So much more to explore
beyond our shores
Welcome to Authentic Barbados Just when you thought you knew it all about Barbados – the many glorious white sandy beaches with exciting watersport activities, the endless sunny days and rum-soaked nights, the luxury resorts and enchanting restaurants – you find out that there’s so much more the island has to offer! You can try to fit it all in a few hours but we’re betting you may want to come back again! If you thought you knew it all about Barbados, get ready to find out what else lies beyond our shores.
The western side of the Barbados Parliament buildings.
Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison Designated as a UNESCO Heritage site in 2011, Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison provide you with a scenic and informative heritage journey from the island’s remarkable past to its dynamic present. Parliament Buildings - Did you know that Barbados has the third oldest parliament in the Commonwealth? Within these centuries old walls is a modern, interactive museum and national heroes gallery that traces the development of our democratic system of government. The Exchange - This museum showcases the development of business and trade in the city through the decades. The building houses two exhibition gallery floors and an art gallery. Walking tour - St. Michael’s Cathedral, St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Cheapside Market and Heroes Square. Ensure that these historical hot spots are stops on your walking tour of Bridgetown as they each have very interesting stories to tell of the legacy of Bridgetown. George Washington House The site where the first American President stayed on his only trip outside of the United States.
Changing of the sentry at the Garrison
The museum at Parliament
George Washington House
One to Explore The Nidhe Israel Synagogue & Museum The earliest consecrated temple in the Western Hemisphere.
The Nidhe Israel Synagogue & Museum
St. Nicholas Abbey at twilight.
Houses of Our Heritage Well-preserved historical buildings are hidden among the sweet fields of sugar cane across the island, each with their own fascinating links to Europe and the United States.
St. Nicholas Abbey - You may have already heard that St. Nicholas Abbey is one of three Jacobean style mansions remaining in the Western Hemisphere, but did you know that the Abbey’s history tells an exciting tale of murder (alleged) and love, and of links to the Carolinas? Yes, those Carolinas of the United States. Clifton Hall Great House – A beautifully restored Georgian mansion in the eastern parish of St. John is also available as a vacation rental. The story of Clifton Hall begins with a direct descendent of a Greek emperor who emigrated from Clifton, Cornwall in England. Sunbury Plantation Great House – Recently renovated to world-class standards, Sunbury Plantation arguably has the island’s most stunning display of antiques nearly 300 years old. Codrington College - The oldest Anglican/Episcopal Theological seminary in the Western Hemisphere. Codrington College was bequeathed to the Anglican Church from Christopher Codrington III upon his death in 1710.
Clifton Hall Great House
Sunbury Plantation
Codrington College
One to Explore
St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway - Take a riveting ride on a steam locomotive! Enjoyment for the entire family.
St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway
Hunte’s Gardens.
Natural Heritage Adventures Await Many of these new nature experiences play an important role in sustainability.
Coco Hill Forest - 53 acres of tropical forest. Perfect terrain for an island-style hike. Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Tour - Walk, creep and crawl through natural passageways to explore cave formations. Hunte’s Gardens - Located in the centre of Barbados’ rain forest in a sink-hole-like gully, offering a picturesque and superbly created series of magical mini-gardens. Walker’s Reserve – Take a guided hiking or photographic tour of our first regenerative project which transforms an active sand quarry into a natural food forest. Learn more about the replanting of 280,000 trees. Eco Lifestyle Lodge – Looking for your Zen? You can probably find it here at this boutique hotel tucked away on the eastern side of the island. Pop in for a deliciously healthy brunch or dinner!
Coco HIll
Harrison’s Cave
Eco Lifestyle Lodge
One to Explore Bath Beach House – Getaway for a day of kayaking, hiking, swimming and more on the eastern side of the island.
Kyaking at Bath Beach House
John Chandler’s Outrageous Cafe and Antiques, Limegrove Lifestyle Centre.
Culinary Delights Local and international cuisine prepared by numerous top chefs is always readily available across the island. From a local rum shop ham and cheese cutter to a filet mignon at a fine dining restaurant, you may want to try something different at every stop you make. Cocktail Kitchen
Pavão - Barbados’ newest fine dining restaurant nestled under mahogany canopies at Sweetfield Manor, a tranquil boutique heritage hotel. Restaurants at Limegrove Lifestyle Centre – Ideal for cocktails, cuisine and dining entertainment. Speightstown – Affectionately known as Little Bristol, most of the restaurants are beach side and serve up spectacular views, Caribbean cooking and a relaxing atmosphere. The Chrysalis Café at PEG Farm – A truly delightful farm to table experience in the east of the island that is perfect for families and couples alike. Likrish Food Tours – Eat like a local on this unique walking tour, Bridgetown by day and St. Lawrence Gap by night!
Hugo’s Restaurant
Pavao Restaurant
One to Explore 2nd Street, Holetown – Clubs, bars and restaurants serve up tropical cocktails and exceptional Caribbean dishes in a lively avenue! Red Door Lounge
Party like the locals at several venues around the island.
Party On! It’s not just sunbathing and sipping on daiquiris. There’s always a party somewhere on the island! Cat & The Fiddle Luxury Catamaran – Private charters, shared tours or special events include drinks, meals and swimming stops along the west coast. Nikki Beach – Music, cabanas, pools and pool beds come together for an all-day party in the north west of the island. St. Lawrence Gap – This is a bar hopper’s dream come true! From Mexican on the corner to mimosas on the beach, fine dining restaurants to burgers on the street, the Gap is your nightcap! Oistins – You will go for the fish fry and stay for the all-night party with the locals! Harbour Lights - The Beach Extravaganza Dinner Show is not to be missed! Enjoy a beachside barbecue while cultural characters perform to pulsating Caribbean rhythms. One Eleven East - A hip and trendy bar in Speightstown with so many ‘instagramable photo spots’ your friends will be envious. They offer paddle boards for hire along with a glass bottom kayak. Check them out on facebook.
St. Lawrence Gap
Oistins
Nikki Beach
One to Explore Crop Over Festival – From May to the first Monday in August, the island vibrates with music, culture, parties and so much more culminating with the ultimate street parade!
Crop Over Festival
Limegrove Lifestyle Centre.
Shop Till... You Know Visitors to Barbados are exempt from local taxes inclusive of VAT. That means you can treat yourself to your favourite international brands at as much as 30% less than what you’d pay at home! But you may want to get something unique to take home, too! Discover the creations of local artisans of jewellery, pottery, basket-weaving and even music. Check these out!
Medford Craft World - Find local craftworks where each piece is individually handcrafted from Barbados Mahogany wood. Chalky Mount Potteries - Watch potters spin beautiful pieces of clay from the area into outstanding wares. Gallery of Caribbean Art – This Speightstown gallery showcases the finest creations from local and regional talent. Farmer’s Markets - Visit Brighton (on Saturdays), Hastings (on Wednesdays and Saturdays) and Holder’s (on Sundays) – Perfect for picking up unique souvenirs, art, tasty treats, and clothing and accessories created by local artisans. Limegrove Lifestyle Centre – Comfortable shopping for luxury items coupled with diverse cuisine options that include contemporary restaurants, a novelty café and even a rum shop.
One to Explore Cave Shepherd Broad Street, Bridgetown – Barbados’ oldest department store is packed with 3 floors of designer wear, jewelry, fragrances, cosmetics and much more.
Local Craft
Local Art
Local Farmers Market
Sweetfield Manor, perfect for weddings and other special events.
Tie the knot in Paradise Idyllic gardens, serene beaches, cliffside chapels and grand cathedrals can all be found on this romantic island. Getting married here can be done with no minimum stay requirements. We’ve got expert wedding planners and photographers on call to make your special day happen just the way you dreamed. Just apply for your license, marry and enjoy your celebration in hours!
Wedding at Clifton Hall
Lots More To Do Clear your schedule because we’ve got more world-class events than ever packed into our annual calendar! From January to December, Barbados is pulsing with action, day and night. Music events include jazz at Naniki, Reggae on the Hill, calypso and even Broadway festivals! Foodies will love the Barbados Food and Rum Festival, or maybe even a chocolate expo. Hit the water for sailing, surfing, beach volleyball, windsurfing and more fun in the sun competitions! Feeling sporty? Don’t miss horse-racing, golf, motorsport, polo, cricket, football and triathlon annual events as well as the world-renowned Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup horse race. Be sure to check out visitbarbados.org to see what else is going on in Barbados. Bathsheba We’re always adding more activities and experiences you’ll love!
More to Explore The taxi operators here are a group of well informed, friendly and devoted Barbadians ready to design a tour in the time you have, ensuring that you are delivered back to the port on time.
Run Barbados Marathon
Please Stay! There’s so much to experience across our coasts and beyond our shores, a day - even two - is just not enough in Barbados. The good news is Barbados is a home porting hub of the Southern Caribbean and more cruise ships are choosing to begin and end their voyages from our beautiful island than ever before. That way you have the golden opportunity of staying with us for at least a few days pre or post cruise, or both! As distinct and diverse as Barbados itself are the accommodations which range from the luxury of a private villa or sumptuous 5 star hotel to the authenticity of a rustic beach house. Located mere minutes from the port are a variety of quaint and charming boutique hotels that dot the shoreline from coast to coast. Contact your tour operator today! Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. 263 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7LA, England PBX: 0207 299 7175 Email: btmiuk@visitbarbados.org