Setting off towards the island capitol of Barbados, I left the cruise port and found a walking path reaching the heart of the city. Bridgetown is the island’s hub and only city that sits on the harbor of Carlisle Bay. The shaded trail followed along the outlying beaches where sailboats and fishing vessels were anchored.
Within minutes of walking along Prince Alice Highway, I arrived at a fishing complex which included the Jolly Roger Tavern and a few exhibits. The small plaza was connected to a boardwalk where catamarans, sailboats and speedboats were available for rent. There was a tour prepared to sail out for the day, so I watched the passengers board and continued on with my walk towards town.
Approaching the heart of town, I continued my stroll towards the Charles Duncan O’Neale Bridge, a cute little drawbridge that continued into another section of Bridgetown. The bridge is named for O’Neale, a Bajan national hero, credited as one of the founding fathers of democracy for Barbados. At the end of the bridge, an archway overlooks the Waterfront Café and displays the country’s crest. Flanked by the symbol of the Triton, the pelican and fish are etched into the stone pillars on each side.
I climbed the stairs to the Waterfront Café to watch the fishing boats come into the sound. Contemplating the rest of my afternoon, I ordered a Banks Caribbean Lager, a local beer from Barbados and a flying-fish sandwich, a Bajan delicacy.
I had the perfect view of the Parliament Buildings from the café. The original building had burned in the Bridgetown fire of 1668 and in 1971, the west wing was added, followed by an east wing three years later. Under British parliament, the Senate and House of Assembly meet here. Stained glass windows of British Kings and Queens begin with James the First and ending with the reign of Queen Victoria. Visitors can attend Parliament sessions which meets on most Tuesdays, but make sure to dress in business casual.
I settled my bill and decided to cross over to the other side to explore Independence Square, which had recently been renovated as a park. In the square stood a large statue of one of Barbados’ national heroes, The Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, who was the country’s first Prime Minister.
There are several other notable attractions inside of the square including the Dolphin Fountain which was built in 1861. Within walking distance is a Cenotaph which honors the Bajan heroes that died while serving in World Wars I and II.
The statue of Lord Nelson made its appearance at the National Heroes Square. Formerly known as Trafalgar Square, this sprawling was renamed in 1999. While the statue is similar to the one in London’s Trafalgar, it is not an exact replica which was erected in 1813, about 35 years before the one in London.
I had a few hours to spend in Barbados and decided to negotiate a great deal on a two hour island tour of the west end. For $50, I saw the island’s oldest church, rode by the homes of Rihanna and Tiger Woods and enjoyed a spectacular view from St. Nicholas Abbey. Read more about my adventure in my Barbados blog post “Barbados Taxi Tour: West Side of the Island”. Exploring Barbados for a day from a cruise ship gives you the opportunity to visit some of the highlights of the islands. I’m sure this short day will leave you coming back for more.
When you visit cruise ship ports, are you more likely to stay close to the harbor towns or venture out? What has been your favorite adventure? I would be so happy to hear about your travel experiences if you leave your responses in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my day in Barbados and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Parliament Buildings
Bridgetown, St. Michaels,
Barbados
Telephone: 246 310 5400
- Admission Fee: $10 for Adults
- Hours: Open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10AM to 4PM. Open Saturday from 10AM to 3PM.
- Amenities: Guided tours are subject to availability and visitors can attend debates, tour the buildings and see the Clock Tower.
- Length of Visit: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Tips for Your Visit: Please note that attendance to debates is subject to the approval of the Clerk of Parliament and the Speaker of the House. Dress appropriately in business casual dress.
National Heroes Square
The Wharf Road
Bridgetown, St. Michael
Barbados
Where to Eat:
Jolly Roger Tavern
Carlisle House
Bridgetown, Barbados
Telephone: 246 436 2885
We enjoyed the laid back atmosphere of the Jolly Roger, and it was located along the waterfront, great for people watching.
Waterfront Cafe
The Careennage
Bridgetown, Barbados, West Indies
Telephone: 246 427 0093
Drink the local beer, Banks Caribbean lager and order a flying-fish sandwich!
What to Eat:
- Flying Fish – the national dish of Barbados
- Fish Cakes – salted cod or whitefish
- Pepperpot – meat with Bajan spices and hot peppers
- JugJug – guinea corn flour, pigeon peas, salted beef brisket, ham or other salted meats, pork or chicken, onions, and other herbs and spices
- Pudding and Souse – steamed sweet potatoes made with onions, salt and pepper and souse is a picked pork dish
- Roti – island burrito
What to Read:
- Washington Black, by Esi Edugyan
- A Caribbean Mystery, by Agatha Christie
- Captain Blood, by Rafael Sabatini
Photo Guide for Barbados:
- The Animal Flower Cave
- Cherry Tree Hill
- Silver Sands Beach
- Almond Beach Resort
- Speightstown
- Rihanna Drive, Bridgetown
The Gothic Style Parliament Buildings of Bridgetown, Barbados
The Cenotaph
The Port of Barbados
Bridgetown Harbor
Fishermen bringing in their catch of the day
