Christiansted

Updated August 16, 2026

Christiansted is the main town on St. Croix, on the north-east coast, and it is the most useful base for a visit.

The Danes laid it out in the 1730s and much of that town is still standing — yellow and ochre buildings with arcaded walkways over the pavement, built that way to keep the sun off. It is not a preserved museum quarter. People work in these buildings.

What to see

Christiansted National Historic Site. Fort Christiansvaern, the Danish West India & Guinea Company warehouse, the old customs house and scale house, clustered at the waterfront. Compact enough to walk in an hour and worth the time — this is where the island’s sugar economy was administered.

The boardwalk. Restaurants and bars along the harbour, looking out at Protestant Cay. The best evening in town.

The streets themselves. Company Street, King Street, Strand Street. Shops, galleries, the arcades. Walkable in an afternoon.

Eating and drinking

Christiansted holds most of the island’s restaurant density — waterfront places on the boardwalk, and quieter spots up in the town grid. It is the one part of St. Croix where you can reasonably decide where to eat when you get there rather than planning ahead.

Using it as a base

Practically, Christiansted works because:

• Buck Island charters leave from here. The best half-day on the island departs from the harbour.
• STX airport is 20–25 minutes across the middle of the island.
• Cane Bay is about 25 minutes along the north shore.
• The east end and Point Udall are 30–40 minutes.
• Frederiksted is 35–40 minutes along the main road.

Nothing on St. Croix is more than about 45 minutes from town, which is the argument for staying near it.

Protestant Cay

The small island in the harbour, reachable by a short ferry from the boardwalk. A beach, and a good view back at the town.

Where we are

Our villa sits in Estate Seven Hills, in the hills above the east end — ten minutes from dinner in town, high enough that the view runs out over Green Cay to Buck Island and the sea beyond. See our villa.

Common questions

Is Christiansted worth visiting?

Yes. It is the main town on St. Croix, home to Christiansted National Historic Site and Fort Christiansvaern, a working harbour, and most of the island's restaurants and charter departures.

Is Christiansted a good base for a St. Croix trip?

It is the most practical base. Buck Island charters leave from here, the airport is 20–25 minutes away, and the north-shore beaches and east end are both within easy reach.