Saint John's Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Tucked away in the heart of the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island nation celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, rich history, and vibrant culture. Saint John's, the capital city located within the Parish of Saint John, serves as the gateway to this tropical paradise and offers travelers a blend of colonial charm and modern vibrancy.

Saint John's is a bustling port city, home to the island's main harbor, which is often dotted with cruise ships and yachts. Visitors are greeted with a kaleidoscope of colors from the array of duty-free shops, local markets, and pastel-colored buildings that line the streets. A prominent landmark is the St. John's Cathedral, a stunning baroque church that has been rebuilt twice due to earthquakes and offers a glimpse into the island's architectural heritage.

The city's rich history can be explored at sites like the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, which houses Arawak and colonial artifacts that tell the story of the island's past. Fort James, located at the entrance of the harbor, offers panoramic views of the city and is a testament to the island’s strategic importance during colonial times.

For those interested in local culture, a visit to the vibrant Public Market is a must. Here, vendors sell tropical fruits, spices, and handicrafts, giving travelers an authentic taste of Antiguan life. The city also hosts the annual Antigua Carnival, a celebration of emancipation with lively music, dance, and colorful costumes that transform the streets into a festive spectacle.

Beyond the city limits, Saint John's serves as the starting point for exploring Antigua's 365 beaches—one for every day of the year. Popular nearby beaches like Fort James Beach and Runaway Bay Beach offer opportunities for relaxation, water sports, and soaking in the sun on powdery white sands.

Saint John's is not only the commercial center of Antigua but also a hub for local gastronomy. Visitors can indulge in traditional dishes such as fungie (a polenta-like dish) and pepperpot, a hearty stew, at cozy restaurants and street-side food stalls.

Alternative names: Population: 24.2 thous.Area: 3.86 mi²Elevation: 46 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 17°7'17"N, 61°50'36"W

Location

Saint JohnAntigua and Barbuda

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Saint John's Top Attractions

Saint John's Attractions - What to See and Explore

Saint John's offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Fort James, St. John's Cathedral, Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint John's–Basseterre. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historical place • Forts and castles
Fort James
Perched on a scenic peninsula in the bustling city of Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda, Fort James stands as a stoic reminder of the island's colonial past. This historic fortification, constructed in the early 18th century, was named after King James II of England...
Church
St. John's Cathedral
St. John's Cathedral, often referred to as the St. John the Divine, stands as a beacon of faith and history in the bustling city of Saint John's, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda. This Anglican church, with its distinctive Baroque architecture, has been a spiritual...
Exhibits on the history of the island
Museum of Antigua and Barbuda
The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is a cultural gem nestled in the heart of Saint John's, the bustling capital of the twin-island nation. Housed in the colonial Court House, built in 1750, the museum offers a profound glimpse into the rich tapestry of the islands'...

Church
Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint John's–Basseterre
Nestled within the heart of the Caribbean, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint John's–Basseterre serves as a beacon of faith for the Catholic community in Antigua and Barbuda, as well as the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, and the British...
Library
Antigua Public Library
The Antigua Public Library is the national library of Antigua and Barbuda, located in St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda.
17°7'22"N • 61°50'26"W
Government House
Government House, St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda, is the official residence and office of the Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda. It was built in the 17th Century Colonial style with Georgian architecture and extensive gardens. The residence is not open to the public.
17°7'14"N • 61°50'29"W
Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas
The Methodist Church in the Caribbean and Americas is a Methodist denomination in Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bonaire, the British & the US Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti...
Universities and schools
American University of Antigua
American University of Antigua is a private, international medical school located in Antigua and Barbuda.
Lake
McKinnon's Pond
McKinnon's Pond is a lake just north of St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda, the capital of its country. Runaway Beach is just west of it, and it is fed by a small stream leading from St. John's.
Island
Prickly Pear Island
Prickly Pear Island is an islet approx. 650 metres off the north shore coast of Hodges Bay on the much larger island of Antigua, West Indies. The island measures approx. 50 metres north to south, and approx. 50 metres east to west.

Day trips

Saint John's – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Saint John's, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Nelson's Dockyard (Antigua), Galleon Beach Antigua (English Harbour), Dockyard Museum (English Harbour).

9.4 miSE
, National park, Park
Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua
Nelson's Dockyard is a cultural heritage site and marina in English Harbour, located in Saint Paul Parish on the island of Antigua, in Antigua and Barbuda.
9.8 miSE
17°0'18"N • 61°45'35"W
Galleon Beach Antigua, English Harbour
Beach, Park, Outdoor activities
9.4 miSE
Museum
Dockyard Museum, English Harbour
The Dockyard Museum is a museum located at Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour on Antigua island, in Antigua and Barbuda. It was established in 1855 at the colonial British shipyard.
2 miNW
Beach
Runaway Beach, Antigua
Runaway Beach is a well known white sand beach located near Saint John's in the Caribbean country of Antigua and Barbuda. The beach has suffered years of hurricane erosion and is still recovering.
10 milesSE
17°0'8"N • 61°45'18"W
Shirley Heights, Antigua
Lookout, Historical place

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Best Time To Visit Saint John's

Learn when is the best time to travel to Saint John's weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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December is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in January, March, June and July.

Average temperatures in °F

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The air temperature in this location remains at a similar level throughout the year.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February and March. Most of it rains in September.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Saint John's?

The top attractions to visit in Saint John's are:

What is the best time to visit Saint John's?

December is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in January, March, June and July. The air temperature in this location remains at a similar level throughout the year.