While most people don't generally come to St. Vincent & the Grenadines for its shopping - and with all the magnificent beaches, plentiful aquatic activities and gorgeous scenery on offer, it's no surprise - there are some interesting souvenirs and gifts you may wish to pick up while you are here.

Make sure you check out the markets in Kingstown, an enjoyable and interesting way to spend a couple hours!

This St. Vincent & the Grenadines Shopping Guide details some of the things you may wish to purchase on your visit, as well as giving some information on where best to go if you do wish to go on a mini shopping spree. General Caribbean shopping information is also presented on our Caribbean Shopping Guide. And if you find all the shopping has helped you work up an appetite, why not satiate it at one of the establishments listed in our St. Vincent & the Grenadines Restaurant Guide.

St. Vincent & the Grenadines Shopping Guide

As mentioned previously, St. Vincent & the Grenadines isn't really a shopping destination, but there are enough shops and stores to browse through for a day or so, with some interesting local handicrafts on offer. The city is only twelve small blocks, which makes wandering through it easy and quite pleasant. The Kingstown Market is also well worth a visit, if only to enjoy the interesting, colourful marketplace itself. The bustling market square is located at the corner of Bay and Bedford Streets.

Villa, situated across from Young Island on the other side of St. Vincent, is another area worth visiting. Located within Villa are many of St. Vincent's hotels, bars and restaurants, as well as a few upmarket boutiques. One highly recommended shop to visit in the area is At Basil's, an antique and furniture shop which features homewares and collectible items from the Caribbean and around the world. It is worth visiting for its building alone, which is in the old colonial-style architecture.

Some of the popular purchases include various items of clothing, as well as the renowned Sea Island cotton fabrics. Pottery, baskets and gold and silver jewellery are all made locally by the Vincentian tradespeople and artisans. Other available goods include cameras, watches, books, crystal and bone china and batik. Buying directly from the artisans themselves ensures more money goes directly to the local economy.

Although different shops may have varying opening and closing hours, most are normally open from 8 am to 4 pm and closed from 12 pm to 1 pm on weekdays, and open for half days on Saturdays. Banks are usually open from 8 am to 3 pm on Monday to Thursday, with a one hour break from 12 pm to 1 pm, and open on Fridays from 8 am to 12 pm, and then again from 3 pm to 5 pm.