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Broad Street, Barbados - Things to Do in Broad Street

Broad Street

Broad Street, Barbados - Complete Travel Guide

Broad Street stands as the busy commercial heart of Bridgetown, Barbados' capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This bustling thoroughfare stretches through the historic downtown core, lined with colorful colonial buildings, duty-free shopping centers, banks, and local businesses that showcase the island's unique blend of British colonial heritage and Caribbean culture. The street serves as the main artery connecting the historic Careenage waterfront to the modern business district, making it an essential stop for visitors seeking authentic Bajan experiences. As one of the Caribbean's most important commercial centers, Broad Street offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into daily Barbadian life while providing access to some of the island's best shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. The area buzzes with activity throughout the day, from early morning when locals grab coffee and pastries, to evening when the nearby bars and restaurants come alive with rum cocktails and live calypso music. The street's proximity to the historic Bridgetown port and Parliament Buildings makes it an ideal base for exploring the rich history and culture of this charming Caribbean capital.

Top Broad Street

Historic Bridgetown and Garrison

Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of historic Bridgetown, featuring well-preserved colonial architecture, the Parliament Buildings, and the historic Garrison area. The walking tour reveals centuries of Caribbean history, from British colonial rule to independence, with stops at significant landmarks and local markets.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided tours are available with maps from the tourism office, or join guided tours for $25-40 USD per person. Best visited in morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. Look for certified local guides who offer insider stories and historical context.

Duty-Free Shopping Experience

Browse through numerous duty-free shops along Broad Street offering jewelry, electronics, perfumes, and local crafts at tax-free prices. The shopping district features both international brands and local artisan goods, making it perfect for finding souvenirs or luxury items at discounted rates.

Booking Tip: Bring your passport for duty-free purchases and compare prices between shops. Most stores open 9 AM-5 PM Monday-Saturday. Best deals often found at Cave Shepherd department store and smaller independent boutiques for unique local items.

Careenage Waterfront Stroll

Take a leisurely walk along the historic Careenage, the inner harbor where boats have docked for over 300 years. This picturesque waterfront area offers impressive views of colorful buildings reflected in the calm waters, with opportunities to watch local fishermen and enjoy waterfront dining.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on your own, best during golden hour for photography. Waterfront restaurants range from $15-50 USD per meal. Consider sunset dinner cruises departing from here for $60-100 USD per person with advance booking recommended.

Local Market and Street Food Tour

spend time in authentic Bajan culture at the nearby Cheapside Market and street food vendors. Sample local delicacies like flying fish sandwiches, cou-cou, and fresh tropical fruits while interacting with friendly vendors and learning about traditional cooking methods.

Booking Tip: Markets busiest on Fridays and Saturdays. Street food typically costs $5-15 USD per item. Bring small bills and try visiting mid-morning when selection is best. Look for vendors with high turnover for freshest options.

Parliament Buildings and National Heroes Square

Visit the impressive neo-Gothic Parliament Buildings, home to the third-oldest parliament in the Commonwealth, and explore National Heroes Square with its monument to Lord Nelson. The area showcases Barbados' political history and serves as a gathering place for cultural events and celebrations.

Booking Tip: Free to view exteriors and square anytime; guided interior tours available on weekdays for $10-15 USD when parliament not in session. Best photographed in late afternoon light. Check local calendar for special events and ceremonies.

Getting There

Broad Street is easily accessible from Grantley Adams International Airport via taxi (30-45 minutes, $35-50 USD) or rental car. The ZR vans and public buses provide budget-friendly options for $2-3 USD but take longer with multiple stops. Many visitors staying at hotels along the south and west coasts can reach Broad Street by public transport, taxi, or organized tour. Cruise ship passengers dock directly at the nearby Bridgetown Port, making Broad Street just a 5-10 minute walk from the terminal.

Getting Around

Broad Street and the surrounding downtown area are best explored on foot, as most attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance of each other. The area is compact and pedestrian-friendly, though sidewalks can be narrow in some sections. For longer distances, flag down the colorful ZR vans or public buses that run regularly along major routes for just $2 BBD. Taxis are readily available but negotiate fares in advance, or use ride-sharing apps where available for more transparent pricing.

Where to Stay

St. Lawrence Gap
Antigua and Barbuda
Hastings
Worthing
Christ Church
Bridgetown City Center

Food & Dining

Broad Street and surrounding areas offer diverse dining options from casual street food to upscale restaurants. Local favorites include flying fish and cou-cou, fish cakes, and rum punch at traditional rum shops and casual eateries. The Careenage waterfront features several restaurants with harbor views serving fresh seafood and international cuisine. For real feels, try the local cafeterias and takeaway spots where office workers eat, offering generous portions of Bajan comfort food at reasonable prices. Upscale dining options in nearby hotels and waterfront establishments provide refined Caribbean fusion cuisine with extensive rum selections.

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

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

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. This period coincides with peak tourist season, so expect more crowds but also more activities and events. The shoulder months of May and November offer good weather with fewer crowds and better prices. Avoid September through November during hurricane season, though Barbados is generally less affected than other Caribbean islands. For the liveliest atmosphere, visit during Crop Over festival season (June-August) when the streets come alive with music and celebrations.

Insider Tips

Visit Broad Street on weekday mornings to experience it like a local when office workers grab breakfast and coffee, avoiding the cruise ship crowds that arrive mid-morning
Exchange money at local banks on Broad Street for better rates than hotels or airport exchanges, and always ask for smaller bills for easier transactions with street vendors
Look for the historic red postbox and colonial-era buildings with detailed architectural features that tell the story of Bridgetown's British heritage - perfect for unique photo opportunities

Activities in Broad Street