Barbados may be known for its beautiful beaches, but before you head to these sandy havens, take time to explore the island’s one true city: Bridgetown. This Caribbean city has the largest population in the country and offers curious visitors a glimpse into Barbados’ rich culture and history.
While the city may have established a host of modern structures such as office complexes, shopping malls, and banks, Bridgetown has still managed to preserve a number of its most treasured historic sites and colonial buildings. The city maintains a very energetic atmosphere enhanced by its vibrant streets, regularly busy with enthusiastic vendors of various produce and fresh produce. Here, you’ll get plenty of opportunities for duty-free shopping, especially in areas like Broad Street. It is also very easy to find local crafts in the city markets.
Most of Bridgetown’s major tourist sites are within walking distance of the city center. And fortunately, city buses reach most of these destinations. Keep in mind that Bridgetown is one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean. While you’re here, don’t miss the opportunity to walk through its fascinating historical section, which is home to the city’s most treasured architectural monuments, including the Barbados Parliament Buildings. These buildings exude exquisite Gothic Revival design and were built in the late 19th century from coral limestone. One of the impressive features of the buildings is its stained glass windows, which depict the different British monarchs. Its west wing houses government offices, the clock tower, the Parliament Museum and the National Gallery. And if you walk towards the east wing, you will find the Senate and the House of Assembly.
The Barbados Garrison is another significant historical landmark in Bridgetown. In fact, this garrison is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it was considered the largest of its kind during the 18th and 19th centuries. These days, the garrison houses the Barbados Defense Force, but it has other sections worth visiting. Some of these sections include St. Ann’s Fort, established in 1705; the Georgian-style mansion called the George Washington House; and the Barbados National Armory, which maintains a huge collection of iron cannons made during the 17th century. Another important building found in the garrison is the Barbados Museum, which can give you a great insight into the island’s history through its extensive exhibits and galleries. Outside the Barbados Garrison is an oval green space, used as a park and venue for sporting events, horse races and parades.
Head to the city’s natural harbor called Carlisle Bay, which also hosts regular water sports events. If you walk to the south side of the bay, you’ll find the popular Pebbles Beach, which is well-visited due to its soft white sand and perfectly calm, swimmable waters. If scuba diving is something you’d like to do, arrange a trip to Carlisle Bay Marine Park, whose seabed is littered with a couple of old shipwrecks.
If you are content to stay on the beach, comfortably seated on a lounger and protected by an umbrella; then you should look for the Boatyard Beach Club. This club is conveniently equipped with a restaurant and offers a variety of fun water activities.
