📌 Quick Facts About Antigua and Barbuda 🇦🇬
Antigua and Barbuda is a two-island country in the Caribbean, with St. John's as the capital on Antigua. It is known for beaches, cruise tourism, colonial history, and a much more relaxed rhythm than many big-city destinations.
For me, Antigua and Barbuda was unusual because I had technically entered the country years earlier, but only through the airport. Returning properly felt necessary.
- 🏛️ CapitalSt. John's
- 💵 CurrencyEastern Caribbean dollar (XCD)
- 🗣️ LanguageEnglish
- 🌡️ ClimateTropical Caribbean
- 🔌 Plug typeVaries · *Anker Universal Travel Adapter
- 🌎 RegionCaribbean
🔁 Why I Returned to Antigua and Barbuda
Back in 2018, I technically visited Antigua and Barbuda for the first time, but only as an airport transit. I was flying through the Caribbean and passed through Antigua's airport, but I never actually left the airport grounds.
Years later, when my goal of visiting every country became serious, I realized that I could not honestly say I had properly visited Antigua and Barbuda.
In fact, there were only two countries where I felt that way: Antigua and Barbuda and Russia. Both were countries I had technically "been to" but never genuinely explored.
So during a Caribbean trip in 2023, I returned to Antigua and Barbuda specifically to fix that. I flew in from Saint Kitts and Nevis and would later continue onward to Barbados.
✈️ A 15-Minute Flight on a Boeing 777
One thing that immediately made the journey memorable was the flight itself. Normally, flights between Caribbean islands are operated by tiny regional aircraft.
This time was different. I flew on a British Airways Boeing 777.
British Airways operates a route between London, Antigua, and several nearby Caribbean destinations, which means it is possible to book a very short inter-island flight on an aircraft usually used for transatlantic journeys.
The flight itself lasted only around 15 minutes. It cost me 150 Euros. It was the shortest widebody flight I had ever taken, until an Emirates diversion to Al Ain made me fly Al Ain to Dubai a few years later.
🛬 Arriving With No Hotel and No Plan
When I landed in Antigua, I had absolutely no plan. No hotel. No transportation. Nothing.
At the time, I was traveling through the Caribbean on a very tight budget, so after checking hotel prices online and deciding they were too expensive, I came up with what seemed like a brilliant idea: I would simply walk into the city.
In hindsight, it was a terrible idea. The walk was much longer than I expected and eventually darkness fell. At some points I could barely see where I was going.
I spent hours walking before finally reaching St. John's. Fortunately, after asking around at several places, I found a hotel willing to give me a room for around €65 per night.
At the time that felt expensive. Looking back, it was definitely worth it. The Caribbean is not the place where I would recommend wandering around all night looking for accommodation.
🏛️ Exploring St. John's
The next morning, I finally had time to properly explore the country. St. John's is exactly what many people imagine when they think about a Caribbean capital: colorful buildings, warm weather, cruise ship visitors, friendly locals, and plenty of places to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere.
One of my favorite landmarks was the V.C. Bird bust in the city center. Vere Cornwall Bird was the country's first Prime Minister and one of the most influential figures in Antigua and Barbuda's modern history. The airport is also named after him.
What makes the monument memorable is its unusual design. Instead of a traditional statue, it almost looks cartoonish, painted in national colors and standing proudly in the middle of the city.
From there, I continued to St. John's Cathedral, probably the most recognizable landmark in the capital. The cathedral's white towers dominate the skyline and can be seen from many parts of the city.
The current structure dates back to the 19th century after earlier versions were destroyed by earthquakes. It is one of the most important historical buildings in the country and definitely worth visiting.
🌊 Walking to Fort James
After spending some time in the city center, I decided to walk all the way to Fort James. The walk takes a little while, but it is manageable.
Fort James was built by the British in the 18th century to defend the harbor against potential attacks. Today, much of the fort feels abandoned.
The old structures are crumbling, and some areas almost resemble an archaeological site. At times it genuinely reminded me of a miniature tropical version of Chernobyl: empty buildings, old walls, and nature slowly taking over.
The real reward, however, is the view. From the fort, you can look out across the turquoise Caribbean Sea while standing beside centuries-old cannons.
This was also where I filmed my juggling video for Antigua and Barbuda (Watch Juggling in Every Country).
🗿 Prince Klaas, Local History and Transport
Back in the city, I visited another important monument: the statue of Prince Klaas.
Prince Klaas was an enslaved African man who became one of the most famous figures in Antigua's history. In 1736, he was accused of organizing a major slave rebellion against colonial rule.
Although the uprising was discovered before it could succeed, Prince Klaas later became a symbol of resistance and the fight for freedom. Today, his statue stands as one of the most important historical monuments in the country.
One thing worth noting about Antigua is transportation. Public buses do exist, but they are not always particularly reliable. If you are using local transportation, be prepared to wait. Eventually a bus will arrive, but schedules often seem more like suggestions than actual timetables.
🏝️ What I Would See With More Time
Despite only spending a short time in Antigua and Barbuda, I left with a very positive impression. The people were friendly, the city was pleasant to explore, and the island itself looked stunning from both the ground and the air.
If I return one day, there are several places I would love to explore beyond St. John's.
- Nelson's Dockyard: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved colonial naval bases in the Caribbean.
- Shirley Heights: famous for panoramic views and sunset gatherings.
- Half Moon Bay: one of the most beautiful beaches in Antigua.
💭 Final Thoughts on Visiting Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda was one of 2 countries I needed to revisit in order to truly complete my journey. Even so, there is still so much I haven't explored yet.
I also hope to visit the other part of the islands, Barbuda, one day.