Embark on a 2.5-hour walking tour of Basseterre and uncover its rich history, iconic landmarks, and charming local shops. Explore Independence Square, the National Museum, Berkeley Memorial, and more. Book your private tour now!
Embark on a 2.5-hour walking tour of Basseterre and uncover its rich history, iconic landmarks, and charming local shops. Explore Independence Square, the National Museum, Berkeley Memorial, and more. Book your private tour now!
- National Museum - The National Museum is housed in the former Treasury Building and serves as the headquarters for the St. Christopher National Trust. Originally located on the Basseterre Bay front, it now stands at the junction of Basseterre and the reclaimed land of Port Zante. The Treasury relocated to the corner of Church Street and Central…
- National Museum - The National Museum is housed in the former Treasury Building and serves as the headquarters for the St. Christopher National Trust. Originally located on the Basseterre Bay front, it now stands at the junction of Basseterre and the reclaimed land of Port Zante. The Treasury relocated to the corner of Church Street and Central Street in 1996, allowing the National Museum to gradually take over the space.
In 1857, St. Kitts constructed a new treasury building, likely made of wood, which included a lighthouse. A budget of £600 was allocated for this project. Before returning the remaining funds to the Treasury, the Committee of Public Buildings purchased a clock and installed it on the north side of the building facing Fort Street, depositing the leftover £9 10. 6. However, in December of the same year, additional funds were needed for the construction of a privy at the Treasury Building.
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The Circus - The Circus is the central hub of Basseterre, recognized as a landmark and a popular gathering spot. Its origins trace back to the fire that devastated Basseterre on July 4th, 1867, destroying the entire town east of West Square Street. The inefficiencies of the fire department contributed to the extent of the disaster. When Basseterre was rebuilt, the streets were redesigned to facilitate easier navigation for fire trucks. This included the widening of Fort Street and the establishment of the Circus. In 1883, a memorial to Thomas Berkeley was placed at its center. Featuring a fountain and a clock, the memorial was erected on a platform that quickly became a seating area, encouraging people to gather at the Circus.
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Berkeley Memorial - Erected in 1883, the Berkeley Memorial was for a long time the only public monument in St. Kitts dedicated to an individual. It honors Thomas Berkeley Hardtman Berkeley, a legislator and owner of several estates including Fountain, Greenland, Greenhill, Ottleys, Shadwell, and Stone Fort.
The structure features a clock and a drinking fountain, designed and manufactured by George Smith and Co of Glasgow, Scotland. Although two other similar structures were produced by the foundry, only the one in St. Kitts remains.
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Independence Square - Independence Square, formerly known as Pall Mall Square, was renamed on September 19, 1983, to celebrate the birth of the new nation of St. Christopher and Nevis. Located on the eastern side of Basseterre near Newtown, its layout was designed to resemble a Union Jack. The surrounding streets and houses once dated back to the mid-eighteenth century, but many have been lost to time and environmental damage. Some, like the Court House and Public Library, were destroyed by fire and have since been rebuilt.
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Immaculate Conception Co-Cathedral Catholic Church - The Co-Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is an ornate church built from grey stone, situated on the eastern side of Independence Square. During the early years of French occupation in St. Kitts, the Jesuits constructed a Roman Catholic Church dedicated to Our Lady. Notre Dame was burned in 1706 during the Anglo-French war and was later rebuilt as St. George’s Anglican Church. The Catholic congregation in St. Kitts significantly declined following the Treaty of Utrecht.
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St. George’s Anglican Church - St. George’s Anglican Church is the largest church in Basseterre, located at the head of Church Street and styled like an English parish church. Its outer walls are made of heavy andesite rock, and the roof is covered in slate. Like many buildings in Basseterre, this church has experienced numerous challenges, often rising from the ashes like the mythical Phoenix.
In 1635, at the request of the directors of the Company of the Isles of America, the Provincial of the Capuchin Friars of Normandy assigned Fathers Jerome, Marc, and Pacifique de Provins to attend to the spiritual needs of the French colonists on St. Kitts and to attempt the conversion of the remaining Kalinago population after the 1627 massacre. In Basseterre, they built a place of worship described by Rochefort as a fair church capable of accommodating a large congregation. The structure was made of wood, raised on a foundation of free-stone, with turned pillars instead of glass windows, resembling a balcony, and covered with red slate. The Friars also established churches in Cayon and Capisterre, but in 1646, Governor De Poincy, suspecting them of opposing him, ordered their departure and replaced them with Jesuits. In 1672, they built a church named Notre Dame.
The wars that plagued St. Kitts well into the 18th century caused widespread destruction, sparing not even the churches.

- Entrance fee included
- Experienced local guide
- Entrance fee included
- Experienced local guide
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Explore the rich history of Basseterre on a 2.5-hour walking tour led by a knowledgeable guide. Discover the transformation of Independence Square, formerly known as Pall Mall Square, once a hub for the slave trade. Visit key landmarks such as the National Museum of St. Kitts, the Berkeley Memorial, the Circus, the courthouse, the Anglican Church, and…
Explore the rich history of Basseterre on a 2.5-hour walking tour led by a knowledgeable guide. Discover the transformation of Independence Square, formerly known as Pall Mall Square, once a hub for the slave trade. Visit key landmarks such as the National Museum of St. Kitts, the Berkeley Memorial, the Circus, the courthouse, the Anglican Church, and the Catholic Church. Enjoy the opportunity to browse shops and cafes along the way.
A private tour option is also available. For pricing details, please email or call.
- At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Minimum of 4 people per booking is required to operate this tour. If we do not meet the minimum requirement, we will offer a full refund.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.