Charlotte Amalie Historic Sights
The historic centre of Charlotte Amalie is a short walk from the harbour, with Danish-era buildings climbing the hillside behind it. These stops are listed in a sensible walking order, starting at the water.
Fort Christian
Begun in the 1670s, the fort is the oldest landmark in the US Virgin Islands. Admission is US$10 per person. Usual hours run Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm, though a second official source says 9 am to 3 pm, and the fort closes on public holidays. Parking is US$2 per hour, up to US$10 per day. The territory’s government, through DPNR, runs the museum. Town halls in June 2026 discussed what comes next for it, so call (340) 776-4566 to confirm that doors are open.
Emancipation Garden
Next to the fort, this free park marks the emancipation proclamation that Governor Peter von Scholten issued on 3 July 1848. A Liberty Bell replica and a bandstand stand within it. It is a place for a quiet pause, so keep voices low.
Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas
At 2116 Crystal Gade, the congregation calls its building the oldest synagogue building in continuous use under the American flag, and says it is the second oldest in the Western Hemisphere. The congregation was founded in 1796, which makes it 230 years old in 2026. Its floor is covered in sand, and the congregation says only five synagogues in the world have one.
Visitors are welcome Monday to Thursday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm and on Friday from 9:30 am to 2 pm. Tours are free and a donation is requested. Bring photo ID for your first visit, dress modestly and expect closures on Jewish holidays.
Government Hill
The streets of Government Hill, once called Kongens Quarter, lead to Frederick Lutheran Church and Government House. Admire them from the street. Allow time for the climb, which is steep and exposed.
The 99 Steps and Blackbeard’s Castle
Officials began a contractor renovation of the 99 Steps in December 2024 and asked the public to keep off them, so ask locally whether they have reopened. At the top of the steps is Blackbeard’s Castle, the Skytsborg tower from the late 1600s. It was closed after Hurricane Irma in 2017. Local listings now show it open on limited days, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 am to 3 pm in a season from 20 October to 31 August. Check before you climb.
Viewpoints on the north-side road
Mountain Top and Drake’s Seat are lookouts along the road across the island toward Magens Bay. Mountain Top has been reported as operating this year, so confirm it is open before you make the detour.
Walk the same area at a slower pace with this route: Walking tours in Charlotte Amalie .
Compare organised outings on Viator . For current details, see the pages for Fort Christian and the synagogue .