Kingstown
Kingstown is the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, located on the island of Saint Vincent.
Get in
Air Canada, American Airlines, and Caribbean Airlines all fly to Argyle International Airport (SVD IATA), which is a 30-minute taxi ride to Kingstown's city centre. If you're flying from a neighboring Caribbean island, Mustique Airways, One Caribbean, and SVG Air operate a variety of routes throughout the Caribbean.
Get around
Although not a very large island, St. Vincent has mountainous and rugged terrain, making it difficult to get around. Private vans or taxis are your best options. Car rental is also available.
In terms of public transportation the island is served by a large number of privately owned vans that act as a bus service. These vans have an "H" at the beginning of their license plates, meaning they are "for hire". Cost to ride starts at EC$1. A van trip from Argyle airport to Kingstown is EC$3 (July 2019) as opposed to the EC$70 taxi ride. Walk up 300 m the slip road towards Windward Highway junction and hail a van. They ride fast and recklessly, hence you get a free rollercoaster ride for the fare. Many of the vans have graphics on the front and play loud music.
See
- 1 Botanic Gardens St. Vincent (on the town's northern outskirts), ☏ +1 784 533 1657, botanicgardens@hotmail.com. Daily 7AM-^PM. Established in 1765, the botanic gardens are the oldest in the Western Hemisphere and in the tropics. It is worth paying for a guide (EC$10 per visitor) as they have intimate knowledge of the plants in the peaceful and lush gardens. EC$5 per adult, EC$2.50 for children (12 and under).
- 2 Villa Beach. One of St. Vincent's most popular beaches, this narrow stretch of sand beach makes it popular for vacationers from Kingstown's cruise ship terminal.
Do
- Cricket: 1 Arnos Vale Stadium. With a capacity of 18,000, this is multi-use but primarily a cricket ground.
Buy
Eat
- 1 Veejays, Bay St, ☏ +1 784-457-2845. Cheap traditional Vincentian Cajun/Creole cuisine.
- Kye’s Vegetarian Cuisine, Paul’s Avenue, Kingstown, ☏ +1 784-456-2467. Popular lunch spot. Started out serving "pie and peas". Now also offers pizza, burgers, chunks, roti and soups. Juices too.
Drink
- 1 Flow Wine Bar and Kitchen, James St, ☏ +1 784-457-0809. As the name suggests, the bar specialises in wine. They also have a variety of pizzas which pair well.
Sleep
- Beachcombers Hotel, ☏ +1 784-458-4283, fax: +1 784-458-4385, beachcombers@cariaccess.com. Doubles $90/99 (Summer/Winter).
- Villa Lodge Hotel, Indian Bay, ☏ +1 784-458-4641, fax: +1 784-457-4468, frontdesk@villalodge.com. Doubles $115/130 (Summer/Winter).
Go next
Head up north to the rural parts of the island.
