St. John's is the capital and largest city of Antigua and Barbuda, a colourful Caribbean port town on the northwest coast of the island. The city is where most visitors first arrive, and while many head straight for the beaches, St. John's itself deserves at least a half-day of exploring. The streets are lined with wooden and stone colonial buildings painted in bright pastels, and the atmosphere is lively without being hectic.
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine dominates the skyline with its twin baroque towers, visible from almost anywhere in town. The interior is encased in pitch pine, originally designed to protect it from earthquakes and hurricanes. The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, housed in the old Court House on Long Street, covers the island's history from Arawak settlements through the sugar plantation era to independence. Admission is by donation and the exhibits, while modest, are informative.
Redcliffe Quay, a cluster of restored 18th-century sugar warehouses near the harbour, is the best area for shopping and eating. You will find local crafts, clothing, and a few good restaurants here. Heritage Quay, nearby, caters more to the cruise ship crowd with duty-free shops. For the best local food, try the street vendors on Market Street near the public market, where you can get saltfish and fungi, the national dish, or fresh grilled lobster in season. The market itself, busiest on Friday and Saturday mornings, is a riot of tropical fruit, vegetables, and spices.
Cricket is a serious affair here — the Antigua Recreation Ground is hallowed turf where local hero Viv Richards once played before his home crowd, and the atmosphere at matches remains electric. St. John's Harbour is the departure point for day trips to Barbuda and sailing excursions around the island.