Bridgetown

Travel Guide
Bridgetown which includes general coastal views and a sandy beach
Explore the capital and largest city for historical reference and even more great beaches and other activities, including the world’s oldest rum.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 Barbados Museum & Historical Society and Carlisle Bay.

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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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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Phillips Road

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Phillips Road and surrounding area, you can visit Paradise Beach and Brighton Beach.

Phillips Road
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Fort George Heights

While Fort George Heights isn't home to many top sights, Wildey House and Rockley Golf Course are some notable places to visit nearby.

Fort George Heights
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Pine Gardens

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

Pine Gardens
Sweetfield Manor
Sweetfield Manor
4 out of 5
Brittons New Road, Bridgetown, St. Michael
The price is €169 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
€169
per night
19 Apr - 20 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Bridgetown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (190 reviews)
"A perfect ending to a Caribbean holiday! Sweetfield Manor is elegant and relaxed at the same time. The staff were so gracious and friendly; we felt as though they had been eagerly awaiting our arrival!"

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2024

Sweetfield Manor
Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados
Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados
4 out of 5
Aquatic Gap, Carlisle Bay, Bridgetown, St. Michael
The price is €222 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
€222
per night
19 Apr - 20 Apr
Stay at this beach resort in Bridgetown. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Only complaint was the loud music until 11:30pm. Impossible to drown the noise out"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados
Hilton Barbados Resort
Hilton Barbados Resort
4.5 out of 5
Needhams Point, Bridgetown
The price is €342 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
€342
per night
23 Apr - 24 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Bridgetown. Enjoy free parking, 3 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Amazing staff! Everything was amazing"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Hilton Barbados Resort
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.
Malfranza Apartments
Malfranza Apartments
3 out of 5
Cosy Corner, Train Line Road, Haggatt Hall, Bridgetown
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Bridgetown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions U.S. Embassy and Wildey House are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (57 reviews)
"Customer service was top notch. Enjoyed the hospitality received."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Malfranza Apartments
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 WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Carlisle Bay and U.S. Embassy are ...
7.8/10 Good! (21 reviews)
"Spacious rooms! with kitchen! Lots of light, ocean view with audible waves! colors were nice, too."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Nautilus Ocean Suites
Paradise Villas
Paradise Villas
3 out of 5
Paradise Villas, Paradise Drive, Black Rock, St Michael, Bridgetown, West Indies
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Bridgetown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions Paradise Beach and Batts Rock Beach are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (55 reviews)
"It was clean, cozy and private. What we did not like were the two single beds pushed together to make one queen size bed."

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2023

Paradise Villas
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
21 Jan 2020

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
25 Dec 2019

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Sep 2019

It’s the Caribbean so was as expected

4/5 - Good

Jeff
9 Sep 2019

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
1 Mar 2019

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
18 Feb 2019

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.