Main Street Jamestown
Jamestown, St Helena's colorful capital, offers historic charm, breathtaking views from Jacob's Ladder, and vibrant community markets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music & good eats
Main Street Jamestown
Best Time
Live music & good eats
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Jamestown, St Helena's colorful capital, offers historic charm, breathtaking views from Jacob's Ladder, and vibrant community markets.
"The staff are super friendly and helpful. They can’t do enough for you."
👟 Conquer Jacob's Ladder
Take on the 699 steps for amazing views! Bring water and wear good shoes.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Check out Friday evenings for live tunes and good vibes on Main Street.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jacob's Ladder Ascent
Jamestown
Climb 699 steps for panoramic views of Jamestown's colorful architecture and harbor.
Jamestown Street Market
Main Road, Jamestown
A vibrant hub of local culture, music, food, and entrepreneurship. A true community gathering.
Historic East India Company Barracks
Jamestown
Stay or explore this beautifully restored 18th-century barracks, now a charming hotel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Steps: Jacob's Ladder
Jamestown's Vibrant Markets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Conquer Jacob's Ladder
Take on the 699 steps for amazing views! Bring water and wear good shoes.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Check out Friday evenings for live tunes and good vibes on Main Street.
☕ Winston's Coffee Shop
Grab a coffee at this cozy spot on Main Street, open Wed-Sat mornings.
🎁 Visit the Magic Cave
A volunteer-run gem on Main Street, perfect for a donation-based visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Conquer Jacob's Ladder
Take on the 699 steps for amazing views! Bring water and wear good shoes.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Check out Friday evenings for live tunes and good vibes on Main Street.
☕ Winston's Coffee Shop
Grab a coffee at this cozy spot on Main Street, open Wed-Sat mornings.
🎁 Visit the Magic Cave
A volunteer-run gem on Main Street, perfect for a donation-based visit.
📶 WiFi Password
Keep your WiFi password handy; you'll need to re-enter it often.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the exceptional friendliness and helpfulness of the staff at Jamestown accommodations, particularly the Mantis Hotel. The historic charm of the buildings and the unique island atmosphere are major draws. While the internet can be inconsistent and dining options are somewhat limited, the overall experience is highly positive, with many guests eager to return.
"The Mantis hotel on St Helena is great place to stay. We just spent 8 nights with them. The staff is so friendly and accommodating. They even had a cake for me on my birthday. Breakfasts were included and good. They also offered lunch and dinner and food was ok. The internet situation wasn’t ideal but it was good when it worked in the room. We had to ask for new passwords quite a few times. Aside from that, it’s the best hotel to stay while in the island."
Kathy Smee
"I ate at the hotel during my last visit. (Last week) Despite the hotel just having a new manager parachuted in and very little staff at the time, the manager made extra effort to make sure our dinner guests were kept engaged while getting our meals out.
Food was good and enjoyable in comparison to some other venues, pudding choices were very limited was the only observation even with very low numbers using the restaurant.
The new manager seems keen to improve the service on this occasion he was very apologetic for the already reasonably good service.
A recommendation would be to make the restaurant attractive to local people, better advertising locally as the hotel services is kind of unknown for the period I was in town."
Johnny Clingham
"This was my second stay at the Mantis (for work reasons) and I would happily come back again. My room was very comfortable. The real highlight was the very friendly staff."
Andrew Tipping
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Jamestown, St Helena is primarily via the RMS St Helena passenger ship or by air to St Helena Airport (HLE). Flights are limited and often connect through Johannesburg. Once on the island, taxis or pre-arranged transfers are available to reach Jamestown.
Jamestown is a compact capital, and much of it is walkable. For reaching higher points like Jacob's Ladder or exploring further afield, taxis are the main option. Some areas are connected by roads like Ladder Hill Road.
If you arrive by air, car rental is an option, but navigating Jamestown's narrow streets and steep inclines can be challenging. Taxis are often more convenient for exploring the town itself.
Walking is ideal for exploring the main streets and historic areas of Jamestown. For ascents like Jacob's Ladder or reaching higher suburbs, be prepared for stairs or use local taxis.
Yes, many hotels and local operators in Jamestown can arrange tours of the island, including historical walks and scenic drives.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Jamestown itself is a public area, so no tickets are required to wander its streets. However, specific attractions or accommodations within Jamestown may have their own entry fees or booking requirements.
Opening hours vary greatly. Markets have specific times,
while shops like Winston's Coffee Shop have set hours. The Magic Cave is volunteer-run and has variable hours, often advertised on Facebook.Jacob's Ladder is a public staircase and does not have an entry fee. It's a free, albeit strenuous, way to experience Jamestown.
Room rates at the Mantis Hotel can vary based on season and room type. It's best to check booking websites or contact the hotel directly for current pricing.
Absolutely! Exploring the colorful streets, climbing Jacob's Ladder, and enjoying the general atmosphere of Jamestown are all free activities. Visiting local markets can also be done without purchasing anything.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the historic streets, climb Jacob's Ladder for stunning views, visit local markets for crafts and food, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this island capital.
Jacob's Ladder is a must for the views, the historic architecture of the 18th-century barracks (now the Mantis Hotel), and the vibrant Jamestown Street Market.
While Jamestown itself is a town, the iconic Jacob's Ladder offers a significant 'hike' with its 699 steps. For more extensive hiking, you'd need to explore areas outside the immediate town.
Capture the colorful buildings from street level, or ascend Jacob's Ladder for panoramic shots. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the vibrant hues.
Jamestown's historic nature, with steep inclines and many steps (like Jacob's Ladder), can present challenges. The main street is relatively flat, but exploring beyond that may require assistance or alternative transport.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options include the Mantis Hotel restaurant, which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Local cafes like Winston's Coffee Shop are great for a morning pick-me-up, and street markets offer diverse food stalls.You can find a mix of local and international cuisine. Hotel restaurants offer varied menus, while markets provide local snacks and dishes.
While options might be limited, restaurants are often willing to accommodate. Informing staff in advance about dietary needs can help secure suitable vegetarian meals.
Many hotels in Jamestown, including the Mantis Hotel, include a copious breakfast with a variety of choices in their room rates.
Yes, Winston's Coffee Shop on Main Street is a popular spot for coffee, serving from Wednesday to Saturday mornings.
📸 📸 Photography
The colorful buildings lining Main Street, the panoramic views from the top of Jacob's Ladder, and the bustling Jamestown Street Market offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for capturing the vibrant colors of Jamestown, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a warm glow.
As with any public place, be respectful when photographing people. It's always polite to ask for permission, especially if you plan to use the photos commercially.
Drone regulations can be strict, especially on islands. It's advisable to check with local authorities or your accommodation regarding drone usage before flying in Jamestown.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for street scenes and wider shots. A wider lens can be useful for capturing the scale of Jacob's Ladder. A smartphone is also excellent for quick snaps.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Jacob's Ladder
For those who prefer not to tackle the stairs, Ladder Hill Road offers a vehicular alternative to reach the top. This road also provides scenic overlooks, though the direct experience of climbing the ladder is often considered a highlight of a Jamestown visit. Whether you climb it or drive it, the perspective from the top is unforgettable and offers a different appreciation for the town's layout and its strategic position.
Jamestown's Vibrant Community Life
Beyond the markets, Jamestown's social scene includes regular live music events, particularly on Friday evenings at venues like the Jamestown Hotel's patio. These gatherings offer a chance to experience local talent and enjoy the town's charm. Even smaller establishments like Winston's Coffee Shop contribute to the community feel, serving as local gathering spots. The presence of volunteer-run attractions like the Magic Cave further highlights the community's dedication to creating unique experiences for visitors.
Historic Charm: The Mantis Hotel
Guests consistently praise the hotel's friendly and accommodating staff, who go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant experience, even arranging special touches like birthday cakes. The rooms are described as very clean, comfortable, and serviced daily, with thoughtful additions like homemade energy balls. While the internet can be a bit temperamental, requiring frequent password re-entry, the overall service and hospitality make it a standout choice for accommodation in Jamestown.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit