Location & Transportation
The Bridgetown Port is ideally located either a short 10–15 minute pleasant walk along the boardwalk through town or a five-minute taxi ride (about $6) from downtown Bridgetown. If you prefer public transport, a local shuttle service runs for only $1 from the port into the city. Additionally, Grantley Adams International Airport is about 13 miles away, making travel convenient whether you’re arriving by air or sea.
Sightseeing
Barbados is rich with history and natural beauty. In Bridgetown, I highly recommend visiting:
- Parliament Building
- The Old Synagogue
- St. Michael's Cathedral
Beyond the city, the island’s British colonial charm shines through in its high tea traditions and cricket matches. The island itself is a marvel—a coral formation pushed out by ancient volcanic activity—with the West Coast offering fine white sand beaches perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving, and the East Coast delivering a fun, lively surf thanks to the constant trade winds.
You can also explore nearby treasures:
- Harrison’s Cave: A magnificent underground cave system featuring clear streams, cascading waterfalls, and impressive limestone formations—all experienced by a tram ride through the caverns.
- Andromeda Botanic Gardens: A six-acre garden bursting with orchids, palms, ferns, heliconias, hibiscus, and other tropical blooms.
- Sunbury Plantation House: Steeped in history at over 300 years old, this great house is full of mahogany antiques, historic prints, and a unique collection of horse-drawn carriages.
- Flower Forest: Set high in Barbados' ‘Scotland District’ at 750 ft above sea level, these 53.6 acres of protected botanical beauty offer panoramic views and a peaceful escape.
Tours & Excursions
There are plenty of ways to explore Bridgetown and the surrounding areas:
- Payne’s Beach Snorkeling: Enjoy an easy swim and spot turtles near where catamarans cruise by.
- Mount Gay Rum Distillery Tour: Head over to Mount Gay Rum to see firsthand how sugarcane is transformed into Barbados’ celebrated rum.
- Custom Taxi Tours: If you prefer a personalized excursion, hop in a taxi from the parliament building area. Many local drivers offer hourly tours for about $40 per car, letting you choose your own stops and pace.
- Car Rentals: Available on the island, though keep in mind that driving is on the left, and rates can be steep.
Shopping
Bridgetown is a haven for shoppers heading off the cruise. The cruise terminal itself offers duty-free options featuring jewelry, clothing, souvenirs, and crafts. In town, you’ll find:
- Main Street: Lined with duty-free jewelers and a department store (Cave Shepherd) offering a wide range of goods.
- Small Harbor Mall: A convenient stop with a decent selection, though locally produced items might be priced a bit higher.
- Swan Street: A pedestrian-only mall with stores selling affordable clothing.
- Chattel Village (in Holetown): A short drive away, this charming village is dotted with local crafts, art, and unique souvenirs.
Dining
Barbadian cuisine is a delightful mix of Caribbean flavors and British influences. In Bridgetown, you can sample:
- Fresh seafood dishes like flying fish and local catch preparations.
- Traditional Bajan specialties prepared with tropical spices.
- A variety of international offerings in restaurants ranging from chic beachfront cafés to laid-back local eateries.
I love stopping by a small local bistro for a taste of high tea paired with local flavors—a perfect way to soak in the island’s relaxed vibe.
Culture & Local Events
- Local Currency & Payments: The local currency is the Bajan dollar (BBD), but US dollar bills are accepted almost everywhere. With an exchange rate of roughly US$1 = BD$2, you’ll find transactions smooth and convenient.
- Language & Communication: English is the official language, enriched by the local Bajan dialect, so striking up conversations with friendly locals is easy.
- Store Hours: Typically, most shops open on weekdays from around 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and on Saturdays until about 1 PM. Note that on holiday weekends (such as Good Friday and national holidays), some stores may close for several days.
- Local Festivals: If your visit coincides with the seasonal celebrations, don’t miss out on the vibrant Crop Over festival—a lively display of music, dance, and colorful costumes that truly captures the spirit of Barbados.
- British & Caribbean Blend: Bridgetown’s feel is a unique mix of British colonial history and Caribbean warmth. Enjoy the high tea tradition alongside the easygoing island lifestyle and you’ll quickly fall in love with the local culture.
Safety & Awareness
- In case of an emergency, dial 211.
- As with any busy tourist destination, keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.