The capital's most prominent landmark is notably St. John's Cathedral. After an earthquake destroyed the original 1681 wooden church, the locals quickly built a new one of stone. The pitch-pine interior makes visitors feel like they've stepped into a fortress within a cave. Be sure to call ahead and arrange a tour as the church may be undergoing renovations during your visit.
To learn more about the history and culture of the area, go check out the artifacts in the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. A 1750 courthouse is the setting as you walk through the collection of pieces including an Arawak canoe and models of the old sugar plantations.
If you decide to venture outside of St John's, you may very well be drawn to the shops and stands meant for the tourists at Nelson's Dockyard or Heritage Quay, and that's great. It's your vacation – do what you want. However, if the attractions aren't attracting you anymore, find the trail behind the Copper and Lumber Store and follow it to the ruins of Fort Berkeley. This 15-minute hike to 18th century ruins is sprinkled with spectacular views of coastline and open sea.
Another destination just outside of St. John's includes the ruins of Betty's Hope sugar plantation. It serves as a sobering reminder that this island was once a colonial slave mill for the sugar industry. This sad and desolate area is small, but a perfect testament to the history of brutal slavery in Antigua.
Imagine all the activities you've heard of in the Caribbean – jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, kayaking – they're all available to do in St. John's. You can swim with dolphins, simply cycle around and get to know the locals or place some bets at the casino.
Note: if you do decide to visit one of the casinos in town, be wary of casino scams. Some places run a variation on the "Razzle Dazzle" game where a woman will try to lure you into the casino with the promise of free bets. They'll have you winning at first to get your confidence up, and before you know it, you've lost hundreds. Just walk past the pretty girl.
One activity that is quite popular is going out and cheering on the local cricket team. Games are played at Recreation Ground and there's so much more to this experience than just a cricket game. This is Antigua's most popular sport and games also feature calypso dancing and lots of dancing.
And if that money is just burning a hole in your pocket, make sure to take it to the Public Market. Here you'll find fresh fruits like bananas, limes, mangoes and more just lining the stalls. Locals will tell you that Friday and Saturday mornings are the best times to go. Keep your eyes out for rare finds like a black pineapple.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Saint John's. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Exquisite Taxi and Tours Antigua for $135 details
- Glenmon taxi and tours for $70 details
- Island Flava Discovery Tour for $150 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Saint John's, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.