Things to do — Gustavia

Gustavia is discovered on foot — the centre is compact (1 km long), easily walked in 2-3 hours.

Historical sites: climb to Fort Gustaf (18th-century Swedish, 15-20 min walk from the harbour, free, partly in ruins but magnificent 360° panorama over the bay and yachts). Visit the Wall House Museum (Rue de l'Eglise, €5, 1h-1h30, closed Sunday) — 5 rooms dedicated to the Amerindian, French, Swedish and Creole history of the island. Climb to the Gustavia Lighthouse (15 min walk above the harbour, free, 1840 Swedish foundations, magnificent panoramic view).

Marina and yachts: stroll along the quays (Wall House Boulevard north side, Quai du Wall House south side). In high season, megayacht observation at any hour, magical at sunset (5-6:30 pm, warm light) and in the evening (illuminated yachts). Possible visit to the Saint Barth Yacht Club.

Luxury boutiques: shopping Rue de la République and Place de la République. Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Chanel, Bulgari, Dior, Goyard, Saint Laurent, Tiffany & Co, Loro Piana, Audemars Piguet, Rolex. Prices 10-20 % lower than mainland on some products (especially watches, jewellery). Open 10 am-1 pm and 4-7 pm.

Restaurants: gastronomic lunch or dinner at Bonito (the most iconic, €100-150/person, panoramic view), Bagatelle (festive Mediterranean), Maya's (Caribbean institution), or more casual at Le Repaire (brasserie €40-70), La Crêperie (galettes €25-50), Pipiri Palace (Creole €30-50).

Shell Beach: 5 minutes' walk south of the harbour — small cove of sand and shells, swimming. Sunset aperitif and dinner at Shellona (Greek-Mediterranean, €80-150, essential booking).