I have always heard of the beauty of Barbados through someone's resort experience on the island. However, my last minute trip to Barbados called for me to experience Barbados outside the resorts, like the locals. Although it's a small island, that actually makes it easier to plan because it’s not as overwhelming, and getting around is super easy. The key to a perfect trip is timing—since Barbados is famous for its beaches, visiting when the weather is at its best with minimal seaweed and less rain is essential.
My sister and I kept things spontaneous on our 4-day trip—taking local buses with reggae music, stumbling upon hidden beaches, and following a few solid recommendations along the way. We worked with a tight budget, but we made it happen! This guide will walk you through the best areas to stay, things to do, places to eat, and even give you a sneak peek at my personal itinerary for some inspo.
Top Tips for Visiting Barbados
Currency: The Barbadian Dollar (BBD) is the official currency, but US Dollars are widely accepted. Carry both for convenience.
Best Time to Visit: December to April for sunny skies. Avoid June to November due to rain and seaweed.
Language: English is widely spoken.
Timezone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST); no daylight saving time.
Plugs: Standard North American Plugs are used: Type A or B plugs.
Tipping: A 10% service charge is usually added to bills. Extra tips are optional.
Alcohol: Legal drinking age is 18.
Camouflage Clothing: Illegal in Barbados—don’t pack it.
Car Rentals: You need a valid license and a Barbados Visitor’s Driving Permit (around $5 USD ;car rentals can offer the permit for purchase). Most companies require drivers to be 21+, with extra fees for those under 25.
Best Areas to Stay in Barbados
West Coast
The West Coast is home to some of the island's best beaches and luxury resorts. Bridgetown ( the capital ) Holetown and Speightstown are great spots for a relaxing beach vacation with easy access to dining and shopping.
Where to Stay:
High-end: Fairmont Royal Pavilion – Located in Holetown, Saint James, one of the most loved beachfront luxury hotels.
Budget Friendly: All Seasons Resort – Located in Holetown offers affordable self-contained suites with a pool and garden setting, just minutes from beaches and local attractions.
South Coast
The South Coast is perfect for a laid-back, budget-friendly vibe. St. Lawrence Gap offers vibrant nightlife, while beaches like Accra and Dover are great for swimming.
Where to Stay:
Highly rated: O2 Beach Club & Spa All Inclusive by Ocean Hotels - Located in Saint Lawrence, Christ Church, this 5-star resort offers luxurious amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and spa services.
Budget Friendly: Blue Haven Holiday Apartments - Situated in Christ Church, these apartments provide comfortable accommodations with garden views, just 200 meters from Dover Beach.
East Coast
The East Coast is quieter and great for nature lovers and surfers. Bathsheba Beach is known for its rugged beauty and big waves.
Where to Stay:
Santosha Barbados - Located in St Andrew Perish, not too far from Bathsheba. Offers serene, self-catering accommodations with ocean views, a pool, and tranquil surroundings on the island's east coast.
How to Get Around in Barbados
Uber is not currently available in Barbados, so your best options include:
Renting a Car
If you can, rent a car, especially if you plan to visit places like Bathsheba. It’s the easiest way to see the whole island on your own schedule, from calm beaches on the West Coast to the rugged East Coast. Driving is on the left, but the roads are in decent shape, so it’s nothing to stress about. Tip: Book ahead, especially during the busy winter season.
Buses and Minivans
My sister & I were on a budget so we opted for buses, although we felt we could see/do much more if we had a car. Public transportation is cheap and gets you where you need to go, with a bit of local flair. There are 3 different buses to look out for.
City Buses: These blue buses with yellow stripes are government-run and go all over the island, including major attractions like Bathsheba, Bottom Bay, Harrison’s Cave, and Oistins. The fare is BDS $3.50 (about US $1.75). Some even have free WiFi and air conditioning.
Yellow Minibuses: This bus is fully yellow with a blue stripe. Privately run but follow similar routes to the city buses. You’ll hear reggae music blasting, and it’s a fun, budget-friendly option for short rides, especially along the South Coast. Price: $3.50 BBD ($1.75 USD).
White Vans (Locals Call Them "ZR Vans"): They’re smaller, faster, louder, and often pack in as many people as possible. It can feel overwhelming and claustrophobic at first, but if you’re up for a wild ride and want to travel like a local on a budget, this is a great option. If a bus looks too crowded, no worries—just wait a moment, and another one will come along soon. Price: $3.50 BBD ($1.75 USD).
Tip: Look for bus stop signs, carry small change, and brace yourself for a wild ride.
Taxis
If you’re staying at an Airbnb without an airport shuttle, you’ll probably need a taxi to get to your accommodation. The cost is around $50 USD from the airport to most areas, which can add up. Taxis are convenient but tend to be pricey for longer trips. Always confirm the fare upfront to avoid surprises, and if you’re traveling with friends, splitting the cost can make it more budget-friendly.
Best Things to Do in Barbados
Instead of following a strict itinerary, this section highlights the top activities in Barbados, so you can choose what interests you most:
Best Beaches to Visit
West Coast - The Luxurious West
The West Coast is known for its calm, crystal-clear waters and high-end resorts, making it a favorite for luxury travelers and families.
Worthing Beach
(Worthing) Quiet and peaceful, this beach is ideal for swimming and spotting fish. It’s close to small shops and cafes for a low-key afternoon.
Pebbles Beach
(Bridgetown) Near the Hilton Barbados Resort, this beach has calm waters, perfect for swimming or paddleboarding. If you’re an early riser, I highly recommend catching the local tradition of racehorses swimming in the sea.
Sandy Lane
Although Sandy Lane Beach is lovely, I accidentally discovered a different route that led us to a completely secluded beach. We ended up right in front of a small, high-end hotel, but the spot felt like it was all ours.
Access: Start at Rihanna's mansion at One Sandy Lane (two birds, one stone!). Right beside the mansion, follow the path to the beach—Rihanna's backyard! Change into your bathing suit; you’ll wade through shallow water and walk right along the beach, stepping over branches, until you find a secluded spot. For the adventurous, continue to climb rocky stairs leading to Sandy Lane Beach, but it’s a challenging path—only for the physically capable. One of my trip highlights!
The Boatyard Beach Club
(Bridgetown) A fun spot with activities like snorkeling, rope swings, and water trampolines. The entrance fee covers access and a food and drink credit, making it worth it if you want a lively vibe.
The Richard Haynes Boardwalk
(Hastings) A scenic walkway stretching along the coast, with small beaches and spots to grab a bite. It’s a laid-back area for a casual evening stroll or an easy beach day.
Hidden Gem Photo Op in Bridgetown
We accidentally discovered a hidden beach access while waiting for the bus—a long sandy walkway with a bright yellow wall leading to stunning turquoise waves. Swimming isn’t safe due to strong waves, but it’s perfect for vibrant photos. Don’t forget sunglasses; the sun is intense!
Find the location here: Google Maps link
South Coast
Miami Beach
Located in Oistins. Perfect for families, with calm waters on one side and gentle waves on the other. Vendors nearby sell snacks, and you’re just a short walk from the famous Oistins Fish Fry for fresh seafood.
Crane Beach
Located more Southeast part of Barbados. Famous for its pink-tinged sand and cliffside views. It’s swimmable when the waves are calm and is easily accessible via The Crane Resort or a public path. There’s food and drinks available nearby, making it a good spot for a relaxed day.
East Coast - The WILD East
Bottom Bay
Bottom Bay is the most perfect postcard spot in Barbados, known for its towering cliffs, lush coconut trees, and stunning views. First stop is Bottom Bay, while the beach itself isn’t swimmable due to strong currents, it’s a breathtaking place to relax and take photos. There are no vendors or facilities, so pack your own snacks and water.
⚠️WARNING: We were lucky to meet a friendly local who guided us to Peat Bay near the road end and shared cautionary tales, including one about a drowning incident. No matter how good of a swimmer you are, I recommend not going into the water.
Access to Bottom Bay: Once you reach the end Bottom Bay Road, follow the cliff paths left until you find long rugged stairs leading to Peat Bay Point.
Viewpoints Near Harrismith Beach
After climbing back up the stairs from Peat Bay, we continued along the top of the cliffs. The walk between viewpoints are quite short and offers jaw-dropping views of the coastline—perfect for a peaceful stroll or taking incredible photos. I highly recommend you pack light so walking around wont be a pain.
Hidden Gem: Harrismith Abandoned Castle in Bottom Bay
On our way, we stumbled upon an abandoned seaside mansion! Harrismith Great House was built over 100 years ago by Roland Henry Taylor, and was once a luxurious retreat for a prominent sugar plantation owner and his family. Today, it stands in ruins, offering an intriguing glimpse into Barbados' colonial past and a great backdrop for unique photos.
Harrismith Beach
Harrismith Beach is about a 25-minute walk from Peat Bay. Secluded and serene, it’s a hidden treasure that’s rarely crowded. We were the only tourists, it was nice to witness the locals enjoying the beautiful island with their families.
Access: Google Maps Link The walk to the beach includes navigating a cliffside path and descending rugged stairs, so wear comfortable shoes. Once there, the peaceful atmosphere is well worth the effort.
Bathsheba Beach
Known for its rugged beauty and massive rock formations, it’s a surfer’s dream. Swimming isn’t recommended here, but it’s a great spot to soak in the scenery or explore tide pools. Nearby, there are a few local spots for food.
Outdoor Adventures
No trip to a Caribbean island is complete without trying local excursions and water activities, and Barbados has it all! Be sure to check out these top experiences that will make your trip unforgettable:
Catamaran Tour with Snorkeling and Lunch: Book Here
Bridgetown: Carlisle Bay Turtle and Shipwreck Boat Cruise: Book here
Harrison’s Cave
Located in the parish of St. Thomas, near the middle of the island. Harrison’s Cave is a limestone cave with impressive rock formations that hang from the ceiling (stalactites) and rise from the ground (stalagmites), along with flowing streams. Visitors can explore the cave through a guided tram tour, which is included in the entry fee of approximately $30 USD for adults and $15 USD for children. The site is easily accessible by car or taxi, and free parking is available. Public buses stop nearby, but walking from the bus stop may require additional effort. The cave is close to Welchman Hall Gully, a lush forest perfect for a scenic walk.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Located near Farley Hill in northern Barbados, the Barbados Wildlife Reserve offers a peaceful environment where green monkeys, turtles, and other animals roam freely. Admission is around $10 USD for adults, and children under 12 can enter for free. The reserve is accessible by car or public transport, and there’s free parking on-site. Visitors can explore at their own pace, but guided tours are also available by prior arrangement. Nearby attractions include Farley Hill National Park and Cherry Tree Hill, which provide stunning island views.
St. Lawrence Gap
St. Lawrence Gap, located on the island's south coast, is famous for its vibrant nightlife, diverse restaurants, and beautiful beaches. It’s a perfect spot for a sunset walk along the shore, followed by dinner at one of the many nearby eateries. The area is easily accessible by taxi, car, or public transportation, though parking can be limited during peak hours. Nearby beaches like Dover and Maxwell are great for relaxing before or after your visit to the Gap. There are many beautiful hotels with beach view nearby so we stopped a few times for some pictures.
The Animal Flower Cave
Found near the northern tip of Barbados, the Animal Flower Cave is a unique sea cave featuring dramatic views, fascinating rock formations, and serene natural pools. Admission is approximately $10 USD for adults and $5 USD for children, with guided tours available to share the cave’s history and features. The cave is best accessed by car or taxi as public transport does not service this remote area. Free parking is available, and the nearby cliffs provide excellent spots for photography and enjoying the view.
Where to Eat in Barbados
As a foodie, this was one of my highlights! Since we were on a budget, we made breakfast every day and kept snacks on hand, though groceries were still pricey. If you like spice, definitely grab a bottle of Amanda Bajan Pepper Sauce! Here’s a mix of budget-friendly spots and higher-end options we tried:
Budget-Friendly Options
Chefette: A beloved Bajan fast-food chain found across the island, serving fried chicken, rotis, and ice cream. The food here was actually very good!
Doubles/Roti Stands: These local stands, especially near Bridgetown, offer fresh and filling doubles, as well as chicken or goat curry rotis, at unbeatable prices. We would stock up on them to enjoy during our day trips to the east.
Oistins Fish Fry (South Coast): Almost every local will tell you to visit Oistins Fish Fry on Friday night. Enjoy freshly grilled fish, tasty sides, and live music. A great place to experience local vibes.
Cuz’s Fish Shack (West Coast): A beachside spot that serves up amazing fish sandwiches, or "fish cutters." It opens at 11 am, so be ready for a line. Grab one and enjoy the turquoise waters nearby.
Worthing Square Food Garden (South Coast): An outdoor food court with 18+ vendors offering dishes from Venezuelan arepas to pasta. Perfect for diverse tastes.
High-End Oceanview Options
Champers Restaurant Barbados (South Coast) : Elegant dining with fantastic ocean views.
The Tides Barbados (West Coast): Offers upscale dining in a gorgeous beachfront setting.
The Cliff (West Coast): Fine dining with breathtaking views, perfect for special occasions. Reservations are highly recommended.
Tapas (Rockley Beach area): A waterfront restaurant offering delicious small plates like tempura shrimp tacos and seafood options. Great for a romantic dinner or group outing.
I hope your Barbados trip is as amazing as you are.
Until next time, adios! <3
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