Christiansted, US Virgin Islands

CHRISTIANSTED, St Croix's capital and its most historic and developed city, was established in 1735 by the Danes, who named the town after Christian VI of Denmark. Because of a building code installed by the forward-thinking Danes, much of Christiansted's original architecture still exists. In some cases, you can still see street signs written in Danish. The streets are laid out so simply that it's almost impossible to get lost, which makes it a great walking city. It has a pleasant, aged feel, its handful of historic sights mingling with small courtyard restaurants and a laid-back bar scene down on the Wharf, on the city centre's northern edge. And once you've tired of the town's low-key attractions, you can indulge in plentiful watersports and beach activities not far off, or go on nature excursions to nearby Buck Island.