Bridgetown

Travel Guide

Bridgetown which includes heritage architecture, religious aspects and a church or cathedral
Bridgetown showing general coastal views and a sandy beach
Bridgetown featuring a marina, a bay or harbor and boating
Bridgetown which includes 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Explore the capital and largest city for historical reference and even more great beaches and other activities, including the world’s oldest rum.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 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 Garrison Savannah and Carlisle Bay.

Garrison Historic Area
Black Rock

Brighton

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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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
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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
Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados
Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados
4 out of 5
Aquatic Gap, Carlisle Bay, Bridgetown, St. Michael
The price is $311 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
$311
includes taxes & fees
$276 per night
Mar 22 - Mar 23
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! (1,002 reviews)
Perfect location
"Very nice location on the beach and close to town. The restaurant on site was very good and there were nice local restaurants within walking distance. The room was large but does need a refurbishment. The view from the balcony was great. Staff was very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Feb 17, 2025

Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados
Hilton Barbados Resort
Hilton Barbados Resort
4.5 out of 5
Needhams Point, Bridgetown
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $476 per night from Mar 15 to Mar 16
$476
includes taxes & fees
$428 per night
Mar 15 - Mar 16
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)
"Great place"

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2025

Hilton Barbados Resort
Island Inn All Inclusive Hotel
Island Inn All Inclusive Hotel
3 out of 5
Aquatic Gap, The Garrison, Bridgetown, St. Michael
The price is $355 per night from Feb 25 to Feb 26
$355
includes taxes & fees
$308 per night
Feb 25 - Feb 26
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Bridgetown. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (214 reviews)
"A charming find! Lovely gardens and pool for lounging. All meals and drinks included. Food, pina coladas, and wine ate good. Near Pebbles Beach."

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2025

Island Inn All Inclusive Hotel
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 Rockley Beach and Dover Beach are ...
7.6/10 Good! (49 reviews)
"Limited ac, to far to walk to tours and stores etc. kitchen not stocked good. Staff good, manager quick to solve problems. Bed was not good for 2 adults, one small and Ione large"

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2025

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 daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Kensington Oval and Brownes Beach are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (57 reviews)
"The property is safe, clean, and near the beach. Great Option"

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2025

Paradise Villas
 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 WiFi, 4 beach bars, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Rockley Beach and Dover Beach are located ...
6.6/10 (33 reviews)
"My stay at Chi's Guesthouse was quite comfortable. It offered a little snippet into Barbadian culture, as it is nestled in a quiet neighborhood. The area is also safe, so it's perfect for early morning walks. There's also a garden, and the host is very friendly."

Reviewed on Feb 3, 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

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
81
5 - Excellent 36%
4 - Good
93
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
42
3 - Okay 19%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

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