Things to Do in Kingstown, Saintvincent

Kingstown, the vibrant capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, is a charming Caribbean port city nestled between lush green hills and the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea. This bustling hub combines colonial architecture with modern Caribbean culture, featuring colorful markets, historic buildings, and a lively waterfront that serves as the gateway to the stunning Grenadine islands. The city's compact size makes it perfect for walking, with most attractions within easy reach of the central market square. As the economic and cultural heart of Saint Vincent, Kingstown offers visitors an authentic taste of Caribbean life away from the typical tourist crowds. The city boasts beautiful botanical gardens, fascinating museums, and some of the friendliest locals in the Caribbean. With its strategic location, Kingstown serves as an excellent base for exploring the rest of Saint Vincent's natural wonders, from volcanic peaks to pristine beaches, while providing all the amenities and services travelers need.

Top Things to Do in Kingstown

Saint Vincent Botanical Gardens

Explore one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere, established in 1765, featuring exotic plants, spice trees, and the descendants of the original breadfruit trees brought by Captain Bligh. The 20-acre gardens showcase both native Caribbean flora and plants from around the world, including a fascinating collection of medicinal plants used in traditional Caribbean remedies.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $5 USD and the gardens are open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat, and consider hiring a local guide for $10-15 to learn about the medicinal properties of the plants.

Kingstown Market and Shopping

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Kingstown's central market, where vendors sell fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, spices, and local crafts. The market is particularly lively on Friday and Saturday mornings when farmers from across the island bring their produce to sell, creating a colorful and aromatic sensory experience.

Booking Tip: The market is free to explore and operates Monday through Saturday, with Friday and Saturday being the busiest days. Bring small bills for purchases and arrive before 10 AM for the best selection and coolest temperatures.

Fort Charlotte Historic Site

Visit this impressive 18th-century fortress perched on a hilltop overlooking Kingstown and the surrounding coastline, offering panoramic views of the city and harbor. The fort houses a small museum with artifacts from Saint Vincent's colonial past and provides insight into the island's military history and strategic importance in the Caribbean.

Booking Tip: Entry is typically $3-5 USD and the fort is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. The walk uphill can be steep, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Best visited in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better lighting for photos.

Grenadines Day Trip

Take a boat excursion from Kingstown's harbor to explore the stunning Grenadine islands, including stops at Bequia, Mustique, or the Tobago Cays. These day trips typically include snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, beach time on pristine white sand beaches, and the chance to see sea turtles and tropical fish in their natural habitat.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours range from $80-150 USD per person depending on destinations and inclusions. Book through reputable operators like Barefoot Holidays or Fantasea Tours, and trips run best during calm weather conditions from December to April.

La Soufriere Volcano Hiking

Embark on an adventurous hike to the summit of La Soufriere, Saint Vincent's active volcano and the highest peak in the country at 4,048 feet. The challenging trek takes you through different ecosystems, from tropical rainforest to alpine vegetation, culminating in spectacular views of the crater lake and surrounding islands on clear days.

Booking Tip: Guided tours cost $60-100 USD per person and require good fitness levels as it's a 6-8 hour round trip. Choose experienced local guides like those from HazEco Tours, start early morning, and bring plenty of water, snacks, and rain gear as weather can change quickly.

Getting There

Most international visitors arrive at Argyle International Airport (SVD), located about 45 minutes southeast of Kingstown, which opened in 2017 and handles flights from major Caribbean hubs, North America, and the UK. Airlines serving Saint Vincent include Caribbean Airlines, LIAT, Air Canada, and seasonal charters from various international destinations. From the airport, taxis to Kingstown cost around $25-30 USD, or you can arrange hotel transfers or rent a car. Some visitors also arrive by ferry from neighboring islands like Barbados, Grenada, or St. Lucia, with services docking directly in Kingstown's harbor.

Getting Around

Kingstown is compact and very walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and shops within a few blocks of each other in the city center. Local minibuses are the most economical way to travel around the island, costing just $1-3 USD for most journeys, though they can be crowded and run on flexible schedules. Taxis are readily available and affordable for short trips within the city ($5-10 USD) or day trips around the island ($80-120 USD). Car rentals are available from several agencies and cost around $40-60 USD per day, offering the most flexibility for exploring Saint Vincent's beaches, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints at your own pace.

Where to Stay

Kingstown City Center

Villa Beach Area

Indian Bay

Calliaqua

Arnos Vale

Ratho Mill

Food & Dining

Kingstown's dining scene reflects the island's multicultural heritage, blending Caribbean, Indian, Chinese, and British influences into a unique culinary experience. Local specialties include fresh seafood like flying fish and lobster, traditional dishes such as callaloo soup and roasted breadfruit, and exotic fruits like soursop and golden apple. The city center offers everything from casual local eateries serving authentic Vincentian cuisine for $8-15 USD per meal to upscale restaurants with international menus. Don't miss trying the local rum punches and the famous Hairoun beer, brewed right on the island. Street food vendors around the market area offer delicious rotis, patties, and fresh fruit juices at very affordable prices.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Kingstown is during the dry season from December to April, when you'll experience the most sunshine, lowest humidity, and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and island hopping. This period also coincides with the calmest seas, perfect for boat trips to the Grenadines. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds. The shoulder months of May and November can offer good weather with fewer tourists and better deals, while the hurricane season from June to November brings higher rainfall and potential storms, though Saint Vincent is located in the southern Caribbean and experiences fewer direct hits than northern islands.

Insider Tips

Exchange money at local banks rather than hotels for better rates, and note that US dollars are widely accepted but change is often given in Eastern Caribbean dollars

The local minibus system uses hand signals - wave your hand to flag one down and tap on the window or call out when you want to get off

Many restaurants and attractions close on Sundays, so plan accordingly and stock up on supplies on Saturday if needed

Things to Do in Kingstown