Not many Caribbean cruise ports let you stand outside a global pop star’s childhood home in the morning and explore underground military tunnels by the afternoon. But Bridgetown definitely isn’t your average stop.
This was our second time docking in Barbados, this time on MSC Virtuosa. During our first trip, a lot of the main sights were closed because of the Covid pandemic so this time we were determined to do it right. We decided to skip the ship excursions, put on our walking shoes and tackle the capital on our own.
A lot of cruisers think Barbados is just for sitting on a beach with a rum punch. While that sounds brilliant, stepping off the ship to explore the UNESCO World Heritage streets is a totally different experience. Whether you want to see the famous Parliament buildings, explore where George Washington stayed or just grab a drink in a local rum shop, this guide has everything you need to plan a proper DIY day out.
Quick Guide to Bridgetown Cruise Port
- Location: Deep Water Harbour, Bridgetown
- Typical Time in Port: 8 to 9 hours
- Walkable: Yes, you can walk from the terminal to the main streets in about 15 minutes
- Currency: Barbadian Dollar (BBD) but US Dollars are accepted in most places
- Language: English (but locals also speak Bajan Creole)
A Little Bit About Bridgetown
Bridgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage site so there’s a lot more to it than just duty-free shops. It’s one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean and has some fascinating pirate history. We love pirates. Barbados was home to Stede Bonnet who was known as the Gentleman Pirate. He was a wealthy landowner who had a mid-life crisis, bought a ship and sailed off to join Blackbeard. Sounds like something we’d do.
Because of that colonial past, the architecture is really interesting. You’ll walk down 17th-century streets and see the Gothic Parliament buildings that make it look very different to the other islands in the region. Barbados gained independence in 1966 and in late 2021 they officially became a republic. They removed the British monarch as head of state and swore in their first ever president.
More than anything, it’s a real working city. You’ll see locals shopping in the markets and going about their normal day.
Docking Info & Port Layout
Sailing into Bridgetown is easy. The port’s a large, modern terminal known as the Deep Water Harbour. Once you walk off the ship, you’re immediately in a massive covered duty-free shopping area. It’s ideal if you’re looking to stock up on spirits or souvenirs before you head back on board. Being covered really helps and it’s one of the better duty-free shopping areas you’ll see at a cruise port.
The port area is very secure. You can walk from the ship to the city centre in about 15 to 20 minutes but it’s an industrial port area so it’s not the most scenic start to your day. If you don’t fancy the walk, there’s plenty of taxis and shuttles right outside the terminal gates that will drop you in the middle of town for a few dollars.
Getting Around Bridgetown
If you’re looking to see the main city sights, walking is your best bet. The city centre is mostly flat and once you clear the port area, you can easily ramble around the markets and historic squares yourself. The walk from the cruise terminal takes you along the waterfront boardwalk straight into the city. It’s a very straightforward route but it gets hot by midday so bring plenty of water. It’s a busy capital so just keep your wits about you, especially in the crowded market areas.
For anything further afield like the beaches at Carlisle Bay or the Garrison area, you might want to save your legs. Taxis are waiting everywhere but they don’t have meters so make sure you agree on the price before you get in the car. It’ll save you an awkward conversation when you arrive at your destination!
If you want a cheaper and far more entertaining option, you can jump in one of the local ZR vans. These are the white privately owned minivans that drive all over the island. They only cost a couple of dollars and play loud reggae music the whole way. You just flag them down on the main roads and squeeze in. It’s a brilliant way to travel like a local if you don’t mind a bumpy ride.
Curious Facts About Barbados
- It’s illegal for civilians to wear camouflage clothing in Barbados!
- Barbados is considered the birthplace of rum with the Mount Gay distillery in operation since 1703.
- The grapefruit originated in Barbados. It was first recorded in the 18th century as a cross between an orange and a pomelo and locals originally called it the forbidden fruit.
- The island is home to Bushy Park, the premier motor-racing circuit in the Caribbean and has hosted events like the Top Gear Festival.
Top Things to Do in Bridgetown
If you’re planning a day walking around the city, these are the spots you shouldn’t miss.
Rihanna Drive
This is where the most famous Barbadian on the planet was born and raised. The street was originally called Westbury New Road but was renamed in 2017 to honour Rihanna’s success. It has become a huge tourist spot with people queuing for photos outside her childhood home. The house itself is bright and colourful and there’s a monument at the top of the street detailing her early life. It gets very busy but you really can’t come to Bridgetown and not see it! There’s even a local bar across the street where you can grab a drink, listen to some of RiRi’s hits and soak up the vibe.
Kensington Oval
Even if you haven’t a clue about cricket, this stadium is a big deal. It’s the spiritual home of West Indies cricket and has hosted world cups and huge concerts. The stadium is located right on the edge of the city so it’s a very easy stop if you’re doing a big walking tour from the port. They run guided tours on most days where you can go behind the scenes and see the players’ pavilions and the pitch. If you’re lucky you might even catch a local match going on.
Mount Gay Rum Visitor Centre
Barbados is the birthplace of rum and this visitor centre sits right on the edge of Bridgetown near the cruise terminal. You can do a tasting tour at the Mount Gay Rum Visitor Centre to learn how it has been made since 1703. The guides walk you through the entire distillation process before letting you sample the different aged rums. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a few bottles of the oldest rum in the world before heading back to the ship. A tour takes about an hour so it’s very easy to fit into your afternoon.
George Washington House & Tunnels
This was one of the highlights of our trip. It’s where the future US President stayed back in 1751 during his time on the island with his sick brother. You can book a walking tour or simply walk through the original house at your own pace to see how they lived. Make sure you check out the 100 metres of underground military tunnels beneath the property too. It feels a bit eerie walking through the dark cramped spaces but it’s a brilliant way to see the history beneath the city.
Garrison Savannah & Barbados Museum
This huge green space was originally built for British troops but is now the home of the Barbados Turf Club. It’s a massive horse racing track and you can just ramble right in and look around. The old military prison right next door has also been turned into the Barbados Museum which is well worth a look. It’s packed with artefacts that explain the island’s colonial past and military history.
Top Excursions in Barbados
If you have more than a few hours and want to get out of the capital, these are the best trips to book.
Sunbury Plantation Great House
If you want to step back in time you really need to visit Sunbury. It dates back to the 1660s and is the only plantation house on the island with all its original rooms completely open for viewing. The house is packed with antiques and a massive collection of old horse carriages in the cellars. It gives a very honest and detailed look at the island’s history and the realities of plantation life. The estate is located out in the countryside so you’ll need to grab a taxi from the port to get there or do as we did on our first visit and book a Sunbury plantation excursion.
Flower Forest Botanical Gardens
Located high up in the hills, this is a huge tropical garden built on an old sugar plantation. The elevation means you get absolutely stunning views looking down over the east coast of the island. The walking paths take you through palm trees and exotic plants. It’s very peaceful and a complete contrast to the busy streets of Bridgetown. The walk around the gardens takes about an hour and they have a great little café at the entrance for a coffee.
Harrison’s Cave
This is probably the most famous attraction in Barbados. It’s a huge underground limestone cave system full of stalactites and deep pools of clear water. You actually travel through the caves on an electric tram so it’s a very easy excursion if you want a break from the heat or don’t fancy a strenuous walk. The tour guides are brilliant and they even let you hop off the tram at certain points to get a closer look at the rock formations. You can book a tour of Harrison’s Cave here.
Catamaran Cruise & Carlisle Bay
If you want a proper beach day, you have to head to Carlisle Bay. The sand is white and the water is calm. You can book a catamaran cruise that takes you out into the bay to snorkel over the shipwrecks and swim with wild sea turtles. Most of these boat trips include lunch and rum punches so it’s a fantastic way to spend a few hours. It’s the perfect excursion to cool off after a morning of walking in the sun.
Tips For Your Visit
- Don’t Wear Camo: We aren’t joking. Camouflage clothing is strictly for the military here. If you wear it, you’ll be stopped and asked to change.
- Carry Your Passport: Barbados is strict about ID. You might need your physical passport to disembark, not just a cruise card.
- Prepare for Rain: Even on a sunny day, you can get a sudden downpour. We’re Irish so we’re used to it but a light rain jacket in your bag is a smart move.
- Hydration: Barbados gets very hot. Carry a water bottle with you, especially when walking between the city and the Garrison area.
- Taxis: There are no meters. Agree on the price before you get in the car to avoid any arguments at the end of your trip.
Bridgetown Cruise Port FAQs
Is Bridgetown walkable from the cruise port?
Yes, it is very walkable. You can easily do the whole city centre on foot and reach the Garrison area within about 30 to 40 minutes if you don’t mind a bit of a ramble. If you’re short on time, just grab a shuttle or taxi.
Do I need to book excursions in Barbados?
Not necessarily. The city is very easy to navigate on your own. If you want to see specific things like the rum distilleries or Harrison’s Cave, a tour is handier but for the history and the beaches, you can easily do it yourself.
Are there beaches nearby?
Yes, Brownes Beach is within reach of the city centre and it’s lovely. It’s a great spot to cool off after a morning of walking.
Is Bridgetown safe to walk around?
It generally feels very safe in the daytime around the main tourist areas. As with any busy city, just keep a close eye on your belongings in crowded spots and stick to the main streets.
How far are the best sights from the port?
The city centre is a 15-minute walk. The Garrison area is about 30-40 minutes on foot. If you want to go further to places like the rum distilleries or the caves, you’ll need to book a taxi or a tour as those are a bit of a drive.
The Verdict on Bridgetown
Bridgetown is a fantastic port for anyone who wants to ditch the expensive ship excursions and explore on their own. It’s rare that you can cover so much ground without needing a guided tour but Barbados makes it easy for cruisers. You can easily spend your entire day walking between old military tunnels, historic parliament buildings and modern music landmarks like Rihanna Drive.
Seeing the mix of local market life and colonial history makes for a brilliant day out that goes far beyond the usual duty-free shops. If you only have eight hours in port, we recommend that you don’t just sit on a beach the whole time. Grab your walking shoes, remember to leave the camouflage gear on the ship and head straight into the city centre. We’ve been twice now and we will absolutely be back to see what else we can find!
