For an immersive shopping experience, visit the craft and food markets in St.
Kitts’ capital city, Basseterre. There are also several small boutiques and
galleries around the island for bringing a bit of St. Kitts home with you,
including the colorful Caribelle Batik factory.
Credit: Collected by Bob Curley, AFAR Local Expert
Basseterre
Basseterre
"Amina Craft Market If you’re tired of the same old souvenir T-shirts, you’ll want to visit the Amina Craft Market. Perfectly positioned to attract cruise ship passengers coming ashore at Port Zante in Basseterre, the market features pastel-pink stalls hung with batik fabrics and clothing as well as locally made pottery, bags, jewelry, and keepsakes. Friendly vendors—some of whom are the artists themselves—won’t hit you with a hard sell, but it never hurts to ask if there’s any flexibility on pricing (sometimes there is, sometimes there isn’t). The port complex also has duty-free shops, restaurants, bars, a casino, and—if you must—stores selling St. Kitts-, tropical-, and reggae-themed T-shirts."
Photo courtesy of St. Kitts Tourism Authority
Bay Rd
Basseterre
"Public Market Join the locals under the tin roof at Public Market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings to browse island-fresh produce and just-caught fish. While this isn’t a straw market (which is more likely to have handicrafts and souvenirs), you may still be able to find some hand-milled soaps, infused oils, and spices to go with your groceries."
Photo by Jenna Mahoney
Caribelle Batik at Romney Manor
Historical landmark · Saint Thomas Middle Island
"Caribelle Batik The ancient art of wax-resist dyeing reaches a whole new level at Caribelle Batik, located on Romney Manor. At the factory, you can watch artists as they boil hues, apply wax, and dye fabrics, creating the brightly colored, intricately patterned clothing that’s typical of St. Kitts. After taking in the process, browse the wide selection of wraps, dresses, men’s shirts, bandanas, bags, wall hangings, and more, which are among the most desired products in the Caribbean."
Photo courtesy of St. Kitts Tourism Authority
Crafthouse
Craft store · Basseterre
"The Craft House Local is the ethos at The Craft House. Commissioned by the government in 1982, the store offers a dizzying array of hand-crafted products, though the dolls, straw work, pottery, and leather goods are the best bets. No matter what you choose, you can rest assured that you’ve purchased an authentic souvenir—everything here is made on the island by artists who trained in the store’s educational program."
Photo by Jenna Mahoney
The Marina at Christophe Harbour
Marina · Saint George Basseterre
"Marina Village Marina Village in Christophe Harbour features a small collection of galleries and boutiques perfect for finding a unique souvenir. DALE Original Art & Style offers local artwork, pottery, clothing, and jewelry, while Joya St. Kitts sells bohemian dresses from Camilla, resort wear by Vanita Rosa of St. Barths, and colorful creations by the Wayuu tribe of South America. You’ll also find Mediterranean-inspired fashion at Totally Bananas Boutique, sportswear and equipment at Ballast Bay Outfitters, delicious espresso at Peppe’s Coffee Kiosk, and a range of fresh, artisan breads at Sugar & Salt Gourmet Market."
Photo courtesy of St. Kitts Tourism Authority
Palms Court Gardens
Restaurant · Basseterre
"Palms Court may be known for its statuary gardens, but it’s also home to a restaurant, a freeform saltwater pool, and one of the best gift shops on the island. At Shell Works St. Kitts, you’ll find shell jewelry and artwork made from local materials like driftwood, sugar cane, sand, and tree roots. Spend time browsing the beautiful selection and you might even see craftspeople making new pieces for the shop."
Photo courtesy of Palms Court Gardens
The Best Shopping in St. Kitts
6 Places
For an immersive shopping experience, visit the craft and food markets in St.
Kitts’ capital city, Basseterre. There are also several small boutiques and
galleries around the island for bringing a bit of St. Kitts home with you,
including the colorful Caribelle Batik factory.
Credit: Collected by Bob Curley, AFAR Local Expert
Basseterre
"Amina Craft Market If you’re tired of the same old souvenir T-shirts, you’ll want to visit the Amina Craft Market. Perfectly positioned to attract cruise ship passengers coming ashore at Port Zante in Basseterre, the market features pastel-pink stalls hung with batik fabrics and clothing as well as locally made pottery, bags, jewelry, and keepsakes. Friendly vendors—some of whom are the artists themselves—won’t hit you with a hard sell, but it never hurts to ask if there’s any flexibility on pricing (sometimes there is, sometimes there isn’t). The port complex also has duty-free shops, restaurants, bars, a casino, and—if you must—stores selling St. Kitts-, tropical-, and reggae-themed T-shirts."
Bay Rd
"Public Market Join the locals under the tin roof at Public Market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings to browse island-fresh produce and just-caught fish. While this isn’t a straw market (which is more likely to have handicrafts and souvenirs), you may still be able to find some hand-milled soaps, infused oils, and spices to go with your groceries."
Caribelle Batik at Romney Manor
Historical landmark
"Caribelle Batik The ancient art of wax-resist dyeing reaches a whole new level at Caribelle Batik, located on Romney Manor. At the factory, you can watch artists as they boil hues, apply wax, and dye fabrics, creating the brightly colored, intricately patterned clothing that’s typical of St. Kitts. After taking in the process, browse the wide selection of wraps, dresses, men’s shirts, bandanas, bags, wall hangings, and more, which are among the most desired products in the Caribbean."
Crafthouse
Craft store
"The Craft House Local is the ethos at The Craft House. Commissioned by the government in 1982, the store offers a dizzying array of hand-crafted products, though the dolls, straw work, pottery, and leather goods are the best bets. No matter what you choose, you can rest assured that you’ve purchased an authentic souvenir—everything here is made on the island by artists who trained in the store’s educational program."
The Marina at Christophe Harbour
Marina
"Marina Village Marina Village in Christophe Harbour features a small collection of galleries and boutiques perfect for finding a unique souvenir. DALE Original Art & Style offers local artwork, pottery, clothing, and jewelry, while Joya St. Kitts sells bohemian dresses from Camilla, resort wear by Vanita Rosa of St. Barths, and colorful creations by the Wayuu tribe of South America. You’ll also find Mediterranean-inspired fashion at Totally Bananas Boutique, sportswear and equipment at Ballast Bay Outfitters, delicious espresso at Peppe’s Coffee Kiosk, and a range of fresh, artisan breads at Sugar & Salt Gourmet Market."
Palms Court Gardens
Restaurant
"Palms Court may be known for its statuary gardens, but it’s also home to a restaurant, a freeform saltwater pool, and one of the best gift shops on the island. At Shell Works St. Kitts, you’ll find shell jewelry and artwork made from local materials like driftwood, sugar cane, sand, and tree roots. Spend time browsing the beautiful selection and you might even see craftspeople making new pieces for the shop."
