10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Antigua

Rum in the Ruins is a walking tour that concentrates on Antigua’s fascinating history and maritime heritage. It’s presented at Dow's Hill Interpretation Center and often focuses on the UNESCO-listed Nelson’s Dockyard and the hills around it.

A local expert tells stories of what life was like here in the 18^th century. Learn how Antigua was connected to the wider world and how sugar and rum shaped both the landscape and people’s lives. As the sun sets, participants enjoy a couple of glasses of Planter’s Punch, a delicious Caribbean cocktail made from rum, lime juice and sugar syrup.

Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra is the oldest surviving steel pan band, not only in Antigua but in the world. From humble beginnings when musicians made do with hollow pipes, biscuit cans, and scrap metal, the band became one of the top acts in the country, performing for Princess Margaret and Sir Winston Churchill.

They spawned the Harmonites International Steel Orchestra and Supa Stars International Steel Orchestra. All 3 tour regularly in Antigua, performing at island festivals and events as well as in churches, hotels and schools. Check local listings for their current schedules or simply listen to the amazing sounds as they rehearse at their panyard in St John’s.

The Shirley Heights Sunday barbecue is Antigua’s biggest party and for many, the highlight of their trip to the island. From late afternoon, locals and visitors flock to the southern tip of the island where the Shirley Heights lookout affords breathtaking views over English Harbor and the Caribbean Sea.

Once the sun slips beneath the horizon, the barbecues are lit and the music is cranked up. Everyone eats, beverages, and dances until late. It’s a great social occasion with the chance to listen to Caribbean rhythms and let your hair down.

Kon Tiki Bar is a unique spot to enjoy cold beverages with sea views, floating in the waters of Dickenson Bay. If you like, you can swim out to it, but if you prefer to arrive dry, its hosts will happily pick you up in their dinghy to save you the effort.

With its thatched roof and wooden deck, this rustic place has bucketloads of charm and proves you don’t need to wriggle your toes in the sand to channel a beach bar vibe. Pull up a barstool, order a rum punch and toast to lazy evenings with nothing on the agenda except company and conversation.

Cloggy’s is a bar located on the 2^nd floor of the Antigua Yacht Club Marina Building. That extra height makes it easy to admire the view of beautiful Falmouth Harbor and the mind-blowingly expensive yachts that bob up and down on its calm water.

The name – not to mention the many clogs hung on the walls – is a clue to the owners’ Dutch roots but the welcome is as unmistakably Caribbean as the view. Whether you’re an accomplished sailor or not, you’ll enjoy spending a convivial evening at this lively bar.

Colibri Bistro Bar Lounge is one of the island’s most upmarket spaces to unwind with a drink. As you relax under the shady trees in Colibri’s pretty garden, expert mixologists make the art of cocktail creation look easy.

For something a little different, try the bar’s extensive selection of infused rums. Flavors include star anise, sorrel and ginger, lemongrass, blueberry, butterscotch, mango and tamarind. When it’s too hard to choose, opt for a tasting flight. Similar selections of mimosas and Bloody Marys are also available. 

Dre Bar is a hot spot that’s part-drinking establishment and part-restaurant. If you’re looking for somewhere away from tourist-oriented nightspots in Antigua, this is somewhere that attracts a primarily local clientele.

Located on the outskirts of St John’s, it’s a casual place with an easygoing vibe that’s ideal for hanging out with friends. There are regular beverages specials with offers on spirits. Search for their social media page online and check for upcoming events. Alternately, come any weekend when it’s party night – the place is often heaving with thumping music.

The Copper and Lumber Store Historic Inn plays host to seafood Fridays, one of the top evening highlights in Antigua. The seafood fest draws foodies to the dockside with coconut shrimp, crab cakes, steamed snapper and broiled lobster.

This crowd-pleasing menu also contains plenty of delicious sides – pair the star of the dish with fresh vegetables, fried dumplings, rice, corn or garlic bread. It’s not all about the food, either. A well-stocked bar, music and perhaps, if you’re lucky, a sky full of stars overhead add to the atmosphere and make this a night to remember.

King’s Casino is one of several casinos where you can try your luck in Antigua. You’ll find it in St John’s, close to the cruise ship terminal. It boasts around 350 slot machines, one of which claims to be the world’s largest. Named Colossus, it towers 4.5 meters tall and offers a substantial $50,000 prize pot.

The casino also houses roulette, blackjack and poker tables as well as those offering local favorites Spanish 21, Caribbean Stud and Blackjack Switch. Thursday is Bingo Night, when there’s a chance to win a progressive prize of up to $1,000 if your numbers come up.

Abracadabra is a popular disco venue in Antigua that’s been around since the 1980s. Regulars affectionately refer to it as Abras. Once dinner service is cleared away, the lights dim and the music’s turned up.

Reggae, house and disco will please those wanting to dance, while smooth jazz and mellow sounds from the chillout lounge dial back the energy levels when you need to take a breather. They throw a variety of parties throughout the year such as fun costume parties and other special events, so do check their social media online for what’s next.