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Bridgetown harbour, Barbados
Barbados your way

Tailor-made Barbados holidays shaped around your passions

Bridgetown harbour, Barbados

Barbados offers a cross-section of Caribbean island life, from swish restaurants and exclusive resorts to wild, windswept beaches and local fish fries. One of the Caribbean’s most enduring and well-established destinations, it’s a place our specialists travel to regularly. Using this up-to-date first-hand knowledge, they’ll advise you on how to get the best from your Barbados holiday, whether you’d like to find the best waters for swimming alongside turtles or take a walking tour of the capital, Bridgetown.

Along the island’s west coast, you’ll find long curves of sand interspersed with palm-shaded bars and luxurious resorts. The east coast runs at a slower pace, with wild Atlantic rollers frothing onto a rugged, undeveloped shoreline. Inland are rum distilleries, plantation houses and botanical gardens that flicker with butterflies and hummingbirds. And, with good connections across the Caribbean, Barbados is an ideal starting point for a wider island-hopping holiday that could include a private-island stay in the Grenadines or time exploring Antigua’s British heritage.

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Suggested tours for Barbados

These tours give you a starting point for what your holiday to Barbados could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.

Where to stay in Barbados

We know that where you stay is an important part of your trip. That’s why we’ve hand-picked the best properties in Barbados, from beachside hideaways to activity-filled family resorts.

Why travel with Audley?

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Best time to visit

Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Barbados, including information about climate, events and festivals.

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Useful information for planning your holiday in Barbados

What languages are spoken in Barbados?

English is the official language of Barbados, however, you may hear the local Bajan creole spoken as well. It’s a combination of British English and West African languages that’s usually only spoken in informal settings.

What's the currency of Barbados?

The Barbados dollar (BDS$ or BBD) is the national currency and is pegged to the US dollar. You’ll find that US dollars are accepted across the island, and most shops and restaurants accept major credit and debit cards.

What food and drink should I try in Barbados?

Fish is a mainstay on menus in Barbados along with tropical fruit and vegetables such as plantain and breadfruit. The national dish is flying fish served with cou-cou, a staple made from cornmeal blended with okra, tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Other typical dishes include rice and peas, conch fritters, pepperpot, and coconut bread. Alongside traditional Bajan cooking, you’ll find a sophisticated restaurant scene in Barbados with high-end venues offering everything from contemporary Italian to Asian fusion dishes. Prices in these restaurants are similar to those in the UK or US.

Barbados is reputed to be the birthplace of rum, and there are over 100 rum shops on the island. Mount Gay is the oldest and best-known blend, and you’ll find rum punch served almost everywhere.

How much should I tip in Barbados?

A service charge of 10 to 15% is typically added to your total in restaurants. If you wish to tip on top of this, this is at your discretion and should reflect the service you have received.

Where can I find the latest travel advice for Barbados?

For the latest travel advice for Barbados, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website.

What can I experience in Barbados?

Along with powder-white beaches and azure seas, Barbados offers plenty of opportunity to explore its storied past, go surfing or diving, visit botanical gardens, or join a local fish fry. Relaxing on the beach or by the pool is, of course, the number one thing to do on the island and you’ll find a wide choice of hotels and resorts, palm-shaded bars, and slick restaurants to choose from, but you can also explore the world’s oldest rum distillery, take a walking tour of the historic garrison in Bridgetown, or visit former plantations to learn about the island’s darker history. The Andromeda Botanic Gardens are the finest in the Caribbean, while the east coast of the island is wild and untamed and offers dramatic sea stacks, giant rollers, and quieter villages.

Where can I stay in Barbados?

A long-established Caribbean destination, Barbados offers a wide range of hotels and resorts to stay in. Whether you’re after a lively base with a range of water sports and restaurants or a more intimate escape with sea views and local character, we can find the best options for you.

If you’re planning a holiday with younger guests, you may want to choose from our family-friendly resorts with a choice of on-site activities, but you’ll also find lots of alternatives such as an 18th-century inn on the tranquil east coast, or a small boutique hotel with a rooftop bar and restaurant. To get an idea of where you could stay and start planning, take a look at our collection of places to stay in Barbados.

Where should I go in Barbados?

Barbados is a small island, and you’ll find it easy to get between its vibrant towns and palm-fringed beaches, historic forts, rainforest trails and botanical gardens. The island’s historic capital, Bridgetown, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great place to explore its history, visit shops or galleries or try a tasting at the Mount Gay Distillery.

To the south, the fishing village of Oistins bursts into life on Friday nights for a communal fish fry accompanied by live music and dancing. North of Bridgetown, the upmarket Platinum Coast stretches out in a blaze of soft white sand and turquoise seas.

Upmarket Holetown makes a good base, and you’ll find a choice of excellent resorts and restaurants in the surrounding area. On the wild Atlantic coast, Bathsheba offers dramatic scenery, windswept beaches, good surfing, and lush tropical gardens to explore.

What other islands can I combine with Barbados?

Barbados is well connected with other islands across the Caribbean and planning an island-hopping trip is easy. A trip to Barbados works well with a visit to Antigua where you can explore British heritage at the historic Nelson’s Dockyard. Visit tranquil Bequia for secluded beaches, traditional villages and complete relaxation, or opt for a private-island stay in the heart of the Grenadines.

From Barbados, it’s also easy to visit Grenada to explore quiet beaches and the mountainous interior, and Saint Lucia where you can discover volcanoes and canyons, sugar and cocoa plantations, rum distilleries, and nature trails.

How long does it take to fly to Barbados from the UK?

It takes around nine hours to fly from the UK to Barbados.

What's the time zone in Barbados?

The time zone in Barbados is UTC-4 hours. Barbados does not observe Daylight Savings Time.

What's the best way of getting around in Barbados?

Renting a car is the best way to get around Barbados. Driving is on the left, and it only takes around an hour to drive from end to end, but there are lots of interesting places to explore. You’ll need to get a temporary local driving permit from your car rental company. You’ll also find plenty of taxis, and there are standard fares to most destinations, but confirm this with your driver before setting off. The public bus system is also easy to use and goes to most of the island’s main sights.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Barbados?

Your doctor can provide you with vaccine advice for Barbados, but you should also ensure you’re up to date with the recommended vaccinations for your home country. You can also check the suggested vaccinations on the Travel Health Pro website.

Do I need a visa to visit Barbados, and what do I need to check with my passport?

Use our travel tool to find up-to-date visa and passport requirements for Barbados. Enter where you’re travelling to and from (including any stopover destinations en route or flight layovers), along with your intended travel dates and passport details, for a full list of requirements.

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