99 Steps
4
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Step streets used by the residents of Charlotte Amalie, these historical 99 steps (the actual count is 103) were built from the ballast bricks of the tall ships coming from the old world, which would then return to Europe loaded with products from the islands.
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4.0
679 reviews
Excellent
226
Very good
250
Average
167
Poor
32
Terrible
4
sitzmark60
Barnegat, NJ114 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
One could say ‘they are only steps’ but stop on the top and look around you. These we build 300 years ago with ballast bricks from the boats. Wow. And from the top of the steps you can see all around the bays.
Written 12 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AliBug
Charlotte, NC1,658 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Sometimes it was easier to build steps up a mountain than a sidewalk. This is a step side walk. It has a ton of history around it, such as the buildings and ruins; and lovely flowers along the way. It would be an interesting place for a photographer. There are some cool shots to capture. When you reach the top, there is a stunning view of the bay. Go early in the morning, it gets a tad warm.
Written 18 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vetskidog
Murfreesboro, TN2,409 contributions
Dec 2021 • Friends
We did not encounter a lot of land attractions on St. Thomas Island. So when we learned about this one, we had to do it. There were about 50 steps leading up to the 99 steps (which actually total over 100). We didn’t pay anything the ascend the steps. There are beautiful views at the top.
If you have trouble walking or knee problems, I wouldn’t recommend. Because it is harder on your knees on the descent.
I would recommend checking out this free attraction. Not sure I would pay for this.
If you have trouble walking or knee problems, I wouldn’t recommend. Because it is harder on your knees on the descent.
I would recommend checking out this free attraction. Not sure I would pay for this.
Written 27 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew C
New Bern, NC203 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Word to the wise....it's just meh. We visited here in May so it wasn't quite that hot, but it was hot enough. Climbed all 99 steps (we counted 102) and then went back down again. We will probably not visit it again. The history behind these types of steps is pretty interesting but that's about it. A hint for the people who may control this as an attraction....SIGNAGE. There is none. Also yall may want to clean the area, there is trash everywhere.
Written 9 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracy
12 contributions
Feb 2023
There are lots of really cool staircases in Charlotte Amalie! This one was really near our house, though I had to figure it out by asking! :) A very cool area to walk through. Loved this. S0 many lizards of different ages and sizes! You also run into people from all over the world here because of the cruise ships!
Written 11 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff N
Saint Paul, MN996 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Fun to walk up these historic steps to a beautiful view of the city at the top. On-street parking nearby. The steps have weathered many feet, years, and hurricanes so watch your step but virtually anyone should be able to navigate them (unless in a wheel chair).
Written 8 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Whitney A
Tega Cay, SC9 contributions
Apr 2021
If you are already in Charlotte Amalie I recommend stopping to see the steps. There is no information about the steps near the steps. You will need to do your own google search to learn about them. I wouldn't make a special trip to the city just to see them.
Written 28 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angel S
Costa Mesa, CA619 contributions
May 2021
If you’re in Charlotte Amalie, take the time to
stop and see. All the blooming flowers are beautiful right now, and half way up there’s a great view at the top. Unfortunately, Blackbeard’s castle is still closed at the top and under restoration. Worth the 10-15 min in my opinion.
stop and see. All the blooming flowers are beautiful right now, and half way up there’s a great view at the top. Unfortunately, Blackbeard’s castle is still closed at the top and under restoration. Worth the 10-15 min in my opinion.
Written 12 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A Brasher
Cumming, GA37 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Beautiful view from the top! My husband and I visited the 99 steps on the day we we’re leaving St Thomas. This was a great thing to stop and enjoy before we left. The climb was steep, but totally manageable. The view from the top was totally worth it!
Written 24 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TennisStar602
New Jersey704 contributions
Jun 2021 • Solo
I walked up and down the 99 Steps (there are more than 99 steps!) quite a few times en route to my hotel from downtown. Some of the steps are not in the best of shape, so be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces. It is very difficult to find the stairs unless one has access to Google Maps. I think that I am in good shape, but it was difficult to walk up these stairs, especially when I lugged my heavy suitcase at a fast pace during the hot and humid daytime hours! It was easier for me to descend the stairs.
Written 23 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are going on a cruise and will be stopping here. Is this place walking distance from cruise port?
Written 12 September 2019
The cruise ships dock in Charlotte Amalie. The shops are within walking distance.However, if you have difficulty walking, taxis are very accessible.
Written 13 September 2019
Blackbeard's Castle was not open due to Hurricane damage when we were there in August 2018. You could easily move around the area with no problem though.
Written 31 January 2019
Our ship is docked in crown bay. Would it be better to take harbor & shopping excursion or taxi to town. There are 5 of us
Written 20 January 2019
We docked in Long Bay, I'm prob not the best person to answer, but Charlotte Amalie (where we did all our shopping) looks midway way between Crown Bay and Long Bay, and we walked there and back no probs. There were group taxi open air buses that charged $5 per person one way into town, so am sure that would be offered at your ship dock, I didn't see many private individual taxis at all.
Written 21 January 2019
Can you take a taxi to the top and see houses and castle as you walk down to town
Written 18 January 2019
You can take a taxi to the top easily. There are taxis available all around town. Bluebeards castle is higher than the steps as well as being several minutes away. However between the steps and the castle as well as spots lower than the castle are places where you can look out over the water and the view is quite lovely. The steps can be a little much is the day is really hot or you are a little tired if you are walking up but on the way down if you are not rushing it can be enjoyable, Feel free to stop to take pictures or even to rest a few minutes. Just remember this is your vacation so allow time to enjoy the view and make your special memories. Not every attraction is for everyone. Find yours and enjoy your time.
Written 19 January 2019
We are due in St Thomas on the 14-05-2018 we like to do our own thing would you say it is possible just to leave the ship head into town and go up to castle on our own.
I think we have about 5 hours in St Thomas so want to make sure we have enough time
Written 22 April 2018
Yes you should have plenty of time.
Written 22 April 2018
I don't think it can be closed... per Torben above, it's public. However, many of sites (pirates tower, the rum distillery) appear to have fees involved. We were just walking so did'nt pursue.
It's a nice invigerating walk and gives you a good sense of the city's layout from up there.
Written 19 February 2017
I have heard mention of pools at the castle, are these accessible to the public? Or part of a paid tour?
Written 25 January 2017
We were there this past October and were told that if you paid for the tour you could stay and swim
Written 27 January 2017
Want to know when is Blackbeards castle open we would be there January 19th what time and is it good to view?also tell us about the distillery? Thank you
Written 9 January 2017
Check the website for the attraction/hotel. They will post days and times.
Written 14 January 2017
do the stairs take you to the same place that the sky ride does?
Written 20 September 2016
No the sky rides are across the street from Havensight (where cruise ships dock). 99 steps is in the middle of downtown Charlotte Amalie about a 5-7 minute car ride away from the sky ride.
Written 20 September 2016
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