Castries

Travel Guide

La Toc Beach
Castries
Castries
Vigie Beach
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 SquareOpens in a new window, 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 ConceptionOpens in a new window. 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 BeachOpens in a new window, 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

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
StolenTime St Lucia
StolenTime St Lucia
4 out of 5
Cap Estate, Castries
The price is CA $1,087 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
CA $1,087
CA $1,296 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Castries. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (108 reviews)
"Best staff, entertainment & verb peaceful & calm resort ."

Reviewed on Jun. 22, 2025

StolenTime St Lucia
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 CA $355 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
CA $355
CA $401 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
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 property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (468 reviews)
"great"

Reviewed on Jul. 3, 2025

Bel Jou Hotel – Adults Only – All Inclusive
Villa Beach Cottages
Villa Beach Cottages
3 out of 5
Choc Bay, P.O. Box 129, Castries
The price is CA $337 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
CA $337
CA $413 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
includes taxes & fees
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! (414 reviews)
"Loved everything about the property--on the beach/clean/quiet/beautiful landscape.Extremely helpful staff Could not ask for anything more and if I did I am sure they would try to provide it"

Reviewed on Jun. 28, 2025

Villa Beach Cottages
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.
Seaview Apartel
Seaview Apartel
2.5 out of 5
John Compton Highway, Castries, Castries
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Castries. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 beach bars. Popular attractions Serenity Park and Vigie Beach ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (14 reviews)
"The staff was really welcoming"

Reviewed on May 24, 2025

Seaview Apartel
Blu Vista Cottages
Blu Vista Cottages
5 out of 5
Forestierre, Castries
Stay at this 5-star luxury apartment in Castries. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions St. Omer Artmagic and Rainforest ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"The host Donalyn was great. The place was very clean and safe. Great Communication with the host and staff during the stay. Overall lovely place and highly recommend Blu Vista"

Reviewed on Feb. 27, 2025

Blu Vista Cottages
Escape to the Tranquil Sophistication of Yellow Sands Luxury Villas
Escape to the Tranquil Sophistication of Yellow Sands Luxury Villas
Castries
Book a stay at this beach villa in Castries. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions La Toc Beach and Fort Charlotte ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Amazing Views!!!!!
"Alex, Aunt Bee, and the gentlemen maintaining the property every day were all amazing and made sure we were enjoying our stay. The pool was amazing and had the best view. We had a chef come and cook for us one Sunday afternoon, which was delicious. We did enjoy buying day passes at some of the resorts. ..."

Reviewed on May 24, 2025

Escape to the Tranquil Sophistication of Yellow Sands Luxury Villas
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

3.5
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
0
5 - Excellent 0%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 50%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Downtown area busy. Everything appeared clean, people friendly.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We took a day trip to pigeon island and smuggler's cove to do some snorkeling which was a short drive away! The roti at Banacles restaurant was wonderful! The Coal Pot restaurant was my absolute favorite, located 10 minutes away!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Didn't really spend any time there.

Cities near Castries