With its lush tropical surroundings, black and white sand beaches, and colorful mix of cultures its no wonder that St. Lucia remains a popular Caribbean vacation destination. Add to this mixture the congeniality of the local people and you may never want to leave this magical place. With you days filled with relaxing by the beach or taking in some of the sites, how will you spend your nights? In and around Castries, the capitol of St. Lucia, there is a number of options that you may be interested in exploring further.
Life after dark in Castries provides visitors a chance to get to know the island even better. Since St. Lucia is relatively small in size (only 27 miles long) there are different areas that have their own unique feel for visitors. For those that like to stick close to their hotel or resort, most places offer some form of entertainment, like a steel drum band or piano players, on a nightly basis. Check with your resort’s activity team at the beginning of your stay to plan your trip accordingly.
For those travelers interested in venturing outside the resort at night, there are a number of options that await you in and around Castries. If you want to catch a dinner show, then check out the Green Parrot, located atop of Morne Fortune. The famous “Chef Harry” will fill your evening with great food and local entertainment. From fire-eaters to limbo experts, get the weekly schedule and make sure to try this St. Lucian favorite. In addition to a great meal and fabulous entertainment, guests are also treated to magnificent view of the surrounding St. Lucian countryside.
Bar hoppers need not fear that Castries will be too dull for them. Heading just a few miles north of central Castries to the Rodney Bay area will find visitors in the most active section of the area for nightlife. Here, you have numerous possibilities depending on what sort of mood you are in. Shamrocks Pub is an informal Irish pub in the area, and they have live Jazz bands on Wednesdays. Capone’s is another popular nightspot on Rodney Bay, providing a DJ to help you get into the island groove. If you get the urge to dance then head to Folley’s, one of the most popular dance clubs in all of St. Lucia. Other popular dance spots in and around Rodney Bay are The Late Lime and The Chalet.
For the ultimate in St. Lucia nightlife experiences, go to the Gros Islet village “Jump Up”. This is held every Friday night in the village of Gros Islet (your cab driver will know exactly where to take you). During the “Jump UP” locals and visitors from all over the island gather to listen to traditional island music, feast on local delicacies, dance, drink, and basically have a good time. You can sample local beers and even purchase souvenirs to remember your time in St. Lucia.
Use common sense when venturing out at night, especially in an unfamiliar area. St. Lucia isn’t particularly unsafe just use proper judgment and keep your wits about you and you should have a great time partying in St. Lucia. Whether you decide to take in a meal and a show at the Green Parrot, kick up your heels in Rodney Bay, or see how the locals get down at the Jump-Up, you are in for a rockin’ good time in Castries, St. Lucia.
