The capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie is one of the loveliest in the region. The wide bay plays host to huge cruise ships, small pleasure boats, and the small fishing skiffs of traditional fishers. Long, narrow warehouses, built to store hogsheads of sugar, line the waterfront and have been converted into one of the largest shopping districts in the Caribbean. Behind the shops, quiet side streets evoke the town’s long history.

Charlotte Amalie is also a hub for dining and nightlife. Dozens of restaurants cater to all kinds of tastes, and during the annual St. Thomas Carnival, a colorful parade makes its way up Main Street.

There are three main roads in Charlotte Amalie. Waterfront Drive, also called Veteran’s Drive, fronts the harbor and extends from Havensight Mall to Frenchtown. This four-lane road is best navigated by car or taxi. Main Street, also called Dronningen’s Gade and Norre Gade, runs parallel to the waterfront. Back Street, also called Wimmelskafts Gade, is one block farther inland, also parallel to the shoreline. Street names in the town are remnants of the island’s Danish past.

Parking is available at the large public lot near Fort Christian. From 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday–Friday, you will pay $1 for the first hour, $0.75 for each additional hour, or $5 for the whole day. Parking after hours and on weekends is free.