Travel

12 Things To Do In Barbados for the Last Minute Traveler

If a Caribbean holiday is on your mind this year, don’t overlook Barbados. 

There are ample things to do in Barbados for every luxury traveler. Beach activities to keep you busy, a bit of history to soak in, hotels with modern amenities, plantations, golf clubs, pottery, bowling, gardens, nightlife, shopping, fishing, tropical garden and many more activities make your stay memorable. It’s so relaxing that you might even want to extend your vacation even longer!

What makes Barbados so unique?

If you seek thrill and excitement, then Barbados is the best place to visit on your holidays. Be a part of sporting events or experience historical sites. The beauty of the place will leave you asking for more. Its strategic location, climate, and picturesque scenery make for a perfect getaway for singles, couples or families.

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Location

Right in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is Barbados, an island country. It is situated in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies. Barbados lives by the motto “Pride and Industry." With roughly 284,996 people, this North American region has African roots and is prominently famous for the tourist attractions, many of which are great things to do in Barbados.

Climate

The weather in Barbados is pleasant and just warm enough to have a wonderful time here. The average temperature is about 30 degrees Celcius. The cool winds make it easy to wander around even in the heat. We recommend January through June as the best times to travel, which is usually the dry season. Rains are moderate and come for short intervals that bring along with it cold temperatures.

Geography

Triangular, Barbados is about 32 km from northeast to southeast and 25km from east to west. Bridgetown is the capital and the seaport of Barbados. It has a unique geological setup with fewer mountains and more plant variety. The land has plenty of thick shales, sands and chalky deposits. Coral reefs surround most of the island and few streams. No major rivers or lakes exist.

Cuisine

Barbados has many influences, with the primary being the African, Creole, British and Indian cultures. A typical meal is meat and fish made with spicy gravy. You can get a side dish of herb, spices, and a salad. The national dish is Cou-Cou and Flying fish with spicy sauce.

Culture

With cultural influences from Africa, Asia, and Europe, Barbados reflects its roots in its food, culture and stay. The locals are warm, friendly and you can never get lost in this lovely place! While African culture dominates, the presence of British colonial rule for hundreds of years is apparent. If you are lucky, you might see the ‘tuk’ band and landship in Barbados. They lend a casual, relaxed feeling to the holiday spirit. It works well for tourists looking to escape their daily life and spend some quiet, peaceful time in Barbados.


12 Things To Do In Barbados For A Memorable Trip

We have selected some of the best beaches, historical places, natural habitats, and activities so that you can take your pick for your last minute travels. No matter your interests, there are plenty of things to do in Barbados for everyone!

Beaches

If you love spending time on the beach, you have to check these Barbados beaches for some relaxing time to unwind.

1. ​Cattlewash

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Credit:IHA

Among the fun things to do in Barbados is enjoying the scenic beauty as you walk along the beach. The beach gets its name from cattle wading into the sea. However, now you won’t find any cattle, just the peace of the windy waves as they touch the sand.

The winds can be loud at times and hence it’s not recommended to step into the water. Don’t get disappointed if you love swimming. There are natural pools around the beach where you can cool yourself. This beach is a favorite spot for the locals, so you can expect native influences on food and culture when in Cattlewash.

2. ​Oistins

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Oistins is a small village in Barbados. Don’t let that fool you though. It is far from a sleepy town. If you are wondering what to do in Barbados, then there’s much to see and explore. There are many beautiful beaches like the Dover Beach, Miami Beach, Maxwell Beach and Rockley Beach. This coastal region is known for its fishing and is popular among tourists for its easy access and friendly crowd.

For fun things to do in Oistins, Barbados you can visit the many bars and rum shops. If you enjoy shopping this is a shopper’s paradise with many places to buy traditional Barbados goods.

3. ​Hastings Beach

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One of the favorites and top things to do in Barbados for most people is visiting Hastings beach. Famous as the ‘heavenly experience,’ this sun-kissed beach is a treat for beach lovers. It is natural looking and has large rocks in the water. The white sands complement the palm trees along with crystal clear water.

If you enjoy a long walk, you will not be disappointed. The mile-long trail culminates with wooden benches which are perfect enjoy the sunrise or sunset. This sparsely populated beach has many cafes and bars to relax and unwind on an extended holiday trip. The absolutely fantastic view will make you remember this beach long after your holiday is over.

Historical Places

There are some great historical things to do in Barbados as well. They are well-maintained and take you through the journey of colonial rule of the British and the influences of it on Barbados culture.

4. ​Arlington House

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Credit:Commons,Wikimedia

Arlington House is located in the northern town of Speightstown and showcases the Barbados heritage. It’s a fun place to visit if you have kids with you. It introduces you to the first settlers and the impact of colonization on Barbados. This half day tour is well organized and presented with each room going through the island’s history. You can either take the guided tour or help yourself with the films on the history.

After you have finished with Arlington House, there are many places around it like Cobblers Cove, Fish market, St. Peter Parish Church, Gallery of Caribbean Art and the Beach Shack to relax without having to travel too far.

5. ​The Barbados Museum

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The Barbados Museum has a historical background, and it was previously used as a military prison. It was a headquarters of the English forces during the conflict between England and France. In early 1906, the British gave up power in Barbados, and it was handed over to the Barbados Government.

The museum houses artifacts along the tour of the place, and you even get to make postcards and souvenirs. The exhibits include natural history and an art gallery on Barbados slavery. The gallery is well curated and open to all.

6. ​Garrison Drill Hall

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Used as military barracks in the early 1900s, Garrison Drill Hall is now a defense base of Barbados. Here the impressive Gun Collection is also present. Over the years space has expanded to include many other attractions.

The Savannah, as well as other buildings in Bay Street and Hastings, is included in the visit to Barbados. It is one of the most exciting and recreational places to visit. The Savannah has frequent visitors from all walks of life. Joggers, skateboards lovers, kite flyers or just people who want to enjoy the experience mingle in the space.

Close to Nature

If you regret the lack of natural spaces around your home, you are in the right place. Barbados has plenty of natural environment-friendly places to visit and explore. You get to see the natural diversity in the botanical gardens of Barbados.

7. ​Flower Forest

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The green botanical gardens are open to roam around and check the beauty of the gardens. You'll see the Flower Forest Botanical Gardens with the Bajan Tour Girl from Glory Tour. There is a Celtic piper who plays the ‘Flower of Scotland’ in the forest. If you are getting married this year, consider the Flower Forest Botanical Garden as it is an indoor and outdoor wedding venue fit for any weather. Catering is also available there.

This horticulture park is a popular tourist destination for its greenery and attractive variety of flowering plants. It is open all year except for Good Friday and Christmas. Plan your travel so that you can be there for opening hours from 8 am to 4 pm. 

8. ​Hunte's Gardens

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The best things to do in Barbados are to enjoy the scenic beauty that abounds in Hunte’s Garden. This botanical garden is a major tourist attraction in the St. Joseph area of central Barbados. You'll see many tropical species and wildlife like birds, hummingbirds, and endemic lizards. Relax among beautiful plants as you take in fresh oxygen and enjoy the classical music in the background.

The sight of multi-colored flowers fills the garden with a sweeping freshness. The owners are friendly, and you get to play with the pet animals as you enjoy the local cuisines and culture that define Barbados.

​9. ​Andromeda Botanic Gardens

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A journey through Andromeda Botanic Gardens starts your leisure travel on a good note. Away from the hustle of city life, you get to relive time with nature. A plant lover’s paradise, it is ideal to spend some quality time with a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or enjoy a picnic among green trees and plants.

The pond is the highlight with toads and a gentle breeze blowing as you choose your comfortable spot. You can book a tour or take a self-guided tour through the area. There is also a café to indulge in tasty snacks presented by helpful staff.

Activities

Besides the many beaches, there are many things to do in Barbados that are activities fit for the whole family. Your Barbados to-do-list won’t be complete if you skip these fun beach activities.

​10. ​Carlisle Bay

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This place is perfect for swimmers and scuba divers. The stunning beach, soft powdered sand is a clean and well-maintained beach. It is close to bars and restaurants, and you can get chairs and umbrellas for a warm, sunny time by the beach. At times you might be lucky to see some local horses enjoying a swim in the water.

You might see turtles on a boat trip. Another way to enjoy the beach is to go a bit deeper for snorkeling, kayaking, and gliding. This Caribbean escape has luxury hotels that oversee the beach and the natural habitat around it.

​11. ​Bathsheba

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The breath-taking view of Bathsheba is enchanting. Rock formations are a unique feature here. For your list of things to do in Barbados, ensure you schedule time to spend here. Surf on the beach, but be wary of strong currents. The top view of the beach is spectacular and you don’t want to miss it!

Due to its popularity, there are many tourists here. Bathsheba is often known as a surfer’s paradise, its high waves and huge rocks adding to the beauty of the beach.

​12. ​Browne's Beach

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For beach lovers, this is a paradise. Take a swim and cool yourself or talk a long walk. The locals will help you get comfortable by supplying chairs or tables if you need. You can also get your favorite beverage for a nominal price in the bars or shops nearby.

Swimming is best done early in the morning before 10 am. Post 10 am there are ships in the sea, and you might not get a chance to see the turtles. Otherwise, spend hours relaxing on the beach and adoring the beauty without getting bored. Even though it has tourists regularly coming there, it is a protected marine area. If snorkeling is on your list of things to do in Barbados you can very well spend quality time doing so here.


Barbados is one of the most beautiful places to visit.  

Even for the last minute traveler, you can never go wrong in choosing Barbados as your holiday destination. If visiting Barbados has been on your mind for a long time, don’t delay further. Soak in the culture, cuisine, and beaches in Barbados. After all, there are so many  wonderful things to do in Barbados!

Did you get some cool places to include in your holiday list this year? Share it with us in the comments! If you have friends, who are yet to make any holiday plans, share this list with them!

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