Spending a day in this picturesque city is a must.  There are a number of great attractions to “see”, however just walking about and experiencing the daily hustle and bustle with no set plan is a lot of fun.  It is definitely one of the most unique and quaint cities in the Caribbean, a result of its colonial heritage.  St. George’s was founded in the early 18th century by the French.  The red tile roofs and pastel colors set into the lush green hills reflect the charm and character of a French town, as a result.

Getting There

This is a day trip.  A taxi from any of the southern anchorages will cost about $40 EC one-way.  You could alternately  walk part of the way, then catch one of the public buses that will take you the rest of the way for $1.75 EC.  These buses are a show unto themselves, as we learned during our December 2000 trip, and documented in the trip report.

The Carenage

St. George’s inner harbor is a main center of activity on the island.  The harbor as a foreground to the whitewashed red-tiled structures set into the hills contributes substantially to the postcard quality of the photographs taken of the city.  Many types of vessels dock here, from small fishing boats to massive cruise ships. Wharf Road follows the perimeter of the Carenage, and a walk along this pretty street is a must.

The Streets

The streets bustle with every possible form of activity.   People are out walking everywhere.  Cars are double parked while their drivers engage in some form of commerce.  The streets are very narrow, and snake around, up, down, and all over. You get an eyeful of something new with every street corner you round.

Fort George

Fort George situated is at the top of a hill that forms a peninsula, and protects the entrance to the harbor.  Constructed by the French in the early 1700’s, it has a commanding 360° view of the entire harbor and approaches, which is why it was built there in the first place.  It is definitely worth the climb up to have a look - the view is absolutely outstanding.

       
             Panoramic view from Fort George (268KB)

The Fort remains mostly intact, and a number of old cannons still remain.  It is fun to roam around and explore.  It is currently being used as a Police Training Barracks, but they don’t seem to mind you walking around.

This is the spot where the rebels shot Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and his cabinet back in 1983 during the coup.  The Americans later bombed the Fort during the invasion.

The Market

Market Square is in the center of town because it is, and has been, the center of the city’s most important activities for the past 200 years.  It is the main site for the trade of local produce, and is the focal point for parades, political speeches, and religious activities.   Saturday mornings are especially chaotic, and should not be missed if you want to experience a bustling, noisy, and colorful slice of life in the Caribbean.

The Esplanade

The Esplanade is right on the water facing west, about a block from Market Square.  During the day, this place is chock full of mini-buses, as it is the city’s departure terminal for all the buses on the island.

Sendall Tunnel

There is a 340 foot tunnel built under the Fort that takes you from the Carenage side of town to the Esplanade.  The thing was carved out of the rock in 1894, not exactly designed with today’s vehicular requirements in mind. It is rather interesting to walk through while vehicles zip by, missing you, the ceiling, and the walls by mere inches.

St. George’s Roman Catholic Cathedral

Conspicuous by its tall Gothic tower, St. George’s Cathedral is one of the most visible landmarks in the city.  Built in 1818, the tower adds to the distinctively European flavor to the city.

Parliament

The seat of government is located right across from the Cathedral.  The House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Supreme Court are housed in York House.  Built in the late 1700’s, it is a fine example of early Georgian architecture.

A Great Pit Stop

At some point in the day, you will need refueling.  A window table on the second-floor Nutmeg Restaurant the perfect spot to rest, take in some nourishment, and enjoy the best view of the Carenage.  Perhaps one or two cruise ships will be in port.

The lambi (conch) and roti make an excellent lunch and is reasonably priced.  You might sit for the afternoon and watch the world go by, perhaps slipping into one of their “World Famous” rum punches, topped with grated nutmeg of course!

A Day Well Spent

Once you’ve taken in all you can, either flag down a taxi or proceed to the Esplanade to catch the bus back to your anchorage.  There is no question that a day in St. George’s is just another great day in Paradise.