Shopping In St. Thomas

The Port of St. Thomas has played a pivotal part in the shipping and commerce of the Caribbean for many centuries, and that tradition continues today.

From the time of the rum trade, through the era of pirate renegades to the present day, ships have frequented the natural harbor of Charlotte Amalie, formed from a long extinct volcano. Even the buildings that house many of our fine shops were warehouses holding good destined for ports worldwide.

This rich history is made evident by the vast variety and quality of duty-free goods available today. Whether it be watches from Switzerland, crystal from Austria, porcelain from Great Britain, fashions and accessories from the finest houses in Europe, fabrics from the Far East, or wines and liquors, jewelry and gemstones, and many other items from the finest sources in the world, be prepared for a dazzling array rarely seen in a major city, let alone within the confines of so convenient and compact an area as downtown Charlotte Amalie. And be sure to check how the coupons in this book can add to your savings.

Historic Sights in Downtown Charlotte Amalie

Take a few minutes from your shopping to visit some of these historic sites. All are within a few short minutes' walk from Main Street. See the map for locations Fort Christian - After more than a decade under construction, the Fort Christian was completed in 1680, named for the Danish King of the time. Legislature of the. Virgin Islands - Over 100 years old, originally a barracks for Danish police. Emancipation Garden - Commemorates the end of slavery in 1848. The Grand Hotel - Dating from 1840, it now houses stores and offices. Frederick Lutheran Church Built in 1793 to serve as the home of the state church of Denmark.

St. Thomas Synagogue - The second oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere, houses the congregation formed in 1796. The present structure dates from 1833. Camille Pissarro Building - The home of Camille Pissarro, the renowned Impressionist artist.

Market Square - Through the 1700's, the busiest slave market in the West Indies, now the home of numerous produce vendors on market days.

Many of the shops you will be visiting are located in buildings constructed of stone, ship's ballast brick and coral, and were formerly warehouses serving the early trade of the Americas.