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A cruise ship outside Basseterre © D\'Arcy Norman
Overview: Basseterre, the capital of St Kitts, is a port town with a charming British and French heritage reflected in impeccable colonial-era buildings framed by the pristine setting of the natural harbour. Top sights include Brimstone Hill Fortress, with stunning views of the lush sugarcane fields, and the Circus, a Georgian roundabout modelled on London's Piccadilly. Cruise ships dock at Port Zante, in the centre of the Bay, and when there is an overflow, at Birdrock Deepwater Port at the extreme east of Basseterre Bay. Port Zante comprises a single pier allowing any two of the largest ocean liners to dock at any one time. This port is one of only two in the entire Caribbean where the Queen Mary II can berth. Cruise passengers are welcomed by cultural acts, dancers and licensed excursion providers.
Contact:

Tourist Office, Pelican Mall

Tel +869 4665021

info@portzante.com

www.portzante.com

Transport: Metered taxis can easily be hailed directly outside the disembarkation area. Taxis have yellow license plates starting with the letter T or TA. The taxi station is located at the Circus in central town (Tel: 466 6999). Buses have green license plates starting with the letter H; journeys cost roughly EC$4.
Attractions: The Circus is the hub of Basseterre. From here streets lined with interesting shops and boutiques radiate out. The domed Treasury Building, or customs house, on the waterfront recalls St Kitts' heyday as a sugar production centre, as does Independence Square, site of the original slave market, built in 1790. St George's Anglican Church, built by the French in 1670, is another landmark building. Don't miss the picturesque red and yellow traditional fishing boats near the pier - great for photos.
Restaurants:
  • El Fredo's - excellent Caribbean food close to downtown Basseterre
  • Beach House - elegant restaurant with amazing views of Nevis
  • Serendipity - stylish and epicurean, lovely views of Basseterre and the bay

Best dish: Fresh local linefish

Shopping: There are two shopping malls in Basseterre, the Pelican and TDC Mall. Both feature selections of clothing, jewellery, and souvenirs. The vendor's huts behind Pelican Mall can be found to the right of Port Zante as you face the sea. For cheap local crafts get a taxi to Amina market. The Caribelle Batik Factory has a shop with beautiful cloths, and you can tour the factory itself.

Best buy: Rum, cigars, handicrafts

Excursions:
  • Go quad biking in the old plantations
  • Trot along horse-back mountain trails
  • Take a Best of St Kitts driving tour
  • Hike the pristine rainforest
  • Take the St Kitts scenic railway