This calm harbor town on Guernsey has elegant Georgian buildings along its waterfront. Its mild climate and maritime history draw visitors to its museums and local aquarium.
Saint Peter Port, Guernsey's capital, rises along steep hillsides above the English Channel. Walk the cobbled High Street past Georgian townhouses, visit the 800-year-old Castle Cornet, or explore Victor Hugo's former home at Hauteville House. The Victorian Candie Gardens contain the Guernsey Museum, while the waterfront has local seafood restaurants and shops selling traditional Guernsey jumpers.
Walking the Town's Streets
The streets of Saint Peter Port wind upward from the harbor, with more than 100 stone steps and narrow alleyways connecting different levels. Walk through the High Street and Market Square to find family-owned shops selling antiques, handmade jewelry, and Guernsey wool sweaters. Many buildings date from the 1700s, including Georgian townhouses and mansions built by French refugees.
Exploring Castle Cornet
Castle Cornet sits on a rocky outcrop at the harbor entrance, linked to the mainland by an 1859 breakwater. Visit four museums within its walls: the Maritime Museum chronicles local seafaring traditions, the Story of Castle Cornet Museum documents eight centuries of fortress history, and both the 201 Squadron RAF Museum and Maritime Museum detail military events. Walk through four period gardens, including a kitchen garden growing 1600s-era vegetables and herbs. Watch the daily noon cannon firing by soldiers wearing historical uniforms.
Inside Hauteville House
Victor Hugo designed and decorated this five-story house during his exile from 1856 to 1870. Each room contains his personal collection of tapestries, carved wooden panels, and mirrors. His top-floor writing room looks out over the harbor, where he wrote while standing at his desk. The red dining room displays Chinese-inspired decorations, and the garden maintains the same tree species Hugo planted.
Getting Around and Day Trips
Take buses 91 and 92 to circle the island and reach beaches and coastal areas. The complete route takes 90 minutes, with hourly departures from the harbor bus terminal. Regular ferries connect to Herm island (20 minutes) and Sark (45 minutes). Cruise passengers arrive via tender boats at Albert Pier when weather conditions allow.
Shopping and Local Currency
Most town center shops open from 9:00 to 17:30 Monday through Saturday, with limited Sunday trading. British pounds and local Guernsey pounds are accepted everywhere. The town's duty-free status makes electronics, perfumes, and jewelry less expensive than in the UK.
