Bridgetown Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Bridgetown showing a cemetery, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Bridgetown
Bridgetown which includes boating, a coastal town and a marina
Bridgetown showing street scenes and a city
Bridgetown showing street scenes

Explore the capital and largest city for historical reference and even more great beaches and other activities, including the world’s oldest rum.

Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados and a city with a lot of history. When the English arrived to declare the area a British colony in the 17th century they found an abandoned Indian settlement and bridge and later gave the area the Bridgetown name. The harbor became a critical port for ships traveling across the Atlantic and was heavily protected against attack from other colonizing European powers. Visit the Bridgetown Garrison, initially constructed starting in 1705 as a British fortification, and now an internationally protected World Heritage Site. Take a guided walking tour to appreciate the historic significance of the military, commercial and social activities of the 18th and 19th centuries in Barbados. Points of interest include St. Mary’s and St. Michael’s churches, Queen’s Park, Jewish Synagogue, Heroes Square and Parliament Building.Walk in the footsteps of earlier world leaders by visiting the George Washington House and the Lord Nelson Monument in Heroes Square (formerly Trafalgar Square) in front of the Parliament Building.For a lighter look at history, tour the Mount Gay Rum Factory bottling facility which claims to be the best and oldest rum in the world. It has been made in Barbados since 1703. Make reservations to enjoy taste testing on weekdays children can participate but not drink. On Saturdays, watch thoroughbred horses race at Garrison Savannah, where horses have been running for over 150 years. Bridgetown is the largest city on Barbados, with a population of nearly 100,000. It is the center for transportation, shopping and arranging excursions, a convenient hub for activities across the island. You can stay in a hotel in Bridgetown and drive or take a bus or taxi to any of the beaches and other attractions on the island in two hours or less. Or, from the city center drive or take a taxi to one of half a dozen beaches within 10 minutes.Bridgetown is just 20 minutes from the international airport.

Where to stay in Bridgetown

George Washington House showing a house, heritage elements and interior views

Garrison Historic Area

Travellers to Garrison Historic Area praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by George Washington House and Garrison Savannah.

Garrison Historic Area
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Brighton

While there might not be top attractions in Brighton, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Brighton Beach and Paradise Beach.

Brighton
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Downtown Bridgetown

While visiting Downtown Bridgetown, you might make a stop by sights like Carlisle Bay and Lord Nelson Statue.

Downtown Bridgetown
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Highgate

Though Highgate may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Barbados Museum & Historical Society and Carlisle Bay.

Highgate
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Belleville

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Belleville and surrounding area, you can visit Carlisle Bay and Barbados Parliament Buildings.

Belleville
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Pine Gardens

Pine Gardens might not have many top sights, but Carlisle Bay and Barbados Parliament Buildings are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Pine Gardens
Hilton Barbados Resort
Hilton Barbados Resort
4.5 out of 5
Needhams Point, Bridgetown
The price is £238 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
£238
23 Jul - 24 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Bridgetown. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"Wonderful staff and amenities. Can’t wait to return."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Hilton Barbados Resort
Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados
Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados
4 out of 5
Aquatic Gap, Carlisle Bay, Bridgetown, St. Michael
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Bridgetown. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"The staff at the hotel were very welcoming and helpful. The outside of the hotel could use some sprucing up but the beach was beautiful. I think it is great value for money."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados
Sweetfield Manor
Sweetfield Manor
4 out of 5
Brittons New Road, Bridgetown, St. Michael
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Bridgetown. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (275 reviews)
"It was excellent."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2025

Sweetfield Manor
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Nautilus Ocean Suites
Nautilus Ocean Suites
3 out of 5
Bay St, Bridgetown, Saint Michael
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Bridgetown. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Carlisle Bay and Kensington Oval are ...
7.8/10 Good! (63 reviews)
"Very nice"

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Nautilus Ocean Suites
Thomasville- Ideally near the beaches/entertainment, transportation, Free Wi-fi.
Thomasville- Ideally near the beaches/entertainment, transportation, Free Wi-fi.
4 out of 5
Bridgetown
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in Bridgetown. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a garden. Popular attractions Rockley Beach and Dover Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
"An unforgettable stay – truly above and beyond! I rented in Thomasville for my family and it was the best choice I could’ve made! The property is exactly as shown in the photos — beautiful, clean, and located in a peaceful area. Halum was an exceptional host. He took care of every detail and even ..."

Reviewed on 9 May 2025

Thomasville- Ideally near the beaches/entertainment, transportation, Free Wi-fi.
 Barbados Chi Guest House
Barbados Chi Guest House
3 out of 5
17 Elizabeth Drive, Pine Gardens, Bridgetown, St. Michael
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Bridgetown. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 beach bars and on-site spa services. Popular attractions Carlisle Bay and Rockley Beach are ...
6.8/10 (45 reviews)
"Fantastic knowledgeable host (thank you Victor!). Beautiful garden full of wildlife, fruit trees, and medicinal plants. A calm sanctuary at the end of a quiet street."

Reviewed on 10 Jun 2025

Barbados Chi Guest House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Bridgetown

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
10
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
7
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 5%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Harbour lights and Boatyard were walkable along the beach or via the main road. Dollar bus (which has gone up to $3.5 bbd) or taxi was needed for Bridgetown and St Lawrence Gap.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The island us some of the nicest people and this is also evident in the hotel. Thank you

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

It’s the Caribbean so was as expected

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Barbados is an amazing Island, great beaches, fantastic people. Your on a island, relax and have fun

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lots of places to eat nearby, and Bridgetown within a short walk. Water sports facilities on beach, sea very calm (without being on west coast).

5/5 - Excellent

DEHC

Bridgetown excellent to explore and if you avoid the tourist traps you can get cheap drinks in the local bars and more of a local experience with it.

Cities near Bridgetown