Bridgetown

Travel Guide
Bridgetown which includes heritage architecture, religious aspects and a church or cathedral
Explore the capital and largest city for historical reference and even more great beaches and other activities, including the world’s oldest rum.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 heritage elements, a house and interior views

Garrison Historic Area

A noteworthy feature of Garrison Historic Area is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Carlisle Bay and George Washington House.

Garrison Historic Area
Black Rock

Brighton

2/5(2 area reviews)

When in Brighton, you can plan a visit to Brighton Beach and Paradise Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Brighton
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Highgate

When in Highgate, you can plan a visit to Barbados Museum & Historical Society and Carlisle Bay, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Highgate
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Phillips Road

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

Phillips Road
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Fort George Heights

Fort George Heights might not have many top sights, but Wildey House and Rockley Golf Course are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Fort George Heights
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Pine Gardens

While Pine Gardens might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Carlisle Bay and Barbados Parliament Buildings.

Pine Gardens
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 WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.6/10 Good! (999 reviews)
"Guests can step from the hotel on to one of the best beaches in Barbados"

Reviewed on 26 Oct, 2024

Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados
Hilton Barbados Resort
Hilton Barbados Resort
4.5 out of 5
Needhams Point, Bridgetown
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! (1,000 reviews)
"It is a beautiful property. My ocean front balcany was perfect for morning reading. Overall we had a wonderful time!"

Reviewed on 27 Oct, 2024

Hilton Barbados Resort
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 WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (221 reviews)
"The view the peacock, would you please I didn't like the birds while you're trying to eat"

Reviewed on 27 Oct, 2024

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 WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Carlisle Bay and Rockley Beach are ...
7.8/10 Good! (32 reviews)
"Nice, clean and quiet. Lovely beach and less than 10 minutes from the city of Bridgetown. The receptionist Shanice was very pleasant and helpful. Generally pleasant staff. Will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 19 Sep, 2024

Nautilus Ocean Suites
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 Carlisle Bay and Rockley Beach are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (62 reviews)
"place well kept"

Reviewed on 13 Jul, 2024

Malfranza Apartments
Luxury, Tropical, Beachfront Living
Luxury, Tropical, Beachfront Living
Bridgetown
Stay at this apartment in Bridgetown. Enjoy a beach locale, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Carlisle Bay and Sandy Lane Beach are located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (18 reviews)
Can’t beat the location … just steps to the beach!
"Great sized 3/2 home for a family retreat, and if the beach is a priority, then the location is a 10/10. The property itself is nice, overall. I wouldn’t classify it as “luxury” as advertised, but nice enough. The bathrooms could use some attention (master suite was missing bulb; no outlet for hair ..."

Reviewed on 16 Apr, 2024

Luxury, Tropical, Beachfront Living
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

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
81
" "5 - Excellent 36.32286995515695%
4 - Good
93
" "4 - Good 41.70403587443946%
3 - Okay
42
" "3 - Okay 18.83408071748879%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 2.242152466367713%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.8968609865470852%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Wonderful ocean breezes, gorgeous beaches, friendly people

4/5 - Good

Richard

Relatively expensive for a resort town. Look for local food stalls / trucks.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The beautiful setting for the Radisson and Hilton on the beach are very near the cruise port and a short commute to the airport. Paradise on the beach and a secure location for your stay.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

A wonderful place to explore. The water is warm and clear. Swimming with turtles, stingrays and ship wrecks is a daily activity. Barbados is a fun island.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Hope to return someday.

5/5 - Excellent

Russell

Nice people & good food!

Cities near Bridgetown