Know Before You Go...®

Why Gustavia, St. Barts?

  • Gustavia is the capital of St. Barts.
  • The town was founded by Swedish colonists in the 1700s.
  • Gustavia is home to a beautiful natural harbor.
  • The harbor is a popular destination for luxury yachts.
  • The town is filled with charming boutiques, restaurants and galleries.

Gustavia, St. Barts Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
82.9° F
° F
February
72.8° F
° F
March
83.2° F
° F
April
84.3° F
° F
May
85.4° F
° F
June
86.4° F
° F
July
86.6° F
° F
August
87.1° F
° F
September
87.6° F
° F
October
87.2° F
° F
November
85.8° F
° F
December
83.7° F
° F

Average Rainfall

January
2.28 inches
February
1.83 inches
March
1.99 inches
April
2.29 inches
May
3.60 inches
June
2.15 inches
July
3.13 inches
August
4.00 inches
September
4.38 inches
October
4.95 inches
November
4.26 inches
December
3.87 inches
Tamarin

Voted top restaurant by the Caribbean Journal 2023

A sophisticated open air restaurant serving French gastronomic cuisine, it is great for a relaxing lunch on the way to Grand Saline beach.

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon

Voted top restaurant by Caribbean Journal 2023

Another legendary French chef Joël Robuchon restaurant with its signature counter seating facing the open kitchen where the magic happens. Enjoy a modern French gastronomic menu with dishes created by Joël. Request a window table on the second floor, looking over the harbor.

Aux Amis

Voted top restaurant by Caribbean Journal 2023

Located in the beautiful Hotel St. Barthelemy, Aux Amis has a large menu with something for everyone.

Transportation on Gustavia, St. Barts

Getting to Gustavia, St. Barts and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Passport: Valid for the duration of your stay.
  • Visa: Not required for UK citizens and most other nationalities for stays of up to 90 days.
  • Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of departure from St. Barts is required.
  • Travel Authorization: No special pre-arrival authorization is required for most visitors, but travelers may need to complete a health declaration or entry form, depending on the current regulations.

Airlines Flying Here

  • St. Barts airport can only accommodate smaller planes, with flights connecting from St. Maarten, San Juan or St. Thomas.
  • Commercial jets require a longer runway and cannot land on St. Barts.

Departure Tax

There is no departure tax on St. Barts.

Driving

  • License: Visitors can drive with a valid foreign driver’s license for up to 3 months.
  • Permit: A temporary driving permit is required, obtainable at the airport or local police stations.
  • Driving Side: Right-hand side of the road.
  • Road Conditions: Generally good, with well-maintained roads, though some areas may be narrow and winding.
  • Speed Limits: Typically 25-35 mph (40-56 km/h) in urban areas and higher on highways.
  • Traffic Rules: Be mindful of local traffic regulations, pedestrians, and other road users. Always exercise caution when driving on narrow, hilly roads, especially in more remote areas.

Know Before You Go...® - Gustavia, St. Barts Travel Tips

Before making their way to Gustavia, St. Barts , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Gustavia, St. Barts even more relaxing.

Capital: St. BartsCaribbean
Population: 2019Small
Size: 2000N/A
Electric Current: 220
Official Language: The official language of Gustavia is French, as it is located on the French island of St. Barthélemy. However, English is also widely spoken as a secondary language due to the tourism industry and the large number of English-speaking visitors.
Currency: Gustavia, located on the island of St. Barts in the Caribbean, is known for its luxury and upscale lifestyle. As a result, the currency and payment options in Gustavia cater to the needs of high-end travelers. The official currency of St. Barts is the Euro, but the US dollar is widely accepted, and some establishments may also accept major credit cards. When visiting Gustavia, it is recommended to have some cash on hand in both Euros and US dollars. Most shops and restaurants will accept both currencies, but having a mix of both will ensure that you can pay for your purchases without any issues. However, keep in mind that the exchange rate may vary, and it is advisable to check the rates before making any transactions. Credit cards are widely accepted in Gustavia, especially in high-end establishments such as luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, and designer boutiques. Some establishments may have a minimum purchase requirement for credit card transactions, so it is always bes
Tipping and Taxes: Tipping and taxes in Gustavia, the capital of Saint Barthelemy, are an important aspect of the local economy and culture. As a popular tourist destination, visitors should be aware of the customs and expectations for tipping and taxes in this Caribbean paradise. Tipping in Gustavia is not a mandatory practice, but it is generally expected for good service. In restaurants, a service charge of 10-15% may already be included in the bill, so it is not necessary to leave an additional tip. However, if the service was exceptional, a small tip of 5-10% is appreciated. For other services such as taxis, guides, and hotel staff, a tip of 10-15% is customary. It is important to note that tipping in cash is preferred, as credit card tips may not always go directly to the service staff. When it comes to taxes in Gustavia, visitors should be aware of the value-added tax (VAT) which is 5.5% on most goods and services. This tax is usually included in the price of items, so there is no need to ca
Dress Code: The dress code in Gustavia is generally casual and relaxed, with a focus on comfortable and stylish beachwear.
Topography: Gustavia is a hilly and picturesque port town located on the southwestern coast of the Caribbean island of St. Barts, known for its charming harbor, narrow streets, and hilly landscape.
Telephone: Country code: +590 Area code: 590

Gustavia, St. Barts Weddings and Honeymoons

In St. Barts, the process of getting married is straightforward. Couples must apply for a marriage license at the local town hall (Mairie de Gustavia). Required documents include:

  • Valid passports for both parties.
  • Birth certificates for both parties.
  • Proof of marital status: If divorced, a final divorce decree; if widowed, a death certificate of the spouse.
  • Proof of residence in St. Barts (if applicable).
  • Affidavit of no impediment to marriage (a statement affirming both parties are legally eligible to marry).

The marriage license costs approximately €100. For weddings outside of the registry office, additional fees for the officiant apply, ranging from €200 to €500 depending on the ceremony. It is recommended to apply for the license at least 3 business days before the intended wedding date.