The US Virgin Islands Best Guide

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

Charlotte Amalie beckons you to stroll along her cobblestone alleyways, climb her streets of steps, admire antique West Indian furnishings in historic homes, and explore 17th-century Danish fortifications. Founded in 1681 by Danish settlers, it contains a wealth of buildings that provide a glimpse into colonial life. It is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places as an area of particular historic interest.

Often referred to as “Downtown” or just “Town”, Charlotte Amalie today is a bustling center for government, schools, offices, shopping, and residences! Visit old and new Charlotte Amalie; see the evolution from a colonial trading post to one of the busiest duty-free ports in the Caribbean!

The Main Areas of Charlotte Amalie

Charlotte Amalie is divided into three quarters: Kongens (King’s) Quarter, Dronningens (Queen’s) Quarter and Kronprindsens (Crown Prince’s) Quarter. They share similarities, like the use of step-streets, but each has a unique character. All three quarters contain historically significant buildings. Some of the best preserved and most accessible are located in a small area of Kongens Quarter and in the commercial area along Main Street in Dronningens Quarter.

  • 99 Steps

    Town
    99 Steps, St. Thomas
    Charlotte Amalie is unique for step streets, or frigangs as the Danes called them. These steps were built in the mid 1700s. Dozens of step streets cut through nearly...
  • Blackbeard's Castle & Walking Tour

    Town
    Blackbeard's Castle Walking Tour
    Blackbeard’s Castle and five historic townhouses are part of a walking tour. While the name references pirate Blackbeard the structure is actually the remains of Skytsborg, built around 1674-1680...
  • Rothschild Francis Square (Market Square)

    Town
    Rothschild Francis Square (Market Square), St. Thomas
    Commonly called Market Square, it has served as a produce market and community meeting venue for nearly two centuries. When the square was established is uncertain but it appears...
  • Charlotte Amalie Harbor

    Town
    Charlotte Amalie Harbor
    St. Thomas' beautiful natural harbor welcomed the first settlers to the island and today it welcomes millions of visitors. Piers once dotted the waterfront area providing landing and loading...
  • Three Queens Fountain

    Town
    Three Queens Fountain, St. Thomas
    The Three Queens fountain was unveiled in 2005 and commemorates three historically important women: Queen Mary, Queen Agnes and Queen Josiah. These women led a successful 1878 insurrection against...
  • Legislature Building

    Town
    Legislature Building, St. Thomas
    The two-story Legislature Building houses the offices of the Virgin Islands Legislature. The original building was a wooden structure erected in 1828 as barracks for Danish police. The present...
  • Main Street

    Town
    Main Street, St. Thomas
    Main Street or Dronningens Gade (Danish name meaning Queen’s Street) is the main street running through Charlotte Amalie. The buildings on the south side of Main Street are long,...
  • Fort Christian

    Town
    Fort Christian, St. Thomas
    Fort Christian, the oldest standing structure in the Virgin Islands, was designated a National Historical Landmark in 1977. The imposing fort with walls 3 to 6 feet thick was...
  • Lutheran Church

    Town
    Lutheran Church, St. Thomas
    The Lutheran Church is identifiable by its pretty yellow-gold color and its large 'welcoming arms' staircase. The initial congregation was founded in 1666 by Danish minister Kjeld Jensen who...
  • Government House (Charlotte Amalie)

    Town
    Government House (Charlotte Amalie)
    Government House is a neoclassical, gracious 3 story white building with beautifully intricate ironwork along the balconies. Built between 1865 and 1867, it is a perfect example of the...
  • Emancipation Park

    Town
    Emancipation Park, St. Thomas
    Emancipation Park was named in commemoration of the July 3rd, 1848 emancipation of slaves in the Danish West Indies. On the west side of the park is a conch...
  • St. Thomas Synagogue

    Town
    St. Thomas Synagogue
    Officially named Beracha Veshalom Vegimulth Hasidim, meaning Blessing and Peace and Loving Deeds, the synagogue was constructed in 1833 in the same location as former smaller synagogues. It is...
  • St. Thomas (formerly Dutch) Reformed Church

    Town
    St. Thomas (formerly Dutch) Reformed Church
    This beautiful church is well known for its large columns and classical revival style architecture. The front of the building imitates a Roman temple. In the past it was...
  • St. Thomas Historical Trust Mini Museum

    Town
    St. Thomas Historical Trust Mini Museum
    The St. Thomas Historical Trust’s mission is to identify, protect, and preserve the historical identity, structures, sites and cultural heritage of St. Thomas through education, advocacy and promotion. Their...
  • Emancipation Garden Post Office

    Town
    Emancipation Garden Post Office, St. Thomas
    The Alvaro de Lugo Post Office (or Emancipation Garden Post Office) was constructed between 1937 and 1938, replacing an existing post office building. Stop by and mail post cards...

More Attractions: Parks & Reserves

Several locations in and around St. Thomas are protected or recognized as parks, serving as safe havens for wildlife and plant life, allowing for a chance to explore their natural beauty.
St. Thomas Parks, Reserves
Virgin Islands Books & Maps