Making the most of Saint Peter Port Guernsey
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships approaching St Peterport see colorful houses climbing steeply above a quayside of luxury yachts and fishing boats.
Guernsey is compact at just 24 square miles, so nowhere is more than a 30-minute ride from St Peter Port.
Cruise ships tender passengers to Albert Pier in town center, though adverse weather often prevents tenders from landing.
As a non-EU member, cruise companies "like" the port because the entire itinerary becomes tax exempt and they may open onboard duty free stores.
Take a printable map with you.
View a webcam.
Since Roman times, Guernsey's capital has been a busy entrepôt. Deep safe anchorage and relative distance from France made St Peterport the Channel Islands' premier port, enriched by ship builders, privateers and merchant adventurers. French emigrés, including Victor Hugo, added Georgian and Regency styles and even Parisian-style urinoirs. Today terraces, tiered gardens, worn steps and hidden alleys frame a captivating blend of styles.
At Castle Cornet, a cannon fires at noon time. To watch free rather than paying entry, head toward the entrance but do not pass through the tunnel. At the Castle Cornet sign, wait clearly in the little inlet to see the cannon on the left.
Getting around
Tourists find the bus service excellent, cheap and frequent in daytime. Public bus #91 or #92 circles the island for an approx £10 day pass. Each trip lasts about 90 minutes and provides an island overview; get off where you want. Cruise-ship days can make buses busy, then take an alternate route.
Petit Train runs a St Peter Port sightseeing journey with onboard commentary.
St Peterport's streets are very steep.
Food and shopping
Shopping in St Peterport is unmissable. Low-duty electronic and photographic equipment, jewelry, perfume, wines, spirits, tobacco and the famous Guernsey jumper are good buys. Small boutiques sell exclusive clothes, shoes and leather goods, while Old Quarter is for antiques. Look around too: this is the Channel Islands' most beautiful town. In general, duty free prices on the ship are much lower.
Mansell Street and Mill Street have fine antique shops in one of St Peterport's oldest, prettiest areas.
At Sausmarez Manor's Edwardian Tin shop, buy a traditional curvy Guernsey Milk Can.
Money
The Channel Islands are in currency union with the United Kingdom. Guernsey and Jersey pounds are local banknote and coin issues denominated in pound sterling, not separate currencies, similar to banknotes issued in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Staying connected
Free WiFi is available at Tourist Information Office on the water front, Albert Pier and the library.
Opening Hours and
Guernsey shops generally open Monday to Saturday 09:00 to around 17:30, and only a handful open Sundays.
In Guernsey, UK public holidays also apply, plus Liberation Day on 9 May.