While in Barbados you can find many wonderful things to do in Bridgetown. This travel guide lists the top tourist attractions and things to do.
Bridgetown, the capital city of Barbados, in the
Caribbean can be an exciting place to visit while
touring on the island. The year-round warm weather,
friendly people and exciting culture make this the
perfect place to visit. The following list highlights
ten great attractions to visit in Bridgetown.
1)Broad Street - This is the main upscale shopping
area on the island where the largest duty-free
shopping centers are to be found. Items can range from
fine jewelry to the latest designer fashions and
accessories. There's no haggling over prices in these
shopping areas, and most stores require elegantly
casual shopping attire (no swimsuits, sandals and
shirtless patrons).
2)Cheapside Street Market - In sharp contrast to Broad
Street, at this open-air flea market, tourists can
mingle with the locals and haggle over items ranging
from delicious tropical fruit, to colorful clothing,
hand-made leather shoes, to coral jewelry and
accessories. Feel free to shop in your swimsuits here!
3)Atlantis Submarine - This attraction has been around
in Bridgetown for close to twenty years. Two
submersible 40 passenger submarines take tourists on
under water tours along the many coral reefs just
outside of the Bridgetown harbor. Bring plenty of
film!
4)Barbados Museum - This is the national museum of
Barbados and houses some of the island's rarest
artifacts from its colonial past. Items range from the
tools and pottery used by the native Amerindian tribes
to the flamboyant carriages and art pieces that came
to the island during the British colonial period.
5)Barbados Garrison - The "˜Garrison' as referred to by
locals, is a former 17th century British military base
complete with fortress walls lined with row upon row
of artillery cannons. There is also a horse track
located by the base which was formerly used by British
military to perform their exercises each day. This
track is still used to this day, and on most weekends
tourists can engage in the spectacle of watching live
horse racing and betting on their favorite
thoroughbred!
6)Parliament Buildings - These two 19th century
buildings built of solid coral stone are still in use
to this day by the local government. They are
important architectural landmarks that truly highlight
the colonial heritage of the island and the political significance of the capital city.
7)Mount Gay Rum Refinery - This is the oldest rum
refinery in the world and is located just on the
outskirts of Bridgetown. From guided tours of the
historic facility, to sampling their world famous
liquors and spirits, this is an exciting place to
visit for most adult tourists.
8)St. Michael's Cathedral - This 18th century Anglican
Church is one of the oldest on the island and is
famous for a person who was once among the
congregation - the first president of the United
States, George Washington who visited back in 1751!
9)Queen's Park - This is a relaxing park located near
the centre of the city. There is a performing arts
theatre located in the park along with acre upon acre
of landscaped gardens, decorated with exotic tropical
plants and flowers along with several fountains and
gazebos.
10)Waterfront Café - This a great place to kick back
and relax in the evening and tourists can listen to
the sounds of live Jazz and steel pan music. Located
on the historic Bridgetown Harbor, the relaxing
atmosphere is simply second to none!
