Roadtown

One of the best things about Roadtown is its laid-back, small-town feel. It is bustling and busy, though not overcrowded, despite being a cruise stop. There are several good restaurants and good duty-free shopping. There's less to choose from, but it's much less congested than St. Thomas.

Quick Tips:

The harbor has evolved into a busy hub for cruise ships, so the city is beginning to have more to offer visitors. If you come from a cruise ship, be sure to wander off the main drag, Waterfront Drive. One street over is Main Street, where there are plenty more restaurants, nice boutiques, and galleries.

Best Way To Get Around:

If you come from a cruise ship or ferry, it is very manageable to walk around on foot. If you have full day, I highly recommend renting a car and exploring the west end of the island, like Soper's Hole and Long Bay Beach. A taxi to either place is around each way.

You can't leave the islands without trying roti, the West Indian/Caribbean specialty flatbread (like a tortilla) stuffed with anything: beef, chicken, conch, whelk, or goat. You'll find the best roti in Roadtown, discreetly located above Samarkand Jewelers. It's a brightly painted house with a handful of tables. Just go up and make yourself at home with one of the drinks from the help-yourself fridge. This is island home-cooking at its best!

Pusser's Outpost is an island institution! They serve typical North American cuisine, including pizza and burgers, in a casual bar-like setting. Pusser's carries its own brand of British rum. You can't leave without trying a Pain Killer and buying the souvenir tin mug that it's served in. The Outpost shop carries clothing, watches, cigars, and other gifts. They sell great hot sauces and marinades as well. They are open daily from 10am till midnight.

This fun eatery is Tortola's only Chinese restaurant. They serve a variety of Chinese food in an informal setting. Their specialties include shrimp chow mein and sweet-and-sour pork. They have an outdoor patio setting, and the locals tend to eat here. Just look at the very red building.

This breathtaking sweep of beach is located at the north end of the island (and is not to be confused with Long Bay Beach on Beef Island). It is one of the most beautiful beaches on Tortola, but it is the high-rent district. It is lined with beach-front accommodations and can be crowded right in front of the resorts, but it will open up if you walk a little to the west. If you have more than a day on the island or more than a few hours in Roadtown, try to get here to see how beautiful it is. It is a 25-minute taxi/drive from Roadtown and will cost about $18 each way.