Old Road Town City
Historic town on Saint Kitts' southwest coast
On Nevis’s western shore, Old Road Town keeps a low colonial profile: a weathered Anglican church, fishermen mending nets, rum shops and a coastal road that leads to crumbling sugar estates and low-key swimming coves.
Old Road Town at a Glance#
Costs: Moderate: $80-140/day - local guesthouses and beachfront eateries keep prices middle-range.
Safety: Safe by day; basic night precautions - low violent crime; watch belongings and avoid deserted streets at night.
Best Time: December-April - peak dry season for beach weather and sailing.
Why Visit Old Road Town?#
One of St Kitts’s oldest settlements, Old Road Town attracts history-minded visitors with sugar-plantation ruins, the 19th-century Cottle Church and a low-key fishing-harbour atmosphere. Beachfront bars and rum shops line quiet coves, while local markets sell fresh seafood and Caribbean street food. It’s a place to take in plantation-era history and island rhythms without the larger crowds found in Basseterre.
Best Things to Do in Old Road Town#
Old Road Town Bucket List#
Old Road Town waterfront - Small historic waterfront with fishing boats, roadside kiosks, and Caribbean atmosphere.
Old Road Bay beach - Calm sandy bay suitable for swimming, relaxing, and local beachside vendors.
Wingfield Estate sugar plantation ruins - Ruined estate with century-old sugar mill remains and dramatic coastal overlooks.
Coastal walking paths - Low-key seaside tracks connecting local bays, ideal for easy scenic strolls.
Local roadside food stalls - Family-run stalls serving grilled fish, Caribbean specialties, and fresh produce.
Early-morning fish market - Small dockside market where fishers unload catches and local cooks shop.
Basseterre - St. Kitts capital with Georgian architecture, local markets, and waterfront promenades.
Nevis (Charlestown) - Short ferry ride to Nevis for colonial streets, shops, and historic sites.
Best Time to Visit Old Road Town#
Visit Old Road Town December-April for sun, calm seas and festivals; May-November brings rain, higher humidity, and hurricane risk. Peak beach season is the winter dry months.
December - April
24°C - 29°C (75°F - 84°F)
Sunny, breezy, and perfect for beaches, snorkeling and lively festivals-expect crowds in peak winter months, and generally reliably good weather.
May - November
25°C - 30°C (77°F - 86°F)
Hotter, more humid days with frequent afternoon showers; fewer tourists and greener landscapes, but sea conditions can be choppier for boat trips.
June - November
25°C - 30°C (77°F - 86°F)
Caribbean hurricane season carries risk of tropical storms-flexible plans and travel insurance are essential, and small islands may face brief but severe disruptions.
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How to Get to Old Road Town#
Old Road Town on Saint Kitts is easily reached from the island’s main airport (SKB) by taxi or by the shared minibus network. Public minibuses are cheap but slower; taxis are convenient for direct trips.
Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB): This is the main airport for Saint Kitts (near Basseterre). From SKB a taxi to Old Road Town takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic; expect fares in the range of US$20-35.
Aviation from Antigua (ANU) / other islands: There are short regional flights between nearby islands; if arriving via Antigua you’ll transfer by regional carrier and then take land transport on Saint Kitts.
Train: There is no passenger rail service on Saint Kitts.
Bus / shared taxi: Public minibuses (shared taxis) run the island’s coastal roads and are the cheapest way to travel between Basseterre and towns such as Old Road; fares are low (a few dollars) and journey times are about 25-40 minutes depending on stops. Taxis are faster and more direct but cost more.
How to Get Around Old Road Town#
Expect to travel to Old Road Town by taxi or shared minibus from SKB airport or Basseterre. For short local trips walking works well; hire a car if you want to explore widely around the island.
- Airport taxi (US$20-35) - Taxis are available at SKB and will take you directly to Old Road Town in roughly 20-30 minutes. They’re the most straightforward option if you have luggage or arrive off-schedule-confirm the fare before departing.
- Public minibuses / shared taxi (US$1-4) - The island’s minibuses follow fixed routes along the coastal road and are the most economical way to move between towns. They can be slow due to frequent stops but are frequent during the day and a good budget option.
- Private transfer (US$40-80) - For convenience and fixed pricing consider arranging a private transfer from the airport or ferry terminal. Useful for groups and when arriving late; rates are higher than shared transport but more reliable.
- Car hire (US$50-100/day) - Renting a car gives full flexibility to explore Saint Kitts’ sights and beaches beyond Old Road. Roads are generally in good condition; driving is on the left. Fuel and rental costs are higher than in continental countries.
- Walking - Old Road Town is compact and easy to explore on foot for restaurants, beaches and local shops. Walking is the best way to enjoy the town itself but not practical for longer inter-town travel.
Where to Stay in Old Road Town#
Old Road / Nevis island - $40-90/night (guesthouses)
Old Road Town itself has limited cheap options; budget travelers often use guesthouses on Nevis or self-catered apartments.
Four Seasons Resort Nevis (budget-adjacent?) - Upscale resort, occasional deals available.
Pinney’s Beach / Charlestown - $100-250/night
Mid-range boutique hotels and guesthouses are common around Nevis’ main beaches; small island roads connect Old Road Town to beaches.
Montpelier Plantation & Beach - Boutique plantation hotel and beach access.
Royalton Negril (note: on Nevis area check) - Large resort-style property.
Pinney’s Beach / Resort strip - $250+/night
Luxury resorts and upscale boutique properties are available on Nevis; Old Road Town is nearby but not the resort hub.
Four Seasons Resort Nevis - Full-service luxury beachfront resort.
Montpelier Plantation & Beach - High-end boutique, fine dining and pool.
Shopping in Old Road Town#
Shopping within Old Road Town is limited to small grocery shops, produce stalls and a few local vendors. For a broader retail selection - craft shops, souvenirs and larger markets - head to Basseterre and the main tourist hubs. Local food stalls and bakeries are where you’ll find everyday items and fresh produce.
Nightlife in Old Road Town#
Nightlife in Old Road Town is low-key: a handful of bars, guesthouse restaurants and beachside spots operate in the evenings, particularly during tourist season. For more nightlife choices, Basseterre provides bars, restaurants and occasional live music.
