20 Must See Places In Antigua & Barbuda

8/21/2023

Having a hard time deciding what to see in Antigua? Let's help you make a list of must-see sites you should visit before leaving this tropical island. Below we will take you to historical sites, hidden gems, and beautiful beaches.

1. Fig Tree Drive

If you want to know what island life feels like, we recommend a drive down Fig Tree Drive. It is considered one of the best scenic routes in Antigua and Barbuda. This trip will take approximately 20 minutes, depending on the time of day and how much you want to take in the views. On this drive, you will see farms, the occasional zipliner, miles of green hills, and various tropical trees and plants.
Fun Fact : We Antiguans call bananas figs, therefore the road got its name from the many banana plantations that used to be in that area.

2. Betty's Hope

Betty's Hope is located on the east side of Antigua. It is an old sugar plantation from the 1600s and was considered one of the largest on the island. Here you will find two sugar mills nestled among ruins.
Fun Fact: Christopher Codrington, former Captain General of the Leeward Islands, named Betty's Hope after his daughter.

3. Fort Barrington

Fort Barrington was built in the 1700s by the previous British rule. It sits at a top of a hill that allows you to see a 360 view of Antigua and the Caribbean Sea. If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, we recommend taking an early morning hike, then cooling off at Deep Bay Beach.
Fun Fact: It is said that Fort Barrington is the only Fort to have had military engagement when the French attacked.

4. Fort James

Fort James was built to protect St. John's Harbor in the 1700s by the previous British rule. Not only will you see ruins of the barracks that used to house the men, but other scenic points of the island. Once you reach the top to view the beautiful ocean, we recommend taking a moment to appreciate The Sleeping Indian.
Fun Fact: The Sleeping Indian is a set of hills that appear to be a person sleeping with their arms across their chest. You can see this mountain range from multiple points of the island.

5. Shirley Height

Shirley Heights was another Fort that was built to protect against the French. Now it is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. Unlike the other forts around the island, you can park your car at the top of the hill. On this side of the island, you will find your occasional sail ship -white against the deep blue of the ocean.

6. Shirley Lookout

On the other side of Shirley Heights, you will find Shirley Lookout. This side gives you another view of the island, take a seat and enjoy the warmth, cool wind, and calm. Feeling hungry? Be sure to visit Shirley Heights Lookout Restaurant and Bar for special events and activities.
Fun Fact: Shirley Lookout is one of the most photographed sites in Antigua and Barbuda.

7. Nelson's Dockyard

Nelson's Dockyard is a national park located in the southern part of Antigua. It is a naval dockyard and fittingly named after Navy Officer Horatio Nelson. Nelson's Dockyard spans numerous acres and hosts Antigua's sailing week. If you are interested in historical artifacts; and learning more about Antigua, we recommend stopping by the museum, shops, and restaurants.

8. Dockyard Museum

Nelson's Dockyard Museum lives within the Nelson's Dockyard national park. The building was once used to house Naval Officers and Clerks. Within this museum, you will find historical artifacts, model ships, guns, and ships' sterns from the battles between the British and French.

9. The Market

If you are craving fresh fruits and vegetables, you should take a trip to the market. Locals will head to the market around 5 am to get the best fresh produce. The market is open throughout the week but we recommend visiting early Saturday morning to see it in full swing. Here you will find local fruits, vegetables, and teas. Directly across the street is the Public Meat Market, where you can get fresh meat and the Fishermen's catches of the day.

Local Tip: Be sure to carry cash and recyclable grocery bags. You will find people selling on the road leading up to and around the market, so be sure to shop for the best prices.

10. St. John's Cathedral

St. John's Cathedral is an Anglican church founded in 1845. It is located in the center of St. John's, Antigua. Some highlights of this church include the three stained glass windows - two Arms of the Diocese, and the "Crucifixion of Our Lord" with Mary and the Apostle St. John at his side.
Located at the back of the church is a graveyard. Don't be surprised to find locals having lunch a top of headstones and throughout the space.

Fun fact: This church has a special space in our hearts here at The Unwritten Postcard, Elsa got married here!

11. Devil's Bridge

Devil's Bridge is a national park located on a eastern point of Antigua. During slavery, slaves would jump off the bridge, taking their lives in order to escape. Recently, the bridge in which contributed to part of its name, collapsed and has washed away.
Though this area has a darker past, this place offers a lighter perspective. It is now a place of calm and reflection.

Local Tip: Devil's Bridge is made from limestone, and it doesn't offer a smooth walking surface. Be on the lookout for small sea life near the edges, as large splashes of water often throws a few small shells and tiny crabs.

12. Beaches

If you plan to spend all your time at the beach, Antigua and Barbuda is the right place. White sandy beaches and clear waters provide the perfect combination for a tropical vacation. Before heading out to a beach, we recommend checking the weather for water conditions. Fortunately, if one side of the island has rough waters, you won't have to travel far to find another.

Fun Fact: Antigua and Barbuda is said to have 365 beaches, one for every day of the year.

13. Pillars of Hercules

The Pillars of Hercules is a site to see, whether by land or sea. This rock formation has been carved by nature and is a geologist's dream. There are pros and cons to seeing the pillars from land or sea; it comes down to how close and how long you will like to spend at the Pillars.

14. Barbuda's Pink Sandy Beach

If you have extra time, we recommend taking a short ferry (1hr 30 minutes) to the sister island of Barbuda to visit the pink sandy beaches. Barbuda has an abundance of pink shells that have grounded down to turn the sand pink.

15. Heritage Quay

If you are visiting Antigua via a cruise ship, you will likely dock at Heritage Quay. Heritage Quay is located in the capital of Antigua - St. John's. Here you will find Caribbean-made jewelry, ornaments, apparel, and more. This shopping center offers a lot in a small place, so visit each store.

Fun Fact: All goods purchased at Heritage Quay are duty free- meaning you don't have to pay national taxes. So be sure to keep your receipts.

16. Redcliffe Quay + Vendors Mall

Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay are within walking distance of one another. Redcliffe Quay also has jewelry, ornaments, apparel and more, but you should stay for the food. Local restaurants offering a variety of foods are dotted throughout the center.

After you've had your fill, walk a few more steps to the Vendors Mall, where you will have a wide selection of handmade Antiguan sculptures, trinkets and paintings.

17. Boggy Peak

Boggy Peak is the highest mountain on the island of Antigua. You can see Antigua's inlets, islets, and other mountain ranges. We encourage you to hike it if you would like more adventure. If you decide to, dress for the sun - it's quite the walk. If you are not into hiking, you can also take a leisure drive up. There's only one road in and out.

Fun Fact: Boggy Peak was named Mount Obama from 2009 - 2016 to honor North America's first black president Barack Obama.

18. Sir Vivian Richards Stadium

If you love Cricket, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is a must-see. Cricket season in Antigua is between January and July. So if you are traveling during that time, you might be able to catch a match. This stadium is named after Sir Isaac Vivian Richards, Antigua's most prized cricketer.
To view, you can drive around the stadium to get a complete 360 view.

19. Museum of Antigua and Barbuda

The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is located in the heart of town. Its small building captures the large history of Antigua and Barbuda. There are currently six exhibits ranging from steam engine models to archaeological displays.

Swimming pig and Stingray under the water

20. Stingray City / Pigs in Paradise

Want to interact with animals in paradise? There are two must-see sites/ activities. You can swim with stingrays on the east side of the island, or with pigs on the west. You can book either of these activities through your hotel or by visiting their site.
Stingray City

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