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Broad Street, Barbados - Things to Do in Broad Street

Things to Do in Broad Street

Broad Street, Barbados - Complete Travel Guide

Broad Street in Bridgetown, Barbados, serves as the vibrant commercial heart of the island's capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This bustling thoroughfare perfectly blends colonial architecture with modern Caribbean life, featuring historic buildings that house duty-free shops, local boutiques, banks, and government offices. The street runs through the center of Bridgetown, connecting the Careenage waterfront to the broader city center, making it an essential stop for visitors seeking authentic Bajan culture and shopping experiences. As one of the oldest streets in Bridgetown, Broad Street tells the story of Barbados through its well-preserved 17th and 18th-century buildings, many constructed from local coral stone. The area buzzes with activity throughout the day as locals conduct business and tourists explore the unique mix of international brands and Caribbean crafts. The street's strategic location makes it the perfect base for exploring Bridgetown's historic sites, sampling local cuisine, and experiencing the genuine warmth of Bajan hospitality.

Top Things to Do in Broad Street

Duty-Free Shopping on Broad Street

Explore the extensive duty-free shopping opportunities along Broad Street, where you can find everything from luxury goods and jewelry to local crafts and rum. The street is home to several major duty-free retailers offering significant savings on international brands, perfumes, electronics, and Caribbean specialties.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for shopping. Bring your passport and flight details for duty-free purchases. Best shopping hours are 9 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours.

Historic Bridgetown Walking Tour

Discover the rich colonial history of Bridgetown with a guided walking tour that includes Broad Street's historic architecture and significant landmarks. Learn about the island's past through well-preserved buildings, monuments, and stories of the sugar trade era.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost $25-40 USD per person and last 2-3 hours. Book morning tours to avoid afternoon heat. Look for guides certified by the Barbados Tourism Authority.

Parliament Buildings Visit

Visit the Neo-Gothic Parliament Buildings located near Broad Street, which house the third-oldest parliament in the Commonwealth. The impressive architecture and guided tours provide insight into Barbados' political history and democratic traditions.

Booking Tip: Free guided tours available Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10 AM and 2 PM. Advance booking recommended through the Parliament website. Dress code requires long pants and covered shoulders.

Local Food and Rum Tasting

Experience authentic Bajan cuisine at the local eateries and rum shops around Broad Street area. Sample traditional dishes like flying fish, cou-cou, and fresh tropical fruits while learning about the island's culinary heritage and world-famous rum production.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost $45-65 USD per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Book afternoon tours starting around 2 PM. Choose operators that include at least 5-6 tasting stops.

Careenage Waterfront Exploration

Stroll along the historic Careenage waterfront, just steps from Broad Street, where you can see the Constitution River, historic buildings, and busy harbor activity. This scenic area offers great photo opportunities and connects to the broader Bridgetown UNESCO World Heritage site.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free and best enjoyed in early morning or late afternoon. Consider combining with a harbor cruise ($30-50 USD) for a different perspective of the historic waterfront.

Getting There

Broad Street is located in the heart of Bridgetown, approximately 20 minutes by car from Grantley Adams International Airport. Visitors can take official airport taxis (fixed rates around $35-40 USD), pre-arranged hotel transfers, or rental cars. The street is easily accessible from the Bridgetown cruise port, just a 5-minute walk for cruise passengers. Public transportation via ZR vans and government buses also connects the area to various parts of the island, though taxis remain the most convenient option for tourists.

Getting Around

Broad Street and the surrounding Bridgetown area are best explored on foot, as most attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance. The street itself is pedestrian-friendly with sidewalks and crosswalks. For longer distances, official taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or called through hotels. ZR vans (shared minibuses) offer an authentic local experience for adventurous travelers, while government buses provide affordable transportation to other parts of the island. Parking can be challenging, so walking or taking taxis is recommended over driving.

Where to Stay

St. Lawrence Gap
Christ Church Parish
Bridgetown City Center
Hastings
Worthing
Dover

Food & Dining

The Broad Street area offers diverse dining options from casual local eateries to upscale restaurants. Traditional Bajan cuisine can be found at local spots serving flying fish and cou-cou, macaroni pie, and fresh seafood. Several restaurants along and near Broad Street offer international cuisine alongside Caribbean specialties. Don't miss trying authentic fish cakes, rum punch, and Banks beer at local establishments. Many restaurants cater to cruise passengers with quick lunch options, while others provide more leisurely dining experiences. Street food vendors also offer affordable local snacks and fresh fruit juices.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Bridgetown

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Filomena Ristorante

4.6 /5
(5480 reviews) 3

Champers Restaurant Barbados

4.7 /5
(2732 reviews) 2

Vecchia Osteria

4.7 /5
(1830 reviews) 2

La Stalla

4.6 /5
(1829 reviews) 3

The Cliff

4.5 /5
(725 reviews) 4

Nishi Restaurant

4.5 /5
(421 reviews) 3
all dining options →

When to Visit

The best time to visit Broad Street is during Barbados' dry season from December to April, when temperatures are comfortable (75-85°F) and rainfall is minimal. However, this is also peak tourist season with higher prices and crowds. The shoulder months of May and November offer good weather with fewer tourists and better deals. Visit Broad Street during weekday mornings (9 AM-12 PM) for the best shopping experience when stores are fully stocked and less crowded. Avoid visiting during major cruise ship arrivals if you prefer a quieter experience, or embrace the bustling atmosphere if you enjoy people-watching.

Insider Tips

Bring your passport and flight information for duty-free purchases to get the best deals, and remember that duty-free items must be collected at the airport before departure
Visit the public restrooms and get local currency at the banks along Broad Street before exploring other parts of Bridgetown, as facilities become less available in other areas
Combine your Broad Street visit with the nearby Cheapside Market on Friday or Saturday mornings for the most authentic local experience and fresh produce shopping

Explore Activities in Broad Street