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Parliament Buildings, Barbados - Things to Do in Parliament Buildings

Parliament Buildings

Parliament Buildings, Barbados - Complete Travel Guide

The Parliament Buildings of Barbados, located in the heart of Bridgetown, represent one of the Caribbean's most significant political and architectural landmarks. These neo-Gothic structures, dating back to the 1870s, house the third-oldest parliament in the Commonwealth, with a legislative tradition spanning over 375 years. The buildings serve as the seat of the Barbadian Parliament and stand as a testament to the island's rich political heritage and journey to independence. Situated in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Historic Bridgetown, the Parliament Buildings are surrounded by other colonial-era structures that tell the story of Barbados' evolution from British colony to sovereign nation. The impressive twin buildings, connected by a covered walkway, feature distinctive clock towers and intricate stonework that showcase Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Visitors can explore the buildings' rich history, view parliamentary chambers, and learn about Barbados' democratic traditions through guided tours that provide insight into the island's political development and cultural significance.

Top Parliament Buildings

Parliament Buildings Guided Tour

Take an informative guided tour through the historic Parliament Buildings to explore the Senate and House of Assembly chambers, view original furnishings, and learn about Barbados' parliamentary system. The tour includes access to the public galleries and provides fascinating insights into the island's political history and democratic traditions.

Booking Tip: Tours are typically free but require advance booking through the Parliament's official website or by calling ahead. Best visited on weekdays when Parliament is not in session, usually between 10 AM and 3 PM.

Historic Bridgetown Walking Tour

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Historic Bridgetown on foot, visiting the Parliament Buildings alongside other significant colonial landmarks including the Careenage, Accra, and historic churches. This complete tour provides context for understanding the Parliament Buildings within Barbados' broader historical narrative.

Booking Tip: Walking tours cost around $25-40 per person and typically last 2-3 hours. Morning tours (9-10 AM start) are recommended to avoid midday heat. Look for certified local guides who specialize in Barbadian history.

Barbados Museum and Historical Society Visit

Complement your Parliament Buildings visit with a trip to the Barbados Museum, housed in a former British military prison. The museum offers extensive exhibits on Barbadian political history, colonial heritage, and the development of democratic institutions that provide valuable context for understanding the significance of the Parliament Buildings.

Booking Tip: Admission costs around $15 for adults, $7.50 for children. Open Tuesday through Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM, Sunday 2 PM to 6 PM. Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit and consider combining with Parliament tour on the same day.

Independence Square and National Heroes Gallery

Visit Accra, located near the Parliament Buildings, to see monuments honoring Barbados' national heroes and learn about the country's path to independence in 1966. The National Heroes Gallery features exhibits about the ten individuals who shaped Barbadian society and politics.

Booking Tip: Free to visit and open daily. Best experienced in late afternoon when the lighting is ideal for photography. Combine with Parliament Buildings tour for a complete understanding of Barbadian political heritage.

Careenage Waterfront and Historic Harbor Tour

Explore the historic Careenage waterfront area adjacent to the Parliament Buildings, where boats have docked for centuries. Take a harbor tour to see the Parliament Buildings from the water while learning about Bridgetown's maritime history and its role in Caribbean trade and politics.

Booking Tip: Harbor tours range from $30-60 per person depending on duration and boat type. Sunset tours offer the best views and photography opportunities. Book through established operators at the Careenage or hotel concierges.

Getting There

The Parliament Buildings are located in central Bridgetown, easily accessible from anywhere on the island. From Grantley Adams International Airport, it's a 30-minute drive via Highway 7 and the ABC Highway. Taxis from the airport cost around $35-45, while rental cars provide flexibility for exploring other attractions. Many hotels offer shuttle services to Bridgetown, and the Parliament Buildings are within walking distance of the cruise ship terminal for passengers arriving by sea. Public transportation via ZR vans and government buses also connects Bridgetown to all parishes, making the Parliament Buildings accessible regardless of where you're staying on the island.

Getting Around

The Parliament Buildings area in Bridgetown is very walkable, with most historic attractions within a few blocks of each other. The city center is compact, making it easy to explore on foot, though be prepared for some hills and bring sun protection. Local taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or called in advance. For longer distances, consider renting a car, as parking is available near the Parliament Buildings, though spaces can be limited during busy periods. The colorful ZR vans (shared minibuses) offer an authentic local transportation experience and connect Bridgetown to other parts of the island for around $2 BBD per ride.

Where to Stay

Historic Bridgetown
Garrison Historic Area
Antigua and Barbuda
St. Lawrence Gap
Hastings
Worthing

Food & Dining

The area around Parliament Buildings offers diverse dining options reflecting Barbados' culinary heritage. Traditional Bajan restaurants serve local specialties like flying fish, cou cou, and macaroni pie, while waterfront establishments along the Careenage offer fresh seafood with harbor views. Historic Bridgetown features several upscale restaurants in restored colonial buildings, perfect for lunch after touring the Parliament Buildings. Street food vendors around Accra serve authentic Bajan snacks like fish cakes and pudding and souse. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating where you can enjoy the tropical climate while sampling local rum and Banks beer, making dining an integral part of the cultural experience.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Bridgetown

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

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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 the Parliament Buildings is during Barbados' dry season from December to April, when humidity is lower and rainfall minimal. However, the buildings can be visited year-round due to the island's consistently warm tropical climate. For touring purposes, weekday mornings between 9 AM and 11 AM offer the most comfortable temperatures and best availability for guided tours. Avoid visiting during parliamentary sessions unless you're interested in observing government proceedings. The period from May to November sees more rainfall but fewer crowds and lower accommodation costs. Hurricane season (June to November) rarely affects Barbados directly, but it's worth monitoring weather conditions during this period.

Insider Tips

Visit during the week when Parliament is in session to potentially observe live proceedings from the public gallery, but call ahead to confirm session times and availability
Combine your Parliament Buildings visit with Independence Day celebrations on November 30th for special ceremonies and cultural events, though expect larger crowds
Photography restrictions apply inside the Parliament chambers, so check current policies before your visit and respect all guidelines to preserve these historic spaces

Activities in Parliament Buildings