Bridgetown, the island’s capital, is said to have been founded in 1628 when 64 settlers first arrived to claim 10,000 acres of land. Some of Bridgetown’s first streets survive today and bear their original names, notably High Street, Palmetto Street, Swan Street, James Street, Reed Street, Tudor Street and White’s Alley. The best time to head into Bridgetown is around 9:00am before the midday heat and after the morning rush hour traffic. You can spend the morning shopping, enjoy a lunch in town and still have the afternoon free to relax on the beach.
Following are some points of interest to make the most of your day.
Lunch Spots
There are a number of places in Bridgetown where you can have a delicious lunch.
• Waterfront Café: Superb and extensive menus; reservations advised
• DaCostas Mall: Lots of variety including a food court and balcony bar
• Mustors: Vintage Bridgetown with authentic Bajan fare at unbeatable prices
• The Ideal Restaurant: Hearty portions of the best in traditional Bajan favorites
• Nelson's Arms: A cool spot for some cold beers and pub grub
• Chefette: Local fast food chain offering rotis, fried chicken, burgers and salads
Shopping
Stores usually open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Mon. - Fri.), and 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. (Sat). They are usually closed on Sundays. More shopping tips...
Banking
Banks in Barbados are open Monday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Banks located in supermarkets are generally open longer hours in the week and on Saturdays. Most banks have an ATM machine by which visitors may use their bank or credit cards to obtain cash. Cardholders must key in their Personal Identification Numbers (PINS) when requesting cash advances. Cash will be dispensed in local currency only. This facility is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at any bank branch.
Chattel House Village
Outside the main entrance to the cruise terminal is a village made up of Barbados’ historic chattel houses. The small, brightly painted houses are now filled with artists and small business entrepreneurs who sell tee shirts and handicrafts to cruise passengers. The unique village also includes two restaurants, perfect for lunch, or that late afternoon snack on your way back to the ship.
Pelican Village
Just a five-minute walk from the Cruise Terminal Pelican Craft Center is dedicated to the arts and crafts of Barbados comprised of 25 retail shops, a gallery and annex, a wine bar and bistro, a restaurant and an artist wall. The Pelican Workshops are where visitors can see firsthand the creativity of our craftsmen including pottery, woodcarving, basketry and straw work, fine art, glass blowing, weaving, moulded figure-making, sewing and cigar making. The Center is also the home of the Pelican Dooflicky, a festive carnival event replete with pageantry and culture, staged weekly during the tourist season.
Parliament Buildings
The Parliament Buildings were built in 1871, after the fire of 1860. The original clock tower was demolished in 1884 and was rebuilt two years later in the west wing. The wing also houses public offices. The east wing (on the right) houses the Senate and the House of Assembly and has stained glass windows depicting British monarchs.
National Heroes Square
This square is a tribute to the heroes of Bajan society. Until April 1999 it was called Trafalgar Square, and the statue of Lord Nelson was erected there in 1813. Nelson had sailed to Barbados in 1805, only months before he died in the battle of Trafalgar.
Queens Park
A sanctuary in the midst of a bustling city. The two-storey house in the park was once the home of the commander of British troops stationed in the West Indies. It was built in 1786 and it now houses a theatre and art gallery. In the playground there is a massive Baobab tree, which is 18 meters in circumference, and probably came from Africa during the days of slavery.
Tel: (246) 427-7267
St. Michael Cathedral (Anglican)
Constructed between 1660 and 1665 and noted for its arched roof and artifacts, as well as for the many famous and distinguished Bajans buried in its churchyard. St. Michael Cathedral is a living history of the Anglican religion.
The Jewish Synagogue
Dating back to 1654, it represents the oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere. Recently restored it was the recipient of the American Express Caribbean Heritage Award, 1990.
Open Mon - Fri 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Church Services: Fridays at 7:30 p.m.
Tel: (246) 432-0840 (Contact Mr. Altman)
Free Tour
St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Catholic)
After the destruction of the original church by fire in 1897, the present church was erected through subscriptions and donations from Government, Protestants, Jews and Catholics. Opened 17th March, 1899, elevated to the status of a Cathedral on 18th March, 1970.
Brighton/Brandon Beach
Located just 1/2 mile by road from the Bridgetown Port on the west coast of the island, this approximately 1½ mile long stretch of white sands offers a tranquil place to relax in the sun or calm waters to bathe. The Weisers Beach Bar on the beach provides lunch, dinner, watersports and volleyball court for patrons.
Carlisle Bay Beach
Approximately 3 miles long and located just a mile from the Bridgetown port, this beach has a spot that’s right for you. You can make use of the services provided by the Bayshore Complex, The Boatyard or the Carlisle Bay Center.
Cricket at Kensington Oval
Cricket is one of the leading sports played in Barbados. The largest cricket ground in Barbados is the Kensington Oval, Pickwick Gap, St. Michael. This ground is approximately a 15-minute walk from the Cruise Terminal.
