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 that makes functional hand-decorated dinnerware and various red clay ceramic pieces. You can walk in and see experienced Bajan potters crafting their work.

Recommended Attractions

• Barbados Wildlife Reserve
• Earthworks Pottery
• Flower Forest Botanical Gardens
• Legacy Fishing Charters
• Savvy on the Bay

There’s also the picturesque and tropical Welchman Hall Gully in St. Thomas and 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, you’ll find no better place than Barbados to take a step back. The island is rich in history, and you’ll undoubtedly discover some new and exciting facts about this little gem of the Caribbean.

The Barbados Museum and Historical Society in St. Michael is the right place to start. It is 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 1600s 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 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 enslaved person and sugar trade, 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 this and more.

The best way to see Barbados is to drive around by hiring a car or 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. Many excellent riding schools on the island organize various 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 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 history of this favorite Caribbean drink, made refined from sugar cane.

It Goes Without Saying

One of the most significant tourist attractions Barbados has to offer is 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 southeast, east, and northern coasts, 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 offers excellent diving, with many brilliant dive sites over sunken shipwrecks and natural coral reefs.

Hint: For the more competent divers, it’s worth noting that Barbados offers various 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 attraction for you.

Learn, Discover, and Play in Barbados!

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

We are still struggling for ideas for things to see and do. Please look at our Events Calendar, which contains all the local event details at the click of a button.