Above: Historic alleys in Charlotte Amalie are filled with shops ranging from antiques to clothing boutiques to fine jewelry.

Ahh, a travel writer could do an entire book on the shopping in St. Thomas. This is where serious duty-free shoppers come to seek out bargains from around the globe on jewelry, perfumes, leather goods, and gemstones.

The Waterfront Highway (Kyst Vejen), Main Street (Dronningens Gade) and Back Street (Vimmelskaft Gade) run parallel to the waterfront of Charlotte Amalie. These streets, and the alleys that connect Waterfront Highway and Main Street, are filled with non-stop shops. Start near the Vendor's Plaza (good for crafts purchases and inexpensive T-shirts), then begin your walk down crowded Main Street, where the sidewalks are always packed with shoppers and the street is continually lined with taxis and jitneys.

Our favorite shops are tucked in the alleys, refuges from the crowds where you can shop, dine or drink in a little peace. Here the walls are brick, recalling the area's history. In the 19th century, this was the Danish warehouse district.

These picturesque alleys are also home to several excellent malls. The A.H. Riise Gift and Liquor Mall, located between Post Office Alley and Hibiscus Alley off Main Street, includes shops such as Colombian Emeralds, Calypso Boutique, Mapes Monde Caribbean Print Gallery, and Gucci.