Located along the Princess Alice Highway, near the Bridgetown Port, the Pelican Craft Centre is the largest arts and crafts hub in Barbados-and indeed, the entire Caribbean. More than just a shopping destination, this modern facility is a vibrant showcase of Barbadian creativity, where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary design.

Spanning an impressive 262,945 square feet, the Centre features 25 retail shops, 14 workshops, an art gallery, an artist wall, a wine bar and bistro, and a restaurant. Visitors can explore an extensive range of 100% Barbadian-made items, from exquisite mahogany carvings and flame glass art to handwoven textiles, pottery, jewelry, and batik. For those in search of authentic souvenirs or one-of-a-kind home décor, Pelican Craft Centre offers a diverse selection of locally crafted goods.

One of the most captivating aspects of the Centre is its live craft demonstrations. Here, artisans bring their work to life before your eyes, whether through basket weaving, molded figure-making, metal and wirecraft, or even cigar rolling. The experience is immersive, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich artistic traditions.

Beyond shopping, the Pelican Craft Centre is also a cultural hub, hosting Pelican Dooflicky, a carnival-style event featuring Barbadian music, dance, and cuisine. This lively celebration, held during the peak tourist season, invites visitors to revel in the festive atmosphere and experience the spirit of Barbados firsthand.

Easily accessible from the Princess Alice Bus Terminal, the Centre boasts air-conditioned shops, disabled-friendly facilities, and ample parking. Whether you’re in search of handmade keepsakes, Caribbean fashion, or a taste of local flavors, the Pelican Craft Centre is a must-visit stop in Bridgetown.

Independence Square, situated on the waterfront in the heart of Bridgetown, offers a serene environment to relax and absorb the city's historic ambiance. Visitors can rest on benches lining the waterfront, providing picturesque views of notable landmarks such as the Parliament Buildings and National Heroes Square.

At the western end of the square, local vendors display crafts and offer light refreshments on the bridge, presenting an opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs. Adjacent to this area stands the Independence Arch, gracefully spanning the Chamberlain Bridge and serving as a symbolic gateway into the square.

To the west, the wooden Bridgetown boardwalk traces the waterfront, inviting strolls along its path. Independence Square itself is adorned with an amphitheater, two large fountains, intricate paving mosaics, and a statue honoring National Hero, the Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow. Notably, during November, which marks Barbados' independence celebrations, the square is illuminated in the national colors of blue and gold. The festive decor continues into the Christmas season, with numerous illuminated Christmas trees enhancing the square's charm.

Originally one of Bridgetown's busiest car parks, Independence Square was redesigned and reopened to the public in 2007. Today, it serves as a recreational haven, featuring stone benches, mature trees providing ample shade, and a tranquil view of the river with boats gently bobbing on the water. The prominent statue of Errol Walton Barrow stands at the center, gazing across the river toward National Heroes Square.

Whether visiting during the vibrant independence festivities or at another time of year, Independence Square offers a blend of historical significance and contemporary leisure, making it a must-visit destination in Bridgetown.

Carlisle Bay stretches from the cruise ship port to the north down to Needham's Point, the location of the Hilton Barbados Resort. The bay is a natural harbor and was Bridgetown's primary anchorage and port location in the early days. You'll likely still see visiting yachts anchored here, but it was full of British Navy and merchant ships back in the day. The location is mostly protected from the prevailing easterly trade winds.

The bay is named after the Earl of Carlisle, James Hay. In the 1600s, he was the Lord Proprietor of Barbados.

South of the river known as the Careenage, the bay's shoreline is one unbroken beautiful sandy beach. You will find many beach clubs and resorts along the shore. The Bay Street Esplanade is a landscaped path that follows the bay's shore. Locals love to gather here after work and watch the sunset.

There is a marine park located in Carlisle Bay that is popular for scuba diving and snorkeling. Along with an abundance of sea life and coral reefs, six shipwrecks lie on the bottom of the bay. You can find the wrecks between 12 and 65 feet below the surface.

Browne's Beach is a calm-water beach with soft sand. It's the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, or just relaxing in the sun. The Boatyard is a popular spot if you want to try some watersports, like renting a jetski or trying a sea trampoline.

The Independence Arch stands proudly at the southern end of the Chamberlain Bridge in Bridgetown, serving as a lasting tribute to the nation's journey to self-governance. Erected in 1987 to commemorate Barbados' 21st anniversary of independence, the arch celebrates the island’s rich heritage and culture.

Adorned with key national symbols, the arch's pillars feature the flying fish and the pelican-two emblems of Barbadian identity-alongside the Pride of Barbados flower. The arch is crowned with the Coat of Arms of Barbados, which bears the national motto, “Pride and Industry”. At its base, visitors can find the National Pledge, a poignant reminder of the island’s values. Each November 30th, for Independence Day, the arch lights up in Barbados' national colors, blue and gold. Nearby, Independence Square offers a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle.

The Chamberlain Bridge, located in the heart of Bridgetown, has long been an essential crossing over the Careenage (Constitution River) at Carlisle Bay. Originally built as a swing bridge in 1872, it was named after Joseph Chamberlain (1836–1914), the British Colonial Secretary who helped secure funding for its reconstruction following the Great Hurricane of 1898. Over a century later, in 2005–2006, the outdated steel structure was dismantled and replaced with a modern lifting bridge featuring a single-leaf bascule design. Constructed from fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), the new bridge is lighter, non-corrosive, and built to last.

Together, the Independence Arch and Chamberlain Bridge stand as enduring symbols of Barbados' history, resilience, and national pride, seamlessly blending tradition with modern engineering in the heart of the island’s capital.

Swan Street parallels Broad Street to the north. It's a narrow alleyway of a street lined with shops and restaurants. It's pedestrian-only, so while it can be quite crowded, it's a great place to wander to meet the locals. There are several electronics stores, home goods, a shopping mall, and takeaway restaurants.

The buildings on Swan Street are traditional homes, with the businesses built on the lower levels. At one time, the street was known as Jew's Street because of the community's successful Jewish merchants. Many of the shopkeepers lived in the upper stories of the buildings. Unfortunately, a major fire swept through the area in 1845. After which, the street was part of what the locals dubbed the Burnt District.

Today, you'll see businesses and haberdasheries from around the world here. But the upper levels are no longer homes. Instead, they are mostly used as warehouses now.

Historians are unsure how the street got its official name. Some suggest that there was an inn named The Swan. Others say it was s tribute to a local surveyor, Captain Swan.

It's a busy place, favored by the locals more than the tourists. Swan Street is a must-see if you're looking for island goods and good prices. This street keeps the Barbadian spirit alive--you can find everything here, from fresh fruit and veggies to local island jewelry and crafts.