Top Shopping Districts
Whether you’re seeking a souvenir, a special gift or just a treat for yourself, on the islands you can do your shopping in everything from picturesque historic markets to modern malls. Many are open-air, too, so you can soak up the sunshine and cool sea breezes as you browse. And if you’re looking to bring home a little island luxury, U.S. citizens have a duty-free allowance of $1,600 per person (just be sure to hang on to your receipts!).
ST. THOMAS
Once the original shopping district for the capital city, today Charlotte Amalie’s Main Street (also known as Dronningens Gade) is a premier destination for shoppers, with glamorous stores galore. The bustling cobblestone street is lined with luxury shops. But be sure to meander along the many passages and alleyways where you’ll discover smaller-scale boutiques selling unique goods. You’ll find an outstanding selection of fine jewelry on Main Street. Grand Jewelers, an authorized dealer of brand-name fine jewelry and watches, and Imperial Dynasty Jewelers, a shop that specializes in rare and exotic gemstones such as tanzanite, alexandrite, and ammolite, are just two of the many fine jewelry boutiques on this main artery. The A.H. Riise Mall, also located on Charlotte Amalie’s Main Street, is home to a variety of shops filled with duty-free goods such as perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, watches, spirits and tobacco.
Situated between the waterfront and Main Street, Palm Passage is a historic, open-air shopping mall with upscale boutiques, art galleries and jewelry stores, centered around a charming courtyard lined with royal palms. Stroll the mall’s native stone walkways in search of treasures of every type. Shop Fish Face for island art, tropical fashions, accessories and creative gifts from artists throughout the Caribbean. At Okidanokh, European-trained master goldsmiths craft custom necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets with rare and beautiful gemstones. Relax and refuel with sangria, Spanish tapas and live music at the mall’s alfresco Amalia Café.
ST. CROIX
Soak in the sea views and fresh air as you stroll the artsy shops and pop-up vendors that line the lively Christiansted Boardwalk and picturesque streets of Downtown Christiansted. Shop handcrafted gold and silver jewelry at Crucian Gold. Pick up a surfboard so you can hang ten at the St. Croix Surf Company. Browse art, pottery, sculptures and home decor created by local and Caribbean artists at Cane Roots Art Gallery. Peek into the Christiansted Apothecary Hall Museum to glimpse a historic, 19th-century island pharmacy. After shopping, cool off with a pint at Brew STX, a microbrewery and restaurant that serves craft beers, cocktails and pub food.
In Downtown Frederiksted, shop locally made goods at the many gift shops and galleries along Strand, King and Queen streets, between Custom House and King Cross streets. Frederiksted Market Square showcases arts and crafts by local artisans, including woven baskets, soaps and lotions made with Caribbean-sourced essential oils, and jewelry made from conch shells and sea glass. Vendors also sell fresh island fruit, veggies and fish. Downtown Frederiksted is a good spot to pick up the ultimate St. Croix souvenir — a hook bracelet, the Crucian symbol of love — found in the district’s many handcrafted jewelry shops.
ST. JOHN
Bright t-shirts featuring island designs. Beautiful hand-woven scarves. Handmade wooden pirate swords. There’s a souvenir for everyone in the family at the waterfront Wharfside Village. Located near the ferry docks, the colorful mall is a great spot to enjoy lunch with a side of shopping before or after your boat arrives/departs. Take your pick from several shops selling everything from souvenirs to sundries. Bamboo Studio creates custom hook bracelets and can personalize jewelry made by local artists. Turquoise Turtle sells sarongs, swimsuits and other beach-ready accessories. Wine Shop VI offers a wide selection of wines by the glass or bottle, as well as small plates and charcuterie. Many of the open-air mall’s bars host happy hours and live music as the sun sets on St. John.
When you’re not relaxing on one of St. John’s picture-perfect beaches or hiking its scenic trails, check out palm-tree-filled Mongoose Junction‘s unique fashion boutiques, gift shops, art galleries and cafes. Take time to browse Bajo El Sol Gallery & Art Bar, a hybrid art gallery, bookstore and rum bar. Golden Hour is a wellness apothecary filled with handcrafted soaps, lotions and fragrances. The Tap Room pairs St. John Brewers’ local award-winning craft beers, hard seltzers and sodas with hand-tossed pizza. Be sure to check out the St. John Brewers Brewtique for beer signs, glassware and t-shirts. Check out Greengos Caribbean Cantina’s beautiful murals and towering tequila selection using its library ladder. 18°64° The Restaurant serves sushi, hand-rolled with seafood plucked from the sea. Stay cool with homemade ice cream and waffle cones at St. John Scoops.
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