Jamestown, St. Helena

The most famous historical site is Longwood House, the residence where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final years in exile. Located a short 15-minute drive from Jamestown, it is a meticulously preserved museum offering a deep dive into his life on the island. Nearby, you can also visit Napoleon's Tomb in the Sane Valley.

In Jamestown itself, a must-do challenge is climbing Jacob's Ladder. This historic staircase consists of 699 steep steps ascending the side of the valley, rewarding climbers with breathtaking panoramic views. For a look into the island's broader history, the Museum of St. Helena at the base of the Ladder is an excellent stop. A short drive into the highlands will also take you to Plantation House, where you can meet Jonathan, a giant tortoise reputed to be the world's oldest living land animal.

While St. Helena has no other cities, island tours offer access to stunning nearby areas. A popular destination is the ruggedly beautiful Sandy Bay on the island's southern coast. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes from Jamestown and reveals a dramatic landscape of cliffs and black sand, showcasing a different side of the island's volcanic geography.

Another key destination is the island's green interior, home to Diana's Peak National Park. This area contains the island's highest point and is a haven for endemic flora and fauna. It's a must-see for nature lovers and hikers, located about a 20-minute drive from Jamestown.

Cruise ships visiting Jamestown anchor in the open roadstead of James Bay, as there is no deep-water pier. All passengers are brought ashore via a tender boat service, which is an experience in itself, offering fantastic views of the cliff-lined coast. The journey to the wharf is short, typically lasting about 10 minutes.

The tender wharf is located directly in the heart of Jamestown. Once ashore, you are immediately in the town center, with Main Street, shops, pubs, and the museum just steps away. No shuttles or further transportation are needed to explore the capital, as it is entirely walkable.

The official currency is the Saint Helena Pound (SHP), which is pegged one-to-one with the British Pound Sterling (GBP). British Pounds are accepted everywhere and can be used interchangeably with local notes and coins.

US Dollars and Euros are not widely accepted, so it is best to carry GBP. A bank is available in Jamestown for currency exchange, but ATM access is limited. Credit card acceptance is sparse, primarily restricted to hotels and a few select businesses, so carrying enough cash for your visit is highly recommended.

St. Helena is widely regarded as one of the safest destinations in the world, with an exceptionally low crime rate. Visitors often remark on the friendly and welcoming nature of the local 'Saints'. It is perfectly safe to walk around Jamestown and explore the island independently during the day.

The primary safety considerations are related to the natural environment. Be cautious when swimming, as ocean currents can be strong away from sheltered areas. If you plan an hiking excursion, particularly on coastal cliffs or to Diana's Peak, wear sturdy footwear, carry water, and stick to marked paths, as terrain can be challenging.

St. Helena enjoys a mild tropical maritime climate year-round, free from extreme temperatures. Most cruise ships visit during the Southern Hemisphere's summer months, from November to April. During this time, temperatures in Jamestown typically range from 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F).

The highlands in the island's interior are generally cooler and receive more rainfall than the warmer, drier coastal capital. Rain showers can occur at any time, so packing a light waterproof jacket is advisable. The South Atlantic is not prone to hurricanes, so there is no hurricane season to consider when planning a visit. Sunscreen and a hat are essential, as the sun can be quite strong.

Jamestown itself is compact and easily explored on foot. To see the rest of the island, you will need transportation. Taxis are the most common option for visitors and can be found near the landing pier. It is standard practice to hire a taxi for an Island tour by taxi for a half or full day at a fixed price, which should be agreed upon in advance.

There is a public bus system, but its limited schedule is not always convenient for cruise passengers on a tight timeline. Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft do not operate on the island. Pre-booking a guided tour or a private taxi is the most efficient way to explore sights outside of the capital.

Shopping on St. Helena is centered along Main Street in Jamestown. The shops offer a range of unique, locally produced goods that make for wonderful souvenirs. A highly sought-after item is the world-renowned St. Helena Coffee, one of the rarest and most expensive coffees globally.

Other local specialties include handcrafted items like St. Helena Lace, pottery, and jewelry. The island's distillery produces 'Tungi Spirit,' a potent liqueur made from prickly pear cacti, which is a popular local product. Prices are generally fixed, and while duty-free shopping is limited, the uniqueness of the local crafts and products is the main draw for shoppers.