Things to Do
St George’s, Grenada
One of the prettiest harbour towns in the Caribbean.
St George’s
The Carenage, the forts and the spice
St George’s, Grenada’s capital, wraps around a horseshoe harbour, the Carenage, with the old town climbing the hills behind. In a day you can walk the waterfront, climb to two forts, buy spices at Market Square and pass through the Sendall Tunnel.
The Carenage hums with life: vessels loading cargo, cafes and galleries along the water, and the scent of nutmeg and cinnamon from the market. Above it all, Fort George watches the harbour and Fort Frederick the whole south of the island. Give me a day and I will walk you through the history, the markets and the corners most visitors miss.
What to see in St George’s
The Carenage
The horseshoe harbour at the heart of town, ringed by pastel warehouses, with small vessels loading cargo, open-air cafes, shops and galleries along the water. It is the prettiest walk in town, best early in the morning or in the late afternoon light.
Fort George
Built by the French in the early 1700s as Fort Royal, and renamed by the British after they took the island. It sits on the point above the harbour mouth, and the view over the Carenage and the town is the reason to climb.
Fort Frederick
Built by the French in 1779 on the high ground above the town. Its guns point inland, not out to sea, because the French had taken the island by attacking from the land side. Today it gives the widest view over the south of the island.
The Sendall Tunnel
A short tunnel through the hill beneath Fort George, built in the 1890s and named after Governor Walter Sendall. It links the Carenage with the other side of town, and walking through it is part of a day in St George’s.
Market Square and the spice market
At the foot of Young Street, Grenada’s busiest market is liveliest on a Saturday morning and also open on weekdays. Spices are the draw: nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and more, by the bag. My tip: bring small Eastern Caribbean dollar notes, because change for US dollars comes back in EC dollars.
The Grenada National Museum
The museum’s building on Young Street, whose oldest part may date from a French barracks of 1704, is permanently closed to visitors. The museum now holds exhibitions at different venues from time to time, so ask me what is on during your stay. For the island’s story, from the first peoples to today, read my free history guide, The Story of Grenada.
Good to know
St George’s is compact but hilly, with steep streets and stairways. Wear comfortable shoes.
The town is busier on days when a cruise ship is in port.
How I arrange it
A guided day through the town, the forts and the market, with a driver for the hills, or a morning walk followed by lunch on the Carenage.
Frequently asked questions
What is St George’s, Grenada known for?
Its horseshoe harbour, the Carenage, ringed by pastel warehouses, two forts above the town, and the spice market at Market Square.
Can you walk around St George’s?
Yes, the town is compact, but it is built on hills with steep streets and stairways, so comfortable shoes help. A guided walk with a driver for the climbs works well.
What is the Sendall Tunnel?
A short tunnel through the hill beneath Fort George, built in the 1890s and named after Governor Walter Sendall, linking the Carenage with the other side of town.
When is the St George’s market busiest?
Saturday morning. Market Square, at the foot of Young Street, is also open on weekdays.
Which fort has the best view?
Fort George for the harbour and the town; Fort Frederick, higher up, for the widest view over the south of the island.
See the town properly
When would you like to experience Grenada? I will arrange a guided day through the town, the forts and the markets, and take care of every detail.