Good to know
Good to Know
- The Grenada National Museum is small but comprehensive; allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for a thorough visit. Staff are knowledgeable and welcoming.
- Fort George affords spectacular panoramic views at sunset; arrive early in the day for a more peaceful experience before cruise-ship crowds arrive.
- Saturday morning at Market Square offers the most authentic experience; weekday visits are quieter.
- The House of Chocolate is air-conditioned and ideal as a midday break after exploring the hot, crowded market area. Chocolate-making demonstrations are genuinely informative.
- St. George's is noted as one of the most picturesque capital cities in the Caribbean due to its unique volcano-crater harbor topology and colorful colonial architecture.
- Bullet holes from the 1983 Revolution remain visible in Fort George's central courtyard, serving as a tangible reminder of that pivotal historical event.
- Buses run weekdays with limited weekend service; minibusses are the primary public transit option and accept only cash.
Museums And Art
House of Chocolate
- Hours
- Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM–2:00 PM; Closed Sundays
- Admission
- Free
- Highlights
- Live chocolate-making demonstrations; chocolate tastings; on-site café with ice cream, cakes, and beverages; boutique with cocoa and chocolate products; informative exhibits on chocolate history and health benefits
- Description
- A unique hand-crafted mini-museum, boutique, and café portraying Grenada's chocolate and cocoa heritage. Located at 10 Young Street next to the Grenada National Museum, it offers interactive exhibits and live demonstrations showing the journey from cacao bean to finished chocolate product. Grenada is renowned for producing some of the world's highest-quality organic cocoa.
Must See Museums
Grenada National Museum
- Hours
- Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–4:30 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
- Admission
- EC$14
- Highlights
- Live cultural performances including jazz, dancing, drumming, singing, and poetry; outdoor café and bistro; special exhibitions rotating periodically
- Description
- Located at the corner of Young and Monckton Streets in the heart of St. George's, the museum occupies a late 1700s building with a colorful past as French barracks and later a prison, hotel, and warehouse. It houses collections covering Grenada's first inhabitants, European arrival, slavery, plantation economy, early transport and technology, whaling industry, and colonial era. Major political events such as independence, the Grenada Revolution, and Prime Minister Maurice Bishop's assassination are also represented. Notable artifacts include Amerindian pottery, cannons from British/French colonial battles, copper vessels from the slave era, and a marble bathtub said to have belonged to Empress Josephine Bonaparte.
Fort George
- Hours
- Generally accessible during daylight hours (approximately 7:00 AM–5:00 PM)
- Admission
- EC$5.00
- Highlights
- Panoramic views of St. George's harbor, southern coastline, and ocean; well-preserved stone walls and tunnels; historical cannons; observation deck available
- Description
- Built by the French between 1706 and 1710 and originally named Fort Royal, this 18th-century fortress stands atop a promontory overlooking St. George's harbor. The British captured and renamed it in 1763 in honor of King George III. The fort features classic European fortification design with a parade ground, barracks, guardroom, gunpowder magazine, and cannons. It witnessed pivotal moments in Grenada's history, including the assassination of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and cabinet members during the 1983 Grenada Revolution. Today, it serves as headquarters of the Royal Grenada Police Force, though public areas remain accessible.
Major Sightseeing Sites
The Carenage
- Highlights
- Scenic walks with harbor views; colonial architecture; local markets; spice vendors selling nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, bay leaf, and turmeric
- Description
- St. George's picturesque waterfront promenade winds around the inner harbor, which is actually the deep crater of a long-dead volcano. Lined with colonial-era buildings dating from the 18th century and later, the waterfront offers shops, seafood restaurants, and cafés. The harbor features colorful fishing boats and yachts. The name derives from the French word 'carenage,' meaning 'safe anchorage.'
Market Square
- Practical Tip
- Only factory-sealed packages of spices are permitted through US Customs; loose bulk spices cannot be brought into the United States. Arrive before 10:00 AM on Saturdays for the best selection.
- Description
- The bustling hub of St. George's where vendors sell fresh produce, spices, and local crafts. Historically, it was a center for trading enslaved people; today, it is a vibrant marketplace showcasing Grenadian culture and the island's agricultural backbone. Saturday mornings are the most lively, with farmers from across Grenada setting up directly, offering the widest selection of fresh spices and produce.
St. George's Cathedral
- Highlights
- Architectural beauty; spiritual significance; central location in the city
- Description
- A Gothic Revival church begun in 1874 intended to replace the Town Church (St. Peter's Church). Construction faced delays due to disunity within the parish and lack of funding. The cathedral features impressive stained glass windows and peaceful ambiance.
Sendall Tunnel
- Practical Tip
- There is no raised sidewalk; stay close to the wall. Avoid it between 2:30–4:30 PM when school traffic peaks. Walk quickly to minimize time in vehicle exhaust.
- Description
- A historic passage carved through the hillside connecting different parts of St. George's. The tunnel is open to both pedestrians and vehicles. It carries local history and significance for the city's development.
Practical Tips
Most of St. George's is walkable from the Carenage waterfront; the main attractions are within ~10 minutes on foot. Public buses are available at the Melville Street Bus Terminal (bus fares EC$2.50–EC$6.50). Taxis are readily available; negotiate fares in advance (typical fare within city center ~EC$15–EC$20 or EC$25). Visitors should bring small bills and cash for museum and market purchases, as some venues do not accept cards. Best time to visit is January–May (dry season). The steep stone surfaces of Fort George become extremely slippery after tropical rain; wear closed shoes and use caution on ramparts. The city's topography is dramatic, characterized by the horseshoe-shaped harbor backed by hillside of the old volcano crater.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this history, museums & sightseeing research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About St. George's
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.