Explore The Charm Of Kingstown, Saint Vincent And The Grenadines: Your Ultimate City Guide

Planning a vacation in Saint Vincent & The Grenadines? If so, you might want to make your way to the capital, Kingstown to get a feel of the island's culture. This city has a population of over 25,000 people and is home to the island's bustling cruise ship port. Kingstown serves as the main port and gateway to the nearby Grenadine islands. During the cruise season, you'll likely see many small boats, yachts, and cruise ships in this area.

Exploring Kingstown is a great way to discover more about Saint Vincent. Spending time here will give you a glimpse into the everyday life of the island's residents. As you wander around, you'll come across cobbled streets, a vibrant market area, and many businesses and shops. The market in Kingstown is particularly lively on Saturday mornings and it is located to the southern end of the town.

To help get you set for your Kingstown exploration, we've compiled a list of things you should know about this Caribbean city, starting with its history!

History of Kingstown

The history of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines runs deep, much like that of the other islands in the Caribbean region. Founded in 1722 by the French during the colonial era, the city and the rest of the island initially fell under French rule and later came under British control. A visit today reveals influences from both cultures, with several historical landmarks still standing, speaking to the island's colonial history.

Like the nearby island of Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent passed between French and British hands. This shows up in the diversity of the islands' culture. For Saint Vincent, the British were at the helm for 196 years before independence. During this time, Kingstown was known to be a significant port and administrative center. This city also has connections to the once-thriving sugar industry. As SVG was one of many territories involved in sugar production, there are markers in various places in and around Kingstown that tangibly capture this history.

Now the capital city of an independent nation (as of 1979), Kingstown continues to be the heart of trade and commerce in SVG. The city plays a central role in the governance and administration of the island and it is also a significant cultural hub. Kingstown has many notable landmarks, including the St. Mary’s Cathedral, Fort Charlotte, and the Kingstown Market. During a visit, you might stumble upon one of the many events, festivals, and showcases in this city, the majority of which highlight the island’s music, art, and cuisine.

Good to know: Saint Vincent has a mix of African, French and British influences, but the main language spoken on the island is English.

Geography of Kingstown

Saint Vincent is located in the Eastern Caribbean, north of Trinidad and Tobago and south of Saint Lucia. This multi-island destination consists of the main island, Saint Vincent, and the Grenadine island chain. Saint Vincent is the largest island in this grouping, and it is most known for its lush, green and mountainous terrain. All the islands in this territory are of volcanic origin and the black and white sand beaches are among their most incredible features.

While the island of Saint Vincent is characterized by its hilly terrain, the Grenadines are smaller and flatter. These islands and islets, about 36 in all, are to the south of Saint Vincent. The scenic beaches and thriving coral reefs in this area never fail to capture the attention of visitors. Some of the most popular islands of the Grenadines are Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island, and Carriacou. During your vacation, you can go sailing in Saint Vincent to see these stunning islands up close.

Back on the mainland, you'll find Kingstown, the capital, on the southwestern end of Saint Vincent. Overlooking Kingstown Harbour, the town is sheltered by Berkshire Hill in the north and Cane Garden Point in the south. Surrounded by steep hills, the views from this city are part of its appeal.

Good to know: Headed to Saint Vincent & The Grenadines? If so, you might be wondering, do you need a passport to visit Saint Vincent? The answer is absolutely! All international travelers, including those from the United States, need a valid passport to travel to this destination by air. Ensure that your passport will be valid for at least six months past your departure date. If you don't already have a passport, apply for one as early as possible before booking your trip!

Attractions in Kingstown

If you'll be vacationing in Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, plan early so you don't miss out on the best attractions. From Dark View Falls to Montreal Gardens, here are a few of the attractions you can check out that are not too far from the capital city, Kingstown:

Botanical Gardens

There's much to do in Saint Vincent, and you can start your explorations with a visit to the island's Botanical Gardens. Walk through these gardens and see for yourself just how mellow and serene this island can be. This garden is a well-known attraction in SVG as it is the oldest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Brought to life in 1765, many generations have manned, managed, and nurtured this flourishing national landmark, and you can get a first-hand look during a visit.

The Botanical Gardens spans around 20 acres and it is filled with plants of all varieties and towering trees. In addition to the many sweet-smelling blooms, spices and medicinal plants are grown here as well. The latter were a significant part of the reason the gardens were created in the first place. Once you arrive here and start exploring, you'll come across an aviary that is home to around 500 endangered parrots. That stop is entertaining, to say the least! As you walk around this space, it’ll be hard not to feel a sense of serenity and peace. The Botanical Gardens are just a short distance from the Kingstown city center.

Fort Charlotte

Historical forts paint a picture of the eventful colonial era of the Caribbean. There are plenty of these spread across the region, and from many of them, including Fort Charlotte in Saint Vincent, you can enjoy panoramic views. In the case of Fort Charlotte, the best views are of the Leeward side of Saint Vincent. This spans to Kingstown, Young Island, Bequia, and other nearby islands. The hilltop vantage of this fort contributes to the outlook, and on a clear day, you can see as far as neighboring Grenada using binoculars. Grenada is about 90 miles to the south of Saint Vincent.

Fort Charlotte, a British colonial fort, dates back to the early 19th century. It stands at around 600 feet above sea level and it is located in the parish of Saint Andrew. While in Saint Vincent, you can make your way there by heading to the top of Edinboro Road on Berkshire Hill, just west of the town. Or, you can sign up for a tour that takes you directly there and perhaps even to some other nearby attractions.

Good to know: Fort Charlotte is home to the Fort Charlotte Light. This beacon illuminates the entrance of Kingstown Bay. Watch out for the three white flashes occurring every 20 seconds. The Coastguard radio station and harbor signal station are also located here.

St. Mary’s Cathedral

St. Mary’s Cathedral sure does command attention. It can be an interesting place to visit if you want to learn more about the history, culture, and even religious aspects of the island of Saint Vincent. This Catholic church is also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption.

Historically, this Cathedral was completed in the 1930s, though it was consecrated in 1823. This project was largely done in stages. Part of the intrigue of this Cathedral is its striking architecture, which combines several styles, including Moorish, Romanesque, Byzantine, Venetian, and Flemish. Many visitors make a point of going to see the 100-foot Madonna Tower—the views of Kingstown's harbor from here are second to none!

Dark View Falls

It would be enough to visit Saint Vincent & The Grenadines just to spend time on magnificent beaches and visiting waterfalls. And, there are many of these to be explored throughout the island chain. The waterfalls, in particular, are magnetic. Take Dark View Falls, for instance — this twin waterfall in Chateaubelair is among the best waterfalls in the Caribbean. At Dark View Falls, you'll find captivating twin waterfalls that stand at approximately 100 and 200 feet. Seeing these up close can add a mesmerizing touch to your vacation.

Embarking on the journey to reach these falls is an adventure in itself. The trail to the waterfalls combines dirt and concrete roads, guiding visitors across a bamboo bridge and up a flight of stairs. The bridge was made from bamboo sourced from the surrounding forest, which adds to the place's overall charm. It can take around 15 minutes or more to see both of these waterfalls. During your visit, you can take a refreshing dip into the natural pools that are usually clear and clean enough (on rain-free days) to bathe in.

Bay Street

Things get moving early in Kingstown. You can arrive as early as 7 a.m. and find some vendors selling breakfast. This can be a welcome discovery in a destination as low-key as Saint Vincent, especially if you’re looking to get an early start to your day.

On Bay Street in Kingstown, the allure of exploration persists, whether early in the day or later. You can shop here, visit restaurants and cafés, stop by local markets and historical sites, take in views of the harbor, and sometimes attend cultural events. If you’re interested in learning more about the city of Kingstown’s architecture, this is the place to go. Here, you’ll see the Georgian-style arches lining the city’s 18th-century buildings. Overall, Bay Street is a convenient and worthwhile location to get to know Kingstown.

Kingstown Produce Market

Next on the list is the Kingstown Produce Market. This is an excellent spot to grab fresh fruits and veggies while soaking in the local atmosphere. Located in a vibrant three-story complex on Upper Bay, Hillsboro, and Bedford streets, this market is popular with locals and visitors. Don’t miss the chance to taste items like breadfruit, a must-try on the islands. The small local restaurants nearby often feature tasty SVG dishes.

Beyond the Kingstown Produce Market, you can purchase local products from some of the shops in this area. There’s also a fish market that supplies many local restaurants with their daily provisions. Generally, the city center can be a convenient hub for purchasing fresh local produce and souvenirs. It's also a great place to get a taste of every day life in SVG.

Things to do in Kingstown

Go scuba diving

Beyond just looking around, why not get active during your Saint Vincent vacation? Start with a scuba diving expedition. Setting this up is fairly straightforward as there are quite a few dive operators in this destination. As Saint Vincent & The Grenadines are well known for their captivating beaches, there are lots of dive spots to explore too, including remote locales.

To be more specific, there are over 40 dive sites in SVG. Some of the most highly rated include the Bat Cave near Buccament Bay Beach, Capital Wrecks off the coast of Kingstown, Fizzy Reef in Calliaqua Bay, Anchor Reef in the Tobago Cays Marine Park, and many others. Both scuba diving and snorkeling in Saint Vincent are possible, and the dive sites cater to various skill levels. Stay at an all-inclusive resort like Sandals Saint Vincent during your vacation and your dive equipment will be included, even scuba gear, up to 2 tanks per day!

Take a scenic drive on Leeward Highway

In Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, even taking a leisurely drive can be memorable. That's because of how peaceful this island tends to be and its magnetic scenery. One of the best places to go if you want a scenic and slow-paced drive is Leeward Highway, north of Kingstown. As you cruise along in this area, you’ll glimpse some intricate petroglyphs, among the finest in the Caribbean. The huge Carib Rock features a human face carving that dates back to A.D. 600.

Heading north along this road will take you to Barrouallie, where you’ll run into even more history, this time in the form of a Carib stone altar. Continue onwards to Chateaubelair, where there is lots to do and see. This is the end of the journey, but while here, you can dive into the refreshing waters of Richmond Beach before heading back to Kingstown.

Good to know: The movie Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. If you’re planning on visiting this destination, it can be fun to watch or re-watch this flick ahead of your travels just so you’re familiar with some of the sites once you get there!

Restaurants in Kingstown, Saint Vincent

Caribbean cuisine doesn't need much of an introduction. No matter which island you travel to, you’re bound to find something hearty and flavorful to dig into. Saint Vincent & the Grenadines has lots of options to choose from, and we've listed some of our favorites below:

Sunshine Bakery

Start your culinary explorations with something simple – a visit to Sunshine Bakery. This is one of the best bakeries on the island of Saint Vincent. Sunshine Bakery is located inside the C.K. Greaves Supermarket and it is a hit with locals and visitors. You can take a short walk from the local port to get here to find out what the buzz is all about. Once you arrive, try some of their best-sellers, like the super-filling coconut bread or the “red belly,” a semi-sweet bun stuffed with shaved coconut. The freshly baked goods here don’t stick around for long, so get there early!

Vee Jay’s Restaurant and Bar

Island vacations are the ideal opportunity to try Caribbean cuisine in its most genuine form. Saint Vincent is a good place for this type of culinary journey, particularly Vee Jay’s Restaurant and Bar. This spot is popular with locals and island visitors, largely due to its affordable prices and the fact that it offers sumptuous, homestyle West Indian and Creole selections.

Vee Jay’s Restaurant and Bar is on Kingstown’s central Bay Street. The menu includes fresh fish, mutton, beef, and traditional buljol—a dish made with sautéed codfish, breadfruit, and vegetables. There’s a drink menu with over 60 available options, but many patrons take the opportunity to try the national lager beer, Hairoun. This brew is said to go particularly well with the stews served here!

Good to know: There are other spots in Kingstown where you can try local cuisine. One is Big Ron’s BBQ on the corner of Melville and Middle Street. It is open on most Friday afternoons between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. The homemade BBQ sauce that tops the grilled meats here contains secret spices that add to the flavor!

Basil’s Bar

Lifestyles of the rich and famous... well, something like that anyway! Basil’s Bar is renowned for playing host to celebrities, and who knows, you might just run into a starry face while there. This bar is located on the island of Mustique in the Grenadines and has a laid-back vibe. Whether you want to drink or just relax and enjoy the scenery, this can be a fun place to spend a couple of hours.

If you can’t head over to Mustique to get a taste of the bar, you can check out their outpost on Kingstown’s Bay Street. If you choose to visit, the best time to go is in the late afternoon to try their menu selections, which include the rum-laced sundowner punches. Their flaky Vincentian samosas are filled with beef, chicken, fish, or vegetables and are very tempting!

Grenadines Wharf

Can’t get enough of Vincentian cuisine or just want to soak up a little more of the local ambiance? Head to the Grenadines Wharf! At the end of Bay Street, this area has quite a few restaurants and storefronts. If you don’t feel like shopping or you're not quite ready to dine, you can simply go for a stroll, mingle with the locals, and take in the charismatic charm of SVG.

Insider Tip: Go all-inclusive in Saint Vincent & The Grenadines to taste the incredible island flavors. Explore the best restaurants at Sandals Saint Vincent as part of your vacation. All meals and drinks at the 11 themed restaurants at this beachside all-inclusive resort are included!

Exploring Kingstown, Saint Vincent, and beyond…

Aside from convenience, there are many reasons to spend time in Kingstown, Saint Vincent. The attractions in and around this capital city range from waterfalls and beaches to cultural and historical landmarks. To get around, all you'll need is a map or effective GPS, and you’ll be well on your way. Or, you can simply sign up for a tour! Expand your horizons using Kingstown as a hub and visit some of the other captivating islands of this tropical chain.

Good to know: There are so many things Saint Vincent is known for, and you can discover them all during your vacation. Going the all-inclusive route means you can spend your vacation at a resort like Sandals Saint Vincent, where everything you need, from meals, drinks, and snacks to entertainment, land, and water sports, will be part of your vacation package. Vacations like these allow you to switch off and live blissfully in the moment!