Blackbeard's Castle is one of five National Historic Landmarks in the US Virgin Islands and the most-visited point on the Charlotte Amalie hillside. The 17th-century Danish watchtower sits on a ridge above the city with sweeping views of the harbour, the surrounding islands, and on clear days, the British Virgin Islands to the north. The climb up from the waterfront takes about 15 minutes — up the 99 Steps, through the residential neighbourhood of Kongens Quarter — and the views from the top justify the effort.
The site now encompasses a small hotel and pool complex, which means non-guests pay an entry fee to access the tower and viewpoint. The tower itself is solid but relatively modest — what you are really paying for is the panorama. Come at sunset, when the light turns the red-roofed buildings of the city amber and the harbour catches the colour, and you will understand why this has been a prime piece of real estate for 350 years.