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 British landed in Barbados the Island was almost uninhabited and very little evidence existed of previous inhabitants. However the British found a bridge that was constructed over the Careenage areas swamp. It is most likely that this bridge was constructed by a race of people called the Arawak who were local to the Caribbean area. A new bridge was built in 1654 and was called the Town of St Michael later to be known as 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.

The City of Bridgetown is at the bottom of the island. It is always a popular attraction for visitors to the island. There is much great hiostory in Bridgetown too, home to The Lord Nelson Statue, Parilament Building, Churches and many museums so you can find out all the history of the Island and Bridgetown.

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 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.

The most well know and best values Jewellers on the Island are probably Diamonds International. Again best to probably buy in US dollars as we get the better exchange rate on this.

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 restauransts 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.

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.

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