99 Steps to the Blackbeard’s Castle

The many winding steps of Charlotte Amalie were built in the mid 1700s. The bricks for the steps were brought all the way from Denmark as ballast in the empty hulls of the sailing ships. The picturesque 99 steps attract the most foot traffic and cameras. How could one resist this narrow stairway, adorned with flowers on both sides! The original name if the street can be translated as the Greater Tower Street. The steps lead to the Blackbeard’s Castle — a 17th century watch tower. The tower has been closed to visitors since Hurricanes Irma and Maria, but the view from up above is still stunning.

• More info:

  The 99 steps are actually 103 steps!

Drake’s Seat

Drake's Seat was built in 1933, when everyone had to navigate the island by horse or on foot. To this day it remains the most popular vantage point, only rivalled by the Skyline Drive Overlook. Stop here for a short while and enjoy the panoramic view of Magen’s Bay, surrounded by green rolling hills and with a scattering of colourful houses.

• More info:

  History says that this was Sir Francis Drake's lookout point for enemy ships

Fort Christian

Build in the 1670s as the administrative centre of the island and military grounds, the bright red Fort Christian now hosts the St Thomas museum. Explore the old photos, antique furniture and artifacts connected to the history of the island.

• Web:

  www.nps.gov/nr/travel/prvi/pr29.htm

• Address:

  Between Veterans Drive and Emancipation Garden, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas Island

• Phone:

  +1 340 714 3678

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm

• More info:

  The museum is being restored, so you won't get to see the entire collection.

Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church

Known as the oldest Lutheran Church in the Americas, the Fredrick Lutheran Church was established in 1666 by Danish minister and coloniser, Kjeld Jensen. The yellow Georgian style building with its large staircase that you can visit today was opened in 1793. The earlier two buildings that were, unfortunately, destroyed by fire.

• Address:

  7 Norre Gade, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas Island

• Phone:

  +1 340 776 1315

• More info:

  Next to the 99 steps

Mountain Top

Mountain Top is a must do just for the view alone. Their observation deck is the perfect vantage point to see the island and the bay below. A sizeable gift shop will provide you with all the USVI souvenirs imaginable. The cherry on top — banana daiquiris were invented right here, and the bar is happy to give you a taste.

• Web:

  www.mountaintopvi.com

• E-mail:

  info@mountaintopvi.com

• Address:

  7840 Mountain Top (on St. Peter Mountain Road), St Thomas Island

• Phone:

  +1 340 774 2400

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–5pm

Old Town

The capital city of St Thomas — Charlotte Amalie — only about 10 minutes away from both It will take you about 10 minutes to reach downtown from the Havensight cruise pier and Crown Bay Marina. Take a stroll down the cobbled alleyways, climb the steep stairs for glorious views and admire West Indian furnishings in historic homes. Since its founding by Danish settlers in 1681, the town has evolved from a colonial trading post to one of the busiest duty free ports in the Caribbean.