Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Gustavia

Christian Wheatley / Getty Images

Key Info

Details

Entertainment and Nightlife, Shopping, Neighborhood/Area Type
Half Day to Full Day Time to Spend

3.9

Overall

Scorecard

Value

5.0
Food Scene

3.0
Atmosphere

3.0

Read about how we rank Things to Do.

During the day, St. Barts' capital city is abuzz. The harbor town is shaped like a horseshoe, and traditional sightseeing is limited to Fort Gustav (which dates back to the Swedish period) and the small but charming Wall House Museum. Lack of sites doesn't bother most visitors since many come here to mainly shop and dine. For a serious dose of retail therapy, stroll along Quai de la République. There you'll find everything from real-life Gaultier to knockoff Gucci to locally made goods can be found inside the hallowed stores of Gustavia.

At night, the island's "nightlife" takes over. Don't be surprised if you bump into vacationing celebrities – anyone from Puff Diddy to the Kardashian family to Jimmy Buffet are known to frequent the island. Longtime popular spots include Le Select (a laid-back bar good for burgers and beer) and Yacht Club (a slightly more formal hangout for cocktails and dancing).

Hotels Nearby

Thing to Do
Hotel

Hotel Villa Marie Saint Barth ...

1.6 Miles Away
5.0-star Hotel Class

Hotel Manapany ...

1.1 Miles Away
5.0-star Hotel Class

Eden Rock – St Barths ...

1.1 Miles Away
5.0-star Hotel Class

See all hotels in St. Barts »

More Best Things to Do in St. Barts

Anse de Grand Cul de Sac picture in St. Barts

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#1 Baie de St-Jean Perhaps it’s the brilliant aquamarine water or the glamorous sunbathers, but the Baie de St-Jean (or the Bay of St. Jean) could make you swear that you were basking ... Read more » Christian Wheatley / Getty Images

#2 Anse des Flamands Unless you're staying at a hotel on the northwest side of the island you may never see this beach, but travelers looking for a quieter (and wider) stretch of ... Read more » Christian Wheatley / Getty Images

#3 Gustavia During the day, St. Barts' capital city is abuzz. The harbor town is shaped like a horseshoe, and traditional sightseeing is limited to Fort Gustav (which dates back to the ... Read more » Christian Wheatley / Getty Images

#4 Anse de Grand Cul de Sac Those interested in water sports – including kayaking, windsurfing, kite surfing, even fly fishing – should visit Anse de Grand Cul de Sac. Especially since its reef-protected waters are warm, calm and ... Read more » Natasha Sioss / Getty Images

#5 Anse de Colombier You have to seriously want privacy to visit this remote beach, which hides at the bottom of a steep, cacti-lined hike down from the main road along St. Barthélemy's ... Read more » Photo Tan Yilmaz / Getty Images

#6 Anse de Grande Saline All you need to enjoy Anse de Grande Saline are sunglasses and a smile – that's because this unspoiled beach is known for its nude, but discreet, sunbathers. This is ... Read more » Natasha Sioss / Getty Images

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One of the most popular beaches on the island, Baie de St-Jean is separated into two stripes of sand by the Eden Rock resort. Christian Wheatley / Getty Images

Those looking for a quiet and secluded beach experience should visit Anse des Flamands on the northwest side of the island. Christian Wheatley / Getty Images

The capital city of St. Barts, Gustavia is home to some of the most luxurious shopping, dining and nightlife in the world. Christian Wheatley / Getty Images

Sports lovers can find an abundance of outfitters along Anse de Grand Cul de Sac. Natasha Sioss / Getty Images

It doesn't get more secluded than Colombier Beach. Visitors can get there by boat or a steep hiking trail. Photo Tan Yilmaz / Getty Images

Known for it's nude sunbathers, Grand Saline Beach is ideal for those who want seclusion and undisturbed sands. Natasha Sioss / Getty Images