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Pelican Craft Centre, Barbados - Things to Do in Pelican Craft Centre

Pelican Craft Centre

Pelican Craft Centre, Barbados - Complete Travel Guide

Pelican Craft Centre, located in the heart of Bridgetown, Barbados, is a busy cultural hub that showcases the island's rich artistic heritage and traditional craftsmanship. This historic site, housed in converted colonial buildings, serves as both a shopping destination and cultural experience where visitors can witness local artisans at work creating pottery, textiles, jewelry, and other handcrafted items. The center represents the authentic spirit of Barbadian creativity, offering tourists an opportunity to take home genuine pieces of the island's cultural identity. Beyond shopping, Pelican Craft Centre provides an immersive experience into Barbadian culture through its art galleries, craft workshops, and regular cultural events. The center's waterfront location offers impressive views of Antigua and Barbuda, making it a perfect spot to combine cultural exploration with scenic beauty. Visitors can spend hours browsing the various studios and shops, interacting with local artists, and learning about traditional Barbadian crafts that have been passed down through generations.

Top Pelican Craft Centre

Browse Local Artisan Studios

Explore the various artist studios and workshops where local craftspeople create pottery, textiles, jewelry, and wood carvings. Watch artisans at work and learn about traditional Barbadian crafting techniques that have been preserved for generations. Many artists are happy to explain their processes and the cultural significance of their work.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required; studios are typically open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm. Prices for handcrafted items range from $10-200 USD. Visit during weekday mornings for the best chance to see artisans actively working.

Participate in Craft Workshops

Join hands-on workshops where you can learn traditional Barbadian crafts like pottery making, basket weaving, or jewelry design. These interactive sessions provide insight into local techniques while allowing you to create your own unique souvenir. Workshops are led by experienced local artisans who share stories about their craft and Barbadian culture.

Booking Tip: Workshop fees range from $25-75 USD per person and typically last 2-3 hours. Book in advance by calling the center directly or inquiring upon arrival. Morning sessions are often less crowded.

the Art Galleries

Discover rotating exhibitions featuring works by both established and emerging Barbadian artists. The galleries showcase various mediums including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces that reflect Caribbean themes and contemporary island life. Many pieces are available for purchase, offering collectors authentic Barbadian art.

Booking Tip: Gallery admission is free and open during regular center hours. Artwork prices vary widely from $50-2000 USD. Ask about artist meet-and-greets which occasionally occur during exhibition openings.

Enjoy Waterfront Views and Photography

Take advantage of the center's prime location overlooking Antigua and Barbuda for impressive photography opportunities. The waterfront setting provides beautiful backdrops of the harbor, historic Bridgetown, and passing boats. The area is particularly photogenic during golden hour, offering perfect lighting for both portraits and landscape shots.

Booking Tip: Free activity accessible during center hours. Best lighting occurs 1-2 hours before sunset. Bring sun protection as the waterfront area has limited shade during midday hours.

Shop for Authentic Barbadian Souvenirs

Browse the center's various shops offering authentic, locally-made products including textiles, ceramics, spices, rum, and unique gift items. Unlike typical tourist shops, everything here is genuinely crafted in Barbados, ensuring authentic quality and supporting local artisans. Many items come with certificates of authenticity or artist signatures.

Booking Tip: Prices range from $5-300 USD depending on the item. Bargaining is generally not expected as prices support local artisans fairly. Ask about shipping services for larger purchases to avoid luggage issues.

Getting There

Pelican Craft Centre is located in Bridgetown, easily accessible from anywhere on the island. From Grantley Adams International Airport, it's a 30-40 minute drive via Highway 7 and the ABC Highway. Taxis from the airport cost approximately $35-45 USD, while rental cars provide more flexibility for exploring other parts of the island. The center is within walking distance of the Bridgetown cruise port (about 10 minutes), making it highly convenient for cruise passengers. Public buses (ZR vans) also serve the area frequently from various points around the island for about $2 BBD per ride.

Getting Around

The Pelican Craft Centre is compact and easily explored on foot, with all studios and shops within a small area. For exploring broader Bridgetown, walking is ideal as most attractions are within 10-15 minutes. Taxis are readily available outside the center, with short rides around Bridgetown costing $10-20 USD. The public bus terminal is nearby, offering cheap transportation ($2 BBD) to other parts of the island via colorful ZR vans or government buses. For more flexibility, consider renting a car to combine your visit with other island attractions, though parking in central Bridgetown can be limited during busy periods.

Where to Stay

St. Lawrence Gap
Bridgetown Historic District
Antigua and Barbuda Area
Christ Church Parish
Hastings
Worthing

Food & Dining

The immediate area around Pelican Craft Centre offers several dining options, from casual beachside cafes to upscale restaurants with harbor views. Local specialties include flying fish, cou-cou, fish cakes, and rum punch, available at nearby establishments. Bridgetown's Broad Street and surrounding areas feature everything from street food vendors selling authentic Bajan snacks to fine dining restaurants serving Caribbean fusion cuisine. The nearby Careenage waterfront area is particularly popular for sunset dining with fresh seafood and tropical cocktails. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating with views of the harbor, and most accept major credit cards though having some Barbadian dollars is useful for smaller vendors.

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

Pelican Craft Centre can be visited year-round, but the best experience is during Barbados' dry season from December to April when weather is most pleasant with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. The center is typically less crowded on weekday mornings, offering better opportunities to interact with artisans and participate in workshops. Avoid visiting during major cruise ship arrivals (usually Tuesday-Thursday) if you prefer a quieter experience. The shoulder seasons of May-June and November offer good weather with fewer tourists and potentially better prices on accommodations, making it an ideal time for a more authentic cultural experience.

Insider Tips

Visit during weekday mornings when artisans are most active and you'll have better opportunities for one-on-one interactions and workshop availability
Ask artisans about the stories behind their work - many pieces have cultural significance or personal histories that enhance their value as souvenirs
Combine your visit with exploring historic Bridgetown UNESCO sites which are all within walking distance, making for a full day of cultural immersion

Activities in Pelican Craft Centre