I had the opportunity to visit Barbados through my university because of my involvement in extracurricular activities on campus. As a result of our fundraising, we raised enough money for the trip, and I only had to pay $200!
Since our itinerary was split by coast, I’m sharing a guide on things to do/see on each coast.
South coast
Where to 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 was 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. Sunbay Hotel is the sister hotel of Barbados Beach Club so you can use their facilities, including their private beachfront.
Where to eat
Bubba’s Sports Bar
This restaurant is for you if you like good food and a sports atmosphere. 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 afterward.
Oistins
This fishing town on the south coast offers: live music, fish fry, and local vendors. Oistins has a lively atmosphere, especially on a Friday night.
East coast
Where to 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 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 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
In my opinion, this is the most beautiful beach in Barbados because of the white sand and tall palm trees.
Where to eat
Roundhouse Restaurant & Bar
If you’re in the Bathsheba area, you have to eat here. I ordered a chicken sandwich with a side of breadfruit chips and salad which was phenomenal! Whether you decide to sit outside, or inside the restaurant, you get an incredible view of the ocean.
North Coast
Where to play
One Sandy Lane
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 proceeded into the cave. We walked down very steep stairs into the cave and saw openings that looked out into the sea. As well as a couple of pools, some shallow and others you can swim in. Since the rocks were very slippery, we had to be careful when walking around.
West coast
Where to 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 which used to be the Fine Arts department. But, they’ve since moved that department to another building. Before 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. One section of the exhibit left me speechless. There’s a bar you can lift simulating the heaviness of the chains on the mannequin. Imagine having to walk, work, and live your life with an 11-pound bondage around you — daily.
Where to 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.
