Antigua’s gastronomic speciality is lobster, with red snapper and occasionally other fish running a close second when available.

Things to know: Larger hotels offer a wide selection of imported meats, vegetables, fruits and cheeses. Casual wear is accepted in all bars and restaurants. There is an 8.5% government tax on most restaurant bills.

National specialities:
• Pepperpot (hearty vegetable stew with salted meat) served with Fungee (cornmeal and okra dumplings).
• Roti (patties filled with curried potatoes, chicken or beef).
• Ducana (grated sweet potato mixed with coconut, sugar and spices and steamed in a banana leaf). Often served with chop up (mashed aubergine, okra and saltfish).
• Tamarind balls (local sweets).
• Black pineapples from Antigua & Barbuda are famous throughout the East Caribbean for their unique, extra-sweet flavour.

National drinks:
• Ting (homegrown, sparkling grapefruit drink).
• Wadadli (locally-brewed, light and refreshing beer).
• Popular ingredients include pineapple, coconut, guavas and mangoes.
• For an alcoholic kick, rum is plentiful; try both dark and light rum and punches.

Legal drinking age: 18. There are no licensing restrictions, but excessive consumption of alcohol is frowned upon and further service will be refused.

Tipping: 10 to 15% is included on hotel bills for staff gratuities, plus an 8.5% government tax.

Most of the nightlife is centred in St John’s, although hotels and casinos around the islands usually provide in-house entertainment for both hotel guests and non-residents. Casinos generally offer more than just gambling; live music, restaurants and bars are standard in most, and there are even gyms and Internet access in some. A wide choice of restaurants and bars around the main tourist areas offer international and authentic Caribbean food.

Some of the best steel bands in the Caribbean can be found travelling around the hotels along with limbo dancers and calypso singers. They perform nightly during the high season (November to April). For those who like to dance the night away, there are also a few nightclubs/discos. One of the best parties on the island for locals and tourists alike is at Shirley Heights Lookout. Crowds gather on the patio every Sunday afternoon to enjoy unparalleled views over English Harbour with a BBQ, live music, drinks and incredible sunsets.

Uniquely Antiguan purchases include straw goods, pottery, batik and silk-screen printed fabrics, and jewellery incorporating semi-precious Antiguan stones. English bone china, crystal, French perfumes, watches and table linens are all available at very attractive prices.

Heritage Quay Complex is a shopping and entertainment area with over 50 duty-free shops, restaurants and a casino with a supper club. It forms part of the newest development in central St John’s. Brightly stocked stalls of fruit and vegetables are sold at the Public Market, along with a few locally-made crafts. In late 2001 efforts were made to unclog the public roads of street-vendors so pedestrians and vehicles could move more freely. They were moved into the multi-storey Vendors Mall where they now ply their trade of handicrafts, clothing and souvenirs from 150 stalls.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1600 (some close 1200-1300); Sat 0800-1200. Most shops in St John's close at noon on Thursday.