What to see in Barbados

17 must see places

Folkestone Marine Park
Folkestone Marine Park

Sandy beach, National Park

The coastline on the northern edge of Holetown is one of the most beautiful beaches and especially snorkelling destinations in Barbados. Folkestone Marine Park (sometimes referred to as Folkestone Marine Reserve) is a "must-see" place for all lovers of the sea and the underwater world. [btn "Search for accommodation in Barbados" https://www.booking.com/country/bb.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barbados-folkestone] The breathtaking experiences…

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Richard Haynes Boardwalk
The Richard Haynes Boardwalk

Sandy beach, Promenade

Barbados' south coast suburb of Bridgetown boasts a beautiful walking promenade along small sandy beaches and is one of the most popular tourist spots on the entire island. [btn "Search for accommodation in Barbados" https://www.booking.com/country/bb.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barbados-haynes-boardwalk] Named after former Prime Minister Richard Haynes, the pedestrianised wooden promenade runs for over 1.5 miles and is lined with a large…

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Bridgetown
Bridgetown

City

The capital of Barbados, Bridgetown, is home to almost half of the island's population. It serves as a transport hub and tourist attraction, offering not only beautiful beaches but also colonial monuments and a UNESCO-listed historic centre. [btn "Search for accommodation in Barbados" https://www.booking.com/country/bb.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barbados-bridgetown] Bridgetown may not impress at first sight, but for a half-day trip from…

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Dover Beach
Maxwell Beach

Sandy beach

The Maxwell district in southern Bridgetown is considered the most luxurious beach destination in southern Barbados. The beautiful local beaches of Maxwell and Dover are surrounded by photogenic coconut palms, luxury resorts and expensive restaurants. [btn "Search for accommodation in Barbados" https://www.booking.com/country/bb.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barbados-maxwell] The streets and sidewalks are noticeably tidier and you'll also…

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Speightstown
Speightstown

Tourist town, Sandy beach

The largest city in northern Barbados, Speightstown acts as a major tourist and administrative centre for this part of the island. [btn "Search for accommodation in Barbados" https://www.booking.com/country/bb.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barbados-speightstown] Yet Speightstown has a sleepy, laid-back feel to it - it's considerably less crowded than the densely populated belt to the south around Bridgetown. Beaches in Speightstown The…

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Pebbles Beach
Pebbles Beach

Sandy beach

Pebbles Beach is Barbados' most famous and longest beach. Although it is heavily visited, it attracts plenty of space, natural shade from the trees and great swimming with a gentle entry into the sea. In addition, it is also famous for the 6 shipwrecks that lie on the bottom relatively close to shore and are accessible for divers and snorkeling. The great accessibility of the beach just completes the list of positives. [btn "Search for…

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Harrison's Cave
Harrison's Cave

Cave

In the heart of the Barbados hinterland, a massive cave system and a true natural gem lies underground. Harrison's Cave are beautiful stalactite caves with pools that you can explore from a guided train ride. [btn "Search for accommodation in Barbados" https://www.booking.com/country/bb.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barbados-harrison-cave] The caves were discovered in the 18th century, but were not explored and made accessible until the 1980s…

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Animal Flower Cave
Animal Flower Cave

Cave, Coast

Animal Flower Cave is a private tourist attraction run by the owners of the restaurant of the same name, which is located at the northernmost point of the island of Barbados. The dramatic and completely bare coastline here is impressive, with its steep and jagged cliffs that were underwater coral reefs long ago. [btn "Search for accommodation in Barbados" https://www.booking.com/country/bb.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barbados-animal-cave] …

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Mount Gay
Mount Gay Rum Distillery

Historic factory

The world's oldest continuously operating rum distillery can be found in Barbados. Mount Gay Rum is one of Barbados' most famous brands and has been on the market since 1703. [btn "Search for accommodation in Barbados" https://www.booking.com/country/bb.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barbados-mount-gay] Mount Gay Distillery offers several tours for visitors, depending on what you're interested in. From production to a cocktail making workshop,…

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St. Nicholas Abbey
St. Nicholas Abbey

Historic factory, Museum

A colonial plantation house, a large rum distillery, extensive meadows and pastures, and a historic steam railway once used to transport sugar cane and now a tourist attraction. [btn "Search for accommodation in Barbados" https://www.booking.com/country/bb.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barbados-nicholas-abbey] You'll find it all at the St. Nicholas Abbey estate in the peaceful, gently rolling hinterland of northern Barbados. A Jacobin jewel …

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Bottom Bay Beach
Bottom Bay Beach

Sandy beach, Coast

The east coast of the island could not be more different from the west and south. Big waves attract bodysurfing and small beaches drowned under rocky cliffs create beautiful photogenic scenery. Low visitor numbers and plenty of privacy are a bonus. [btn "Search for accommodation in Barbados" https://www.booking.com/country/bb.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barbados-bottom-bay] Perhaps the nicest beach in this part of Babrados is Bottom Bay…

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Hunte's Gardens
Hunte's Gardens

Botanical garden

Hunte's Garden is one of the most visited gardens in eastern Barbados, an area of lush vegetation, rainforest and panoramic views. At Hunte's Garden you can discover native Barbadian plants as well as rare exotic specimens in a very pleasant environment with many benches, ponds and places for undisturbed rest. [btn "Search for accommodation in Barbados" https://www.booking.com/country/bb.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barbados-huntes-gardens] …

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Oistins
Oistins

Sandy beach, City

The lively town of Oistins is a great alternative to the tourist beaches around Bridgetown. Oistins lives at its own pace, the streets are much more crowded with locals, but tourists head here for the beautiful beaches and weekend nightlife. [btn "Search for accommodation in Barbados" https://www.booking.com/country/bb.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barbados-oistins] Oistins will also offer full tourist facilities with KFC restaurants, a large…

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The Soup Bowl Beach
The Soup Bowl

Sandy beach, Coast

The wild and breathtaking beach at Bathsheba on the east coast of the island will delight you with photogenic views and a dramatic coastline so different from the west and south of Barbados. [btn "Search for accommodation in Barbados" https://www.booking.com/country/bb.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barbados-soup-bowl] The beach is popular with surfers thanks to the high waves from the Atlantic. Those who aren't into water sports will enjoy…

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Flower Forest Botanical Gardens
Flower Forest Gardens

Botanical garden

One of the three beautiful botanical gardens of central Barbados can be found amidst the dense rainforest near the village of Sugar Hill. [btn "Search for accommodation in Barbados" https://www.booking.com/country/bb.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barbados-flower-forest] Flower Forest Botanical Gardens are, in our opinion, the most beautiful of all the botanical gardens in Barbados. They are situated in the sloping hills and the few grassy…

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Andromeda Gardens
Andromeda Botanic Gardens

Botanical garden

The popular Andromeda Botanical Garden is located on the little-visited east coast of Barbados. [btn "Search for accommodation in Barbados" https://www.booking.com/country/bb.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barbados-andromeda] The garden is an ideal oasis of calm or a place to relax during car trips around the island. If you're staying in the Bridgetown area, the slightly larger Flower Forest or Haunte's botanical gardens are closer. At…

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Farley Hill
Farley Hill

Lookout, National Park

Farley Hill is a small national park in the interior of northern Barbados, which grew around the ruins of a former 17th century plantation settlement. [btn "Search for accommodation in Barbados" https://www.booking.com/country/bb.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barbados-farley] Although you can walk through the national park in 10 minutes, it's definitely worth a visit. You'll be especially impressed by the breathtaking views of Barbados' wild…

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