The Capital Of Barbados Bridgetown

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.

Bridgetown is located towards the south of island a very popular destination with tourists and visitors from other Caribbean islands. It is a very diverse and cultural capital which houses many historical places of interest such as; The Parliament Building, The Lord Nelson Statue, The Barbados Museum and various beautiful churches dating back as far as the 19th Century.

Bridgetown is known as the place to shop and being the capital you may have suspected this. It has many designer outlets and retail malls. If you are looking for a bit more of traditional island merchandise then try Cheapside Market and its surrounding stores as you will find more locale items here.

Barbados and Bridgetown in particular are known for their excellent value for money and quality diamonds, so be prepared if the wife is on the look out for a new bit of jewellery. Prices are extremely negotiable in the reputable jewellery outlets, please be aware that most places are honest and good quality however there will always be someone willing to ruin the party therefore do not buy from street traders or someone that approaches you on the street.

I would say the best known place to get watches, diamonds and other Jewelley is Diamonds International there are many located all through the island. They are professional and you could easily waste the day trying on many different pieces with no pressure to buy.

Bridgetown is known for its fantastic nightlife and there are plenty of Bars, Restaurants and Night Clubs for you enjoy your visit. A must visit would be the Harbour Lights Night Club where a mix of Caribbean and popular music are played and the night club is open to approximately 6am, if you are wanting to dance the night away.

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.

Also an important fact to note is, it is advisable not to wear any type of combat clothing especially in the Capital, as in Barbados it is considered to be impersonating the local Military and is an arrest able offence and you would not like to spend a night in the local cells at Bridgetown.

Please note that even if you are not staying anywhere near the bottom of the island of Barbados you do not want to miss out on visiting Bridgetown, make sure you allow a day to explore the small city.