EXPLORE THE CAPITAL CITY BRIDGETOWN
Bridgetown is a modern town with statues, the parliament buildings, the Independence Arch and historic churches, nearby St. Michael’s cathedral. Chat with locals to find out where is the best place in town for good local food like flying fish, fishcakes in a salt bread, macaroni pie or cou-cou just to name a few. Wash it all down with a local sno-cone or if you like a slight bitter taste try the local drink called mauby.
No need to take a taxi or drive, enjoy strolling along Swan Street, Broad Street or Bay Street.
VISIT THE NATIONAL HEROES GALLERY
While in Bridgetown, visit the National Heroes’ Gallery and the Barbados Museum of Parliament located in the Parliament buildings. Visitors learn about the great men and women who made significant strides in Barbadian history to develop the country and as a result make Barbados the proud island it is today.
VISIT THE BARBADOS MUSEUM AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY
This museum was opened in 1930. There are collections of tools and implements used by the early settlers, African collections and historic maps. The museum is opened daily. Check it out and learn a bit about the history of Barbados.
VISIT THE GARRISON SAVANNAH FOR HORSE RACING
For those who enjoy horse racing the Garrison Savannah is for you. Race day is usually Saturday. The Sandy Lane Gold Cup is the most prestigious horse racing event in the Eastern Caribbean. If interested check the Barbados Turf Club website for the racing schedules.
GO TO OISTINS FOR FOOD, DRINKS AND ENTERTAINMENT
No visit to the island of Barbados would be complete without a visit to Oistins. Oistins was an old fishing village. This now has been transformed into a bustling hangout spot especially on weekends for the locals and visitors. Several food stalls have been set up in Oistins to serve many types of fish dishes. Flying fish, dolphin(mahi-mahi), kingfish, tuna, billfish, swordfish just to name a few. If fish is not your fancy, chicken or pork can be ordered. Also a must have ice cold Banks beer (local beer) to wash it all down. There is music and sometimes live stage performances.
During Easter there is the annual Oistins Fish Festival. There are several food stalls, bars, craft stalls set up during this festival. There are also competitions like the grease pole climb competition and fish boning competition.
• HARRISON’S CAVE
This a must see attraction in Barbados. An underground cave with limestone formation of stalactites and stalagmites, streams and caverns, this is an absolute awesome place to behold. Breathtaking natural beauty awaits you in this cave.
The transit through the cave is via a motorized tram with a driver and tour guide.
Before the actual tour of the cave there is a video presentation to give the history and development of Harrison’s Cave.
Do not miss this one of a kind attraction when visiting Barbados.
• THE MOUNT GAY RUM DISTILLERY
If you have a love for great tasting rum or curious about Barbadian rum, this is the tour for you. There are two options.
- Visit the Mount gay rum distillery at St.Lucy. Here you will see the original site of where it all started in 1703. Experience the process of rum distilling 1st hand.
- Visit the Mount Gay visitor center at Bridgetown. Here you will have rum tasting, lunch and engage in a cocktail workshop.
For more information on the time schedule for tours see Mount Gay Rum.
• THE ANIMAL FLOWER CAVE
Located in on the north coast this is the only accessible sea cave on the island. This cave was discovered in 1780 by two English explorers.
The cave offers openings to the sea with fantastic views of the ocean and the chance to swim in the natural pool.
• THE HISTORIC GARRISON TUNNELS AND GEORGE WASHINGTON HOUSE
This exciting historic adventure takes you into the almost 200 year old network of tunnels beneath the Garrison area. These tunnels were believed to be created by the British military. They were used for secret movement by the soldiers.
The tunnel adventure can be during the day or night.
George Washington house is a restored 18th Century plantation house. In 1751, George Washington who was 19 years old at the time and his brother Lawrence stayed at this residence for 2 months.
George Washington House has on site a museum with 18th and 19th century local historical artifacts, a gift shop and a café.
The George Washington House is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• NICHOLAS ABBEY
This is another historical tour. Barbados has a rich and colourful heritage and showcases it’s history with the museums, old plantation houses and of course rum making.
Nicholas Abbey is located in the parish of St. Peter. The magnificent great house, rum distillery and the lush grounds make this tour a memorable one.
• SUNBURY PLANTATION HOUSE
Located in the parish of St. Philip, this plantation house is over 300 years old and is now a museum exhibiting unique antiques and majestic furniture. There is also a restaurant on site that offers snacks, drinks and lunch. Be sure to visit the cellar of the house to see historic carts, tools and carriages.
• LAND TOUR
Island safari
I went on this tour a few times and it never gets old. This is the best tour in Barbados if you want to go off road along the beaten path. This is a tour in a 4×4 jeep. You will see the sea, cliffs, hillsides, gullies all on this 5 hour tour. Enjoy the homemade rum punch it’s real good! It packs a punch, pun intended. At the end of the tour you will go to lunch at Sunbury Plantation house. This is definite must when visiting Barbados. Don’t miss out.
• SEA TOURS
Seafari Adventures
Atlantis submarine
The seafari adventure is an exhilarating powerboat ride. Feel the power, speed and adrenaline rush as you speed along the beautiful blue waters along the Barbados coasts. This is not for the faint hearted. This will be worth it.
Atlantis submarine tour doesn’t give that adrenaline rush but it is an excellent tour for those wanting the see the spectacular underwater life of Barbados. Several species of fish, old ship wrecks, coral as we dive. This is yet another must do tour.
ENJOY A CATAMARAN CRUISE
There are quite a few catamaran cruises to choose from. It is a great way to see the coastline of Barbados, enjoy the refreshing sea breeze, have great drinks, food, music and do some swimming or snorkelling to see the beautiful underwater sea life.