Did you know there's more to do in Barbados than just drinking rum punch on the beach? There are plenty of other spots where you could be drinking rum punch, and some genuinely great sights to see across the island. So put that drink down, get off the beach, and here's the full list of things to do in Barbados.
Barbados can be expensive, but plenty of these are free or genuinely affordable — read the Barbados on a Budget guide for more ways to save while you're here.
1. Visit the Animal Flower Cave
Not only are the views of the rugged coastline just stunning, you can also go below the rocks into a cave. Inside you'll find loads of "flowers," or sea anemones. Make sure you go during low tide — they close the cave when the tide is high.
Entrance fee: Adults $10 USD
2. St Nicholas Abbey
Take in a bit of history at St Nicholas Abbey and even ride a train. St Nicholas Abbey is one of only three remaining Jacobean style mansions in the Western Hemisphere. Tour the Great House, then head down to see how they make their own rum, and maybe have a taste. A recent addition is a train that passes the Great House and heads up to the viewpoint at Cherry Tree Hill — a must for steam train fanatics.
Entrance fee: Abbey $23 USD, Train $30 USD
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Free Barbados Self-Drive Route Guide
The full island in one day — from a Bajan who actually lives here.
3. Oistins Fish Fry
Ready to try some local food? Head to Oistins Fish Fry on a Friday night. Our top tip: go early, around 5pm, so you can get your food and grab a seat easily — it gets crazy the later you go.
Budget: approximately $15 USD for food
4. Harry Bayley Observatory
Want to check out the nightlife of a different kind? On Friday nights the Observatory runs special presentations about the universe, then you head upstairs to look at the stars out that night. A genuinely different Barbados experience.
Donation: approx. $15 USD
5. Soup Bowl, Bathsheba
You'll see this once you hit the road on our self-drive island tour. Soup Bowl has drawn surfers like Kelly Slater, and usually hosts a major surf competition around November.
6. Visit Bottom Bay
One of our favourite spots on the island. Bottom Bay is stunning, with gorgeous palm trees and bright blue water. Walk along the cliff for the views from above before heading down onto the pristine white sand.
7. See the View from Cherry Tree Hill
One of Barbados' most popular viewpoints. The drive up is beautiful — you pass under a canopy of protected mahogany trees before bursting out to an incredible view of the whole east coast.
8. See Morgan Lewis Windmill
One of only two working windmills in the Caribbean, found as you make your way down from Cherry Tree Hill towards the east coast. Grab a coffee nearby, and pay a small fee to go inside.
9. George Washington House
This historic house is where US President George Washington visited in 1751, aged 19. You can also visit the Garrison tunnels beneath the property, which are around 200 years old.
10. Swim with the Sea Turtles
A great free activity, or you can see them on a catamaran cruise. Read the full guide to where you can find them.
11. Go Paddleboarding Along the West Coast
Get out on the water and explore the calm west coast on a paddleboard — a great way to squeeze in a bit of exercise on holiday.
12. Go on a Catamaran Cruise
Options range from budget to luxury. Most cruises stop at a shipwreck to see fish, followed by lunch and a swim with the turtles, usually with alcohol included for the day.
Average cost: $80–120 USD
13. Visit a Haunted Site
Barbados has a few genuinely eerie spots — plantation houses like Fisherpond Great House, Hanson Plantation House and Halton Plantation House. One worth stopping at is St Lucy Parish Cemetery, home to a strange vault among the tombstones inscribed "This vault shall never be opened." Legend says two witches were burned at the stake and their ashes buried there.
At another cemetery in Christ Church you'll find the Chase Mausoleum — family coffins buried there in the early 1800s reportedly moved and rearranged inside the sealed, locked vault. The Governor personally resealed it, and still the coffins moved. They've since been reburied elsewhere and the empty vault remains open to visit.
14. Walk Through Welchman Hall Gully
This beautiful gully is full of tropical flora and fauna — home to grapefruit trees and many other exotic species.
Entrance fee: $14 USD
15. See the Chamberlain Bridge
In 1872 this was a swing bridge across a small inlet of the Careenage. It was dismantled and rebuilt in 2005-2006, now rising to allow boats through.
16. See the Parliament Buildings
Built between 1870 and 1874, these two neo-Gothic buildings echo the Victorian era of Great Britain. Both are UNESCO-protected properties within the World Heritage Site of Bridgetown and the Garrison area.
17. Take a Surf Lesson with Boosy's Surf School
Barbados has produced internationally recognised surfers like Josh Burke and Chelsea Tuach — take a lesson yourself with Boosy's Surf School.
Cost: $50 USD
18. Foursquare Rum Distillery
There's no better place to drink rum than Barbados. Walk around the factory, explore the rum-making process, and sample a few at the end of your tour.
19. Garrison Savannah
A UNESCO World Heritage Site about 2 miles south of Heroes Square in the middle of Bridgetown. Surrounded by historic military buildings, with a race track at its centre — the Garrison Savannah — home to horse races including the famous Sandy Lane Gold Cup.
20. St James Parish Church
One of the oldest churches on the island. The first settlers landed in Holetown on 17th February 1627, and once the settlement grew large enough, they built St James Parish Church in 1628. The original bell carries the inscription "God bless King William 1696" and was manufactured at the same foundry that produced the Liberty Bell and Big Ben.
21. Visit Hunte's Gardens
Get lost in the flora and fauna at Hunte's Gardens — a gully transformed into a beautiful tropical paradise by horticulturalist Anthony Hunte.
Entrance fee: $15 USD
22. Learn About Rum at the Mount Gay Visitor Centre
Along Spring Garden Highway you'll find the Mount Gay Visitor Centre — one of my personal favourite tours. Learn how rum is made and a bit of history behind Barbados' oldest rum brand. Stay for a cocktail or two after. Read the full Mount Gay Rum Tour review.
Price: $20–100 USD depending on the tour
23. Visit the Flower Forest
Another beautiful spot to explore, with unique flowers and views of the east coast.
Entrance fee: $15 USD
24. Check Out Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Museum
One of the oldest Jewish sites in the Americas, with a genuinely fascinating history worth an hour of your time.
25. Visit the Barbados Museum
Take in a bit of Barbados history at the Barbados Museum.
26. See the Stalactites and Stalagmites at Harrison's Cave
A cool way to explore the foundation of the island, and a great rainy day activity. Explore the Great Hall, see the formations, and even a waterfall inside.
Entrance fee: $30 USD
27. See the Green Monkeys at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve
You might spot a few as you drive around the island — if not, visit the Wildlife Reserve directly to see them alongside plenty of other animals.
28. Go for a Drink Down St Lawrence Gap
On the south coast, this street is lined with hotels and bars and is always a great night out.
29. Watch a Cricket Match at Kensington Oval
The home of cricket in Barbados, often referred to as the "Mecca" of the sport. A T20 match is fast-paced and exciting. For a proper occasion, get tickets for the Party Stand — pool, music, private tents, and a genuinely wild atmosphere as the day goes on.
30. Visit Gun Hill Signal Station
Based in the centre of the island, a former military lookout point with amazing views and a bit of local history — plus the famous lion statue for a photo.
Cost: $6 USD
31. Take in the Views at Farley Hill
Located in the north of the island, with epic views over the east coast. Often hosts big outdoor events like Reggae on the Hill.
32. Visit Andromeda Gardens
Walk through this beautiful garden created by Iris Bannochie, an award-winning Barbadian horticulturalist.
Free Download
Free Barbados Self-Drive Route Guide
The full island in one day — from a Bajan who actually lives here.
With all this on the list, it's time to get your accommodation sorted — read the full Barbados Accommodation Guide for options across every budget.
Related Posts
- The Ultimate Barbados Travel Guide
- Self Drive Island Tour of Barbados
- Barbados Accommodation: The Ultimate Guide
- Where to Swim with Sea Turtles in Barbados
Frequently Asked Questions
Swimming with sea turtles, exploring Bottom Bay, driving up to Cherry Tree Hill for the east coast views, and watching a Friday night at Oistins Fish Fry (the food costs money but entry is free) are all excellent free or nearly-free activities.
