Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the United States Virgin Islands and the most popular cruise port in the Caribbean. Charlotte Amalie (named for a Danish Queen) is where the ships dock and the white and pastel houses are heavily sprinkled against a background of emerald hills. Colorful sloops dock along the waterfront, and a few steps back, down alleyways lined with old Danish warehouse buildings, is a world-famous shopping center.

 
When walking in St. Thomas, you will see the bustle of  Main Street, and cool emerald hills. Look also for the view from Mountain Top. The spiral of winding streets from the base of Savan. The quiet French countryside feeling on the far side of the island. Hoteliers offer accommodations to suit all tastes.
 
 
Art
Riise's Gallery has exhibits; and at Estate Tutu, Jim Tillet has an "Arts Alive!" festival three times a year. There is the Camille Pissarro Gallery in The Camille Pissarro Building, Jonna White Gallery in Palm Passage, Frederick Gallery in Havensight, Guava Gallery in Royal Dane Mall and Mango Tango Gallery at Al Cohens Plaza.

Blackbeard's Castle
 Originally known as "Skytsborg," this tower is considered by some sources  as the "oldest extant historical structure in the Virgin Islands."  Pirates reputedly once roamed here -- they, too, must have appreciated  the spectacular view. Now a popular restaurant/hotel.

Bluebeard's Castle
 Reputedly the abode of the 19th-century pirate, now honeymoon suites  in a major hotel on the island.

 
Crown House
Built in the middle of the 18th century, this stately home was the residence of two past governors of these islands. Now a private residence.

Estate St. Peter Greathouse & Botanical Gardens
Tour the contemporary estate house featuring local artists' work; walk among more than 500 varieties of meticulously tended plants and trees; and view some 20 other islands from three levels on this 3-acre former corporate retreat.

Fort Christian
 This is one of the oldest standing structures in the Virgin Islands, dating back to 1671, completed in 1678. It once housed the entire St. Thomas colony. There is a museum in what used to be the dungeons, where you will find early island memorabilia, old maps, and such oddities as large wicker baskets once used by women to carry coal on their heads.

Government House
The center of official life in St. Thomas since its erection in the mid-1860s. Visitors are allowed on the first two floors. 

Legislative Building
The meeting place of the Virgin Islands Senate; you can watch a session if you like. The building dates back to 1874, Danish rule.

Market Square
People come here from all over the island to sell fresh fruit and vegetables. The busiest market day is Saturday; vendors arrive hours before dawn. Ask for some genips. You break open the skin and suck the sweet/sour pulp from a stone. Delicious!

Seven Arches Museum
A fully restored, and furnished, authentic 18th-century house with separate  Danish kitchen, slave quarters, Archaeological Dig. Enjoy a tropical drink in a  quiet, walled  garden overlooking Charlotte Amalie. Small donation requested.