Charlotte Amalie Named Among Top Shopping Destinations in the Americas and Caribbean for 2026
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands –September 23, 2026 — Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas has been named one of the Top 30 Shopping Destinations in the Americas and Caribbean for 2026, earning the No. 25 spot in a new ranking from Travel And Tour World (TTW).
The recognition places Charlotte Amalie among an impressive collection of shopping destinations across North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, including New York City, Toronto, Los Angeles, Miami, Rio de Janeiro, Cartagena and San Juan.
TTW’s 2026 ranking highlights destinations where shopping has become an integral part of the visitor experience, evaluating factors including luxury retail, independent boutiques, traditional markets, regional products, craftsmanship and the overall shopping experience available to travelers.
For Charlotte Amalie, the distinction reflects the capital city’s unique combination of historic charm, duty-free shopping and Caribbean character. Historic Main Street, the Waterfront, Havensight and Crown Bay offer visitors opportunities to discover fine jewelry, watches, perfumes, cosmetics, luxury accessories, island-made crafts and Caribbean-inspired souvenirs.
“Charlotte Amalie’s recognition among the Americas and Caribbean’s top shopping destinations is a wonderful reflection of the distinctive experiences that await visitors in St. Thomas,” said Jennifer Matarangas-King, Commissioner of Tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands. “From our historic streets and iconic duty-free shopping to locally made products and the creativity of our artisans and small businesses, shopping in Charlotte Amalie offers visitors an opportunity to take a meaningful piece of the Virgin Islands home with them. We are proud to see our capital city recognized alongside some of the most renowned shopping destinations in the region and around the world.”
Shopping has long been an important part of the St. Thomas visitor experience. Charlotte Amalie’s Main Street, is home to a mix of luxury jewelry and watch retailers, boutiques and smaller businesses, while historic passageways and open-air shopping areas offer opportunities to discover Caribbean art, fashion, gifts and locally inspired products. The destination’s duty-free shopping advantage further enhances the experience.
Beyond luxury retail, the city’s shopping experience offers visitors a connection to the culture and creativity of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local galleries, artisans and boutiques showcase jewelry, artwork, resort wear, handcrafted goods and other products inspired by the islands.
“Shopping is increasingly becoming about more than simply purchasing products,” TTW noted in its ranking, highlighting the growing traveler interest in retail experiences connected to a destination’s identity, creativity and culture.
The recognition comes as the U.S. Virgin Islands continues to showcase the distinct experiences of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix as part of its broader destination offering, inviting travelers to explore the islands through their culture, history, people, cuisine, shopping and natural beauty.
For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands and its offerings, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/.
About the U.S. Virgin Islands
About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to www.VisitUSVI.com, follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI).