Basseterre
One of the oldest capital cities in the Caribbean — Georgian architecture, colonial history, The Circus and the colourful heart of Kittitian life
Explore Basseterre
Click any marker to find out more about each spot.
Things To Do in Basseterre
The best colonial history, architecture and local life in St Kitts's charming capital city.
The Circus & Berkeley Memorial Clock
The Circus is the heart of Basseterre — a roundabout modelled on London's Piccadilly Circus, with the ornate Berkeley Memorial Clock at its centre. The clock was erected in 1883 in memory of Thomas Berkeley, a former president of the General Legislative Council. The surrounding streets are lined with Georgian-style buildings, shops, restaurants and bars.
Independence Square
Independence Square is a beautiful colonial-era square in the heart of Basseterre, surrounded by Georgian buildings and shaded by palm trees. The square was originally used as a slave market and later as a place of public assembly. It is now a peaceful garden square and one of the most photographed spots in the city. The square is surrounded by some of the finest Georgian architecture in the Caribbean.
Port Zante
Port Zante is the main cruise ship terminal and waterfront development in Basseterre — a modern complex of shops, restaurants, bars and a marina. The development has transformed the Basseterre waterfront and is the first point of call for the hundreds of thousands of cruise ship passengers who visit St Kitts each year. The views of the harbour and the surrounding hills are spectacular.
Colonial Architecture
Basseterre has some of the finest colonial architecture in the Caribbean — a wonderful mix of Georgian-style buildings, wooden houses with ornate verandas and colourful painted facades. The city's architecture reflects its long history as a British colonial capital, with street names like Pall Mall Square and Cayon Street. A walking tour of the city is one of the most rewarding ways to spend a morning.
Local Life & Markets
Basseterre is the commercial and cultural heart of St Kitts — a lively, colourful city with a wonderful sense of local life. The public market is the best place to experience everyday Kittitian life, with stalls selling fresh produce, spices, crafts and local food. The city has a good selection of restaurants serving local cuisine, including the famous Kittitian dishes of goat water stew and saltfish.
Basseterre Travel Guide
Basseterre is one of the oldest capital cities in the Caribbean — a charming, historic town with a fascinating mix of Georgian architecture, colonial-era buildings and colourful local life.
The Circus is the heart of Basseterre — a roundabout modelled on London's Piccadilly Circus, with the ornate Berkeley Memorial Clock at its centre. The surrounding streets are lined with Georgian-style buildings, shops, restaurants and bars.
Independence Square is a beautiful colonial-era square in the heart of Basseterre, surrounded by Georgian buildings and shaded by palm trees. The square was originally used as a slave market and is now a peaceful garden square.
Port Zante is the main cruise ship terminal and waterfront development — a modern complex of shops, restaurants, bars and a marina that has transformed the Basseterre waterfront.
Basseterre has some of the finest colonial architecture in the Caribbean — a wonderful mix of Georgian-style buildings, wooden houses with ornate verandas and colourful painted facades.
The public market is the best place to experience everyday Kittitian life, with stalls selling fresh produce, spices, crafts and local food.
Basseterre is about 15 minutes from Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.
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