St John's is the capital of Antigua on the western coast. St John's is the main commercial centre of the island with a population of around 25,000 (over one in three of the population of Antigua and Barbuda live in it's capital). The town has been the administrative centre since colonisation in 1632 and declared the capital and official seat of the government when Antigua gained independence in 1981.   

St John's is also the main cruise ship port and commercial centre with many shops, restaurants and galleries situated around the waterfront such as Redcliffe Quay. The main attractions are the St John's Cathedral built in 1845 (having previously twice destroyed by earthquakes in 1683 and again in 1745); the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda (located in the colonial Court House and featuring the early history of the island including the Arawak and colonial period); and the local market which takes place every Friday and Saturday morning. Antigua Aerial Photographs