Main Street, Charlotte Amalie
Main Street, the bustling thoroughfare that commences at Post Office Square, stands as the vibrant heart of Charlotte Amalie, offering a captivating blend of commerce, history, and duty-free shopping. Known as Dronningens Gade in Danish, translating to Queen's Street, Main Street is the primary artery running through the historic city.
Lined on both sides with an array of retailers, Main Street is a shopping haven, showcasing duty-free bargains that appeal to cruise ship passengers and resort guests alike. The street is a dynamic mix of commerce, with shops ranging from global brands like Tommy Hilfiger outlets to specialized establishments such as liquor emporiums and chocolate shops.
As one strolls along Main Street, the architectural diversity becomes apparent. On the south side, buildings stand in long stretches, separated by narrow alleys that once served as warehouses during the height of trade activity. On the north side of Main Street, a collection of 18th and 19th-century classic West Indian buildings and former town houses paint a picture of the city's colonial heritage. These square-shaped structures, many with two stories and balconies, have been repurposed over time. In the past, the first floor housed shops, while the second floor served as the residence for shopkeepers. Today, these historic buildings are home to duty-free shops, breathing new life into their storied walls.
In addition to its commercial offerings, Main Street embraces a cultural and culinary scene with popular cafes like Gladys' Café and Amalia Cafe. For those seeking authentic local arts and crafts, the Native Arts and Crafts Cooperative and Vendor's Plaza on the side streets and fringes of downtown provide a delightful detour.
Lined on both sides with an array of retailers, Main Street is a shopping haven, showcasing duty-free bargains that appeal to cruise ship passengers and resort guests alike. The street is a dynamic mix of commerce, with shops ranging from global brands like Tommy Hilfiger outlets to specialized establishments such as liquor emporiums and chocolate shops.
As one strolls along Main Street, the architectural diversity becomes apparent. On the south side, buildings stand in long stretches, separated by narrow alleys that once served as warehouses during the height of trade activity. On the north side of Main Street, a collection of 18th and 19th-century classic West Indian buildings and former town houses paint a picture of the city's colonial heritage. These square-shaped structures, many with two stories and balconies, have been repurposed over time. In the past, the first floor housed shops, while the second floor served as the residence for shopkeepers. Today, these historic buildings are home to duty-free shops, breathing new life into their storied walls.
In addition to its commercial offerings, Main Street embraces a cultural and culinary scene with popular cafes like Gladys' Café and Amalia Cafe. For those seeking authentic local arts and crafts, the Native Arts and Crafts Cooperative and Vendor's Plaza on the side streets and fringes of downtown provide a delightful detour.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Charlotte Amalie. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Main Street on Map
Sight Name: Main Street
Sight Location: Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Island (See walking tours in Charlotte Amalie)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Island (See walking tours in Charlotte Amalie)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Island
Create Your Own Walk in Charlotte Amalie
Creating your own self-guided walk in Charlotte Amalie is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Charlotte Amalie Introduction Walking Tour
Once a haven for pirates, the capital city of the United States Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie, is now one of the busiest ports of call for cruise ships in the Caribbean, receiving annually almost 1.5 million visitors.
This area has been inhabited for centuries. When Christopher Columbus arrived here in 1493, it was populated by Caribs, Arawaks, Ciboney, and TaÃno native tribes. The town... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
This area has been inhabited for centuries. When Christopher Columbus arrived here in 1493, it was populated by Caribs, Arawaks, Ciboney, and TaÃno native tribes. The town... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles