"Bridgetown, Barbados" Bridgetown by SWFC_Fan

Bridgetown Travel Guide: 53 reviews and 164 photos

Independence Arch, Bridgetown - Bridgetown

Bridgetown, Barbados

Bridgetown is the capital and only major city of Barbados. Over 100,000 people live within the city and its surrounding areas.

As a popular cruise ship port, the town has a reputation for its duty-free shopping. I wasn’t there to shop, just to sightsee really, but the prices didn’t see to be particularly low. I’m sure there are plenty of bargains to be had, but I’d have been disappointed if the purpose of my visit had been to do some shopping!

The town retains a lot of evidence of its history under British rule. For example, there is a High Street and a statue of Lord Nelson, as well as various impressive colonial buildings and a racecourse.

I visited Bridgetown from the resort of Worthing. It is a short 10 minute minibus journey away and, in my opinion, half a day is enough time to see the worthwhile sights.

After leaving the central bus station, I entered the city through Independence Arch (pictured above), over Chamberlain Bridge which straddles the Careenage and brings you to National Heroes Square and the statue of Lord Nelson. There are some nice fountains in the square, and this is a good place to take photos of the Parliament Buildings.

After leaving the square, the best direction to head is along The Wharf. This is a leisurely walk and provides good views of the Careenage and the boats docked there.

Broad Street, which runs inland from the Lord Nelson statue, is said to be the heart of the city’s shopping area. This is where the famed DaCostas Mall is located – a mall with a couple of dozen shops, housed in a conspicuous pink and white colonial building.

Lord Nelson statue in Bridgetown

Colourful shops in Bridgetown

Last visit to Bridgetown: Dec 2004
Intro Updated May 7, 2006
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Gillybob Dec 21, 2007 at 5:57 AM

Mauritius, eh? I've only got a week and it seems a bit far for that - I'm looking Caribbean (hopefully).
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FletteMette Jun 8, 2006 at 8:21 AM

Hmmm it depends on the size of the diamond, really... ;o)