As a tourist in Barbados, you’ll find plenty of attractions, things to do, activities to experience, and beautiful sights to see during your time on the island.

Although it is a small island, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at some things you can learn and discover about Barbados.

Remember to grab a souvenir from Earthworks. Earthworks is an open pottery studio, making functional hand-decorated dinnerware and all kinds of red clay ceramic pieces. You can walk in and see experienced Bajan potters crafting their work.

Recommended Attractions

• Agrofest Barbados by the Barbados Agricultural Society
• Barbados Wildlife Reserve
• Barbados Black Pearl Party Cruises – Jolly Roger 1
• Bushy Park Barbados
• Earthworks Pottery
• Flower Forest Botanical Gardens
• Legacy Fishing Charters

There’s also the picturesque and tropical Welchman Hall Gully in St. Thomas, as well as the Barbados Wildlife Reserve set in the natural mahogany woods of rural St. Peter. If you’re interested in native gardens, you’ll enjoy visiting one (or all!) of Barbados’ botanical gardens.

Take your pick from Hunte’s Garden, Andromeda Botanical Gardens, the Flower Forest and Orchid World, to name a few.

Don’t forget to take your camera!

Learn about the Heritage of Barbados

If you’re a history buff, then you’ll find no better place than Barbados to take a step back in time. The island is rich in history, and you’re sure to find out some new and exciting facts about this little gem of the Caribbean.

A right place to start is the Barbados Museum and Historical Society in St. Michael. Located in the Garrison Historic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which contains the Garrison Savannah horse racing track, alongside many of the island’s historic buildings. Close by is the George Washington House which has been renovated to its former glory and is the only residence where George Washington resided, outside of the USA.

There are also many churches island-wide. Many of these are Anglican, due to Barbados’ strong ties to the UK, and date back to the 1600’s when English settlers first arrived on the island.

Barbados has one of the oldest parliaments in the Commonwealth, so the government buildings are also well worth a look around.

Tip: For a more in-depth look at the development of democracy in Barbados and the role the island’s most notable people have played in this growth, you may also like to visit the Barbados Museum of Parliament and National Heroes Gallery.

You could also visit one of the many old plantation houses on the island. One home of interest is Sunbury Plantation House. Here, you will get an insight into the slave and sugar trade, both of which are a large part of Barbadian heritage.

Play in Barbados

Sometimes you want to let your hair down, do something adventurous, and get some action – Barbados has all of this and more.

Possibly the best way to see Barbados is to take a drive around, either by hiring a car or perhaps taking a 4×4 off-road tour to more ‘off the beaten track’ parts of the island.

Another fantastic way to see the more rustic side of Barbados is on horseback. There are lots of excellent riding schools on the island who organize a variety of rides for all riding abilities.

For the adventurous spirits, there’s a quad biking facility. There’s also the option of stepping aboard the now-retired Concorde aircraft and enjoying a simulated flight at the Barbados Concorde Experience, located at Grantley Adams International Airport.

And, while you’re here, why not sample some of the local rum? A trip to Barbados isn’t complete without a trip to a local rum distillery. You’ll get the entire history of this favourite Caribbean drink is made refined from sugar cane.

It Goes Without Saying

One of the most significant tourist attractions Barbados has to offer is undoubtedly its beautiful beaches.

On the west and south coasts of the island, you’ll find miles of golden sandy beaches and the calmer waters of the Caribbean Sea, with excellent conditions for swimming.

Along the south-east, east and northern coast, you’ll find the same beautiful beaches, but also the rougher water of the Atlantic Ocean, ideal if you’re a water sports enthusiast, especially on the southeast coast, but are not so great for swimming.

Barbados also makes for excellent diving, with many brilliant dive sites over sunken shipwrecks and natural coral reefs.

Hint: For the more competent divers, it’s worth noting Barbados offers a variety of accredited dive courses.

Do you prefer to keep your head above the water? Then a day out sailing on a catamaran or a fishing charter might be the attractions for you.

Learn, Discover, Play in Barbados!

Barbados is a versatile island – it can be as relaxing or action-packed as you want it to be. Whatever you fancy doing, there’s undoubtedly a tourist attraction on the island to suit.

Still struggling for ideas for things to see and do? Take a look at our Events Calendar which contains all the local event details at a click of a finger.

By: Brett Callaghan