Tour the capital city of the island of Antigua, St. John’s, a cultural hot spot with a fascinating history. Its outskirts feature scenic beaches, while the city center is filled with museums and religious institutions that reveal the nation’s fascinating past.
Get a glimpse of the local culture with a trip to St. John’s Cathedral in the heart of the city. This 19th-century treasure stands atop a hill, with wonderful views of the surrounding area. Climb the stairs and admire the handmade wooden features of the cathedral’s interior. Learn about the indigenous and colonial history of the city at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda.
Walk southwest from the cathedral through the city to reach the Heritage Quay outdoor shopping mall. Its two floors contain many stores, offering such items as souvenirs, jewelry and watersports. Relax in the 39ers Public Square and try games of chance at King’s Casino, which overlooks the Caribbean Sea on the western flank of the mall.
Farther south is the VC Bird Monument, which pays tribute to the country’s first prime minister. Snap photos of this lifelike sculpture of Vere Bird, who remains a divisive historic figure today. Inspect the works of art on display in the nearby Harmony Hall Art Gallery. Some of the pieces are available for you to purchase and ship home.
Take a taxi to the western outskirts to enjoy idyllic bays. Stroll along the picturesque beach of Deep Bay and go scuba diving at the Andes Shipwreck. Visit Fort Bay Beach and see the 18th-century St. James Fort. Go snorkeling amid colorful coral on Long Bay.
Find the town in the northwestern corner of Antigua. Arrive at the VC Bird International Airport and get around by taxi. Explore the rest of the island by bus from one of the terminals. A trip to St. John’s combines the charm and history of its institutions with the utter serenity of white-sand beaches.
