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The galleries of this museum, established in 1930 and located in Barbados's UNESCO World Heritage Site, are housed in a 19th-century military prison building. More than 5,000 artifacts—dating from prehistoric times through the 21st century—tell the story of the people of Barbados, revealing the island's rich history, culture, and heritage. The on-site Shilstone Memorial Library is home to rare West Indian materials, archival documents, photographs, hard-to-find books, and maps dating from the 17th century.
Hwy. 7, Garrison, St. Michael, BB14038, Barbados
Sight Details
Rate Includes: Bds$20
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The cemetery, also referred to as Gravesend or Garrison Military Cemetery, is near the shore behind historic St. Ann's Fort. First used in 1780, when the area was pretty much marshland, the dead were placed in shallow graves or simply left on top of the ground where, within a few short days, many were absorbed into the swamp. In the early 20th century, a number of the remaining graves were dug up to provide room for oil storage tanks; salvaged headstones were placed on a cenotaph, erected in 1920–24. A "Cross of Sacrifice" was erected in 1982 to honor all the military dead; a second cenotaph, erected in 2003, honors the Barbadian merchant seamen who died in World War II.
Needham's Point, Garrison, St. Michael, Barbados
Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free
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Horse racing is a big part of Bajan culture, and "going to the races" is an event for everyone. The races are administered by the Barbados Turf Club. Races take place on alternate Saturdays throughout the year at the Garrison Savannah, a 6-furlong grass oval in Christ Church, about 3 miles (5 km) south of Bridgetown. There is also occasional night racing. Important events include the Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup, held in late February or early March, and the Boxing Day Races on December 26. You can watch for free on the grounds or pay for tickets, which vary in price according to where you sit—in the Chandler stand, the grandstand, or the VIP grandstand (grabbing a seat up close on the grounds/field with a picnic is also an option). Regardless of where you sit, you can't help but get caught up in the energy and excitement of the events.
The Garrison Savannah, Garrison, St. Michael, Barbados
Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tickets from $7.50, $12.50 or $20 for the day (change given in Bds)
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Just north of downtown Bridgetown and within walking distance of the cruise ship terminal, the sea at this southernmost pair of the West Coast beaches is as calm as a lake. This is also one of the island's longest sandy stretches: you can easily walk from here all the way up to Batts Rock Beach. On hot days, particularly on weekends and holidays, you'll find locals taking a quick dip. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguard; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.
Spring Garden Hwy., Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados
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Cricket fans can get their fix at this fascinating museum, which highlights such famous Bajan cricketers as Sir Garfield Sobers, Desmond Haynes, and Gordon Greenidge. The museum has a portrait room in addition to cricket memorabilia. There are usually special hours when there's an international match at the nearby Kensington Oval.
Fontabelle Rd., Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados
Sight Details
Rate Includes: $10
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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This powerful statue of an enslaved person—whose raised hands, with broken chains hanging from each wrist, evoke both contempt and victory—is commonly referred to as the Bussa Statue. Bussa was the man who, in 1816, led the first enslaved peoples rebellion on Barbados. The work of Barbadian sculptor Karl Brodhagen, the statue was erected in 1985 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved peoples in 1834.
St. Barnabas Roundabout, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael, Barbados
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This public park, opened in November 2021, is located in the southern area of Bridgetown. It offers visitors and locals an opportunity to relax, reflect, and learn about aspects of the island’s rich culture and heritage dating back to the 1930s. In addition to a display of 17th- and 18th-century items commonly used by the planter class (farmers who were wealthy, more educated, and politically inclined), the main attraction of the two-acre recreational space is the Builders of Barbados Wall, also known as the 1937 Memorial Wall. The engraved stones that make up this curved wall display the surnames (and, in some cases, first names) of all those who lived on the island. The park, which has a spacious seating area with a roof, is also dotted with some intense artwork encapsulating aspects of the 1937 riot, as well as pictures depicting historical facts. The 1937 riot, or 1937 labor rebellion, refers to the social unrest that took place on July 26, 1937, led by national hero Clement Payne, in response to what the Black population considered to be social, economic, and political oppression. At the time, native Blacks were mostly employed in agriculture and did not have access to the same opportunities as whites, who were considered the planter class.
Fairchild St., Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados
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Located on the waterfront, this lovely shaded spot is a great place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of Bridgetown while you enjoy the view of the Parliament Buildings and National Heroes Square across the water. Note the statue of the island's first prime minister, the late Errol Walton Barrow, affectionately known as the "Father of Independence."
Don't miss the Independence Arch on the Chamberlain Bridge right next door.
Fairchild St., Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados
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On this popular tour, you learn the colorful story behind the world's oldest rum—made in Barbados since 1703. Although the modern distillery is in St. Lucy Parish, in the far north, tour guides here explain the rum-making process. Equipment, both historic and modern, is on display, and rows and rows of barrels are stored in this location. Tours conclude with a tasting and the opportunity to buy duty-free rum and gifts—and even have lunch or cocktails (no children on cocktail tour), depending on the day. The lunch or cocktail tour includes transportation.
Spring Garden Hwy., Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados
Sight Details
Rate Includes: $20, $70 with cocktails, $75 with lunch, Closed Sun.
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Overlooking National Heroes Square in the center of town, these Victorian buildings were constructed around 1870 to house the British Commonwealth's third-oldest parliament (after Britain itself and Bermuda). A series of stained-glass windows in the East Wing depicts British monarchs from James I to Victoria. The National Heroes Gallery and Museum of Parliament is in the West Wing. Extensive refurbishment was carried out on the building between March 2020 and February 2022.
Trafalgar St., Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados
Sight Details
Rate Includes: $10 for museum, Closed Tues. and Sun.
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This national park is the site of beautiful gardens, a children's playground, a sports/events field, and one of the island's two immense baobab trees. Brought to Barbados from Guinea, West Africa, around 1738, this tree has a girth of more than 60 feet. Queen's Park House, built in 1783 and the historic home of the British troop commander, now houses the Daphne Joseph Hackett Theatre, which hosts special events and exhibits, and the Queen's Park Gallery, which features work by both emerging and established artists. The park is open seven days a week during Crop Over season.
The park underwent refurbishments in 2021; most notable is the new lake that features a stunning map of Barbados. There are plans to rename the park and transform the space into a hub of Bajan arts and culture.
Constitution Rd., Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados
Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Gallery closed Sun.
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Bajan superstar Robyn "Rihanna" Fenty grew up just a stone’s throw from the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal. While the little yellow and green house she grew up in is not open to the public, you can visit the street where she played and visit the Rihanna Drive monument just outside that very house. The monument, erected in November 2017 in honor of Barbados's national hero and Cultural Ambassador, has become a major tourist attraction.
Westbury Rd., Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados
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Although no one has proven it, George Washington is said to have worshipped here in 1751 during his only trip outside the United States. By then, the original structure was already nearly a century old. Destroyed or damaged twice by hurricanes, the cathedral was rebuilt in 1789 and again in 1831. Officially called "Cathedral Church of Saint Michael and All Angels," it currently seats 1,600 people and boasts the largest pipe organ in the Caribbean.
St. Michael's Row, Bridgetown, St. Michael, BB11119, Barbados
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In the early days, Bridgetown's natural harbor was where schooners were turned on their sides (careened) to be scraped of barnacles and repainted. Today, The Careenage serves as a marina for pleasure yachts and excursion boats. A boardwalk skirts the north side of The Careenage; on the south side, a lovely esplanade has pathways and benches for pedestrians and a statue of Errol Barrow, the first prime minister of Barbados. The Chamberlain Bridge and the Charles Duncan O'Neal Bridge span The Careenage.
Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados
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This coral-stone cottage just south of Bridgetown, constructed in 1854, is preserved as an example of period architecture. In 1929, it became the home of Sir Grantley Adams, the first premier of Barbados and the namesake of the island's international airport. Part of the Barbados National Trust, the cottage is filled with antiques and memorabilia that belonged to the late Sir Grantley and Lady Adams. Refreshments are available at the "rum shop."
Codrington Hill, Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados
Sight Details
Rate Includes: Donations accepted, Closed Sun.
