This twin-island nation of St Kitts and Nevis has something for everyone embarking on a Caribbean vacation, from adrenaline-fueled adventures to delicious Caribbean cuisine. The two Leeward Islands, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, are renowned for their unique attractions, including the St Kitts Scenic Railway and Brimstone Hill Fortress.
This article delves into a detailed list of the 21 best things to do in St Kitts and Nevis on a family, solo, or couples vacation.
The Top 21 Things to See and Do in St Kitts and Nevis
Of the two islands, St Kitts offers more hustle and bustle with a variety of activities away from the shore, such as tours of the historic Brimstone Fortress and games on a golf course. Nevis offers a more relaxed pace and is well-known for its beaches, such as Oualie Beach, where you can also enjoy clear-water snorkeling. If you are planning to visit or happen to be in this Caribbean nation, here are some of the top things to do in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
1. Discover Brimstone Hill Fortress
Situated on the largest island of the country, St Kitts, the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, located in Brimstone Hill, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress was originally built to safeguard the coastline from potential sea attacks and to provide locals with a safe place to retreat to in emergency situations. The structure is a fantastic specimen of British military architecture.
The central pillars of the UNESCO World Heritage Site are all located on different levels and follow a polygonal system of design. Tourists can access this place by climbing a series of steep stairs and ramps connecting to the fortress. The Hill also consists of the Fort George Citadel with the Fort George Museum, the Eastern Place of Arms, and the Western Place of Arms.
2. Explore Central Forest Reserve National Park
Home to beautiful beaches and mountains, the two islands also boast a flourishing rainforest. In order to protect biodiversity, an area above 1000 ft. has been declared as a national forest reserve. It is very interesting that this unique lush rainforest, which has been described as an American Oceanic Rainforest, is expanding rather than shrinking in size, which is the case with most rainforests in the world.
If you are an explorer at heart and are fond of hiking, the Central Forest Reserve National Park has exciting trails to explore alone or with a local guide and spot rare wildlife such as vervet monkeys.
3. Admire Botanical Gardens
Fairview Great House & Botanical Garden: Built in 1707 by the French, the Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden is located in the foothills of Olivees Mountain. Covering an area of over two acres, this property has been restored and is now open for all visitors to enjoy its overflowing charm and beauty. The lovely, elegant French villa has classical furniture and historic décor.
The balcony of the master bedroom of the grand French mansion overlooks the Caribbean Sea, the southeast peninsula, and the island of Nevis. The gardens surrounding this charming house consist of exuberant greenery, tropical trees, beautiful flowers, birds, and even monkeys.
Nevis Botanical Gardens: Located near Charlestown, the Botanical Gardens of Nevis, seated at Mt Nevis, is home to vibrant tropical flowers, orchid platforms, water lily ponds, fountains, exotic birds, spectacular art, and more.
The gardens cover an area of five acres and also consist of a tropical vine garden, providing visitors with the opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty.
4. Learn about St Kitts and Nevis at Museum of Nevis History
Situated in Charlestown, the Museum of Nevis History is a strong testament to the island’s rich history.
The museum building was constructed back in 1680 and is now known as the Hamilton House – named after Alexander Hamilton, an American statesman, soldier, and law professional.
While the museum covers the first floor of the building, the Nevis Island Assembly is on the second floor.
5. Wander through Romney Manor
The historic Romney Manor spans over eight acres of land and is situated on Old Road, Basseterre. Previously known as the ‘Red House’, the residence was renamed Romney Manor in the 17th century after the Earl of Romney acquired the estate. Today, the beautiful estate boasts tranquil gardens and grounds. You must note that the largest living organism in St Kitts, the Saman tree, is also nestled in the Romney Manor.
The tree is over 400 years old and covers an area of half an acre. This attraction, coupled with the extraordinary aesthetic of the place, makes this quite a memorable experience for visitors.
6. Explore Independence Square
Previously known as the Pall Mall Square, Independence Square, situated in Basseterre, is one of the best places to visit in St Kitts and Nevis and popular among tourists staying on the island or visiting on cruise ships. The square was modeled like the Great Britain Union Jack.
With time, Independence Square has evolved from pasture land to a slave market to a parade ground for military drills, and it is now a lively place that hosts multiple cultural events throughout the year.
The Independence Square in Saint Kitts has also been home to various celebrities like Doris Wall, Sir Maurice Davis, Professor Bryan King, and many others.
7. Sip rum punch at Wingfield Estate Sugar Plantation
The island is home to one of the original rum distilleries in the Caribbean: The Wingfield Estate Sugar Plantation. Rum is widely produced on the island, with rum punch served in all the restaurants and bars. Each establishment has its own recipe, so it might be a fun idea to organize a rum tasting during your visit.
There are also a number of bars and restaurants that offer a true taste of the local cuisine and Carib beer. For example, Reggae Beach Bar and Grill offers a taste of the ocean with fresh grilled fish, grilled lobster, coconut shrimp salad, honey mustard ribs, beef burgers, and exotic frozen tropical drinks. The restaurant also offers rental equipment for snorkeling on a protected reef, ocean kayaks, deep-sea fishing, and private charters.
8. Unearth history at Spooner’s Ginnery
Spooner’s Ginnery in Cayon, a town in St Kitts, is the last remaining cotton ginnery in the area.
Previously, the area had a sugar mill, which ultimately turned into a cotton ginnery with the shift of hands of the property.
The cotton ginnery then operated until the 1970s and thereafter was acquired by the administration of St Kitts and Nevis. Today, the ruins of the Spooner’s ginnery stand tall as a strong testament to the agro-industrial era of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
9. Explore local flora in St Kitts Eco-Park
The Saint Kitts Eco Park, or SKEP, has been constructed as a result of collaboration and cooperation between the St Kitts and Nevis Federation and Taiwan.
The Eco Park is a result of continuous hard work for a period of three years and is a shining example of the cultural fusion of the two countries.
Often called ‘Little Taiwan’ locally, St Kitts Eco Park has an intriguing area of plants in the shape of the flag of Taiwan. Moreover, the Eco Park consists of medicinal herbs, a beautiful range of flowers, and a series of tropical trees.
10. Spend a day on the beach
The twin-island federation is home to a selection of excellent beaches like Pinneys Beach, South Friars Beach, and South Frigate Bay. Oualie Beach Resort is a quaint little hotel located in Oualie Bay, Nevis, New Castle. The resort has 32 exclusive rooms that mirror the Caribbean lifestyle and architecture. From restaurants, bars, and live music to a fully operational spa, the resort has it all for the perfect beach day.
Cockleshell Beach in Cockleshell Bay is one of the country’s top attractions on island’s southern tip facing Nevis, offering breathtaking views of the island. The beach’s stark white sands contrast with the calm jewel-toned waves that lap up against travelers’ feet. Stretching across two miles, its stark white sand and blue waters are postcard-worthy, providing the perfect background for a variety of hip beach bars like No Limit Beach Bar and seafood eateries like Spice Mill Restaurant.
Take a look at our St Kitts Citizenship by Investment - The Ultimate Guide
11. Revisit the island’s legacy at The Circus, Basseterre
Centrally located, The Circus is a famous landmark in Basseterre that was developed in the aftermath of a fire that almost demolished the city of Basseterre in St Kitts on 4 July 1867.
It is said that the Circus has been modeled after Piccadilly Circus in London and also serves as the hosting arena for numerous activities and events.
Among many other things, the Circus houses the Berkeley Memorial and has been decorated with a fountain, an ancient clock, and beautiful palm trees.
12. Take part in Nevis Culturama
Nevis Culturama is a heritage festival established in February 1974 by the Nevis Dramatic and Cultural Society (NEDACS). The festival takes place annually in August over Emancipation weekend.
The festival is Nevis’ version of the carnivals seen in St Kitts and other Caribbean islands and the annual St Kitts Music Festival, welcoming home Nevisians who return to celebrate with friends and family. Several local bands perform live music as the festival and visitors can try local food and the festival’s food fair.
13. Watch a cricket match at Warner Park
Named after Sir Thomas Warner, the explorer who initiated the first English colony in St. Kitts, the Warner Park Sporting Complex is a sports arena in Basseterre, St Kitts.
The sporting complex also includes the Warner Park stadium which has also been one of the host cricket grounds of the 2007 Cricket World Cup.
The complex also has a football stadium that can provide seating to up to 3,500 fans. In addition to these, the athletic facility also consists of tennis courts, volleyball courts, a cricket academy, and an open space to host carnivals.
14. Savor St Kitts and Nevis flavors on a food tour
A Taste of St Kitts is a food tour of the Caribbean island nation. This exclusive food trail offers visitors an opportunity for an island tour while exploring local taverns, beach bars, cafes, and restaurants.
This exclusive food trail offers visitors an opportunity for an island tour while exploring local taverns, beach bars, cafes, and restaurants.
Visitors can also enjoy food tours like the Food & City Tour of Basseterre, the Chocolate & Rum Tour, the St Kitts Chocolate Factory Tour, and the St Kitts Taste and Views Island Tour to get a flavor of the local cuisine and a glimpse of beautiful Caribbean islands.
15. Discover the history behind the Amazing Grace Experience
Situated on Crab Hill, near the Brimstone Hill Fortress, the Amazing Grace Experience Visitor Center is a museum that is located inside the Lighthouse Baptist Church.
The Museum is open from Monday to Friday and showcases to its visitors the journey of John Newton – A trader of enslaved Africans who went on to write one of the most famous and adored love songs of all time called “Amazing Grace.”
16. Try kitesurfing at the Beach Addiction St Kitts Nevis
If you are an adventurer at heart, water sports by Beach Addiction, which is located in South Friars Bay, Frigate Bay, is one of the cheap things to do in Saint Kitts and Nevis. This organization creates a safe, fun, and budget-friendly water adventure environment for all interested visitors.
From kitesurfing, flyboarding, paragliding, and sailing to stand-up paddle boarding, Beach Addiction is the perfect place to enjoy fun things and activities to do in St Kitts and Nevis.
17. Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery St Kitts
Imagine swimming with Dolphins. A beautiful feeling, right? What if we tell you that you can actually do it in reality in Saint Kitts?
Dolphin Discovery, a part of The Dolphin Company, allows you to interact and swim with Dolphins.
And while you are doing so, the experts of this unique place talk about the life and history of these beautiful creatures. Surely, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that no one should miss.
18. Educate yourself about St Kitts and Nevis with Island Paradise Tours
Island Paradise Tours offers informational and educational tours across the beautiful islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
There are many tours like the Cruise and Snorkel Tour, a Scenic Drive and Sightseeing Tour, a Rainforest Tree Canopy Tour, the Volcanic Hike Tour, the Capital and the Beach Tour, and visitors can even ask for the tour they are after.
If you are looking for some expert guidance to explore the beautiful island, historic sites, sugar plantations, national parks, and other surrounding islands, you can initiate your journey with Island Paradise Tours.
19. Take a zipline adventure Sky Safari Tours
Like the name, Sky Safari Tours allows tourists to enjoy and explore St Kitts and Nevis and neighboring islands from a different perspective – a birds-eye view angle.
The company has a network of five ziplines that provide visitors the opportunity to zipline and see the West Indies island nation from a top view.
20. Tee off at the Royal St Kitts Golf Club
Located on the grounds of the St Kitts Marriott Resort in Basseterre, the golf club boasts 10 water hazards and 80 bunkers and stretches across 125 irrigated acres that offer challenging holes and a stunning view of the sea.
Definitely not something to miss if you enjoy relaxing on a quality golf course, want to take a few lessons, or just want to practice your swing.
21. Ride the St Kitts Scenic Railway
One of the top things to do in St Kitts is a ride on the Sugar Train, which was originally built to transport sugar cane from the island’s sugar plantation.
Today, the St Kitts Scenic Railway makes a three-hour long trip carrying tourists along the island of Saint Kitts and offering them stunning views of Mount Liamuiga, beautiful beaches, cliffs, mountains, rainforests, villages, and more.
We hope that our comprehensive list of unique and fun things to do in St Kitts and Nevis has helped you identify the places that you need to visit in this island nation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fun and Unique Things to do in St Kitts and Nevis
What are the things to do in Nevis?
There are plenty of things to do in Nevis. Populated with famous beaches like Pinney’s Beach and sheltered Oualie Beach, you can enjoy the beautiful beach life on the island. Moreover, you can also visit Charlestown to witness old architectural marvels. Other activities include rum tasting, food tours, a visit to a secluded cove, an experience on a cruise ship or train, and more.
What are some of the free things to do in St Kitts?
You can visit the following places – Cockleshell Beach, Timothy Hill, Port Zante, Frigate Bay, South Peninsula, Black Rocks, The Circus, Turtle Beach, The War Memorial, La Casa Del Habano St Kitts, and more – where you will find free and affordable activities to enjoy. St Kitts and Nevis passport holders have discounted or free access to certain attractions, like Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park.
What are the things to do in Basseterre, St Kitts?
Romney Manor, Greg’s Safaris, Immaculate Conception Co-Cathedral Catholic Church, and Port Zante are popular tourist spots in Basseterre.
What are some of the cheap things to do in St Kitts?
For budget-friendly options, you can take a tour of the Brimstone Hill Fortress, Romney Manor, Mount Liamuiga, Fairview Great House & Botanical Garden, and National Museum, among others.
What is St Kitts best known for?
St Kitts is known for its stunning beaches like Cockleshell Bay, historic sites like Brimstone Hill Fortress, and unique features like the St Kitts Scenic Railway. The country is also known for it’s leatherback sea turtle species that visit its islands during the February to July nesting season.
Is it worth going to St Kitts?
St Kitts and Nevis is widely considered an excellent place to visit, thanks to its wonderful beaches, lush vegetation, lava formations, tropical forest and lagoons, and underwater marvels that can be viewed while snorkeling or diving.
How many days should I spend in St Kitts?
At least three days in St Kitts is a good amount of time to enjoy the island’s rich history, postcard-like scenery, scenic train rides, rum cocktails, and pristine beaches.
Which is nicer, St Kitts or Nevis?
The Leeward Islands of St Kitts and its sister island, Nevis, are both nice worthy places to visit. Which is nice depends on your travel preferences. If you’re into nightlife and a bustling atmosphere, St Kitts offers plenty of dining and live music options, being home to the main St Kitts cruise port and international airport. On the other hand, Nevis is more serene and intimate, with picturesque landscapes and nature.
