Castries

Castries is the capital of the island nation of St. Lucia, in the Caribbean Sea. It’s known for palm-lined Vigie Beach and as a port of call for cruise lines, with duty-free shopping near the harbor. The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, with its colorful murals, sits by leafy Derek Walcott Square park. Lively Castries Market is nearby. In the south, Morne Fortune hill offers views of the city.
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Top attractions in Castries

Rodney Bay
1. Rodney Bay
4.5
(232)
Bay
Nature & Parks
Large bay featuring a white-sand beach, a marina with yacht docks, a water park & more.
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If you have watched Below Deck you have already been here without realizing it. Those sparkling shots of the marina are Rodney Bay with Captain Glenn sliding the boat in like he is docking a spaceship, gold shipwreck coin necklace catching the sun like a Caribbean pirate who traded his cutlass for Ray-Bans. Walk the docks and you will spot yachts that look like they cost more than small countries. Some of them have actually been on the show. The real trick is you can do Rodney Bay without the TV budget. Here is how Morning: Coffee and pastries at Café Olé in the marina while crews do their morning rinse downs like a choreographed dance. Afternoon: Hop on a catamaran tour. Pick the one with the happiest bartender. They will take you up the coast to Pigeon Island and maybe drop anchor for a swim in water so clear it looks fake. Evening: Seafood at Spinnakers on the beach. Try the tuna and ignore the tourist prices because the view is worth it. Late night: Gros Islet Friday street party with local rum, grilled fish, and music that rattles your bones. This is where Below Deck would fade to black because what happens here does not make it past the editing room. Rodney Bay is the kind of place where you can sip champagne with the yacht crowd or drink Piton beer on the sand and feel just as rich. If you see Captain Glenn tell him the necklace still works and it is part of the scenery now.
We enjoyed our time up at Rodney Bay. We were lucky to have our house right on the water and these were some of our views. Nice marina, didn't seem to have a lot of crazy traffic. Did the Friday night street party which was a lot of fun and great that there are water taxis available to get you to and from. Better than tipsy driving. We enjoyed the Rodney Bay area the most while visiting the island.
Great beach. Lovely sea but can become overcrowded especially when cruise ships are in. Beach traders are a little too persistent for my liking. Bed and parasol can be expensive.
Beautiful soft white sand, clear blue waters, and lush green surroundings. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great place to swim, snorkel, or just relax and enjoy the sun
Busy spot but lots to see and a very good selection if restaurants and hotels nearby. Probably one of the safer areas for cruisers in St. Lucia and more options with the marina present. Nice wind protected bay. Lively spot.
Beautiful people and epic scenery. We traveled around so all of these pictures are not Rodney Bay. Rodney Bay itself is a lovely little town. make sure to visit the Rivers of life restaurant. The pitons are a must see!
Rodney Bay is hub for malls, 5 star hotels, residential, restaurants, bars, duty free shopping, medical and dental offices, fast food, ice cream shop, yacht club, beach, water sports and entertainment.
We spent several days in and around Rodney Bay. We thoroughly loved the area. We are going back in December. Dont miss Fot Rodney and Pigeon Island. Spinnakers Resterant at Reduit Beach.
Castries Market
2. Castries Market
4.1
(2863)
Fresh food market
Shopping
Bustling collection of vendors selling handicrafts, prepared foods & native fruits & vegetables.
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Lively place. Restroom costs a dollar! Possibly bring your own T.P. nice vendors, not overly aggressive, but of course they invite you to look at their stock. . Lots of souvenir options. Local fruit selection is fantastic.
Market sits on waterfront, nice view of the ship, good selection of local fruit for fair price. They sell in dollars and in cash so it's easier for us when we only have small change. Nice friendly merchants, market not too busy, food stalls opens every other door with small menus, mainly for locals, not for tourists, bathrooms is clean, no cost, we bought some fruits to taste and a few souvenir items for very little price. You just gotta know how to bargain.
Lovely local market, with several stalls where the locals sell their products. My favourite is the fruit stalls with diverse types. Ideal place to find local and traditional products. Highly recommended.
Nice enough place. Lots of stuff to buy for tourists, not much fun for kids.
Enjoyed stopping here. Lots of locals selling and had a great atmosphere. Went when there were quite a few cruise ships in but didn’t feel too crowded. Went at 11:00 and was still going strong. Lots of repeated produce and touristy things, but loved the food stuff. Look around as different prices on every stall. Great stimulus for a toddler!
Strolled around here for breakfast and shopping. Got some bake and fish and it was delicious. Just for 5 Caribbean dollars for 3 of us. Had a good time. For shopping prices were way inflated. Got some nice bracelets, hot sauce and local spices.
Great place to interact with the locals. Guavas, mangoes, Coconuts, bananas etc. fresh and just off the farm. Enjoyed the most delicious fruit breakfast and only £2! I am visiting Creole Kitchen again to taste their delicious food! A bottle of pure fresh natural Guava juice for Rs: 100
Enjoyed checking out the market, clean place organized and everyone was friendly and not pushy to buy their goods. The locally grown food looked amazing must be the fertile soil. I tried some Black Pudding (blood sausage) from a sweet gentleman named Julius which was so good, best I’ve had in a long time I ended up buying more struck up a convo and just chatted with him for a while. Got some beautiful things for myself and a few friends and look forward to coming back the next time I’m in St Lucia. It definitely worth a trip when you’re in Castries.
The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Cathedral)
3. The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Cathedral)
4.5
(375)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
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It the cathedral and a minor basilica. It is almost 125 years old and it is very big. I ust say this is the best colourful cathedrals i have seen in the Carribians. Vincent colours, but it is fading. It must have been a marvel to the eyes in its prime days. The alter is very unique in style and very welcoming community here.
The interior ceiling of this church is quite impressive in both construction and design. It's not huge but given the population size of the island, it's quite something
A very interesting exterior and even more remarkable interior with Belle Epoque metal work instead of lumber or cement trusses and arches. Very welcoming feeling. Plenty of fans and ventilation.
The pictures of the tree because it is said to be 400 years old. The church is only 125 years old but one of the older ones in the caribbean.
A colourful and peaceful basilica in the heart of Castries. Look for the unique painting and the huge indoors.
Walking distance from the Castries terminal in Carrier. Nice church with a mix of wood and concrete interior. There is also a nice park right outside where events are hosted.
I cannot believe that i visited St Lucia so many times and missed this beautiful spot. Now one of my favorite places. A wonderfully calm oasis in the midst of a hectic town. A beautiful building.
The Minor Basilica church is beautiful inside and out, if you are ever on the island Castries St. Lucia I recommend you take the time to see this stunning church. There's a park across the street with grass and several benches . There is a very old tree in the park lots of beautiful flowers. The park was named after Derek Walcott he was commemorated the award of Nobel prize for literature in 1992. He was born in St Lucia.
Duty Free Pointe Séraphine Shopping Complex
4. Duty Free Pointe Séraphine Shopping Complex
4.2
(312)
Permanently Closed
Shopping mall
Shopping
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Great place to chill out, shop and have a snack before or after exploring the island. I got confused because I didn't know it was the actual entrance to the ship (in the morning we just got on buses for an excursion, afternoon we were left off in town). I think there needs to be signs outside the entrance clearly saying this is how we get back onto the ship!
Nice duty free shopping plaza next to cruise ship. Has taxi stand for excursion. Lots of shops and bars. Good selection of local gifts. Near fishing dock and Castries marketplace. Lots of shade. Nice view of the harbor.
Shopping, access islimitwd to the port terminal area. Hand sa itizatiin is demanded going into each shop. Mandatory mask wearing also social distancing. There is a curfew at 4 o'clock every day.
Easy access to the plethora of local beaches via taxi. Close to town if you want to see how the locals live, or find fresh produce, or see a museum.
tourist disembark point to experience St.Lucia from within. Great place. I work with SIXT Car Rental and this is the place where i Welcome my customers Hassle f3.
Amazing shops, duty free outlets and great food is available. Love the ambience of the Cruise ship passengers milling around to and from thier Mega ships
St.Lucia is one of the most beautiful ports ! Very clean and the shops are great !
Great shopping area with a variety of stores offering values on many items with lots of friendly staff to help.
Derek Walcott square
5. Derek Walcott square
4.3
(168)
Park
Sights & Landmarks
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Great place to chill out and catch a break. Plus there is free WiFi for anyone interested.
To be honest there isn't much to see or do here, it is a nice place to sit for a few minutes, but locals hang out here, sometimes beggars too. The church nearby is worth a visit though!
Great place to hang out and chill 😎 u and ur friends in the day are in the evening
Peaceful space away from the crowds to pause and sit - and for a toddler to run around after the market!
Historic Park. There is also free WIFI you can use. The hotspot sign is on the far right corner of the park coming through the main entrance.
This was a short stop on a beautiful drive around Castries.
Always my go-to place to get a quick rest whilst shopping in town. I love it there
Open to everyone now and cleaner than it use to be
Mt Fortune
6. Mt Fortune
4.7
(13)
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Summit ridge with remains of the 19th-century Apostles Battery, plus views over the cruise port.
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Loved the views and nature!
Morne Fortune is a historic hill located near the capital of Castries also known as hill of good luck, that offers panoramic views of the island and its port. The government house is also situated on the crest of Morne Fortune, a royal home.
Awesome view of the North of St. Lucia and even Martinique on a clear day.
Great view back over the bays!
Great historical place with a nice view
I wanted too see my home that's y So it's still nice😄😄
Lovely sites Worth going to visit
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Other notable attractions

Eudovic's Art Studio
Art gallery
Museums
Vigie Beach
Beach
Nature & Parks
Laid-back sandy stretch in a calm bay, with snack vendors, bars & plane-spotting opportunities.
Eniskillen Monument
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Antillia Brewing Company/The Local Beer Company Tap Room
Brewery
Best-of categories in Castries

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Weather in Castries

Here's the historical average temperature in Castries over a full year based on data compiled by NASA: for more details by month, see the weather in Castries in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, or December
Monthly temperature highs and lows in Castries
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