A Caribbean port town with a lively central market selling local produce and handicrafts. Streets come alive during annual independence celebrations and cultural events.
Kingstown, the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, sits along the southwestern coast of Saint Vincent island. Walk through streets with Georgian buildings and stone arches from the 1800s, explore the 18th-century Botanical Gardens, or climb to Fort Charlotte for harbor views. The city center has produce markets where farmers sell fresh fruits and vegetables, while cruise ships dock at the waterfront port.
Getting Around Kingstown
Minibuses run frequently through Kingstown's main streets, with the central terminal at the New Kingstown Fish Market. Local taxis don't have meters but follow government-set rates - ask about the fare before starting your journey. You can walk easily within the downtown area, though streets become steep as you move away from the waterfront.
Markets and Shopping
The three-story Kingstown Produce Market at Upper Bay, Hillsboro, and Bedford streets fills with shoppers and vendors throughout the week. Browse stalls selling mangoes, coconuts, root vegetables, and Caribbean spices. On Bay Street and Bedford Street, shop for sea-island cotton clothing, handmade jewelry, and traditional straw crafts.
Fort Charlotte and City Views
Fort Charlotte stands 190 meters above sea level on Kingstown's north side. This British garrison from the early 19th century now contains exhibits about the island's history. From the walls, look out across the harbor and neighboring islands. Take a taxi to reach the fort - the uphill walk takes about 45 minutes. Open daily 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with guides available for tours.
The Botanical Gardens
Visit the Botanical Gardens on the northern edge of the city, established in 1765 and among the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. See descendants of the original breadfruit trees that Captain William Bligh brought in 1793. Walk through collections of native fruit trees and tropical plants, with guides explaining the gardens' botanical collections and history.
Vincentian Cuisine
Restaurants around Kingstown prepare dishes using Caribbean ingredients with British, French, and Portuguese cooking methods. Along Bay Street, try salt fish, grilled lobster, and conch stews. Look for local specialties like callaloo soup, roasted breadfruit, and jackfruit curry, made with ingredients grown in the island's volcanic soil.
Harbor and Ferry Services
Large cruise ships and cargo vessels dock in Kingstown's deep harbor, with a cruise terminal on the waterfront. Local boats export bananas, arrowroot, and coconuts. From the Grenadines Wharf at the end of Bay Street, catch regular ferries to nearby islands including Bequia and Union Island.
