The Best Travel Guide to Bridgetown (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Caribbean Barbados Bridgetown

Overview

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Bridgetown The guide was updated: 2024-09-10

White beaches, turquoise waters, and lively nightlife — these are images Bridgetown, the capital of the Caribbean island of Barbados, likely conjures up in the minds of most. But Bridgetown is so much more! There's the colonial heritage — its entire downtown is on the UNESCO list, after all — lush forests right outside city limits and an abundance of local and international shopping options. An animated buzz sets in as the sun goes down, inviting one to join the famously laid-back and welcoming Bajans on a night out.

Facts

Population:	110,000
Currency:	1 Barbadian Dollar (BBD) = 100 cents
Hotels:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Ambulance: 511 Fire: 311 Police: 211
Newspapers:	The Barbados Advocate — www.barbadosadvocate.com The Daily Nation — www.nationnews.com
Website:	www.visitbarbados.org
Tourist information:	Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. One Barbados Place Warrens, St. Michael +1 246 535 3700 Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm, Sat & Sun closed btmiinfo@visitbarbados.org *This guide was researched and written by Sophie Rainer

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Section in Bridgetown

Besides beaches and water sports, Bridgetown offers several cultural sights. In 2012, parts of the city centre and the garrison became listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Apart from that, it can be worth considering day trips to the island’s natural gems, such as caves, woods and wildlife reserves. A special occasion is the yearly Crop Over Festival at the beginning of August – when colourful masquerade bands conquer the streets like a carnival.

Downtown

Downtown

Downtown Bridgetown has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2012 (along with the Garrison). You can start your walk at Independence Square with its fountains and columns and cross Chamberlain Bridge. You will then arrive at National Heroes Square (formerly known as Trafalgar Square) at the northern shore of the Careenage. From here you can explore the streets, getting a glimpse of colonial buildings here and there.

The Careenage

The Careenage

Luxurious boats and yachts are docked at the Careenage (Bridgetown's marina), which makes it a picturesque place for a boardwalk during sunset. From here, you can conquer the city centre or enjoy food and drinks in one of the many restaurants and bars.

Parliamentary Buildings

Parliamentary Buildings

The Parliamentary Buildings of Barbados are situated along the Constitution River and next to National Heroes Square. They are also part of the city’s World Heritage Site and contain (amongst other things) the Public Library and a museum. The West Wing hosts the National Heroes Gallery and depicts the history of democracy in Barbados. Besides all this, parliament sessions are open to the public.

Garrison Historic Area

Garrison Historic Area

“The Garrison” is another part of Bridgetown’s UNESCO World Heritage and a small district south of downtown. During the 18th and 19th century, it was the headquarters of the British West India Regiment in Barbados – evidenced in the remaining fortifications, cannons, and the iconic clock tower. The Garrison Savannah racetrack is a big part of the site, and you can watch horse races of the Barbados Turf Club here to this day.

St. Nicholas Abbey

St. Nicholas Abbey

St. Nicholas Abbey is one of the island’s oldest surviving plantation buildings. You can visit the rum distillery, learn about its history at the museum (situated in a Jacobean mansion) and grab a bite at the Terrace Café. As of late 2018, you can even enjoy a ride on the heritage railway, which goes through lush woods and around a lake nearby. St. Nicholas is located in St. Peter in the northern part of Barbados, only a 40-minute drive from Bridgetown.

Barbados Museum & Historical Society

Barbados Museum & Historical Society

This museum is housed in a former military prison close to the Garrison. Several exhibitions display the natural history of the island, the furnishing of plantations houses and the life of early inhabitants, the Amerindians. There also is an interactive children’s section and a library.

Mount Gay Visitor Centre

Mount Gay Visitor Centre

Mount Gay was established in 1703 and is the world’s oldest commercial rum distillery. In their Visitor Centre in Bridgetown, you can experience three different tour types and taste Barbados’ finest spirits. You can also choose lunch and dining options or buy your favourite rum.

Barbados Boardwalk

Barbados Boardwalk

Barbados Boardwalk stretches nearly 12 kilometres along the southern coast of Bridgetown, from Rockley Beach to Coconut Court Beach. Visitors and locals alike enjoy jogging or walking the wooden floorboards by the ocean. If you feel the need for a bite or a drink, you will find plenty of little shacks and bars along the boardwalk.

Animal Flower Cave

Animal Flower Cave

Animal Flower Cave is the only accessible sea cave on Barbados, located at North Point, St. Lucy. There are guided tours along the cave’s colourful walls and a gorgeous view of the ocean. From February to April, you may even sneak a peek of humpback whales. If you get hungry after the cave tour, there is a lunch restaurant on the clifftop awaiting you.

Barbados Wildlife Reserve

Barbados Wildlife Reserve

At the edge of historic Farley Hill National Park, green monkeys, iguanas, tortoises, and snakes wander around freely in the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. Plan to be there around 2 pm, when parrots, caimans, and maras are getting fed. The reserve’s admission also grants access to Grenade Hall Signal Station and Forest. Getting to the park takes a rough 35 minutes by car from the capital city.

Harrison's Cave

Harrison's Cave

Harrison’s Cave has been naturally formed by water erosions and amazes visitors with stalactites, stalagmites and huge caverns. You can either book a tram tour, that takes you along the main sights in one hour, or – if you want to feel like an explorer – book the eco-adventure tour: 3,5 hours of trekking, sometimes on your hands and feet. Harrison’s Cave is located in the central uplands of Barbados, half an hour outside of Bridgetown.

Farley Hill National Park

Farley Hill National Park

After some hot and sunny beach days, a trip to Farley Hill National Park can be a refreshing alternative. Grab a picnic and enjoy hiking through mahogany woods and looking down at the eastern coast from time to time. The ruins of Farley Hill house, once a splendid mansion, add a mystical aspect. Sometimes, this place is even transformed into a stage for theatrical events.

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