Castries

Travel Guide
Castries
Dive head first into St. Lucia’s vibrant capital city to experience Creole-inspired cuisine, funky nightclubs, historic buildings and bustling markets.

Castries is a wonderful feast for the senses. In this bustling city, home to 40 percent of St. Lucia’s population, music wafts along the streets, colorful fruit and vegetables grown on the island’s fertile soils decorate market stalls and women sport brightly colored traditional dress. Set off on a walking tour of this enigmatic city to experience the heart of St. Lucian life.

Start your explorations in Derek Walcott Square, named in honor of one of the country’s two Nobel laureates. Colonial buildings line the edges of the square, which features carefully tended gardens, as well as a memorial to fallen soldiers.

From there head to the nearby Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Admire the stone exterior of one of the city’s most important cultural centers before heading inside, where bright colors adorn the walls and high ceilings.

Haggle for souvenirs and trinkets at the Castries Central Market. Buy plump fresh fruit and vegetables and sample some local cuisine from the food stalls. Food is an important part of St. Lucian life and Castries is home to excellent haute cuisine restaurants as well as local eateries. Enjoy dishes with ingredients such as coconut, papaya, mango, fish and green figs.

Make your way to the top of Morne Fortune, which looms 852 feet (260 meters) above the city. Visit the fortress there and learn about Castries’ military history at the small museum. It also boasts some excellent views so don’t forget your camera.

When your feet are tired from walking, head to the beach for a well-deserved rest. Lay on the warm golden sands of Vigie Beach, La Toc Beach or Choc Beach, where turquoise-colored waters lap against the sand. Find shade under swaying palm trees.

There are two arrival points into Castries: George F.L Charles Airport, located a short distance from downtown, and Pointe Seraphine Port for cruise ships. It is a small city and easily navigable. Hail a cab to get out to the beaches in just a few minutes or hop on a catamaran to explore the beautiful west coast including famous Marigot Bay.

Where to stay in Castries

Vigie Beach

Vigie

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Vigie, Saint Lucia National Archives and Vigie Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Vigie
Diamond Falls changes colors due to the volcano

Coubaril

Though Coubaril might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like La Toc Beach and Eudovic's Art Studio.

Coubaril
Villa Beach Cottages
Villa Beach Cottages
3 out of 5
Choc Bay, P.O. Box 129, Castries
The price is ¥43,132 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
¥43,132
per night
Mar 29 - Mar 30
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Castries. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (265 reviews)
"Lovely property"

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2024

Villa Beach Cottages
Bel Jou Hotel – Adults Only – All Inclusive
Bel Jou Hotel – Adults Only – All Inclusive
3.5 out of 5
La Pansee, Castries
The price is ¥43,478 per night from Apr 24 to Apr 25
¥43,478
per night
Apr 24 - Apr 25
Stay at this 3.5-star spa property in Castries. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (250 reviews)
"I would definitely go back to Bel Jou. The property was clean and the staff were friendly. My husband and I absolutely loved the food. However, I wish there were more dining options especially fine dining. Overall the stay was great!!!"

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024

Bel Jou Hotel – Adults Only – All Inclusive
Sandals Regency La Toc - ALL INCLUSIVE Couples Only
Sandals Regency La Toc - ALL INCLUSIVE Couples Only
4.5 out of 5
La Toc Road, Castries
Stay at this luxury property in Castries. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (317 reviews)
"Everyone was very friendly and made our stay feel special. The only slight downside was at the La Toc restaurant the night we ate. Not sure if they were short staffed or had some issues. It took an hour and a half to get an app and entree. Every other restaurant was very speedy service. Staff was ..."

Reviewed on Feb 29, 2024

Sandals Regency La Toc - ALL INCLUSIVE Couples Only
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Apartment with a million dollar view and a wrap-around balcony with beach access
Apartment with a million dollar view and a wrap-around balcony with beach access
Castries
Stay at this beach apartment in Castries. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Popular attractions La Toc Beach and Fort Charlotte are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (19 reviews)
Very Private with great view
"The property is very quiet and private. The pool is a great place to relax and get some sun. Lydia is a great host. And responded to are questions and request quickly but if we had not contacted her you would think the entire place was yours alone. Wonderful stay. The view of the bay is spectacular. ..."

Reviewed on Feb 22, 2024

Apartment with a million dollar view and a wrap-around balcony with beach access
Villa Xona - a Luxury villa with stunning views - perfect for entertaining
Villa Xona - a Luxury villa with stunning views - perfect for entertaining
Castries
Stay at this villa in Castries. Enjoy private pools, breakfast, and WiFi. Popular attractions Eudovic's Art Studio and Mont Fortune Historic Area are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
Great Stay
"My boyfriend and I stayed at the property for a week. The space was clean, the pool was lovely, communication with the property manager was efficient, and the taxi (Marcus) was quick. There was some typical wear and tear of the property, for example, only one burner on the bbq lit, there were a few ..."

Reviewed on Mar 7, 2024

Villa Xona - a Luxury villa with stunning views - perfect for entertaining
Ultimate beachfront luxury: 3-bedroom villa with pool. Your paradise awaits!
Ultimate beachfront luxury: 3-bedroom villa with pool. Your paradise awaits!
Castries
Stay at this villa in Castries. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and breakfast. Popular attractions Embassy of Mexico and The Embassy of France in Saint Lucia ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
Vigie Beach Stay
"Great location except for airport plane noise We enjoyed the house with pool. Our host was exceptionally helpful with restaurant recommendations and supermarkets. Accommodation was well equipped with complimentary coffee, milk water, a bottle of rum. Would certainly recommend it for any travelers ..."

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2024

Ultimate beachfront luxury: 3-bedroom villa with pool. Your paradise awaits!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Castries

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
12
" "5 - Excellent 31.57894736842105%
4 - Good
17
" "4 - Good 44.73684210526316%
3 - Okay
9
" "3 - Okay 23.68421052631579%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jan 23, 2020

I highly recommend going to the Big Chef Steak House in Rodney Bay Village. One of the best restaurants that I have ever been to. The meal was absolutely delicious. Also, I have to say that I found the people of St. Lucia to be very nice.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jan 12, 2020

Some vendors a little to aggressive in the market.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Dec 31, 2019

our hotel Auberge saraphine was conveniently located

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Aug 19, 2019

Lovey, rustic island space that sits outside of the walls of the resort world. Real people at their best.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 29, 2019

Beautiful place, Lovely scenery.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Apr 17, 2019

We only stayed one night and left to bunk in with relatives at Coco beach.

Cities near Castries