Places / North & Central America / Antigua & Barbuda
Saint John's
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At a glance
- Country
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Region
- Saint John Parish
- Population
- 22,000
- Best time to go
- December to April
- Main airport
- V. C. Bird International (ANU)
- Coordinates
- 17.12°N, 61.85°W
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Overview
Saint John's is the small, colourful capital of Antigua, set around a deep harbour where cruise ships tie up beside streets of wooden houses and markets. It is busy on ship days and much calmer in the evenings.
Most visitors stay on the beaches nearby and come into town to shop, eat and see the cathedral. With 365 beaches claimed for the island, you are never far from the sea.
Things to see
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Photo: D'Arcy Norman, CC BY 2.0 St John's Cathedral
A white stone Anglican cathedral with twin towers on the hill above town, with a wooden interior built to withstand earthquakes.
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Photo: JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD, CC BY-SA 3.0 Museum of Antigua and Barbuda
A small museum in the old colonial courthouse, covering the islands from the Arawaks to independence.
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Photo: David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, CC BY 2.0 Redcliffe Quay
Restored warehouses by the harbour, now home to shops, cafés and restaurants.
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Photo: JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD, CC BY-SA 3.0 Fort James
An 18th-century fort guarding the harbour entrance, with cannons and a beach right beside it.
Things to do
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Photo: David Stanley, CC BY 2.0 Nelson's Dockyard
A beautifully restored Georgian naval dockyard at English Harbour, around 30 minutes away.
Find tours -
Photo: Dr. Thomas Liptak, CC BY 4.0 Sunday at Shirley Heights
Steel bands, barbecue and a famous sunset view over English Harbour from the old military lookout.
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Photo: Paul Kowalow, CC BY-SA 3.0 Dickenson Bay
A long stretch of white sand north of town, with calm water and beach bars.
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Photo: Decaen Editor Castro, C. Campillo, J., Public domain Saturday market
The public market at the south end of town is busiest on Saturday mornings, with fruit, vegetables and local snacks.
Where to stay
Town centre
Handy for the harbour and restaurants, but quiet at night and best for short stays.
Hotels in Town centreDickenson Bay
The island's liveliest beach area, with resorts a short drive from town.
Hotels in Dickenson BayJolly Harbour
A marina and beach complex on the west coast, popular with families and sailors.
Hotels in Jolly Harbour
Getting around
Local buses leave from two bus stations in town, and taxis run on fixed fares. Renting a car gives most freedom; drive on the left.
The airport is about 15 minutes by taxi from the town centre.
When to go
The dry season from December to April is sunny and breezy. Hurricane season runs from June to November, and Antigua Sailing Week takes place in spring.
Plan your trip to Saint John's
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.