The careenage in the olden times was the center for all the activity for the inter-island trading. But today the area is mainly used for pleasure crafts by, catamarans, fishing boats, yachts, etc. The Broad Street is the main street of the city and also a major chopping destination.
For shoppers Barbados is an excellent place as there are several duty free shops all across the island. The Broad Street mainly has banks, commercial stores and several duty free shops. The other streets of the city are Swan Street, Roebuck Street and Tudor Street that have smaller shops and wayside vendors.
Most of the sites in Bridgetown are within walking distance from the city center. The Parliament Buildings of Barbados are located down Broad Street and is open to the public during the season when the Parliament functions.
The Parliament was set up in 1639 and hence there are several ancient buildings that visitors can see. Opposite the Parliament Buildings, travelers can find the Trafalgar Square and also the statue of Lord Nelson. The Square was renamed as National Heroes Square in 1999 in respect of the national heroes of Barbados.
The Barbados Museum is also among the main attractions of the region. Located at St. Ann's Garrison, St. Michael, it is on the western edge of the racecourse. The museum is housed in the previous British Military Prison and has artifacts relating to the history of Barbados. The museum also has an interactive children’s section where the youngsters can enjoy cold drinks at a refreshment stand.
Just outside Bridgetown is the parish of St Michael, which houses the Lazaretto Garden with spectacular cascading waterfalls. Little further travelers can find the Ayshford Ratite Gardens that have an excellent collection of tropical plants and exotic birds like fancy pigeons, ostriches and pheasants.
Travelers would also love to visit the Orchid World, which is a perfect floral paradise and houses over 20,000 orchids.
There are three Masaajid around the area namely the Jumma Masjid on Kensington New Road Madina Masjid on Sober's Lane, Bridgetown and the Makki Masjid, St. Michael. Information about Halal food can be obtained from the Masaajid. Halal conscious travelers would prefer to avoid the area of Harbour Lights.
