships landing there annually.

Due to its history, it’s certainly a popular area to explore, some of which have to do with Blackbird himself. Given we were staying on the island, it was easy to dedicate a half a day of exploring its streets. Armed with a digital self guided tour map, my mom and I headed out to learn more about this city.

The Streets of Charlotte Amalie

First things first, prepare to get your walk on. There are many more vehicles than there are parking spots so when you get one, just remember where you’re parked and leave it be until you’re ready to go. It’s honestly not that bad. I love walking and the cobble stone streets make the walk extra beautiful! Here’s some random photos taken along the way.

Fort Christian

Fort Christian is somewhat of a must see. I say somewhat because I feel like there could be so much more effort into the informational signs inside this building. Regardless, this place is named after the Dani-Norwegian king, King Christian V, when the fort was being built in 1672. It serves as the first successful colonial establishment of the island, as well as the oldest standing structure in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This fort has served as a town center, a government building, and a jail.

There was a small entry price… I can’t recall now exactly how much it was, but it was under $20 for each person.

It currently holds the St. Thomas Museum, which holds artifacts and art of the Dano-Norwegian period. It was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1977.

It wasn’t crowded when we were there, but I think that’s mostly because it was raining a bit. This place is full of history and interesting to walk the corridors and see the rooms in how they were used over half a century ago!

99 Steps

The staircase is one of several ‘step-streets’ originally built by the Danes to solve the problem of getting around the Charlotte Amalie’s hilly terrain. The bricks of the steps were brought from Denmark in the holds of trade ships. Visitors who walk to the top (actually 103 steps) will find their legs burning, but there’s no rush so take as many breaks as you want on your way to the top. I really liked photographing this popular tourist attraction.

The staircase itself is flanked by colorful flowers and palm trees, and despite being fairly steep, is worth a visit for a photo and a climb.

One you get to the top, you’ll find yourself near the foot of more stairs leading to Blackbeard’s Castle, another National Historic Landmark. Before taking that though, I recommend going to your left to witness this gorgeous view.

Blackbirds Castle

I wondered around more than I should have before I came to this sign. I am pretty sure I didn’t have to get to this sign in order to get to the castle, but let me explain.

It. Was. Closed. Yep. I’m pretty sure I could have found this if it hadn’t been closed! Since it was closed, it wasn’t apparent where it was when I finished climbing those crazy stairs, so I used my phone to use walking directions to get to it and it basically took me allll the way around it to this sign.

So then, I had to walk all the way up this gigantic steep road and finally made it only to see this.

Like… are you kidding me. Here is my selfie with Blakebird’s Castle.

This was the absolute most disappointing tourist attractions I’ve ever experienced! Being the rebel that I am, I got a photo through the keys hole and here’s the majestic historical landmark.

The Historical District

While there are several buildings and structures, we visited some notable ones including: Emancipation Garden, the town Legislator, and the Grand Hotel.

The Legislator is a historic building built in 1828 as Danish police barracks, modified extensively in 1884 to now the senates home.

The former Grand Hotel, now known as GRAND GALLERIA, is prominently located on the eastern end of Main Street adjacent to Emancipation Garden and bordering Fort Christian. Steeped in history, this four building structure operated as a well-to-do hotel from 1840 to 1975. Since that time, it has transitioned to upscale retail and offices while keeping the historic ambience. Following the hurricanes of 2017, and the mass exodus of key tenants from the buildings, an opportunity presented itself to transform the property into a major tourist attraction and focal destination. They were still working on these renovations when we were there.

Emancipation Garden was built to commemorate the freeing of the slaves which took place on July 3, 1848. A commemorative plaque, a bronze bust of a freed slave blowing a conch shell, and a replica of the Liberty Bell are featured. The park was also ringed with a fence of old ships’ anchor chain and cannons recovered from the harbor.

While I do wish St. Thomas would put a little more effort into their tourist attractions, I also understand this is St. Thomas and they literally have to do nothing for millions of people to visit every year. Still though… have some pride!

If you can spare a half day, check out Charlotte Amalie as part of your Virgin Islands Vacation!

Have you been to St. Thomas? I’d love to hear what you did on the island! Drop me a comment at the very bottom of this page.