Best Places to Visit in Barbados, Top Attractions

Barbados is home to plenty of fabulous cities that are simply holding on to be explored. Although Barbados has a wealth of interesting places to explore, and some of the best places are the towns and villages scattered throughout the island. Here you’ll find just what makes Barbados charming place, from its historic buildings to our friendly people. This tiny island country has an extraordinary jewel in the Caribbean. This country was ruled by Britishers, so Barbados is English speaking and has a distinctly British vibe. Cricket, horse racing, polo, high tea, and driving on the left side of the road are all part of the experience in Barbados. You will find attractions in Barbados, like outstanding beaches, include caves, historic sites, gardens, plantations, a wildlife preserve, and numerous points of interest.  Apart from these, you will also get snorkeling, diving, swimming, fishing, and other excursions are readily available. Barbados is made up of four major towns Bridgetown, Oistins, Holetown, and Speightstown. Although Barbados is only 21 miles long and 14 miles wide, the roads can be slow, and exploring the island takes time. Some attractions are close to each other and can be visited easily in the same outing. It's best to get a Barbados tourist map showing the sites before you head out.

#1- Oistins
Oistins is the most beautiful city in Barbados. A major fishing community of Barbados lives here with a modern fishing market. At the Oistins fish market, you’ll find the freshest fish. These fishes caught and brought to the jetty by the fishermen then skillfully skinned, cleaned and portioned by the small vendors. Oistins is the place of the annual Fish Festival. In this festival, honor given to those who contribute to the local fishing industry. Just around the corner from Oistins is a great place to take a swim like a Miami Beach. Each Friday and Saturday night hundreds of locals and visitors organize barbeque to Oistins for the Fish. 

#2- Holetown
This town was originally called Jamestown after King James. People said that the English seamen named the area Holetown because this river that empties into the sea here reminded them of the Limehouse Hole on the River Thames. Here you can be a part of many activities like taking a stroll along the boardwalk to enjoy fresh sea breezes, gorgeous tropical beaches, and amazing sunsets. Its Tranquil sea conditions at Holetown Beach that makes it a perfect spot for sea bathing, swimming, and kayaking.

#3- Speightstown
Speightstown is located along the north-west coast of Barbados. It is the islands major towns and boasts a long and fascinating history. Much of the character of Speightstown can be found in its architecture – historic monuments and buildings dating back to the early settlement of Barbados. Alongside these modern buildings reflecting a developing nation. its people are so friendly. The sidewalk vendors offer fresh fruits and vegetables. This city has a friendly sales staff in modern shops and restaurants.

#4- Bridgetown
Bridgetown is the capital city and also a main commercial area of Barbados. Bridgetown is the capital city and is the best cities in Barbados to visit.Here you will get an abundance of duty-free shops like selling fine jewelry, china, liquor, etc.  you will also get wayside vendors, they selling just about everything. The Parliament Buildings are also situated in Bridgetown. The Barbados Parliament was established in 1639. Very few know that it is the third oldest Parliament in the entire Commonwealth.

#5- Folkestone Marine Park & Museum
The marine park is best known for the Stavronikitia, a purposefully sunk ship resting in 120 feet of water about a half-mile off shore. The ship is a popular dive site with experienced divers, and local dive shops will help arrange trips. If you aren't a diver, don't worry, just grab your snorkel and paddle around the inshore reef to see local marine life. Since the water here is usually calm, it's also a popular area for paddleboarding and kayaking.

#6- Flower Forest
The Flower Forest is an unexpected treat in the hills of central Barbados. Colorful flowering plants and trees line the trails, and shade-covered benches provide places to sit and relax. Something colorful and fragrant is always in bloom in the 53 acres of tropical forest.

#7- Sunbury Plantation Great House
Sunbury Plantation offers a glimpse into the life of the early settlers. Built in approximately 1660 by Matthew Chapman, the mansion is today a museum featuring period pieces, including beautiful mahogany furniture and a collection of horse-drawn carriages. Visitors are able to tour every room on the guided tour. The plantation grounds recently underwent extensive renovations bringing them back to their former glory. The walkway and parking area are made of 200-year-old bricks and historical artifacts are sprinkled around the main building.

#8- Barbados Museum
Half the fun of a visit to the Barbados Museum is exploring the historical building that houses it. This structure, once a military prison, dates from the 19th century and has been exceptionally well restored. The museum first started in 1933 and through the effort of many Barbadians, has over the years accumulated an excellent assortment of over 500,000 items detailing the history and development of this island nation.

#9- Andromeda Botanic Gardens
Tropical plants from all over the world are laid out in different zones creating small, intimate spaces. Some of the highlights are the palms, the rhododendrons, and an absolutely huge bearded fig. These trees once covered the island and were the inspiration for Portuguese sailors, who named the island "Barbados," meaning "bearded ones." From the highest level of the garden, you can see out to the ocean. Note that the trails here are uneven and, in some cases steep, making them inaccessible to visitors with mobility issues.

#10- Bottom Bay Beach
Bottom Bay, on the Atlantic side of Barbados, is a secluded golden-sand beach accessed via a long set of stairs and shaded by towering palms. Cliff walls line the beach on both ends, and the azure-colored water extends out to the reef, with the deep blue sea behind reaching out to the horizon. It's likely you'll have this beautiful spot all to yourself. Even if you are not interested in spending time enjoying the beach, you can see the cove from the overlook to the south. A flat area offers views over Bottom Bay Beach, the ocean, and another beach in the opposite direction.