The best time to head into Bridgetown is around 9:00 a.m. before the midday heat and after the morning rush hour traffic. You can spend the morning shopping, enjoy a lunch in town and still have the afternoon free to relax on the beach.

Shopping

Stores usually open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Mon. - Fri.), and 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. (Sat). They are usually closed on Sundays. More shopping tips...

Banking and Its Facilities

Banks in Barbados are open Monday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Banks located in supermarkets are generally open longer hours in the week and on Saturdays.

All banks in Barbados have automatic teller machines and those which carry VISA Plus insignia accept international VISA cards. Some ATM machines also accept international MasterCard Credit Cards.

American Express is the official credit card of Barbados. Other cards including Barclaycard, Diners Club International, Visa, Discover and MasterCard are usually accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops.

Most banks have an automatic teller facility by which visitors may use their Credit Cards to obtain cash. Card holders must key in their Personal Identification Numbers (PINS) when requesting cash advances. Cash will be dispensed in local currency only.

This facility is available 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week at any bank branch.

Problems associated with American Express credit cards should be referred to their local representatives:

American Express Travel Service Representative
C/o Going Places Travel
P.O. Box 605 C
Horizon House
McGregor Street
Bridgetown
Tel: (246) 431-2423
Fax: (246) 431-2432

Problems associated with Diners Club may be referred to local representative.

Diners Club International
Ship Inn Complex
St. Lawrence Gap
Christ Church
Tel: (246) 431-0186
Fax: (246) 431-0187

Problems regarding Visa, Barclaycard, MasterCard and Discover may be referred to:

Barclays Bank PLC
Bridgetown
Tel: (246) 431-5151
Fax: (246) 436-8824
Telex: 2348 BARCLDOMWB

Banks in the Bridgetown Area

Bank of Nova Scotia
Broad Street, Bridgetown
Tel: (246) 431-3000
Fax: (246) 426-0969

Barbados National Bank
Broad Street, Bridgetown
Tel: (246) 431-5700
Fax: (246) 426-5037

First Caribbean Bank
Broad Street, Bridgetown
Tel: (246) 431-3700
Fax: (246) 426-9034

Caribbean Commercial Bank
Broad Street, Bridgetown
Tel: (246) 431-2500
Fax: (246) 431-2530

Royal Bank of Canada
Broad Street, Bridgetown
Tel: (246) 431-6700
Fax: (246) 427-8393

The Mutual Bank of the Caribbean
Trident House, Lower Broad Street
Bridgetown
Tel: (246) 431-4500
Fax: (246) 429-5734


Walk Around Bridgetown

Parliament Buildings
Bridgetown
The Parliament Buildings were built in 1871, after the fire of 1860. The original clock tower was demolished in 1884 and was rebuilt two years later in the west wing. The wing also houses public offices. The east wing (on the right) houses the Senate and the House of Assembly and has stained glass windows depicting British monarchs.

National Heroes Square
Bridgetown
This square is a tribute to the heroes of Barbadian society. Until April 1999 it was called Trafalgar Square, and the statue of Lord Nelson was erected there in 1813. Nelson had sailed to Barbados in 1805, only months before he died in the battle of Trafalgar.

Queens Park
St. Michael
Tel: (246) 427-7267
A sanctuary in the midst of a bustling city. The two storey house in the park was once the home of the commander of British troops stationed in the West Indies. It was built in 1786 and it now houses a theatre and art gallery. In the playground there is a massive Baobab tree, which is eighteen metres in circumference, and probably came from Africa during the days of slavery.

St. Michael Cathedral (Anglican)
Noted for its arched roof and artefacts. Many famous and distinguished Barbadians are buried in its churchyard. A living history of Anglican religion. Constructed between 1660 and 1665.

The Jewish Synagogue
Dating back to 1654, it represents the oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere. Recently restored- recipient of the American Express Caribbean Heritage Award, 1990.
Open Mon - Fri 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Church Services: Fridays at 7:30 p.m.
Tel: (246) 432-0840 (Contact Mr. Altman)
Free Tour

St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Catholic)
After the destruction of the original church by fire in 1897, the present church was erected through subscriptions and donations from Government, Protestants, Jews and Catholics. Opened 17th March, 1899, elevated to the status of a Cathedral on 18th March, 1970. 


More things to do in eight hours on the island.