St George's

St George's is the capital and largest town of Grenada, nestled around a dramatic natural harbour formed by a collapsed volcanic crater. The horseshoe-shaped Carenage waterfront is one of the most photogenic settings in the Caribbean, lined with colourful colonial-era buildings and backed by steep, verdant hillsides dotted with red-roofed houses. The town has been the administrative and commercial heart of Grenada since the French first established Fort Royal here in the early 18th century.

The capital retains a lived-in, authentic Caribbean character that many more developed islands have lost. Its streets are steep and winding, its market vibrant and genuinely local, and its waterfront busy with fishing boats alongside cruise ships. While Grand Anse to the south has become the main tourist strip, St George's offers the cultural core — museums, historic forts, cathedrals, and the daily rhythm of Grenadian life. The town suffered significant damage from Hurricanes Ivan (2004) and Emily (2005), and reconstruction has been gradual, giving parts a slightly weathered charm.

St George's parish had a population of around 35,500 in 2019, though that figure includes the Grand Anse corridor. The town itself is compact and walkable, though its hilly terrain means some climbs are steep. The climate is tropical with a dry season from January to May and a rainy season from June to December. The best time to visit is during the dry season, though Grenada sits below the hurricane belt and major storms are relatively infrequent.

By Plane

Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) is located on the Point Salines peninsula about 8 miles (13 km) southwest of St George's town centre. The drive takes approximately 20-25 minutes depending on traffic along the main coastal road. Taxis from the airport to the town centre cost around EC$75-100 (US$28-37). There is no airport bus service; minibuses serve the route but are infrequent and not practical with luggage.

By Train

By Car / Road

St George's is connected to the rest of the island via the main coastal road. From Grenville on the east coast, the drive across the island takes about 45 minutes via the trans-island road through Grand Etang. From the airport, follow the main road north along the coast (15-20 min). Minibuses run frequently along the southwest corridor from the airport through Grand Anse to the town centre, departing from the Town Bus Terminal on the waterfront. Fares are EC$2.50-5 depending on distance.

St George's town centre is compact and best explored on foot, though the steep streets can be taxing. The Sendall Tunnel connects the Carenage waterfront to the Church Street district beneath Fort George — it's one-way for vehicles but walkable (pick the same side as other pedestrians). The Discovery Train runs a loop around town roughly hourly, with tickets available at the Esplanade Mall near the cruise terminal; these include entry to the museum and Fort George.

Taxis are readily available along the waterfront and at the bus terminal. Firms include Sweet Grenada Tours (+1 473 533 5001) and Fresh Rides (+1 473 418 6043). Minibuses serve as the local bus system, converging at the Town Bus Terminal on the waterfront, 200 yards north of the cruise terminal. Fares within town are EC$2.50.

• Carenage — The attractive horseshoe-shaped natural harbour and traditional waterfront. From the surrounding heights you look down from the volcanic crater rim into what was once a lava caldera. The waterfront is lined with colourful colonial buildings, restaurants, and shops.

• Christ of the Abyss — A bronze statue of Christ on the Carenage waterfront, presented by the city of Genoa in 1961 in gratitude for rescue efforts during the loss of the cruise liner Bianca C. Identical statues are submerged off Portofino, Italy and Key Largo, Florida.

• Fort George — The 18th-century fort on the knoll overlooking the Carenage, built by the British after capturing the island from the French in 1762. Part is still used as police headquarters. Open daily 7AM-5PM, entry around EC$5. The views over the harbour are the main draw.

• Grenada National Museum, Young St, +1 473 440 3725. Exhibits on Grenadian history including indigenous pottery, a rum still, colonial-era artefacts, and a marble bathtub used by Empress Josephine.

• Fort Frederick — A scenic French-built bastion on Richmond Hill, started after France captured the island in 1779. The British completed it after 1783. Free to stroll, open Monday-Friday 8AM-6PM. Panoramic views over the town and coast.

• Fort Matthew — 200 yards north of Fort Frederick, extensive but sometimes fenced off. Served as the island mental hospital from 1854 to 1987.

• St George's Parish Church — Anglican church on Church Street, an attractive Victorian structure restored after hurricane damage.

• Immaculate Conception Cathedral — Roman Catholic cathedral on Church Street, rebuilt after the 2004 hurricane. Simple but dignified interior.

• Eric Gairy Botanical Gardens — More of a municipal park than a botanical collection. Open daily 6AM-6PM, free entry.

• Annandale Waterfall, Constantine Rd, Willis, +1 473 421 4320. Daily 8AM-7PM. A pleasant 10m waterfall in a forest park. Entry EC$5. Gets crowded when cruise ships are in port.

• Scuba diving — Several operators work out of the Carenage marina and Grand Anse, including Native Spirit Scuba and Eco Dive. The underwater sculpture park off Moliniere Point is a unique attraction — 26 children holding hands standing in 5-8m depth, accessible by snorkel or novice scuba.

• Cricket at the National Stadium, half a mile north of the bus terminal. The domestic season runs November-May. The stadium was rebuilt in 2007 after Hurricane Ivan.

• Kirani James Stadium — Adjacent to the cricket ground, hosting football and athletics. Named after the Grenadian Olympic sprinter (b. 1992). Capacity 8,000.

• Spicemas — Grenada's carnival, held over two weeks in August with the main parades on the final two days. Expect oil-daubed jab-jabbers who embrace bystanders — wear old clothes.

• Independence Day celebrations on 7 February, with parades and festivities centred on the capital.

• Sails, The Carenage (waterfront below Fort George), +1 473 440 9747. Monday-Friday 10AM-10PM, Saturday noon-10PM. Pleasant seafood restaurant with inner harbour views.
• Patrick's Restaurant, Lagoon Rd, +1 473 440 0364. Monday-Saturday 7AM-10PM. Home-style Grenadian fare, vegan-friendly.
• The Nutmeg, on the Carenage. Traditional Grenadian cuisine with waterfront seating. Try the oil-down (Grenada's national dish — breadfruit, callaloo, and salted meat simmered in coconut milk).
• BB's Crabback, Grand Anse. Specialises in crab backs — stuffed crab shells, a Grenadian delicacy.

Local cuisine features oil-down, callaloo soup, lambi (conch), and freshly caught fish. Roti shops throughout town serve affordable lunch options for EC$10-15.

• Rum shops are ubiquitous throughout St George's — the local rum is Clarke's Court or River Antoine, both produced on the island. A glass of local rum costs EC$5-8.
• West Indies Beer Company — Local craft brewery on the waterfront.
• Water from the tap is generally safe in Grenada but bottled water is widely available.

• Budget: Guesthouses in the town centre from US$40-60/night. Options include small family-run establishments on the hillsides above the Carenage.
• Mid-range: Coyaba Beach Resort near Grand Anse from US$120-180/night. The Point at Petite Calivigny from US$150/night.
• Upscale: Spice Island Beach Resort, Grand Anse — Grenada's premier luxury property from US$500+/night. Silversands Grenada — Ultra-modern resort on Grand Anse beach from US$400+/night.

• Spices — Grenada is the "Spice Isle" and nutmeg, cinnamon, and cocoa are popular souvenirs. Check your home country's import regulations before buying foodstuffs.
• Supersavers and Foodland supermarkets near the bus station, open Monday-Saturday.
• Esplanade Mall and Bruce St Mall near the cruise terminal — tourist-oriented shops, open daily 9AM-7PM.
• Market Square — The daily market where locals sell fresh produce, spices, and crafts.

• Grand Anse (3 km / 10 min by bus) — Grenada's famous two-mile white sand beach, the main tourist strip with hotels, restaurants, and water sports.
• Grand Etang National Park (12 km / 30 min) — Crater lake in an ancient volcano, forest trails, and Mona monkeys. Entry fee applies.
• Concord Falls (15 km / 40 min north) — Picturesque waterfalls accessible by a narrow paved road from the coast.
• Grenville (25 km / 45 min across the island) — The second-largest town on the east coast, gateway to Levera National Park.
• Carriacou (ferry from Carenage, 90 min) — The second-largest island in the Grenadines, with pristine beaches and a slower pace of life.