Unless you come for the day by cruise ship, plan on
several days of visiting. There are many accommodation options, from

bed and

breakfast
inns such as the Ocean View Bed and Breakfast or the Baranoff Island Bed and
Breakfast to the downtown modern Westmark Hotel and the historic Sitka Hotel,
the oldest hotel in Sitka. The Sitka Visitor Center is located at 303
Lincoln Street, where you can find brochures, maps and information on
exploring the city. Clerks will make recommendations on places to visit, eat
and shop. Tour tickets can also be purchased here, including the Russian and
Native dancers show at the Centennial Hall or Clan House.

Take a tour of the city, either guided or on your own. If
possible, take a guided boating or kayak tour. Climb up Castle Hill, visit
the Sheldon Jackson Museum and Hatchery, the Alaska Raptor Center and the
Russian Bishop's House, all within close proximity. Be sure to follow the
paths down the Sitka National Historical Park with historic totem poles
along the trails and beaches that face Sitka Sound. There are plaques
marking the 1802 and 1804 battles between Alexander Baranoff and the Tlingit
Native Indians.

Explore downtown Franklin and Lincoln Streets with
historic buildings, a variety of eclectic, art, jewelry and clothing shops
and bookstores. Visit St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral that stands
in the middle of the town. It has a little religious gift shop. Behind the
Russian church is Artist Cove Gallery, with jewelry by Inupiat Eskimos and
local artists. Take a walk on the side streets with more shops such as the
Russian American Company, Sitka Fur Gallery and the Fairweather Gallery &
Gifts. You may find native carvers working; buying one of their pieces is
recommended. Stop at the Wintersong Soap Company in the little Victorian
house on Franklin Street and watch how they make their fragrant products.

When you get hungry after all that walking, there are
several places in town to rest and eat. The Westmark Hotel has a full
restaurant, but to mingle with the locals, try the Highliner Coffee Cafe on
Seward Street or the coffee shop in the back of Old Harbor Books on Lincoln
Street. As you walk around town, there are small markets that also offer
soups, sandwiches and locally roasted coffee such as Raven's Brew. Other
downtown attractions to see are the Sitka Pioneer Home, the Tribal Community
House, Russian Cemetery and Totem Square.