What to see in Saint Helena: 6 must-sees
Discover what to see in Saint Helena: 6 must-see destinations, from Jacob's Ladder to Longwood House. Predominantly monument and natural heritage; each entry includes the best time to visit and the link to its official source.
Monument(2)
Descend the 699 steps of Jacob's Ladder before attempting the climb: you'll see the true steepness of this staircase, built in 1829 along the route of an old railway incline. The route links Jamestown's port with the heights of Ladder Hill, and every stretch recalls that wagons passed through here before visitors. Reaching the top is the island's classic challenge, and those who complete it receive a certificate at the museum as proof of the effort.
Longwood House, the residence where Napoleon Bonaparte lived out his exile from 1815 until his death in 1821. Wander through the restored rooms with their original furnishings—tables, desks, and objects that accompanied his final years on this windy plain of Saint Helena. The site is French territory, administered by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and preserves gardens, outbuildings, and documents that let you follow the daily routine of the exiled emperor, between reading, walks, and dictating his memoirs.
Natural Heritage(1)
Admire Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise born around 1832, who arrived on Saint Helena in 1882 and is today the oldest living land animal in the world. You'll find him grazing in the gardens of Plantation House, a 1792 building and the Governor's official residence. The keepers say he recognizes familiar footsteps and comes over for carrots; it's best not to touch him and to follow the site's guidelines. The visit is rounded out with views of the gardens and the colonial architecture of the governor's residence.
Natural(1)
Take a boat across Jamestown Bay between December and March, when one of the largest known concentrations of whale sharks arrives. Swim alongside these gentle giants with licensed operators who run guided trips from the capital's port. It's the flagship nature experience of Saint Helena's official tourism, and the bay's warm waters make very close encounters possible throughout the season, with small groups and respect for the animal.
National Park(1)
Hike the marked trails of Diana's Peak National Park, in Saint Helena's central ridge, and climb to the 823 m summit, the island's highest point. Among tree ferns, this park preserves the last stronghold of Saint Helena's endemic flora, with species you won't find anywhere else on the planet. From the top, a network of paths rewards you with 360° ocean views over the South Atlantic, ideal for gentle walks and birdwatching in a fresh, misty setting.
Museum(1)
At the Museum of Saint Helena in Jamestown, take in the island's complete history since its Portuguese discovery in 1502: photographs and objects from the Boer prisoners of 1900–1902, pieces linked to Napoleon's exile, and the room dedicated to the airport's opening in 2017, which ended its long maritime isolation. Wander through its rooms at leisure and understand why this small Atlantic outpost went from port of call for ships to a destination accessible by air.
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