3 minute read
Port of Call – Bridgetown
from Range - Volume 3
by Ensemble
White-sand beaches, fascinating historic sites and opportunities to “lime” like a local make the Barbadian capital worthy of a pre- or post-cruise stay.
By Truc Nguyen
Whether you’re adding an extra day or three in Bridgetown, prepare to be charmed by this historic city set on the small Caribbean island’s more populated southwest coast. Bridgetown and its Garrison were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, and a walking tour of the city will bring you past sights like the bustling Bridgetown Fish Market, Barbados’ national legislature, the shops of pedestrian-only Swan Street and one of the western hemisphere’s oldest synagogues, Nidhe Israel Synagogue. Of course, swimming and snorkeling the surrounding turquoise-blue waters and touring centuries-old rum distilleries are musts, as is taking in the Rihanna-approved Oistins Fish Fry on a Friday night.
FAST FACTS
Currency: Barbadian dollar
Languages: English, Bajan Creole
Tipping: A 10% tip is standard
Temperature: Average daily high of 78°F/26°C
HISTORY
1627
The first English colonizers arrive on the island; one year later, Bridgetown is established.
1966
Barbados gains independence from the United Kingdom but remains a constitutional monarchy.
2021
The country removes Queen Elizabeth II as head of state and becomes a republic within the Commonwealth.
CAN’T MISS
Mount Gay Distillery & Visitor Centre
The oldest rum producer on the island, Mount Gay was founded in 1703 and has been making its renowned rum at its north Barbados distillery ever since. Tour the working estate in St. Lucy (about a 40-minute drive from the capital), or, for an experience right in Bridgetown, stop in at the Mount Gay Visitor Centre for a rum tasting or cocktail workshop.
SOUVENIR
Delish Bajan Hot Pepper Sauce
If you like it hot, you’ll be hooked on Bajan pepper sauce by the end of your stay. Buy a bottle (or two) of the tangy Scotch bonnet- and mustard-based condiment to bring the flavor of Barbados back home.
EAT THIS
Fish Cutter
Head to Cuzz’s Fish Shack on Pebbles Beach for the best fish cutter (what Bajans call a sandwich) you’ll ever have, featuring pan-seared blue marlin, tomato and lettuce on a fresh bun (don’t forget the Bajan pepper sauce).
Cou-cou and Flying Fish
The national dish of Barbados sees steamed flying fish paired with a combo of cornmeal and okra called cou-cou, all topped with a spicy sauce.
INSIDER TIP
The Barbados National Trust offers free weekly guided hikes, including the occasional Moonlight Hike, for both locals and tourists.
LOCAL LINGO
LIMING
When locals are “liming,” they’re chilling out or partying with friends and family — it’s how Bajans relax and let loose.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Crop Over Festival
If you’re visiting Barbados during the summer, don’t miss out on Crop Over. A celebration of the end of sugar cane season, the weeks-long harvest festival includes soca parties, musical performances, craft markets and food fairs, culminating in an epic parade known as Kadooment Day.
