The historic capital of Barbados is Bridgetown which is well known through the Indies. Being one of the largest city on the island with 100,000 people living there. Most other countries would consider Bridgetown in Barbados a town. Some of Bridgetown fall in different areas, mostly St Michael but some parts of the city are in Christchurch and St James. The name was changed from James Town in 1628 and the present location was decided upon.
When the English landed on the Island there was hardly anyone living there. and there was very little proof that anyone had lived there previously either. The English then found a bridge constructed over a swamp and this was though to have been built by a tribe called the Arawak’s who were know to inhabit some of the caribbean islands. In 1654 a bridge was built in the tow of Saint Michaels and this later became Bridgetown.
Bridgetown today is place of much business, with designer shops, night bars, attractions for visitors, pubs and much more. I hate to say but when visiting Barbados it is easy to see that the island would not surrvive without it’s holidaymakers visiting. As the Rum and sugar cane fields could not support them alon as this is the only exports.
South of the Island is the home for Bridgetown. Being there is some great history to be learnt in Barbados. You will find many attractions here and I would say if you are interested in learning some history about Barbados this small city is a must! The taxi drivers know a lot of history too, maybe have a taxi for the day and have a whole island tour.
The Capital is also know as a shopping Mecca today and has many different malls and designer shops, however if you are looking for more local shopping Cheapside Market and surrounding shops might be more appropriate for local Caribbean purchases.
Barbados is known all over the world for its excllent prices for quality jewellery and diamonds, so be careful boys the lady in your life may get hypnotised. Remember to have a little haggle as I have found prices can be negotiated lower. Please use common sense and stick to the reputable outlets and not street traders, etc. Diamonds International is a good place to start.
You will find that US dollars are accepted throughout the island and I must say many shops will also take sterling. You will in general find there are 2 Barbados Dollars to the 1 US Dollar. As the Bajans like to keep it simple.
The capital is also known for its great party environment for an evening with its many nightclubs and bars there will be something for you. Or try some of the other place like Holetown which has a square with several bars and restaurants then there is no needs to walk far.
Bridgetown is a very safe place but there has be known petty crime mainly pick pockets etc, so be careful and maybe get yourself one of those hidden travel wallets with a belt. Barbados has a very low crime rate but you should still be careful.
In the UK it is a popular design to wear camouflage t-shirts and shorts but in Barbados it is illegal. You maybe lucky to get a waring but there is a good chance that the police will let you have a night in a local police station. And from the stories I have heard you do not want to do that!
As Barbados is not a big island nowhere is out of reach but try and stick to the coast roads as travelling inland can have strange results when roads may not be good quality or even finished. Make sure you take a visit to Bridgetown it is not to be missed!