40 Best Things to Do in Barbados

No one could blame you for wanting just to bask on one of its lovely Caribbean beaches. But that’s only one among the best things to do in Barbados.

From exploring the island’s history to tasting Bajan cuisine, there is a wide range of options. You could snorkel with sea turtles or walk through a colorful tropical garden.

Underground, you can explore Harrison’s Cave, and underwater, you can admire coral reefs from a submarine. Visit the house lived in by George Washington, or taste some of the world’s best rum. These are just a few of the many exciting things to do in Barbados.

Snorkel at Carlisle Bay Beach

Home to six shipwrecks, this beach on the west coast, near Bridgetown, offers exceptional snorkeling. Its clear water lets you spot the abundant marine life including turtles, sea horses, rays, and tropical fish.

The wrecks include some from World War II and others sunk deliberately to create an artificial reef. One wreck of unusual interest is a former drug-smuggling vessel.

Guided tours are available that include equipment rental and life jackets for those who want one. The bay is at its best in the early morning or during low tide, when water visibility is highest.

Surf at Bathsheba

Bathsheba Beach lies on the rugged, Atlantic-facing east coast of Barbados. Its powerful waves make it a prime destination for surfers, unlike the typically calm beaches on the Caribbean coast.

A distinctive feature of the beach is the boulder-like rocks that line it. Coral reefs offshore also add to the drama and photogenic appeal of the “Soup Bowl”, as this spot is known.

Bathsheba is a popular spot for photography, scenic walks, and watching the surfers. While not a beach for sunbathers, it’s still one of the island’s most famous beaches for its beauty and atmosphere.

Wander Around Farley Hill

Farley Hill National Park is centered on the ruins of Farley Hill House. This once-grand plantation house, built in 1818 but burnt down in 1965, is now a picturesque ruin.

At its height, the house was the most impressive mansion in Barbados. Its owner, Sir Graham Biggs, imported many exotic species of trees and plants for the grounds.

From the park, you have breathtaking panoramic views of the northeastern coastline of Barbados. Both the house and its gardens are popular filming locations thanks to their lush tropical setting.

Explore Gun Hill Signal Station

Gun Hill Signal Station sits on St. George Heights with a strategic view of this Eastern Caribbean island. From here, you can see a 180-degree arc from east to west and across the south of the island.

The station was used to relay signals around Barbados as one in a chain of six. This included hurricane warnings and a time signal using a system of hoisted balls.

A small museum has some interesting military artifacts for you to study. The sweeping views make it obvious why the station was built in this beautiful spot.

Climb Cherry Tree Hill

Although named for a former cherry orchard, this hill is now approached through 250-year-old mahogany trees. At 850 feet, it has an excellent view of the Scotland District.

In turn, the district gets its name for its resemblance to the hills and streams of the actual Scotland. It’s the only part visible above ground of a massive seam of mixed rock that runs under the Caribbean.

Eighty-five percent of Barbados is made up of limestone, which is where all its sugar plantations are found. The different geology of “Scotland” gives it a more varied island landscape—and this hill arguably has the most beautiful view in Barbados.

Tour St. Nicholas Abbey

Cherry Tree Hill is part of the St. Nicholas Abbey plantation. Built in 1658, this is one of the most notable surviving Jacobean mansions in North America.

Originally the center of a slave plantation growing sugar, the estate is now a rum distillery. A museum details its history, including describing 18th-century plantation life.

Visitors can see a historic steam mill, ride a heritage steam train, and tour the rum distillery. Complimentary rum tasting might encourage you to buy some of their premium aged rum.

Call at George Washington House

In 1751, 38 years before he became America’s first president, George Washington visited Barbados, aged only 19. It was the first and only overseas visit of his life.

The house in which he stayed for several months has been carefully restored to commemorate his time here. He accompanied his half-brother Lawrence, who came to the Caribbean as a treatment for tuberculosis.

The house, a typical 18th-century plantation house, was then part of the British military Garrison area. As well as insights into Washington’s early life, a visit gives a glimpse of colonial life of the time.

Inspect the Garrison

The St. Ann’s Garrison area of Bridgetown is a former colonial-era British military complex. Dating back to the 18th century, it includes a horse race track originally set up by British Army officers.

There are several major buildings, including one that’s now home to the Barbados Museum & Historical Society. The Main Guardhouse, with a prominent clock tower, was built around 1803.

Underground, the Garrison Tunnels were first dug out for security following slave revolts. They expanded over the years to include storage and now stretch for miles.

Learn at the Barbados Museum

Visiting the Barbados Museum, housed in the Garrison’s former military prison, is one of the best things to do in Bridgetown. An interesting Georgian building in its own right, its displays span island history from the indigenous era to modern times.

The most influential part of that history has been the wealth generated by sugar. In the mid-17th century, Barbados was the world’s largest sugar producer, relying almost entirely on enslaved labor. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The slave story—before and since Emancipation in 1834—is well told in the museum. Artifacts, documents, and other exhibits show how Africans and others have shaped the Bajan economy, landscape, and culture.

Be a Motorhead at Mallalieu Motor Collection

If you have any interest in classic cars, this hidden gem just outside Bridgetown is a must-see. Bill Mallalieu was a notable Barbados rally driver and has gathered a small, much-loved collection of motoring gems.

Pride of place goes to a 1947 Bentley which once raced in the Monte Carlo Rally. Other treasures include a rare 1953 Daimler Roadster and a Ford Escort rally car.

North American visitors will see many British or European cars they may be unfamiliar with. There is also an interesting collection of memorabilia, such as photos of the first car, taxi, and bus in Barbados.

Pray in St. John’s Church

The historic Anglican church of St. John’s is one of the oldest churches in Barbados. The present building dates to 1836, after four earlier ones, the first from 1641, were destroyed by hurricanes.

Built in Gothic style, the church has lovely stained-glass windows and intricately carved interior details. Look for the marble sculpture of the Madonna and child by notable English Victorian artist Sir Richard Westmacott.

Among the many atmospheric tombs is that of Ferdinando Paleologus, a descendant of the last Christian Emperor of Constantinople. However, the breathtaking view from the church of the eastern coastline remains among the best reasons to visit.

Take in the View at Mount Hillaby

Mount Hillaby is the highest point in Barbados, offering magnificent Atlantic views. Sitting in the center of the island, it is 1,115 feet above sea level.

The rocks here—sandstone, chalk, and basalt—are geologically different from the limestone dominating the rest of Barbados. You’ll notice that in the very different, lush vegetation all around that partly obscures the view to the west.

Hillaby’s, as it’s called locally, is reached on a narrow road you might not want to drive yourself. There’s then a very short walk to the highest point of what’s really more of a ridge than a mountain.

Smell the Flowers in Orchid World

There is something about the unnecessary beauty of orchids that never fails to enchant the eye. Orchid World is a botanic garden blooming with beautiful orchids and many other tropical flowers. If you’re a keen botanist, a visit here is one of the best things to do in Barbados.

The large garden is well laid out and lovingly tended. Meandering paths let you explore at leisure, perhaps stopping to admire a hummingbird feeding.

The naturalistic setting means there is no labelling but your guide can detail anything that interests you. A scenic tea room and garden shop make this a place to linger longer than you might expect.

Stroll Around Speightstown

A major port during the sugar trade, Speightstown still reflects the wealth of that era. Its narrow streets are lined with beautifully preserved Georgian and Barbadian buildings in pastel colors.

Tour the Arlington House Museum for a look into the town’s maritime history. Exhibits detail the lives of the merchants, sailors, and enslaved people who once filled its streets.

At Heritage Works, you can watch artisans create pottery and textiles using traditional skills. The town’s Church Street is the place for more shopping or relaxing in a cozy café.

Stand in Animal Flower Cave

Animal Flower Cave is on the rocky northern tip of Barbados, facing the rough Atlantic waves. Accessible at low tide, its name comes from the many sea anemones on its walls and rock pools.

The cave is best explored with a guide who can show you the safest route. Inside, streams of sunlight light up the crystal-clear water in its natural ponds.

There’s a spectacular view out through the natural frame of the cave’s mouth. A very different highlight are the breadfruit tacos from the on-site restaurant.

Feel History at Sunbury

Built around 1660, Sunbury is among the oldest, best-preserved plantation houses in Barbados. Its thick limestone and coral walls and shuttered windows are typical of colonial architecture.

All the rooms are open to visitors, so you can study everything from the dining room to the bedrooms. Filled with period furniture, fabrics, and fittings, it’s an immersive journey into the past.

Highlights include many porcelain dolls, several antique carriages, and the lush garden. The guides will help bring to life the families who lived here and the harsh realities of plantation life.

Unwind in Hunte’s Gardens

Hunte’s Garden is bursting with an incredible variety of tropical plants. Created by horticulturist Anthony Hunte in the 1950s, it’s also a masterpiece of garden design.

Using a former coral quarry, Hunte has curated the terraces into a forest-like landscape. Tropical plants, including rare and exotic species, artfully reveal themselves as you walk around.

The garden attracts many species of birds and insects to add to the magical, natural experience. Seats, statues, and other sculptures also encourage you to stop and take in the beauty around you.

Plunge into Harrison’s Cave

Spending time in a dark cave might not seem that appealing when you’re in Barbados to enjoy the sunshine. But Harrison’s Cave is a remarkable experience everyone should visit once.

Unlike many other Caribbean islands, Barbados is not volcanic but formed of limestone. Thousands of years of rainwater erosion helped create this vast underground cavern, some 1.5 miles in length and up to 50 feet high.

You travel on a small tramway on a trip that lasts around 45 minutes, past flowing streams and deep pools. An entertaining guide will remind you of the difference between stalactites and stalagmites.

The cave also has a zip line if you want something more active. A walking trail is another option to find out more about the island’s geology.

Board the Atlantis Submarine

Scuba diving in the Caribbean is amazing, but all that equipment can be difficult to cope with if you’re not a regular. Escape the tight wetsuit and confining mask by plunging beneath the waves in a submarine.

The Atlantis Submarine is a state-of-the-art vessel that will take you to depths of 140 feet. Far below the waves, you see the hidden world of coral reefs, marine life, and even a shipwreck, all in air-conditioned comfort.

For those who don’t swim at all, it’s a unique way to experience life underwater. Each trip lasts about 40 minutes but leaves memories to last a lifetime.

Shop in Hastings

Hastings Main Road to the south of Bridgetown is lined with several shopping centers. At Hastings Plaza, or Skyways Mall, you’ll find plenty of small stores and places to eat.

Lanterns at Hastings is noted for its food court, with a wide range of options. You’ll find everything from an Asian restaurant to a pastry shop.

The Quayside Centre is another plaza with a good choice of food outlets. Its many stores include two notable souvenir shops.

Tour Bridgetown

As well as being its capital, Bridgetown is the largest settlement on the island of Barbados. Join a guided tour to learn more about its past and its present.

The city stands on the shores of Carlisle Bay, on the southwest coast. This safe natural harbor is one of the first reached after an Atlantic crossing from Europe.

Settled by the British in 1625, its harbor helped Bridgetown grow into the island’s largest town. Tour Heroes Square and Parliament Buildings & Museum to learn more about island history.

St. Michael’s Cathedral was built in 1789, replacing an earlier church from 1665. It, and the Nidhe Israel Synagogue Museum also have stories to tell; it was Jewish arrivals who brought sugar to the island.

On Broad Street, you’ll find the heart and stomach of Barbados. Browse the shops, linger in the cafés, and let the restaurants introduce you to Bajan cuisine.

Relax on Mullins Beach

Mullins is a picturesque stretch of golden sand on the west coast, south of Speightstown. Lined with palm trees, it’s popular for sunbathing and water sports.

The beach is well supplied with loungers, beach bars, and restaurants. There are also several high-end resorts nearby.

Entry to the water can be difficult for swimmers when waves are high, as there is a pebbly shelf. Fortunately, this coast is mostly calm and options such as tubing are readily available.

Swim at Pebbles Beach

Pebbles Beach is a small, sheltered beach just south of Carlisle Bay, Bridgetown. Its clear water makes it very popular for swimming and snorkeling.

The beach is famous as a place where racehorses from the nearby stables swim with their grooms every morning. You need to be here between 5.30 am and 7.30 am to meet them.

Once the horses have gone, the beach is much less crowded. There are sun-loungers and parasols to rent, and some of the best fish cutters—a salt bread fried fish sandwich—on the island at Cuzz’s Fish Stand.

Check Out Morgan Lewis Windmill

Morgan Lewis is the Caribbean’s largest and last fully functional sugar windmill. At one time there were 506 sugar mills in Barbados, most of them powered by wind, a few driven by Caribbean animals.

This impressive old technology effortlessly crushed tons of sugarcane, once producing some 5,000 gallons of juice in a week. Guides will show you how it worked and take you through the sugar-making process.

The mill’s hilltop location offers excellent photo opportunities of the east coast. If the actual mill seems familiar, it may be because it is featured on the Barbados $2 note.

Sip Mount Gay Rum

Claimed as the first rum ever made, this Bridgetown brand has become world famous. A factory tour shows you the whole process, from pressing sugar cane juice to aging in barrels.

Be warned—or attracted—by the fact you can try several different rums that Barbados is known for. Fortunately, there are plenty of tours calling here, so you don’t have to drive yourself.

Besides the standard rum-tasting, there is also an optional cocktail-making workshop. Hopefully, you’ll still remember your new skills when you get home.

Sail on a Catamaran

You’re in the Caribbean, so getting on the water must be a priority for the full tropical experience. A twin-hulled catamaran is the steadiest way to tour the coast, stopping off for a cooling swim in quiet bays.

Most tours start from Bridgetown and Carlisle Bay is a popular place to call. Here, you can put on a mask and snorkel to swim with sea turtles or explore the famous shipwrecks.

With good food and an open bar, you’re guaranteed a good time and lovely Bajan memories. Do bring your own wet shoes, reef-friendly sunscreen, and a good dry bag for any non-waterproof valuables.

Hike in Welchman Hall Gully

You might not think of hiking on a Caribbean island but many Bajans are really into it. One popular spot is Welchman Hall Gully, near the center of the island.

The gully runs through a tropical forest, bursting with native plants, troops of green monkeys in the trees. You can take a self-guided walk, which takes from 30 to 45 minutes.

Welchman Hall Gully is thought to be the home of grapefruit, a cross between an orange and a shaddock or pomelo, the largest citrus fruit. George Washington mentioned grapefruit—then called “the forbidden fruit”—during his visit in 1751.

Saddle Up

From Ocean Echo Stables on the east coast, you can ride through rugged countryside to enjoy Bath Beach. Unusually, the stables also have a small vegan café.

Sunflower Stables are famous as a place to swim with horses on a nearby beach, the horses plunging right into the water. This amazing experience includes a tasty picnic.

If you’re in Barbados on the right day, there is horse racing at the Garrison on certain Saturdays through the year. You can see the racehorses being washed any morning at Pebbles Beach.

Sunbathe at Bottom Bay

This palm-fringed east coast beach is hemmed in by coral cliffs, creating a striking, picturesque setting. Though swimming isn’t recommended because of strong currents, Bottom Bay is perfect for sunbathing and relaxing.

A real treat here is having a local man climb a palm tree to cut you a fresh coconut. The fresh juice is delicious but even better in a piña colada.

Sea turtles, particularly the hawksbill and the leatherback nest on the beaches of Barbados from May to October each year. During those months, you have a real chance of seeing them on or near Bottom Bay.

Admire the Emancipation Statue

The Emancipation Statue is a bronze monument commemorating the end of slavery in Barbados. Showing a slave breaking his chains, it is a powerful symbol of freedom.

Many locals call it “Bussa” in memory of an African-born enslaved man who led a major slave revolt in 1816. The statue, by artist Karl Broodhagen, stands near the center of the rebellion.

The “Bossa” uprising led to some 900 slaves being killed, but also led to some reforms in their conditions. You can find out more at the Barbados Museum in Garrison.

Buy Souvenirs at Pelican Village

Pelican Village is a craft center set up to support local artisans. Close to the cruise port, it offers crafts, artwork, and souvenirs in a traditional setting of colorful chattel houses.

You can watch some of the craftspeople showing off their skills. Being able to buy a piece of jewelry or a mahogany carving from the person who made it is a precious experience.

There’s a pleasant café, while bands regularly perform to add to the atmosphere. It is also a starting point for tours of Bridgetown or Barbados generally.

Walk the Barbados Boardwalk

This mile-long coastal boardwalk between Accra and Camelot beaches has scenic views and exercise facilities. It’s a wheelchair-friendly wooden railway, raised above the rocky terrain to protect the fragile ecosystem.

There are plenty of stops along the way, from quiet beachfront restaurants to music-pumping bars. The Caribbean vistas along this southern coast are the main draw, however.

The boardwalk is popular with walkers, runners, and those just out for a relaxing stroll. It’s also a good way to access some pretty beaches.

See Pink at Crane Beach

Often listed as one of the world’s best beaches, Crane Beach has pink-tinged sand and dramatic cliffs. Consistent waves make it as popular with body boarders and experienced surfers as it is with sunbathers.

The pink sand beach is overlooked by the historic Crane Resort but despite appearances, it is open to the public. That said, the resort is a great place to eat and enjoy the experience.

The choppy water, while popular with surfers, is not ideal for swimming. Enjoy sunbathing or scramble up through the rocks on the right-hand side to take in the views.

Ride a Yellow Bus

If you are feeling adventurous, take a trip on one of the yellow buses that connect the island’s towns. Loud with reggae music, and packed with friendly Bajans proud of their island, it’s a great way to experience local life.

You’ll see blue government-owned and private yellow buses. You need exact change for a blue bus, while a yellow one will give change—that difference reflecting the informality of the latter.

A ride to, say, Speightstown and back will cost a few dollars. The vivid memories might well be priceless.

Eat Bajan Specialties

While there are plenty of restaurants catering to visitors, a feast from food trucks is perhaps even more popular with local people. These are the places to sample a wider range of Bajan cuisine.

You should start with a fish cutter: fresh fish in warm bread with lettuce and tomato. Ketchup, mayo, and/or hot pepper sauce are essentials, with egg or cheese optional extras.

Another unusual dish is a breadfruit bowl: a breadfruit is roasted, then cut in half, before the flesh is mashed or diced. It’s then served up back in the skin with toppings such as pulled pork, chicken, or fresh vegetables.

You also have to try macaroni pie, the Bajan version of mac and cheese. In “pie” the basics are spiced up with evaporated milk, ketchup, and mustard before baking for a savory/sweet blend.

Go Wild at Walker’s Reserve

For 50 years, this former quarry supplied almost every building project in Barbados with sand. Then in 2011, it was reclaimed as a nature reserve with a concentration on reintroducing endemic species.

The result is a beautiful natural park where you can walk or drive on guided tours to learn about native plants and birdlife. There is also a focus on bees, explaining their importance to the island’s ecology.

The interior of Barbados is luscious but almost all the original tree cover was cut down for sugar plantations. Reserves like this are a chance for nature to show how exuberantly it can burst back.

Have an Off-Road Adventure

There are a number of tour companies offering off-road tours of Barbados. Typically, you ride in the shaded open back of a 4WD vehicle to explore beaches and reach scenic viewpoints.

Speightstown, Bathsheba, and Cherry Tree Hill are popular stops. Tours will normally include snacks, water, and a lunch of Bajan cuisine.

Being driven allows you to indulge in a tropical punch or two. However, you can also find guided ATV tours where you drive yourself for even more adventure.

Photograph Cattlewash

Cattlewash is a picturesque stretch of the east coast of Barbados, just north of Bathsheba. It’s famous for its mile-long sandy beach, the island’s longest.

The coastline is windswept and rugged, with high limestone cliffs. Popular with photographers and artists for its spectacular beauty, it also attracts surfers.

Those wanting to swim are safer using the numerous rock pools for a picturesque dip. Walking or relaxing on the wide beach is another option, with nearby shops and bars offering drinks, snacks, and local food.

Play Dominoes in a Rum Shop

A rum shop is a traditional Bajan bar, a place to meet friends, drink Caribbean rum, and play dominoes. They also serve authentic Bajan food, such as spicy fish cutters or macaroni pie.

Rum shops range from village shops that also sell groceries to upmarket versions popular with visitors. Depending on how you define one, there are up to 12,000 across Barbados.

Despite the name, it’s not obligatory to drink rum. An ice-cold Banks beer is a popular choice, while some now even serve wine.

Tour Andromeda Botanic Gardens

Andromeda Gardens is the creation of one woman, horticulturist Iris Bannochie. On her death in 1988, she bequeathed it to the island.

Run on organic principles, the six-acre garden has the largest collection of palms in the Caribbean. It has many rare plants, including 500 species of trees.

The garden is explored on winding pathways, along which you might see green monkeys or a hummingbird. The garden café offers panoramic east coast views.

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