Charlotte Amalie at a glance
Charlotte Amalie is the capital of the US Virgin Islands, on the south coast of St. Thomas. Its old town sits along the harbor, with a fort, a memorial park and a historic stairway among the main sights. This guide is independent and is not connected to any museum, site operator or government office.
Most sights are small stops rather than all-day visits. Fort Christian faces Emancipation Garden, and the 99 Steps climb Government Hill. Check the opening times below before you plan the order.
Old town sights compared
Prices and hours as published, 2026. Check that the place is open on your day.
| Sight | Cost | Hours | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Christian | $10 per person | Usually Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm | Museum on the waterfront |
| 99 Steps | – | – | Historic stairway with 103 steps |
| Emancipation Garden | – | – | Memorial park across from the fort |
| Blackbeard's Castle | $15 per person, operator price | Daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, last entry 4:30 pm, operator listing | Confirm it is open for your date |
| Historical Trust Museum | Free, donations welcome | Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm | 5332 Raadets Gade |
Charlotte Amalie tours and St. Thomas day trips
Island tours with town stops, snorkel trips, cruises and day trips from Charlotte Amalie, with live prices and availability.
Fort Christian
Fort Christian is a museum on the waterfront, across from Emancipation Garden. It was built between 1672 and 1680, and the clock tower was added in 1874. Do not confuse it with Fort Christiansvaern on St. Croix.
The tourism board lists $10 per person and usual hours of Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with possible changes. Do not plan a weekend visit. A parking lot next to the fort charges $2 per hour, up to $10 per day. A new permanent exhibit was in planning in 2026, so ask what is on display when you arrive.
The 99 Steps
This historic stairway dates from the 18th century and was built with Danish ballast bricks. The name is generous: the tourism board counts 103 steps. It climbs Government Hill.
No lift or step-free access is mentioned, so think about mobility before you go. Wear shoes with grip, and carry water.
Emancipation Garden
This park honors the emancipation of the enslaved people of the island in 1848. It has a pavilion and a statue of a figure blowing a conch shell. It lies across from Fort Christian, so the two fit into one stop.
Blackbeard's Castle and the Historical Trust Museum
Two more stops, both worth a check before you go.
Blackbeard's Castle
The Skytsborg watchtower dates from 1679. The operator lists $15 per person, daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with last entry at 4:30 pm, self-guided, with the tower, grounds and a pool and lounge area included. Tourism board articles have described the gates as closed after hurricane damage and renovation, and a 2025 report describes a reopening. Confirm with the operator that it is open on your date.
Historical Trust Museum
The St. Thomas Historical Trust Museum is a separate museum from Fort Christian, at 5332 Raadets Gade. It lists free entry with donations welcome, Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. A tourism board article suggests arranging a visit in advance, so contact the museum first.
Shopping and the duty-free limit
What to know before you buy.
The federal rule for returning U.S. residents allows $1,600 of personal and household goods after a trip to the US Virgin Islands. At most $800 of that may have been bought elsewhere. The rule covers personal goods, not items for resale.
The port authority describes the allowance for U.S. citizens, while the federal rule speaks of returning residents with further conditions, so check the rule if you live abroad. It is not a promise that everything is tax free, and it is not the allowance for entering Germany or another country. Alcohol and tobacco follow separate rules. Read the travel requirements page for entry documents.
Getting to town from the cruise piers
Cruise ships dock at Havensight (the WICO dock) or at Crown Bay. The cruise port guide explains both. One taxi operator lists these fares to town, per person:
| From | One passenger | Per person in a group |
|---|---|---|
| West Indian Dock (WICO) to town | $6 | $6 |
| Havensight Crossroad to town | $9 | $8 |
| Crown Bay to town | $8 | $6 |
Confirm the fare before you get in. Licensed taxis show a roof sign and a TP on the plate.
The Skyride to Paradise Point
A cable car over the harbor, if you want a viewpoint.
- Price. The return ticket is $34.95 for adults and $24.95 for children. Residents and crew pay $15.
- The ride. The trip takes about 7 minutes. It stops in strong wind or lightning. The operator says no reservation is needed. You buy tickets at the counter or through your cruise ship.
- Timing. The Skyride usually starts at 9:00 am on days when ships are in. The schedule can vary and has maintenance closures, so check the monthly schedule.
More on St. Thomas
Other pages for the rest of your plan.
Charlotte Amalie: frequently asked questions
What should I see in Charlotte Amalie?
Fort Christian, Emancipation Garden and the 99 Steps are the main old town sights. Blackbeard's Castle and the Historical Trust Museum are further options, and both need a check on opening before you go.
How much does Fort Christian cost?
The tourism board lists $10 per person, usually Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Hours may differ, so do not rely on a weekend visit.
Are there really 99 steps?
No. The tourism board counts 103 steps on the stairway, which dates from the 18th century and was built with Danish ballast bricks.
Is Blackbeard's Castle open?
The operator lists daily opening from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for $15, but other sources have described it as closed after hurricane damage. Confirm with the operator for your date.
How much can I bring home duty free?
Returning U.S. residents get a $1,600 allowance for personal goods, with at most $800 bought elsewhere. Other travelers need to check the rules of their own country.
How do I get from the cruise piers to town?
Taxis run from both piers to town for $6 to $9 per person. Confirm the fare first.