Places to Visit in Charlotte Amalie, United States Virgin Islands, America
Charlotte Amalie is the capital and the largest city of United States Virgin Islands, an unincorporated organized territory of the USA. It is famous for historical buildings built with Danish colonial architecture such as St. Thomas Synagogue and Frederick Lutheran Church.
Geography of Charlotte Amalie:
Charlotte Amalie is situated on the mountainous island Saint Thomas between 18°21′ N latitude and 64°57′ W longitude. It experiences a tropical wet and dry climate.
Etymology of Charlotte Amalie:
Charlotte Amalie was established in 1666 as Taphus which means ‘beer houses’ and renamed as Amalienborg (Charlotte Amalie) in 1691 in the honor of Charlotte Amalie of Hesse-Kassel. Fort Christian and Blackbeard’s Castle are the two major historical landmarks of Charlotte Amalie.
How to reach Charlotte Amalie?
The airport of Charlotte Amalie called Cyril E. King Airport which is located 4 km away from the city centre with connection to nearby British Virgin Islands and the main USA destinations.
There are taxis and cars always available at the airport to reach city centre. Tourists can use taxis, buses, cars, and scooters for local travel and ferry to nearby and neighboring islands. Most of the travel offices or rental agencies of Charlotte Amalie are located in the heart of the city and bookings can be done through online.
Culture, Food and Shopping in Charlotte Amalie:
The culture of Charlotte Amalie is inherited from both American- and Afro-Caribbean culture. American pop music is very famous in Charlotte Amalie.
The prime restaurants in Charlotte Amalie include:
- Gladys’ Cafe
- Mafolie Restaurant
- Frenchtown Deli
- Shawny’s Shack
Most of the major shopping centres of Charlotte Amalie are placed at Yacht Haven Grande, Crown Bay, Havensight and Tutu Park.
Things to do in Charlotte Amalie:
- Thomas Skyride to Paradise Point
- Active Island Tours & Events
- Coral World
- Scuba diving
- Captain Nautica Powerboat Charters
Places of interest in Charlotte Amalie:
Fort Christian:
Fort Christian was constructed in the middle of 17th century. This bright red Danish fort houses a museum that showcases many historical photographs, furniture, artifacts, a cane press and many more. Entrance fee is $3 for adults and free for below 16 aged.
St. Thomas Synagogue:
St. Thomas Synagogue is a worth watch site and it was added to National Historic Landmark list in 1997. It is the 2nd oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere known for its unique construction and design.
Paradise Point:
Paradise Point is one of the best viewpoints in Virgin Islands archipelago. Tourists can enjoy the great view of both Charlotte Amalie city and harbor from here. There is sky ride offered costing 21USD.
Other places of interest in Charlotte Amalie include:
- Charlotte Amalie Harbor
- 99 steps
- Coral World
- Mahogany Run Golf Course
- Reichhold Center for the Art
- Frederick Lutheran Church
- Blackbeard’s Castle
- Bluebeard’s Castle
- Liberty Bell
- Emancipation Park
Best time to visit Charlotte Amalie:
The ideal time to visit Charlotte Amalie is between April and June while the weather remains pleasant.
Accommodation options in Charlotte Amalie:
Charlotte Amalie is a city with good infrastructure, basic facilities as well as prominent hotels categorizing from budgeted to splurge. Some top facilities available in splurge hotels are restaurant and bar, guest rooms and suites, indoor and outdoor meeting space, freshwater pools, water recreational activities, spa and fitness center. List of major hotels and resorts in Charlotte Amalie are:
- Marriott Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Beach Resort
- Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove
- BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Beach
- Mafolie Hotel
- BEST WESTERN Carib Beach Resort
- Island Beachcomber Hotel
- Windward Passage Hotel
- At Home In The Tropics Bed and Breakfast Inn
- Bellavista Bed & Breakfast
- Rhoda’s Guest House
- The Green Iguana Hotel
- Island View Guesthouse
- Miller Manor Guest House
- Bunker Hill Hotel
- Galleon House Bed & Breakfast