Since our itinerary was split by coast, I’m sharing a guide on things to do/see in each coast.
South Coast
Play.
Barbados Museum of Parliament and the National Heroes Gallery
This museum offers a self-guided tour and educates you on ten Barbadian heroes. The two that stood out to me, in particular, were Sarah Gills and Bussa. Sarah’s the only woman on the list, and was an important leader in Barbados post-slavery. Info on Bussa’s life is unknown, but we know he started a rebellion on Easter on a sugar plantation. However, it wasn’t successful and Bussa died that day, but it played a significant role in the future of Barbados.
Maxwell beach
Across the street from our hotel, Sunbay hotel, is Maxwell beach – a quiet and relaxing beach. Sunbay hotel is the sister hotel of Barbados Beach Club, so you can use their facilities, including their private beachfront.
Eat.
Bubba’s Sports Bar
If you like good food and a sports atmosphere, then this restaurant is for you. There are flat screen TV’s around the entire place and they play different sports games.
Tiki Bar
This restaurant provides views of Rockley beach, so you can eat and enjoy the breeze. Also, the portions here are large and delicious! For instance, I ordered their seafood plate filled with shrimp, chips and salsa (which included catfish) and other seafood. Also, I should mention that this was only an appetizer and I was extremely full afterwards.
Oistins
This fishing town in the south coast offers: live music, fish fry’s and local vendors. Oistins has a lively atmosphere, especially on a Friday night.
East Coast
Play.
Bathsheba beach
The water on this side of the island, specifically, is very rough, so don’t expect to take a nice dip. The east coast of the island is popular for surfers because of the waves. But, I’d still suggest coming to lay out and tan because it’s absolutely stunning!
Codrington College
Immediately once you pull up, you’ll be greeted with a driveway lined with palm trees. The landscape at Codrington College is absolutely serene and beautiful, which seems fitting for a theological college.
Cherry Tree Hill
A hill offering beautiful views of the northern and eastern parts of the island.
Bottom Bay Beach
The most beautiful beach in Barbados, in my opinion, because of the white sand and tall palm trees.
Eat.
Roundhouse Restaurant & Bar
If you’re in the Bathsheba area, then you have to eat here. I ordered a chicken sandwich with a side of breadfruit chips and salad that was phenomenal! Whether you decide to sit outside, or inside the restaurant, you get an incredible view of the ocean.
North Coast
Play.
One Sandy Lane
Definitely the most important thing to see in Barbados (just kidding, or am I?). But, check out Rihanna’s home at One Sandy Lane, it’s so beautiful! In reality, there isn’t much to see outside of Rihanna’s home, but I love RiRi, so I was excited.
Animal Flower Cave
Certainly, by far, my favorite place in Barbados. There’s a bar and restaurant that you’ll first see when arriving. Walk towards the cliff and watch the waves crashing onto the rocks. Once we I took enough photos on top of the cliff, we then proceeded into the cave. We walked down very steep stairs into the cave and saw openings that look out into the sea. As well as a couple of pools, some shallow and others you’re able to swim in. Since the rocks were very slippery, we had to be careful when walking around.
West Coast
Play.
Barbados Community College (BCC) & University of the West Indies
Surprisingly, the only colleges in Barbados, I was amazed at how beautiful and colorful both campuses were. BCC, which is specifically an art school, is the only community college in Barbados and is filled with beautiful paintings. The University of the West Indies Barbados is 1-of-3 campuses, the others are located in Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago. Surprisingly, tuition is free at both colleges, but most likely won’t stay that way. Especially because alumni tend to leave Barbados to start their lives and careers in other countries. This hurts the Barbadian economy and the University of the West Indies budget, specifically, for years to come.
There’s a plantation house on BCC’s campus called the Eyrie plantation house and used to be the Fine Arts department. But, they’ve since moved that department to another building. Prior to that, it was the home of Sir William Conrad Reeves – the first black chief justice in Barbados.
Kensington Oval
A stadium primarily used for cricket games, and while getting a tour, we saw Garfield Sobers – a famous cricket player.
Gun Hill Signal Station
Here’s where you can get a beautiful view of the south-west side of Barbados. However, there isn’t much else to see here outside of the views and lion statue.
George Washington’s House
The interesting part of this house, in particular, was upstairs because of the ‘Plantation Room’ exhibit covering slavery in Barbados. I was, especially, blown away because of one section of the exhibit. Especially because of a liftable bar making you feel how heavy the chains are on the mannequin. Imagine having to walk, work and live your life with an 11 pound bondage around you — daily.
Eat.
Chefette
A fast food chain offering delicious, and, large portioned meals for cheap. Also, another food chain, called BBQ Barn, usually accompanies Chefette. The food is amazing which is shocking, especially for the price you pay.
