←Saint Kitts and Nevis travel guide
Saint Paul Parish, Saint Kitts and Nevis
Charlestown
Nevis's quiet capital with deep history on every corner
BeachesHistory & HeritageWellness & Spa
Charlestown sits on the leeward coast of Nevis, a small town of stone buildings and wooden upper floors that has served as the island's administrative centre for centuries. Visitors find the birthplace of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, the Museum of Nevis History, and the remains of the 18th-century Bath Hotel within easy walking distance.
Check Saint Kitts and Nevis visa requirements →
Best time to visit
December to April
Region
Saint Paul Parish
Main airport
Nevis NEV (NEV)
Discover
Top Things to Do in Charlestown
Nature
Pinney's Beach
Pinney's Beach stretches for nearly five kilometres along the calm leeward coast of Nevis, a broad arc of golden sand fringed with coconut palms and lapped by sheltered turquoise water. The beach sits just north of Charlestown and is backed by a handful of beach bars and the Four Seasons resort, offering everything from quiet sunbathing to snorkelling in the clear shallows. Views across the strait towards Saint Kitts and the volcanic silhouette of Mount Liamuiga make for a memorable backdrop.
Culture
Museum of Nevis History
Housed in the restored birthplace of Alexander Hamilton on the main street of Charlestown, the Museum of Nevis History traces the island's story from pre-Columbian Carib settlement through the colonial sugar era to independence. Exhibits include artefacts, documents, and photographs that illuminate the lives of the enslaved Africans who built the island's economy, alongside displays on Hamilton's early years before he emigrated to North America. The building itself, rebuilt in the 18th-century vernacular style, is one of the most photographed landmarks in Charlestown.
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Charlestown
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Saint Kitts and Nevis
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Saint Kitts and Nevis page at Yoogo.
The official currency is the East Caribbean dollar (XCD), which has been pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate since 1976, making US dollars widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Credit and debit cards are accepted at most larger establishments, though smaller vendors and rural areas tend to prefer cash, so it is worth carrying some local currency for everyday purchases.
Saint Kitts and Nevis is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, with most visits passing without incident. As with any destination, travellers are advised to remain aware of their surroundings, avoid displaying valuables openly, and take sensible precautions, particularly after dark in less-frequented areas.
On Saint Kitts, shared minibuses and taxis are the most common ways to get around, running along the main coastal road between Basseterre and the wider island. A passenger ferry connects Saint Kitts and Nevis several times daily, with the crossing taking roughly 45 minutes, and rental cars and scooters are available on both islands, though a local driving permit is required even for those holding an international licence.
The driest and most comfortable months to visit are December through April, when temperatures hover around 25–27 degrees Celsius and rainfall is at its lowest, making this the peak tourist season. The hurricane season runs from June to November, with August and October carrying the highest risk, though rain showers can occur at any time of year given the islands' tropical climate.
English is the official and everyday language of both islands, spoken with a distinctive Eastern Caribbean lilt that visitors quickly grow accustomed to. Communication poses no difficulty for English-speaking travellers, and all signage, menus, and official documents are in English.
No vaccinations are legally required for entry unless you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. Health authorities generally recommend travellers are up to date with routine vaccinations and consider hepatitis A protection; it is advisable to consult a travel health clinic or GP at least four to six weeks before departure for personalised guidance.