Basseterre

Basseterre is the capital of the Caribbean island federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. It’s the gateway to popular Saint Kitts beaches like South Friars Bay. At the city’s heart, Independence Square has an Italian-inspired fountain. Just off the Circus traffic circle, with its Victorian Berkeley Memorial Clock Tower, is the National Museum. In the stately Old Treasury Building, it explores the islands’ colonial past.
When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Ready to plan your trip to Basseterre? Organize and map your itinerary with our free trip planner.

Top attractions in Basseterre

Cockleshell Bay Beach
1. Cockleshell Bay Beach
4.3
(107)
Beach pavillion
Outdoor Activities
Slide 1 of 8
There is dock where a company named Blu Waves is operating trips to Nevis, Oualie Pier.
The sand is beautiful, and the water was nice. Lots of places to rent your chair and umbrella. I found it more windy (breezy) on the south side, which some may like. The water was pretty calm, but the wind made it a bit chilly
My partner and I stayed on St. Kitts for a week. Our taxi driver recommended Cockleshell Beach for a quieter atmosphere. Although it was incredibly busy, it was still quiet and relaxed. Chair and umbrella rentals were affordable. The water was okay, some areas had that grassy stuff. The water was on the shallow side, so it’s very kid-friendly; there were no waves. If you bring goggles you can find fish, crabs, even turtles! This beach was great for shell hunting!
Pn rhe arrival you can see a lot of rubbish and old burnt car. Not inviting at all, looks abandoned. Only when you walk long, you find this nice beach
The beach was stunning. Golden sand and crystal-clear water which was warm and fun to swim in. Lots of seaweed when we went (April) but we also saw a starfish and several conch shells. It was beautiful. The only minor downside was that we had to pay for the umbrella and people kept coming by trying to sell braiding/messaging services.
We were only there for a few hours as it was part of our excursion from a cruise.
Really cool beach. Not too big and not too crowded. It was a little windy when we were there today. Water is clean and clear. We paid $10 for umbrella and 2 chairs. Beers at $3. We enjoyed it. I would take the farthest side since the tide is calmer and less wind. There are jet ski rentals available.
Lovely water. Locals are super friendly. Bring cash as cards weren't working at most places. Only draw back was the sand could be cleaner.
Caribelle Batik at Romney Manor
2. Caribelle Batik at Romney Manor
4.7
(134)
Nature & Parks
Botanical garden
Slide 1 of 8
Beautiful hand done batik. Very friendly staff. Colorful well kept grounds. Clean bathroom. There are nice chairs inside and out for men to wait and relax. It is right next to the Rum distillery
On a cruise, we stopped by St Kitts and got a driver to take us around the island. This was one of his suggestions, so we drove up the small, rough rainforest road. As we drive up, we see the ~500 year old tree. It was $3/per person to walk the grounds and it is well worth it. There are some beautiful landscapes that have views of the ocean below. After spending time feeling crammed on a cruise boat, it was finally nice to sit on a bench under this huge tree and hear nothing but nature around. The tapestries they made were beautiful and impressive. They are building a new viewing deck a little higher, but the views over the sugar mill were a different view than you get down by the beach to see the rainforest hills. Carib beers and rum punch are a little more expensive, but were refreshing on a warm summer day. I highly suggest stopping here if you are on the island for some peace and quiet time.
Caribelle Batik Plantation was another stop. We were able to see how beautiful batiks are made. Now I gave understanding as to why batik fabrics are so expensive. The grounds are stunning! The road to the plantation was very narrow and curvy.
Check website for opening times and days! Out of peak periods it is shut on weekends! Beautiful, bright, varied, manicured gardens with views and small paths in the rainforest. It only takes around 30 minutes to walk around and see everything, but there is a bar and really nice gift shop if you want to relax and spend more time there. Staff were all very friendly and helpful. There is stairs in a few places, so those with mobility issues may struggle a bit. Car parking but free but drive super slow as the road is very bumpy and uneven to access. Loved it here - like a small slice of paradise.
The grounds are amazingly beautiful. Great for photo ops. There is a small entrance fee (I don't remember how much), but it's worth it. Learn a little about the history of St. Kitts and Nevis, sit and have a drink, and enjoy the scenery. Get there early before the crowds. especially if there's a cruise ship in port.
When we got here at 4pm it was already closed, very disappointed. But we were still able to see part of the grounds and it was beautiful. Lots of great photo ops, but we didn't stay. I wish I had taken a panoramic video. We will definitely come back when it's open.
Beautiful wearable and traditional works of art displayed in a historical manor and lush gardens. Artists demonstrate how their skills are used to make these vividly colored prints. The gardens and surrounding grounds are just as colorful. Small entrance fee well worth the price.
So this was my wife and daughters favorite star. It had a beautiful location, wonderfully nice people and a very interesting demonstration on how they make their products when you get there. They say they charge admission but they didn’t. When you get there you walk through these beautiful grounds with flowers and beautiful views of the water. This is a must do for Saint kits. It is not cheap but the products are well worth their while. My wife has worn their outfits every day which since we arrive. They only sell their stuff at their main store which is this location and one near the port where the cruise ships come in. But this is the big store where they do the demonstration. It is a must see! Bring your wallet. The colors of their fabric are very vibrant. And we wash them while we were here at our room and they wash very nicely. They get softer the more you wash them.
Greg's Safaris
3. Greg's Safaris
4.7
(52)
Tour operator
Nature & Parks
Slide 1 of 8
Do not sleep on Greg’s private island tour! Greg was very personable, professional, and knowledgeable about the island. We saw monkeys, drove through the jungle up to a house with amazing views, and had a tasting of local treats. Going on Greg’s tour and the sugar train allowed us to see basically the entire island.
We had an incredible experience with Greg’s Safari in St. Kitts! From start to finish everything was seamless, informative, and so much fun. Our driver, Willie, was absolutely amazing very knowledgeable, friendly, and full of personality. He shared so much about the island’s history, culture, and wildlife, making the whole journey so much more meaningful. The views were breathtaking, the stops were well planned, and we loved getting to see parts of St. Kitts you just can’t experience any other way. Willie went above and beyond to make sure everyone was comfortable and having a great time. Highly recommend Greg’s Safari to anyone visiting St. Kitts ask for Willie if you can! He truly made it unforgettable.
An Absolutely Brilliant Tour Experience Our tour began at the offices of Greggs and took us on an unforgettable journey around the island. We started on one side, visiting a historic plantation, then continued along the scenic coastal road before heading into the mountains. We made a stop at a charming house nestled in the hills, where we were warmly welcomed with tropical drinks, local rum, an array of fresh fruits, sugar cane, cakes, and snacks — a true taste of the island. From there, the adventure continued off-road through the lush rainforest, eventually leading us to the opposite coast. We followed the shoreline to the stunning Shipwreck Beach, where we had an hour to relax and enjoy the surroundings. On the return journey, we passed through the capital, Basseterre, while our guide, Anil, provided insightful and engaging commentary throughout the entire day. He was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and happy to answer all of our questions. This tour is something I would highly recommend to everyone — it’s suitable for all ages and offers a perfect mix of history, nature, culture, and relaxation.
We had a fantastic private tour with Greg's Safari's and our driver Hugh recently! We were on a cruise and decided to book our day trip with Greg instead of thru the cruise line. Best decision! We got to do their typical site seeing plan, but were able to customize it and add an additional stop to see monkeys at Shipwreck Beach. Hugh was so nice, genuine and knowledgeable about the island and local culture. The scenery was breathtaking and the picnic lunch a wonderful blend of local treats. My teens were even super impressed and said it was definitely one of their favorite excursions. Communication with Greg was a breeze and he gave us detailed instructions on how it all worked and everything went exactly as he had explained. I would not hesitate to book again and would recommend Greg's Safari's to anyone visiting St. Kitts! Thanks for an incredible day Greg and Hugh!
We enjoyed a private Indepenence Day Safari outing with Greg. He is a superb guide with his knowledge of the country’s history. Eventhough it was a really bumpy ride in the Land Rover, into the mountains, his excellent communication system ensured we heard all of his narration clearly. Highlights for us were 1) a small picnic of desserts and fruits; star fruit, guava jelly, tamarind, guava juice to name an few, and 2) a pet donkey named Aby which loved company. She even came over to say goodbye as we were leaving. Highly recommended.
My wife and I along with some friends were part of this excursion package when we arrived on the island with the Celebrity Cruise ship Silhouette on January 7, 2024. We were fortunate enough to have Greg as our driver, and our group was 7 people total in the Land Rover. The ride was smooth, and when we had to get out and walk it was easy on the foot paths, etc. The tour of the island, history and movement up towards the mountains was beautiful and enlightening, and I wasn't aware that sugar was the main export for many many years. I believe Greg mentioned he was 7th generation on the island, therefore the island runs deep in his blood. His passion for the people, the island and the culture is evident when you see other locals greeting him with smiles, small talk and laughter that can't be faked by any means. Our trip back down out of the mountains towards Nevis and the beaches was a different route so you can take in more of the island. The views were incredible, any questions you have he was willing to answer and explain clearly and concise. The trip is highly recommended if you can book the excursion with the ship/cruise line if that's your means of arrival. If you fly in for an extended vacation stay please look him up prior to your visit to make sure you don't miss out on a lovely trip around the beautiful island. We loved the island, the people and the sites.. and hope to make it back there someday in the future. Thank you Greg and may you have many more up blessings heading your way. r/ Bill & Maria F.
February 2023 tour as part of shore excursion on Celebrity cruise. Willmon, our driver, has lived in St Kitts his whole life and was very knowledgeable about the island, it's history, people, plants, and animals. The tour highlights are visiting the rain forest and an old sugar plantation overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Caribbean on the other. The drive in an open air Range Rover is fun and the tour ends with a 30 minute stop at the beach.
Excellent tour! Greg has been running this business for 20+ years and is extremely knowledgeable, pleasant, and top-class. The tour itself was even one of the cheaper ones to do here (Royal Caribbean cruises). It did not feel like a cheap tour as we got to see almost the whole island, explore private property in the rain forest, and then get a private black sand beach to round out the day. Highly recommend!
Palms Court Gardens
4. Palms Court Gardens
4.7
(353)
Restaurant
Nature & Parks
Slide 1 of 8
An overall perfect afternoon lunch experience. Food, drinks, service, and atmosphere was incredible. They were so nice and mentioned the birthday we were celebrating upon arrival and with dessert. A must try place if you are coming from the cruise ship dock (10-15 min walk along the ocean) or if you are staying at a resort on the island. Worth the taxi ride and bonus if you want to stay and relax by the pool (bring a change of clothes).
We loved coming here during our stop on a cruise. We would recommend this place to everyone coming to St Kitts. We were able to secure a day rate of the sun bed and access to the pool. They had games like jenga and it was a top experience for us. They had a variety of items on the menu for lunch/dinner. We had beetroot hummus, a steak roll and tuna poke bowl for lunch which both tasted great and filled us up! The garden is also beautiful - very vibrant, full of colour and very well kept. You can also see the cruise ships docked from the sea view they have. The staff has also been amazing. They accommodated to all our needs and were so welcoming! We recommend booking on their website so you are able to get a sun bed as they can get busy and you may not be able to get a sun bed.
Utterly incredible. We were here on a rainy night, And the staff made it unforgettable. It's like they could read my mind. They noticed everything. Absolutely brilliant. Don't get me wrong, it was appropriately expensive, but worth every penny for a top notch experience and a delicious meal. I've been to a lot of restaurants and this one, start to finish lands in my top ten experiences. The only thing I could even begin to criticize was the dessert was slightly overdone, but they noticed even that detail and brought a second dessert tasting without my saying a word. Bravo.
This place was walking distance from our Air Bnb. Gorgeous setting with view of the harbor, cruise ship and surrounding hills. The food was fantastic. Service also.
We visited this restaurant on a Saturday evening as a party of five with an 8 PM reservation. Despite the rainy weather, the staff was extremely attentive and promptly rolled down the entrance covers to keep the rain from blowing in—a thoughtful touch that set a positive tone for the evening. Would definitely recommend bringing friends and family here for a special celebration. The service throughout our visit was excellent. Our server was kind, attentive, and perceptive, making sure we were well taken care of. We received our food about 30 minutes after placing our order, which felt reasonable given the setting. One our party members had initially ordered a drink, and our waitress took note of the fact that she didn’t really enjoy the drink, and offered to switch out the drink for her. The offer was accepted, and our server even made a suggestion for a drink based on our party members taste. As for the food, it was decent but not particularly memorable. The portion sizes for the entrées were smaller than expected, though the presentation was nice. I ordered the pork chops with lemongrass sauce accompanied by buttered vegetables, and it turned out to be the largest portion among our group. It was flavorful and satisfying, and I would recommend it. The appetizers were average—nothing that stood out or left a lasting impression. In terms of pricing, this restaurant is slightly more affordable compared to Spice Mill, but it does come with some trade-offs. Spice Mill offers a broader menu and more generous portions, while this spot excels in service and attentiveness, perhaps due to having fewer tables to manage. Overall, if you value great service and a more intimate dining experience, this restaurant is a solid choice. However, if you’re looking for variety and larger portions, Spice Mill might be a better option.
An exceptional place where the delight of taste meets the beauty of the surroundings. The restaurant offers delicious dishes in a unique setting, nestled in an extraordinary garden. The poolside bar, with its friendly musical atmosphere, is perfect for relaxing while enjoying a breathtaking view. A must-visit!
This restaurant had it all: good food, great ambience, and even better service. I took myself The Views at Palms Court Gardens on a solo date while visiting the island and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was worth every single penny, and I would return in a heartbeat. My waitress was super kind and personable, which made the experience even more top-tier. If you are looking for a quiet night with amazing food, Palms Court is the place to be. Also, the picturesque view of the city was to die for. I wouldn’t change anything about this restaurant.
We visited the restaurant because of great reviews. The food was delicious, great service and the views of the city and the cruise port were fantastic. We ended having dinner there the next day. Highly recommended.
Adonis Tour & Beach from Porte Zante
5. Adonis Tour & Beach from Porte Zante
4.4
(452)
Tour operator
Sights & Landmarks
Island tour bus company serving the beach close to the port & ferry terminal.
Slide 1 of 8
We booked a horseback riding excursion with them and could not be happier. It was easy to book and easy to find them at the port. Our driver was Lee and he was awesome! We had a comfortable ride in a van with AC that took about 10 minutes to get there. We had Nigel as a guide and Treasure, Oreo, Ranger and OJ as our horses. Everything went great. The trip up the mountain was fun and we had no issues. We liked that the guide let us ride and was not constantly telling us we needed to do something. We only wish they had cold waters at the end of the ride although Lee stopped at the store and bought us some. All in all it was an extraordinary day!
Port Zante in St. Kitts is a vibrant cruise port bursting with Caribbean charm! Right in Basseterre, it’s steps from colorful shops selling souvenirs, duty-free jewelry, and local batik. The food court serves tasty curried goat and tandoori prawns, with local Carib beer to sip. Steel bands and friendly locals create a lively vibe, though it can feel touristy and crowded. St. Kitts itself stuns with lush rainforests, Brimstone Hill Fortress, and dreamy beaches like Cockleshell Bay. A fun, sunny stop for cruisers.
Really great place for shopping. Lots of different stores and duty free. Make sure if you find an item you like a lot of stores have the same item and there can be a difference of anywhere from $25-$40 and also bargain with the vendors there’s always room. Sone great bars also.
Interesting place jewelery shops left and right everywhere you look. I guess it is because there is no tax.
Love, love Port Zante, so much to do. The night life is beautiful, good food, you just have to find it. Great location, the bars by the terminals are cool, the market near by too.
Beautiful area. I will have to say I only went in 2 stores and was followed I mean flat out followed around which made me leave both and not attempt another.
Some shop are open a lot are not, at this time. All insist on wearing your mask. Some will take your temperature and use hand spray. The shops that are open are all good stores and their associates are working hard to keep them open. Unfortunately the museum is closed. All have high hopes for more opening in the future.
Great place, increases seating, clean enough bathrooms, water fountain with actual cold water, live music at times, the steel pans, clean, non smoking zone, welcoming entrance to St Kitts. Marsc level 1. But it's just the entrance... To St Kitts, get out there and say you've been to St Kitts.
Berkeley Memorial
6. Berkeley Memorial
4.3
(161)
Memorial
Sights & Landmarks
Slide 1 of 8
The tourist seems have to visit there, so I came. It’s a sightseeing spot with heavy history feeling~
It's a fountain and a clock, despite being one of the most iconic spots in Basseterre, it's nothing remarkable. Close to the port and easy to visit.
The Berkeley Memorial was erected in 1883 and was for a long time the only public memorial commemorating an individual in St. Kitts. It was dedicated to the memory of Thomas Berkeley Hardtman Berkeley, a legislator and owner of the estates called Fountain, Greenland, Greenhill, Ottleys, Shadwell and Stone Fort. The structure contains a clock and drinking fountain. It was designed and produced by George Smith and Co of Glasgow, Scotland. Two other similar structures were produced by the foundry but only the one in St. Kitts survives to this day. It sits in the center of bassetere and should be on your picture list if you visit.
A unique memorial in the original centre of downtown Basseterre. It's a roundabout itself, surrounded by business enterprises ranging from banks and restaurants to tour companies, transportation services and clothing, and cosmetics. Interestingly, it has a standpipe, which was an important part of the social landscape decades ago. And it has a working clock.
Pretty cool. Looks a little like the fountain in London, Picadilly circle. Big traffic circle crazy drivers, minimal driving rules. Watch yourself! It even has a clock in it the locals call "little Ben", after Big Ben in London.
A monument in the heart of the capital city. In a bustling place, this monument stands out.
Cool tourist spot near the Basseterre Ferry Terminal. Many shops nearby. Be careful when posing for pictures, cars and taxis fly by!
A busy roundabout watchout when taking or posing for photos. The Berkeley Memorial a clock tower and water fountain.
Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Learn more
What users say about the app

Other notable attractions

St.kitts & Nevis Independence Square
Park
Sights & Landmarks
Compact park anchored by a 19th-century stone fountain, with shaded benches & paved footpaths.
Immaculate Conception Catholic Co-Cathedral
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
The National Museum of St. Kitts
Local history museum
Museums
Compact museum in an 1894 treasury building, with exhibits on local history & cultural heritage.
Berkeley Memorial
Memorial
Sights & Landmarks
The National Museum of St. Kitts
Local history museum
Museums
Compact museum in an 1894 treasury building, with exhibits on local history & cultural heritage.
MaPau St Kitts Casino & Entertainment Centre
Casino
Fun & Games
St. George’s Anglican Church
Anglican church
Sights & Landmarks
The War Memorial
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Obelisk remembering servicemen & women from Saint Kitts & Nevis who lost their lives in battle.
Best-of categories in Basseterre

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Basseterre?

Get inspired for your trip to Basseterre with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

Weather in Basseterre

Here's the historical average temperature in Basseterre over a full year based on data compiled by NASA: for more details by month, see the weather in Basseterre in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, or December
Monthly temperature highs and lows in Basseterre
Ready to plan your trip to Basseterre?
Use our free trip planner for the easiest way to plan your vacation. No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Add places from guides with 1 click

We crawled the web so you don’t have to. Easily save mentioned places.

Collaborate with friends in real time

Plan along with your friends with live syncing and collaborative editing.

Import flight and hotel reservations

Connect or forward your emails to get them magically added into your trip plan.

Expense tracking and splitting

Keep track of your budget and split the cost between your tripmates.

Checklists for anything

Stay organized with a packing list, to-do list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Get personalized suggestions

Find the best places to visit with smart recommendations based on your itinerary.
Plan on the go with our free travel app
With Wanderlog's mobile travel planner on Android and iOS, access and edit your trips wherever you go — even while offline.
Access and edit your trips wherever you go — even without a connection.
Get the iOS app from the App StoreGet the Android app from Google Play

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

Get the iOS app from the App StoreGet the Android app from Google Play
0 places saved to your trip to Basseterre