What to see, what to do Barbados?
The 10 good reasons to go Barbados
A lively nightlife
Relax in a rum shop, St. Lawrence Gap or Holetown to the rhythm of the soca.
Exuberant nature
Botanical gardens, reserves, marine parks and hiking trails await you.
The home of rum
The oldest rum distillery in the Caribbean is located here: Mount Gay, founded in 1703.
The extravagance of Crop Over
The festivities culminate in the Grand Kadooment, celebrating the end of the sugarcane harvest.
Sublime beaches
With 110 kilometers of beaches, from the wildest to the liveliest, the choice is vast.
Water sports galore
Diving, surfing, kitesurfing, yachting... the island is a paradise for sea lovers.
A rich and varied history
From the Aboriginals to the advent of the Republic, the country's history is fascinating.
A gastronomic melting pot
Just like culture, gastronomy is a delicious blend of diverse influences.
A culture of multiple influences
A unique culture, shaped by Amerindian, African and European influences.
Welcoming Barbadians
Welcoming, warm and open, they are their country's best ambassadors.
What to visit Barbados?
Good to know to visit Barbados
Timetable
Museums, botanical gardens and attractions open early (around 9am) and close early (4/5pm), like many other establishments in Barbados.
To be booked
During the high season (December to late March, and even until Easter), it's advisable to book a visit to Harrison's Cave in advance, due to its popularity and limited opening hours.
Although participation in the Grand Kadooment celebrations, the culmination of the long Crop Over festive season, is free, some events (such as Soca on da Hill or Rise Barbados) are ticketed and best booked in advance. Visit whatsoninbarbados.com.
Budget & Tips
We're not going to lie, Barbados isn't the cheapest destination in the Caribbean, so plan on a larger budget than you usually would. Nevertheless, there are ways to keep your expenses under control and still get the most out of your stay.
All Barbados beaches are public, even where properties overlook a beach. Pedestrian and vehicular access is available.
Public transport is the best way to get around.
If you'd like to save up for a visit to Animal Flower Cave, the panoramic view from the cave entrance is free of charge.
Main events
Crop Over is without doubt the biggest event of the year. The festival commemorates the end of the sugar cane harvest (Barbados was once the world's largest sugar producer) and lasts almost two months, from June1 with Crop Over The City to the first Monday in August with the Grand Kadooment, a carnival celebration.
Guided tours
The Barbados Tourist Board website offers itineraries based on various interests (culture, gastronomy, rum, activities and attractions). The little extra is their travel planner, which allows you to really build your itinerary (www.visitbarbados.org).
For those who prefer more originality, why not try a gastronomic walk through Bridgetown? Discover the historical sites of Bridgetown or Speightstown with a historian? Or take a bike ride through the Barbadian countryside away from the tourists? Find out more in the pages of this guide.
Smokers
Smoking is prohibited in enclosed or partially open public places (museums, libraries, historic sites, public transport, workplaces, etc.). Beaches are exempt from this ban, except for those managed by the National Cultural Foundation and where you see a "No Smoking" sign. Don't forget to pick up your cigarette butts.
What's very local
Sure, it's hot and beaches are never far away in Barbados, but the biggest faux-pas you can make is to walk around town in a bikini or shirtless. Don't forget to put your clothes back on.
Don't hesitate to say hello to people you meet when you arrive at an establishment or pass them on a village street. A good morning, good afternoon or good evening is a sign of good manners and is greatly appreciated.
