Antigua may conjure images of turquoise waters and postcard-perfect beaches, but its capital, St. John’s, offers travelers history, too. Antigua’s story is shaped by Indigenous Caribbean cultures, European empires, Caribbean resistance, and a modern identity rooted in tourism.
A Brief History of Antigua
Long before Antigua became a prized colonial outpost, the island was home to the Arawak and later the Carib peoples, who left lasting cultural imprints that survive in local traditions and archaeological traces. Europeans arrived in the late 15th century, but it was England’s settlement in 1632 that transformed the island into a sugar-producing powerhouse. Enslaved Africans created the wealth that fueled the colony—laboring under brutal conditions yet forming the heart of Antigua’s cultural heritage.
By the 18th century, the island had become a strategic British naval base. Its position in the Caribbean made it indispensable to the Royal Navy, leading to major military installations that still stand today. Antigua achieved independence in 1981, and St. John’s now blends its colonial architecture, lively markets, and seaside charm into a feast for curious travelers.
Things to Do and See In and Around St. John’s
St. John’s Cathedral
Perched on a hill above the city, St. John’s Cathedral is hard to miss with its twin white towers rising above the capital. Originally built in 1681, it survived earthquakes, fires, and centuries of wear—each reconstruction adding new layers to its story. The current 19th-century structure, with its baroque flourishes and commanding presence, invites visitors to step into a space where Antigua’s spiritual and architectural history intersect. I really enjoyed roaming around the church with its gorgeous wood interior and wandering around the cemetery, which had seen numerous natural disasters over the years. From an accessibility standpoint, it was not really accessible. It was said to be, but the incline is steep approaching the church and the curb cuts are few. If mobility isn’t an issue though, it is worth a walk out to this pretty cathedral.
Heritage Quay
Just steps from the cruise port, Heritage Quay is the island’s shopping district. Here, historic warehouses once tied to the colonial trade economy now host duty-free shops, cafes, and tourism-focused shops. And while I didn’t check, there is likely a Diamonds International (if you know, you know). While it’s great for souvenirs, it also shows how Antigua has transformed old commercial spaces into lively cultural hubs. Dancers greet the tourists pouring off their ships creating a lively Caribbean vibe.
Redcliffe Quay
A short walk away lies Redcliffe Quay, one of the oldest parts of St. John’s. Explore its alleys, admire its buildings, browse local crafts, and stop for island delicacies. Once connected to the sugar trade—and its painful legacy—this historic area now houses colorful boutiques, art galleries, and waterfront restaurants shaded by bougainvillea. I enjoyed strolling around this little area the last time I was there and found some unique artisan jewelry and fabulous artist studios. Look at Zemi for cool artisan goods and ask them about how to see the two nearby artist studios. The local artist community is trying to create a National Gallery of Antigua there. As of now, you can see art from deceased Antiguan artists on display.
Visit the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda
Located in a former courthouse dating to 1750, this museum covers everything from Indigenous life to plantation history to post-independence culture.
Nelson’s Dockyard National Park
Although not in St. John’s proper, Nelson’s Dockyard is a must-see for anyone with a few hours (or a tour) from the port. Located in the English Harbour, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world’s only fully restored Georgian naval dockyard. You can wander among stone storehouses, officers’ quarters, and docks that once serviced Britain’s Caribbean fleet.
Relax on One of Antigua’s Beaches
Antigua proudly claims to have a beach for every day of the year (I’m not sure if that is actually true but it’s fun marketing). Close to port, consider Fort James Beach or Runaway Beach—both excellent choices if you want sun and sand without straying far.
Explore Fort James or Fort Barrington
For history paired with views, head to one of St. John’s defensive forts. Fort James sits near the harbor entrance; it was built to guard St. John’s harbor and is one of the many forts built by the British in the 1700s. Fort Barrington rewards those willing to hike uphill with sweeping panoramas.
Take a Scenic Island Tour
If you have more time, book a guided excursion that loops around the island. You’ll get to explore rural villages, lush landscapes, remnants of plantation life, and stunning coastal roads.
Why St. John’s Should Be on Your Travel List
St. John’s is a popular cruise stop but is more than just white sand beaches, you can learn about its layered past, enjoy its Caribbean rhythms, shop its markets, and embrace its culture. For travelers seeking both relaxation and rich historical discovery, Antigua’s capital offers the perfect blend.
If you want to see things easily, I recommend an excursion or tour. If you want to save money on a cruise-sponsored excursion, book a tour with Shore Excursions Group, where you’ll find the same variety of tours at lower prices, plus added perks.
- Over 4,000 excursions in 300+ ports worldwide (covering 99% of major cruise itineraries)
- Lower-priced, high-quality excursions compared to ship offerings
- Smaller group sizes for a more personal experience
- Money-back guarantee & Return to Ship guarantee
- 24/7 support for peace of mind
I’ve used them myself and love the accessibility, quality, and savings. You can simply look up your cruise and see excursions for each port—just like the cruise line, but at a better value.
https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1634209&data=roaminghistorian@gmail.com
Viator also offers many options: https://www.viator.com/St-Johns/d22047-ttd?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
Happy travels!
P.S. For those with mobility issues, St. John’s can be really challenging. Areas of the port are okay, but outside that small area the roads are a mess. There are few curb cuts and sometimes you will find deep troughs and holes along the sidewalks (if there are sidewalks). Cars park any which way and often block access. See this video for more:
St. John’s Cathedral, Antigua
Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.
Traveling soon? You will love our tour partners at LivTours, Tour Guy, and Viator. Check them out:
LivTours (semi-private/private tours): https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61
**You can save 10% on LivTours tours with the code AMYRH10 (good on two or more tours)
TourGuy (small group/private tours): https://tidd.ly/3J78sNi
Viator (small to medium size groups/private): https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
Protect your vacation with Travel Insurance dot com. This awesome travel site provides quotes from numerous travel insurance agencies and allows you to purchase them with no added increase to you: https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44
With industry leaders in tours, travel insurance, hotels, vacation rentals, flights, cruises, and trip planning, explore the world with our curated list of affiliate links on our Travel Planning page. Book travel insurance, tours, hotels, and more: https://roaminghistorian.com/travel-planning/
Disclosure: Roaming Historian may derive revenue from affiliate links and other sources, which helps offset the costs of bringing you the information we do. The blogs and reviews posted on this website are of our own opinion though.
Roaming Historian 