Barbados travel guide

Barbados Tourism | Barbados Guide

You're Going to Love Barbados

Famed for its picturesque beaches and calm bays, Barbados delivers an unrivaled vacation destination that is perfect for relaxing. Dive deep into the turquoise waters and find stunning coral reefs and flourishing ecosystems or recline underneath a palm tree sipping on a coconut. The laid-back atmosphere across the island makes you feel instantly at ease upon arrival.

What to do in Barbados

1. Spend an Afternoon at the Mount Gay Rum Distillery

Barbados is recognized as the birthplace of rum and the Mount Gay factory is the oldest operating distillery in the world.

2. Take a Dip in Paynes Bay

The clear blue cove has calm waves and is a wonderful snorkeling destination. If you're lucky, you'll spot a turtle in among the schools of fish.

3. Explore Speightstown

Colonial impressions are still evident across the small town and it is easy to see why it has been dubbed Little Bristol. Discover remnants of Speightstown's maritime history and remaining 17th-century architecture.

4. Party the Night Away in Bridgetown

Renowned as having one of the most vibrant nightlife scenes in the world, it's impossible not to have a great time at the quirky bars and jazz clubs in Bridgetown.

5. Hit the Waves at Bathsheba

Unprotected from the North Atlantic Ocean, large waves roll into Bathsheba and deliver ideal surfing conditions. The swell is so good that international competitions are held here, and it is referred to as the home of Caribbean surfing.

1. Spend an Afternoon at the Mount Gay Rum Distillery

Barbados is recognized as the birthplace of rum and the Mount Gay factory is the oldest operating distillery in the world.

2. Take a Dip in Paynes Bay

The clear blue cove has calm waves and is a wonderful snorkeling destination. If you're lucky, you'll spot a turtle in among the schools of fish.

3. Explore Speightstown

Colonial impressions are still evident across the small town and it is easy to see why it has been dubbed Little Bristol. Discover remnants of Speightstown's maritime history and remaining 17th-century architecture.

4. Party the Night Away in Bridgetown

Renowned as having one of the most vibrant nightlife scenes in the world, it's impossible not to have a great time at the quirky bars and jazz clubs in Bridgetown.

5. Hit the Waves at Bathsheba

Unprotected from the North Atlantic Ocean, large waves roll into Bathsheba and deliver ideal surfing conditions. The swell is so good that international competitions are held here, and it is referred to as the home of Caribbean surfing.

When to visit Barbados

Barbados in May
Estimated package price
$685
2 travelers
Flight to Barbados
3 nights at hotel
Barbados in May
Estimated package price
$685
2 travelers
Flight to Barbados
3 nights at hotel

The tropical climate is best between December and May when temperatures sit between 84-88°F and there is rarely any rain.

How to Get to Barbados

Entry Requirements

Nationals of most European, North American, South American, Asian, and Oceanic countries do not require visas. Citizens of nations not covered can apply for a visa at a Barbadian or British embassy for a fee of approximately 50 BBD (25 USD).

Plane

Grantley Adams Airport is the only commercially operated airport in Barbados. Long-distance direct services are available from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It is also possible to fly from Caribbean countries, such as Cuba, with a flight from Havana costing roughly 848 BBD (420 USD). Among the carriers that have the most scheduled routes are American Airlines, British Airways, Caribbean Airlines, LIAT, and WestJet.

Boat

There are no regular ferry services, however, some travelers make their way to Barbados on charter boats from places such as St Lucia and Grenada.

Entry Requirements

Nationals of most European, North American, South American, Asian, and Oceanic countries do not require visas. Citizens of nations not covered can apply for a visa at a Barbadian or British embassy for a fee of approximately 50 BBD (25 USD).

Plane

Grantley Adams Airport is the only commercially operated airport in Barbados. Long-distance direct services are available from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It is also possible to fly from Caribbean countries, such as Cuba, with a flight from Havana costing roughly 848 BBD (420 USD). Among the carriers that have the most scheduled routes are American Airlines, British Airways, Caribbean Airlines, LIAT, and WestJet.

Boat

There are no regular ferry services, however, some travelers make their way to Barbados on charter boats from places such as St Lucia and Grenada.

Popular airports in Barbados

Popular airlines serving Barbados

British Airways
Good (6,833 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,683 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,926 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,812 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,135 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (8,309 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,301 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,333 reviews)
Frontier
Good (3,507 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (1,083 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,753 reviews)
SAUDIA
Good (718 reviews)
Kenya Airways
Good (284 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,941 reviews)
Virgin Atlantic
Good (666 reviews)
WestJet
Good (2,819 reviews)
Condor
Good (332 reviews)
Caribbean Airlines
Excellent (160 reviews)
interCaribbean Airways
Okay (25 reviews)
Surinam Airways
Mediocre (7 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Barbados

Apartment hotels provide convenience and familiarity, while some tourists use the island to indulge in seaside luxury villas. Gorgeous resort cottages are available along sections, such as Carlisle Bay, Sandy Lane, and Foul Bay.

Where to stay in popular areas of Barbados

Most booked hotels in Barbados

Bougainvillea Barbados
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 551 reviews)
$322+
Meridian Inn
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 632 reviews)
$73+
Sugar Bay Barbados
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 536 reviews)
$664+
Rostrevor Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 762 reviews)
$180+
Coconut Court Beach Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 896 reviews)
$270+
Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle All Inclusive Resort
5 stars
Good (7.8, 173 reviews)
$328+

How to Get Around Barbados

Public Transportation

Buses are the only public transport option in cities, with Bridgetown having three main terminals (Fairchild Street, Cheapside Road, and Nursery Drive). Most towns in Barbados are small enough that walking from destination to destination is comfortable.

Bus

Government operated services are available across the island and connect to Grantley Adams Airport, Bathsheba, Bayfield, Bridgetown, Josey Hill, Silver Sands, Speightstown, and Bridgetown, among others. The buses have blue and yellow stripes and a ticket costs approximately 3.50 BBD (1.70 USD). Privately operated vans, known as ZRs, drive around cities and coastal roads, much like informal taxis. Strap in tight and prepare for an exhilarating experience as the vans pump loud music and zip around traffic.

Car

Be mindful when driving around the island as the coastal highways often don't have sidewalks and pedestrians may be around blind corners. A Barbados Driver's Permit must be obtained from the rental agency and costs roughly 10 BBD (5 USD).

Public Transportation

Buses are the only public transport option in cities, with Bridgetown having three main terminals (Fairchild Street, Cheapside Road, and Nursery Drive). Most towns in Barbados are small enough that walking from destination to destination is comfortable.

Bus

Government operated services are available across the island and connect to Grantley Adams Airport, Bathsheba, Bayfield, Bridgetown, Josey Hill, Silver Sands, Speightstown, and Bridgetown, among others. The buses have blue and yellow stripes and a ticket costs approximately 3.50 BBD (1.70 USD). Privately operated vans, known as ZRs, drive around cities and coastal roads, much like informal taxis. Strap in tight and prepare for an exhilarating experience as the vans pump loud music and zip around traffic.

Car

Be mindful when driving around the island as the coastal highways often don't have sidewalks and pedestrians may be around blind corners. A Barbados Driver's Permit must be obtained from the rental agency and costs roughly 10 BBD (5 USD).

The Cost of Living in Barbados

Food is moderately priced and eating out at a standard restaurant costs roughly between 20-30 BBD (10-15 USD). A domestic beer can be purchased for around 4 BBD (2 USD). Most businesses in Barbados are solely cash-based; however, upscale restaurants, tour companies, and hotels often accept credit cards.