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Bridgetown

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When considering travelling to Barbados, it's easy for people to become swept up in the idea of the fine sand beaches and the tropical weather. However, when travelling to Bridgetown, Barbados, you will get all of this as well as a city that is steeped in all things cultural, historical, modern, and industrial. This city is known as 'Indian Bridge' to the eighty thousand people that call this wonderful city home. Bridgetown combines the charm of old fishing harbors with modern retail areas and add to that a little bit of history just about everywhere you turn. This capital city is one of the finest in the world and it is only here that you can truly experience it all!

Areas

Although there are no distinctive areas within Bridgetown, one cannot ignore the beauty of Careenage which seems to be the perfect snapshot of Barbados' capital city. This one area was once a port for fishing ships as well as other vessels and is now a bustling metropolis of its own with many retail areas and cafes. You can walk along and gaze out at the sea while enjoying some of the region's finest delicacies!

Weather

Barbados has wonderful, consistent temperatures throughout the entire year. Temperature range is generally from 24 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius and the best time of year for visiting are usually between the months of January to June due to the fact that this is when the city will see the least of the year's tropical storms. However, if you do happen to visit during hurricane season, which is through the months of June to October, you are still unlikely to see a hurricane. These storms generally pass by the island but the tropical storm that they leave in their wake can be a fantastic sight unto itself.

Average Temperatures

F/C	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
F	77	77	77	78	80	80	78	80	80	78	78	77
C	25	25	25	26	27	27	26	27	27	26	26	25

Average Precipitation/Rain

In./CM	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
In.	3.1	1.9	1.7	1.6	2.5	4.4	5.4	7	7.3	7.3	7	77
CM	7.9	4.8	4.3	4.1	6.4	11.2	13.7	17.8	18.5	18.5	17.8	195.6

Getting There

Because Bridgetown is the island's capital, getting there is very easy with just about all transportation routes taking you directly to the heart of the city.

By plane

The Grantley Adams International Airport is located approximately ten miles east of Bridgetown and from there, you can take a taxi or public bus directly into the city. The public bus leaves for Bridgetown every ten minutes and there is also a twenty-four hour taxi service, which will take approximately half an hour. Although the rates for the taxi are to be predetermined by the government, many drivers will add to the charge so be sure to set a firm price before getting in.

By boat

There is a ferry that runs through Bridgetown as well as six surrounding ports however this is considered to be a day trip and not a means of main transportation to the island.

Getting Around

Because Bridgetown is the main center of Barbados, getting around on your visit is sure to prove to be no problem at all!

By car

There are rental car agencies available right in the city of Bridgetown as well as at the airport however, many of the sights are within walking distance of each other and those few times you may choose to leave the area, a taxi may be a better alternative. Taxis are easily found within the city and you can often ask at the hotel to have them call one for you.

Public transportation

Public buses are available in any part of Bridgetown and can be a good way to get in and around the city quickly. Barbados is used to having visitors so as long as you are just as friendly as the locals, it won't be a problem asking for help if you need it along the way.

On foot

Many of the sites and attractions that you will most likely want to see while in Bridgetown are within close proximity to each other. Travelling by foot is another great way to see the city as you will be closer to all the nooks and crannies that make this place so unique!

Food & Dining

If you try no other delicacy native to the island of Barbados while you are in Bridgetown, you must try the Flying Fish. This dish is made from the actual flying fish that are caught on the shores of the island. Of course these fish don't actually fly but they do move their tail back and forth to propel them as much as 100 yards through the air at 30 miles per hour. The only dish second to it is the Bajan Pepperpot. This delicious dish is said to be in the area longer than the current towns and cities and consists of a pork stewed in a dark brown sauce. There are plenty of hot and fiery dishes in Bridgetown but there is also an English influence, which is why it's no surprise to often see banana peppers sitting alongside fish and chips.

Beaches

Bottom Bay Beach (Sand beach) Location: Southeast coast of Barbados This beach will provide two experiences in one. The first is that it's one of the most authentic Caribbean settings one could ask for and the second is that it combines that with all of the tranquility that you could ever imagine. You'll be surprised to learn that people flock here throughout the entire year to experience the peacefulness for themselves because there's likely to be no one there when you visit!

Bathsheba (Rock beach) Location: Approximately 14 miles east of Bridgetown This beach is most commonly known as 'The Soup Bowl' due to the foaming surf that is constantly crashing up against the shore. It's this foam that makes it a popular enough surfing spot that it holds an annual surfing competition. The beach is also a favorite spot among photographers because the picturesque scenery provides beautiful backdrops.

West Coast beaches (Sand beach) Location: Extends north from the center of the city of Bridgetown This whole stretch of different beaches is referred to as the 'Platinum Coast' due to the beautiful white sands that stretch on endlessly. These are definitely the most popular beaches in Bridgetown and include Treasure Beach, Mango Bay, Smuggler's Cove, and Discovery Bay, to name just a few.

Sights & Activities

From culture to history to visiting the old world, there is plenty to see and do in Bridgetown!

Lord Nelson Statue

If you think the one in Trafalgar Square, London is impressive, wait until you see this statue of Lord Nelson standing valiantly in the center of the city. This statue also brings with it a much deeper sense of history than the one in London as the statue in Bridgetown has been there for over thirty years longer than the one in London! Standing at the base of the statue gives a perfect photo opportunity!

Careenage

What was once the city's main port for importing and exporting fish, the harbor has been turned from an old world fishing wharf to a modern and contemporary area for cruise ships to dock. The most fascinating aspect of Careenage is that you can walk out along the sea on one side and travel back in time on the other!

Broad Street

When visiting Bridgetown, tourists flock to the city's infamous Broad Street, where not only are there bargain shopping opportunities but it's also all duty-free! Take advantage of the different boutiques and souvenir shops and find that perfect something for everyone for the absolutely perfect price!

Hazell's Water World

For that tropical water adventure you've always dreamed of on your Barbados visit, you must check out this shop, which is owned by John Hazell, who also offers diving equipment, gear, accessories, and clothing. If you love the equipment and can't wait to try it on, John and his knowledgeable staff are also available to give group and individual diving lessons. See Bridgetown like very few do!

St. Michael's Cathedral

This beautiful parish is just one of the many glimpses of Bridgetown history that you will see on your visit. This church was originally constructed in 1665 but had to be rebuilt after a hurricane in 1780 all but demolished it. It was then again damaged by yet another storm in 1931. Visiting this calming church will make you privy to the 1,675 tombs that are built in and around the church.

Billfisher II

For a truly authentic Barbados sea fishing excursion, you need to visit Captain White and let him and his crew take you aboard this forty-foot Pacemaker. You can sail the open seas for half a day or a full day and while the Captain, who has been doing this all his life, is showing you the best spots for catching tuna, marlin, and barracuda, you will also be served cocktails, beer, and sandwiches. Look for the Captain and the Billfisher docked in Careenage.

Parliament Buildings

Standing in the midst of super contemporary downtown Bridgetown, these buildings refuse to forfeit their historical charm. They are designed in a Neo-Gothic style and were built in 1871 after a great fire. The clock that now stands within the buildings is the second as the original was demolished in 1884. Be sure to visit this other great piece of history in the heart of the city!