Bridgetown Barbados Guide

Bridgetown In a Day: Best Things To Do In Bridgetown Barbados

Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, is a charming and historic city that offers a wide variety of activities and attractions for visitors. From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, Bridgetown has something for everyone.There are plenty of fun activities and sights to see that you can fit into a short visit. Here are our top recommendations for the best things to do in Bridgetown, Barbados, even if you're on a tight schedule. Whether you're looking for cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing on a beach, we've got you covered. You can also take a look at our Bridgetown vlog for exploring things to do in Bridgetown, Barbados in a day.

Explore Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison

Bridgetown has a rich history that is evident in its architecture and landmarks. One of the must-see attractions is the historic Bridgetown and its Garrison, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011. The Garrison was established in the 17th century and played a crucial role in British colonial history. A walking tour is the best way to experience their beauty and significance. Start your tour at the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, which is housed in the former British Military Prison. From there, you can explore the surrounding streets, which are lined with 17th and 18th-century buildings, many of which have been beautifully restored.

Located within the Garrison, the George Washington House is a must-visit attraction for history buffs. It was here that the first President of the United States stayed during his only trip outside of North America. The house has been preserved and restored to its 18th-century appearance, and guided tours are available.

Another cultural highlight of Bridgetown is the Nidhe Israel Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. The synagogue has been fully restored and is open for visitors to explore. Additionally, there are several art galleries and craft markets in the city where visitors can purchase local handmade goods and artwork.

TAKE A DIP AT CARLISLE BAY BEACH

Barbados is known for its beautiful beaches and no visit to Barbados is complete without spending some time at the beach. Carlisle Bay Beach in Bridgetown is one of the best. This crescent-shaped beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. You can rent chairs and umbrellas, and there are plenty of food and drink options nearby. The beach is also home to a shipwreck that is popular with divers.

Another popular beach is Brownes Beach, which has a lively atmosphere and is great for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can also rent jet skis and go parasailing here. For those looking for a more secluded and tranquil beach experience, Pebbles Beach is a great option. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and has calm waters that are perfect for swimming.

Brighton Beach is a beautiful spot that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. You'll find plenty of amenities here, including beach chairs and umbrellas, as well as some great local food stands.

Learn About Rum at the Mount Gay Visitor Centre

Rum is a staple of Caribbean culture, and there's no better place to learn about it than at the Mount Gay Distillery. This world-famous distillery has been producing rum for over 300 years, and offers tours that give you an inside look at the rum-making process. You'll learn about the history of rum in Barbados and get to taste some of the best rum in the world. The centre offers tours, tastings, and a gift shop. It's located in St. Michael, just a short drive from Bridgetown.

Shopping In Bridgetown Barbados

Barbados is a duty free haven and it offers many diverse shopping options to visitors. You can shop for watches, cosmetic goods, clothes and bags in one of the many duty free shops in Bridgetown Barbados. Or if this isn't your thing, head to the local bazaars in the center and hunt for fresh tropical products.

CHECK OUT RIHANNA'S Childhood HOUSE

If you're a fan of the famous singer Rihanna, then you won't want to miss the chance to see her childhood home in Bridgetown. The house is a humble yellow bungalow that is now a popular tourist attraction. You won't be able to go inside, but you can take pictures and soak up the ambiance of this iconic location.Take a walk or drive by this colorful house on Westbury New Road, where she grew up with her parents and two siblings. The street where Rihanna used to dream about being famous is now known as the Rihanna Drive!

Enjoy Local Cuisine

Bridgetown is a foodie's paradise, with a wide range of local and international cuisine on offer. Some of the must-try local dishes include flying fish, cou cou, and macaroni pie. You can find these dishes and more at the many restaurants and food stalls in Bridgetown. Best restaurants in Bridgetown Barbados are located around the boardwalk.

Take A Walk In Queens Park

One of the top sights to see in Bridgetown, Barbados is Queens Park and it was right across where we got off the mini van coming from Top Rock. Back in the 1700s, the King's house was located here, but today it is a beautiful public park that features the Barbados Solar House and a thousand-year-old Baobab Tree. During Christmas, the park also hosts a fashion show in celebration of the upcoming holidays. In addition, the park is the site of the Barbados Agrofest Exhibition, which showcases local agriculture and crafts. To get to Queens Park, head towards downtown Bridgetown from Belmont Road. Entrance is free.

Explore Church Village Green

Just as you exit Queens Park on your way to downtown Bridgetown, you'll come across a quaint historical village called Church Village Green. While often overlooked, this charming spot is definitely worth a visit. You'll find plenty of old-time features here, such as a replica of old bajan coins engraved in the floor, stone walkways, and mounted doors that were the traditional design of plantation worker houses during colonization. Queen Park entrance is free.

Stroll through the Bridgetown Streets!

Downtown Bridgetown is a great place to explore on foot. The streets are easy to navigate and lined with interesting stores, cafes, and local shops. You'll find everything from fresh local fruits and vegetables to high-end duty-free shopping at the popular Cave Shepherd Mall. As you stroll through the streets, you'll experience a blend of modern and local culture that is uniquely Caribbean.

Watch The Sunset on Bridgetown Boardwalk

Bridgetown boardwalk is the perfect place to have a leisurely walk along the harbour during sunset. Yo ucan watch boats coming in and out and rest on the wooden benches to enjoy the view. On the eastern end, you'll find the famous Chamberlain Bridge and along the boardwalk, you can stop by Bridgetown Independence Square. If you happen to be there during November, when Barbados Independence Day is celebrated or during christmas, you can see the colorfully lit antique lamp posts lined along the boardwalk. You'll find plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the sights or grab a refreshing drink at one of the nearby bars.

Is Bridgetown BArbados Worth Visiting?

In our two week stay in Barbados, we went to Bridgetown twice and spent around 2-3 hours there. Bridgetown Barbados is worth visiting for an afternoon and having a walk in the city center.

How To Go To Bridgetown Barbados?

We used Barbados public transport system to go to Bridgetown from Dover Beach. ZR vans come almost every 5 minutes and it is around 1.75 USD for a ride. They are cheerful, fast and almost all drivers like to listen to loud Bajan music, which adds to the experience. If you are coming to Barbados by a cruise, there are taxis waiting at the cruise port, you can take a taxi from Bridgetown Barbados cruise port to Carlisle Bay or Bridgetown city center for 10 USD.

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Birdgetown Barbados?

Bridgetown Barbados Cruise Port is located at the Barbados deepwater harbour, about 2 km north of the Bridgetown city center. You can watch our video about our onboarding Royal Caribbean cruise from Bridgetown Barbados as we make our way from Christchurch to Bridgetown cruise port in Barbados.

Is Bridgetown Barbados Safe?

In our time in Barbados, we have never felt threatened or unsafe. The streets were clean and safe, people were always smiling, kind and happy to help. We also haven't encountered dangerous animals or insects. Barbados is totally safe but of course make sure to take common sense precautions like not walking into dark streets at late night or zipping up your backpack.