Bridgetown Port Guide

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS

Founded by the British in 1628, Bridgetown is a compact Caribbean capital where colonial history, rum, and some of the island’s best beaches sit comfortably side by side. It is an easy, rewarding port – walkable, friendly, and perfectly set up for a relaxed day ashore without rushing.

---

KEY INFO

---

PORT LOCATION AND FACILITIES

Ships dock at the Bridgetown Cruise Port, located 3 km (1.9 miles) from the city centre (10-min drive).

Facilities: Tourist information, toilets, shops, cafes, ATMs, taxis, duty-free shopping

Port Address: Deep Water Harbour, Bridgetown, Barbados
Port schedule

Getting Around: Bridgetown is easy to explore on foot once you reach the centre. Taxis are plentiful and reliable for beaches and distilleries. Public buses are cheap and frequent but can be crowded at peak times.

Public Transport: Local buses and minibuses cost BBD 3.50 (approx. USD 1.75) per journey (exact change required). Routes connect the port area with beaches and suburbs. For more: www.transportboard.com

Taxis: Taxis do not use meters; Fares are fixed and displayed at the port. Uber is not available. Estimated fares:
Bridgetown centre: BBD 20 (USD 10)
Carlisle Bay: BBD 25
St Nicholas Abbey: BBD 100

Tourist Bus: Hop On Hop Off Bus tours are available, including Bajan Bus which is a vintage open-sided bus offering island tours and historic Bridgetown drives.

For more information: Visit https://www.visitbarbados.org/

---

BRIDGETOWN HIGHLIGHTS

Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison: UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing British colonial urban planning and Atlantic trade history. The military garrison tells over 400 years of colonial development in the region.
9a-5p | Free | 3 km (10-min drive) from port | https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1376/

Parliament Buildings: Neo-Gothic landmarks dating from the 1870s – among the oldest parliamentary buildings in the Commonwealth.
Exterior view anytime | Free | 3 km (10-min drive) | www.visitbarbados.org

National Heroes Square: Formerly Trafalgar Square, centred on Lord Nelson’s statue – erected before London’s square of the same name.
24 hours | Free | 3 km (10-min drive)

Cheapside Market: Lively local market for fruit, spices, and everyday Barbadian life.
7a-5p | Free | 3 km (10-min drive)

George Washington House: The only place George Washington lived outside the USA – a small but fascinating stop.
9a-4p | USD 20 | 4 km (15-min drive) | https://georgewashingtonbarbados.com/

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

St Nicholas Abbey: A beautifully preserved Jacobean plantation house with rum distillery and gardens. Also, heritage railway.
10:00a-3:30p | from USD 35 | 30 km (45-min drive) | https://stnicholasabbey.com/

Mount Gay Rum Distillery: The world’s oldest rum producers. With tastings and heritage tours.
9a-4p | From BBD 50 | 8 km (20-min drive) | https://www.mountgayrum.com/visitor-centre/

Foursquare Rum Distillery: traditional rum distillery on the South East of the island. Free to visit and no need to book ahead. There’s a tasting room if you want to try some of the Bajan rum.
Mon-Fri | Free | 13 km (20-min drive) | https://www.rumsixtysix.com/foursquare/

Harrison’s Cave: Crystallised limestone caves with streams, stalactites, and an easy tram tour. Great for a bit of an adventure.
9a-4p | from USD 99 | 20 km (40-min drive) | https://chukka.com/barbados/harrisons-cave-eco-adventure-park

Bathsheba: Wild Atlantic coast scenery – dramatic rock formations and crashing surf.
24 hours | free | 25 km (50-min drive)

---

TIPPING CUSTOMS

Optional. 10-15% service charge is often included in restaurant bills. Rounding up for good service is appreciated.

FOOD & DRINK

Flying Fish & Cou-Cou: Barbados’ national dish – cornmeal and okra with lightly seasoned fish.

Macaroni Pie: Comfort-food classic, richer and firmer than macaroni cheese.

Fish Cakes: Crispy, spiced salt-fish fritters – perfect with hot sauce.

Rum Punch: Locally summed up as ‘one of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak.’

SOUVENIR TOP TIPS

Look for Barbadian rum (Mount Gay or Foursquare), hot pepper sauces, and mahogany or coral-stone crafts. Locally made Bajan jewellery and artwork make more meaningful keepsakes than mass-produced duty-free items.

---

LOCAL LINGO