Barbados was inhabited by indigenous peoples, Arawaks and Caribs, prior to the European colonization of the Americas in the 16th century. The island was briefly claimed by the Spanish Empire and then by Portugal from 1532 to 1620.The island was an English and later a British colony from 1625 until 1966.Sugar cane cultivation in Barbados began in the 1640s, which saw the increasing importation of black slaves from West Africa. The Consolidated Slave Law was passed following the largest slave rebellion in Barbadian history, this was then followed by the total abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1834. Britain continued to rule the island until independence was granted in 1966 and the state became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. From 1966 to 2021, Barbados was a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, modeled on the Westminster system, with Elizabeth II, Queen of Barbados, as head of state. Barbados became a republic on November 30, 2021, under Mia Mottley, thus removing the queen as its head of state.
- Capital: Bridgetown
- Currency: Barbados Dollar
- Language: English
- Population: 281,635
- National Dish: Cou-Cou & Flying Fish
- Cruise Terminal: Bridgetown Barbados Terminal
- Tours
- Restaurants & Bars
- Emergency: 1 246 429-8787
- Hospital: Queen Elizabeth Hospital
- Main Airport: Grantley Adams International
ARRIVING BY AIR
If you're planning to arrive in Barbados by air, make sure to have the full address of where you'll be staying handy. Also, don't forget to fill out the immigration/customs form correctly. It's super important for a smooth entry! If you need help with the form, just let us know and we can guide you through it. The customs process in Barbados is pretty straightforward. You'll need to complete the online Immigration and Customs Form 72 hours before your arrival. Make sure you have a valid passport, a return ticket, your intended address, and evidence of personal support. Once you have all that, you should breeze through customs.
If you choose not to complete the form beforehand, Barbados now provides a kiosk system which is easy as one, two, three. You will find the usual restaurants and shops like most airports, but Barbados has the famous Cheffete which you can try upon arrival or before departure.
ARRRIVING BY SEA
If you’re arriving in Barbados by cruise ship, you’re in for a treat! As of the latest update, travelers on transit calls or passengers on homeport vessels can enjoy free flow to experience the island. Keep in mind, the cruise ships dock about 10-15 minutes away from the capital so you might want to hold some spare cash for a taxi ride which shouldn’t cost you more than $15usd or $30bbd
The Barbados cruise port is about a mile west of downtown Bridgetown. The pedestrian-friendly stroll may take 10-15 minutes to reach the capital city, so a taxi might be necessary.
In Barbados, you can start your day with a walking tour of Bridgetown, visit Harrison’s Cave, and check out Hunte’s Gardens. Then, head to the beach for some relaxation and maybe even some jet ski rides. If you’re a fan of history, you can also visit St. Nicholas Abbey and explore the 17th-century plantation house. There’s so much to do in just one day!
FAQs
MONEY TRANSFER
The closest MoneyGram to Bridgetown Barbados terminal is located at Ground Floor, Speed Bird House Independence Square. It's inside Going Places Travel. If you need more info, you can check their website by clicking on the MoneyGram logo above.
PHARMACY
The closest Pharmacy to the Bridgetown cruise terminal is the Massy Stores Super Centre Warrens Supermarket. All of the Massy Stores supermarkets offer a full supermarket experience with a full Pharmacy and ancillary services such as Surepay, Western Union and in the Skymall and Supercenter Warrens locations – a Massy Card kiosk as well.
SUPERMARKET
The closest supermarket to the Bridgetown cruise terminal is the Massy Stores Super Centre Warrens Supermarket. All of the Massy Stores supermarkets offer a full supermarket experience: a wide selection of hygiene products, snacks, a full Pharmacy and ancillary services such as Surepay, Western Union and in the Skymall and Supercenter Warrens locations – a Massy Card kiosk as well.
RESTAURANTS
Barbados has a rich food history influenced by its past, especially during slave times. The cuisine includes fish, chicken, lamb, goat, and locally grown fruits. The island's food is delicious and reflects its cultural heritage! Barbados's local cuisine includes dishes like flying fish and cou-cou, pudding and souse, macaroni pie, and pepperpot. Flying fish and cou-cou is the national dish, consisting of seasoned flying fish and a cornmeal and okra-based side dish. Pudding and souse is a traditional Saturday dish made from pickled pork and sweet potato. Macaroni pie is a baked macaroni and cheese casserole, while pepperpot is a spicy stew. These dishes are prepared using a variety of local spices and cooking methods, resulting in flavorful and unique flavors.
BARS
When in Barbados, you've got to try the top 5 drinks: Rum Punch, Banks Beer, Mauby, Pina Colada, and the Sea Breeze cocktail. They all sound so refreshing and perfect for a beach getaway! Barbados is all about that Banks Beer life! They've got the classic Banks Beer, a pale lager, and also Banks Amber Ale. And if you're looking for something non-alcoholic, there's Tiger Malt, a malted beverage. Cheers to that
