Bridgetown Travel Guide

This travel guide covers all the must-visit places, things to do, and local culture and customs of Bridgetown, Barbados. Find out how to get around, where to stay, and what to eat in this ultimate guide.


Introduction to Bridgetown

Bridgetown is the capital city of Barbados, located in Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean region of North America. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. With its warm and welcoming people, Bridgetown is an excellent destination for travelers seeking to experience the best of Caribbean hospitality and culture.

List of Places to Visit in Bridgetown

Bridgetown has numerous exciting places to visit, including:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Barbados Museum & Historical Society: This museum is an excellent place to learn about the history and culture of Barbados. The museum’s exhibits include artifacts from the island’s colonial and post-colonial past, including ancient plantation machinery, artwork, and photographs.
  • George Washington House: This historic house was once the residence of the US’s first president, George Washington. The house is open to the public for tours and offers an insight into Washington’s life before he became president.
  • St. Nicholas Abbey: This former plantation house is a masterpiece of Jacobean architecture. It features a well-preserved interior, including antique furniture and artifacts. Visitors can tour the mill and rum distillery or enjoy the surrounding gardens.

Natural Attractions of Bridgetown: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Harrison’s Cave: This natural wonder features a series of magnificent limestone caverns that visitors can take a tram or walking tour through. The cave is home to sparkling streams, deep pools, and towering stalactites and stalagmites.
  • Bathsheba Beach: This picturesque beach is located on the eastern part of the island. Its rugged landscape and enormous rock formations make it an ideal spot for photography, surfing, and scenic walks.
  • Carlisle Bay: This is one of the most popular beaches in Bridgetown. It offers stunning views of the ocean and palm trees and is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bridgetown

Bridgetown and its surrounding areas offer several hiking and biking routes, including:

  • Barbados Wildlife Reserve: Visitors can explore this nature reserve on various walking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding lush vegetation.
  • South Coast Boardwalk: This path is perfect for cycling or walking and offers amazing views of the ocean.
  • Hillaby-Mt. Hillaby: This challenging 3-hour trek takes you through a trail that reaches the highest point in Barbados.

Best Things to Do in Bridgetown: Activities and Tours

Bridgetown has numerous activities and tours to offer, including:

  • Catamaran Cruise with Lunch: The boat tour takes you around the Bridgetown coast and stops to let you swim with sea turtles. Also available - scuba diving sessions.
  • Fishing Adventures: Visitors can enjoy half-day or full-day fishing adventure tours around the island’s stunning coastline.
  • ATV Island Tour: Explore the island’s beautiful scenery while riding an All-Terrain Vehicle.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bridgetown

Here is a sample week-long itinerary that covers the essential spots in Bridgetown:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Harrison’s Cave and Welchman Hall Gully
Day 2 Explore George Washington House and Mt. Gay Rum Distillery
Day 3 Take a Catamaran Cruise and swim with turtles
Day 4 Enjoy Bathsheba Beach and Andromeda Botanic Gardens
Day 5 Go shopping in Bridgetown’s historic district
Day 6 Visit the Barbados Museum & Historical Society and St. Nicholas Abbey
Day 7 Take a hike on Hillaby-Mt. Hillaby trail or go horse riding on the beach

Food and Drink Scene of Bridgetown

You cannot leave Bridgetown without trying some of the local cuisines. Here are some dishes and beverages that you should taste:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cou-Cou & Flying Fish: This national dish of Barbados is a delicious blend of cornmeal with spiced fish.
  • Pudding and Souse: It is known as the Saturday dish and is made with pickled pork, sweet potatoes, and breadfruit.
  • Macaroni Pie: Also known as Bajan Macaroni, it is a Bajan classic, and most of the island’s restaurants serve it.

Local Beverages

  • Rum Punch: A signature drink of Barbados made with Barbados rum, sugar syrup, lime or lemon juice, and nutmeg.
  • Dragon Stout: This locally made beer is thick and dark, and has a unique taste compared to microbrews you may have tasted before.
  • Sorrel: This sweetened drink is made from the petals of the hibiscus flower, ginger, and Christmas spice, and is usually served cold.

Where to Stay in Bridgetown: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bridgetown has several accommodations to suit any budget, including guest houses, hotels, and hostels. Some of the best choices include:

  • Hilton Barbados Resort: The luxurious resort has fantastic facilities, including a spa, 7 restaurants, and a pool.
  • Courtyard by Marriott: The hotel, located on the south coast of Barbados, features a rooftop pool, fitness center, and stylish restaurant.
  • Yellow Bird Hotel: This chic boutique hotel is located on the beach and features modern rooms with Caribbean decor.

What to Buy in Bridgetown: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best things to buy in Bridgetown include:

  • Crafts and Pottery: Barbados’s rich heritage in crafts and pottery has a diverse range of products.
  • Rum and Rum-Based Products: Barbados has a rich history of producing some of the best rums globally, including the famous Mount Gay Rum.
  • Shark’s Teeth & Sea Glass: Bridgetown is famous for shark’s teeth and sea glass jewelry crafted by talented artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Bridgetown

Bridgetown is known for its laid-back and friendly people, and it is customary to greet everyone you meet. Also, it is essential to dress appropriately, particularly when visiting religious sites or government buildings.

Best Time to Visit Bridgetown

The best time to visit Bridgetown is between December and April. These months fall in Barbados’s dry season and offer the best weather conditions for outdoor activities. However, it is also the busiest time of the year, and prices may be higher.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bridgetown

Do:

  • Try out the local cuisine
  • Explore the natural attractions
  • Respect the local culture and customs

Don’t:

  • Litter on the beaches or streets
  • Wear camouflage or inappropriate attire in public
  • Touch or feed wild animals

Safety and Health

Safety in Bridgetown

Bridgetown is generally safe, but visitors should take precautions to avoid petty crimes like pickpocketing or theft. It is recommended to avoid unlit areas, especially at night.

Health in Bridgetown

Visitors should be up to date on routine vaccinations like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis. They should also take necessary preventive measures against mosquito-borne illnesses.

Getting to Bridgetown: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bridgetown

The Grantley Adams International Airport is located just 8 km southeast of Bridgetown.

Bus Stations Near Bridgetown

The Bridgetown bus station is located in the capital city and offers transport to various parts of the island.

Other Options

Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the airport to your destination. Or else, you can rent a car and drive yourself around the island.

How to Get Around in Bridgetown

Getting around Bridgetown is quite easy. Visitors can choose several transportation options such as:

  • Bus: The public transportation system is affordable and efficient in Bridgetown, with buses operating frequently.
  • Taxi: Taxis are easy to find and are a convenient option for travelers who want to explore the city at their leisure.
  • Rental Car: Visitors can rent a car to explore the island, and various car rental companies have offices at the airport.

Where to Go Next from Bridgetown: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Barbados has several nearby destinations that visitors can explore, including:

  • Holetown: Located on the west coast of Barbados, this beautiful town is known for its upscale shopping, dining, and nightlife.
  • Oistins: A fishing town located on the south coast of Barbados and popular for its fish fry events.
  • Bathsheba: This picturesque village on the east coast of Barbados is known for its rugged Atlantic coast and world-class surf.

Conclusion

Bridgetown is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, natural scenery, or just relaxing on a beautiful beach, you’ll find it all in Bridgetown. Use this guide as a comprehensive itinerary, and you’re absolutely sure to have a fantastic time!

The river bridge at Bridgetown The river bridge at Bridgetown Parliament Building Parliament Building 16th century cannon at Garrison Savannah 16th century cannon at Garrison Savannah 1760 pot still at Mount Gay Distillery 1760 pot still at Mount Gay Distillery "The 3 W's" commemorated at the cricket ground George Washington stayed here for £15 / month George Washington stayed here for £15 / month