One of the oldest zoos in all of Europe, ARTIS contains multiple species of land and marine animals, as well as an aquarium and a planetarium. The zoo grounds invite for a pleasant stroll among the trees and give the visitors the opportunity to admire a myriad of animals ranging from chimps to elephants.

Hortus Botanicus is one of the world's oldest botanical gardens established in 1638 as an herb garden with medicinal plants for Amsterdam doctors and pharmacists. The plants were brought here from all over the world by the traders of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Today, Hortus Botanicus holds more than 6,000 different plants, including unique ones, like the 2,000 years old agave cactus and a 300-year-old Eastern Cape giant cycad. The garden's orangery has a beautiful cafe with a large outside terrace open to the garden. Find some peace and quiet here, especially on a drizzly day.

The calm ruins of Venetian defence structures remain standing all around the Chania harbour. Its fascinating Naval Museum (next door) recalls Chania’s maritime tradition. The fortress is also where the Greek flag first was raised.

Wall House Museum stands as Gustavia’s enigmatic Swedish-era relic, its thick stone walls harboring more questions than answers. Built between 1788-1790, this imposing structure’s original purpose remains debated — was it a theater, political hub, or rental property? Today, its ground floor displays a modest collection of island artifacts (fishing boats, oil lamps), while upstairs houses Gustavia’s historical library. The museum also organises several art exhibitions every year, with topics like contemporary art from Haiti and the Surrealist movement in France. Don’t miss the courtyard’s surviving brick bread oven, a quiet testament to daily life centuries ago. Though the exhibits won’t rewrite history books, the building itself offers a tangible connection to St Barts’ layered past. Pair a visit with sunset drinks at the nearby lighthouse for full time-travel effect.