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Time Zone
GMT - 4 (GMT - 5 summer).
Currency
Barbados Dollar (Bd$) = 100 cents.
Language
English.Sightseeing
Although discovered by the Portuguese, Barbados was under British sovereignty for much of its history until 1966. This is strongly reflected in the old capital of Bridgetown which has a decidedly English character; so much so that there is even a miniature of London's Trafalgar Square, complete with a statue of Lord Nelson. The city is small and there are many excellent walking tours. Places worth a visit include the Fairchild Market, St Michael's Cathedral (built in 1789), Belleville, Government House, the Barbados Museum, the Old Synagogue and the Garrison Savannah. Temple Yard has a Rastafarian street market. Barbados is famed for its magnificent beaches, their white sand and turquoise waters framed by palm trees and an array of colourful plants and flowers. Gibbs Beach, located on the exclusive western Platinum Coast of the island is only 16km (ten miles) from Bridgetown; fashionable Mullins Bay, slightly further north, is particularly good for snorkelling, due to its clear waters, and has a relaxing beach bar and several resorts.
Shopping
Rum, straw goods, coral and shell jewellery, prints (batik) and woodcraft.
Eating Out
Local food specialities include flying fish, lobster, and crane chubb. The sea urchin (oursin or sea egg) is a particular speciality. Other local foods include sweet potatoes, plantains, breadfruit, yams, and fruits such as avocado, pears, soursops, pawpaws, bananas, figs and coconuts. Local drink specialities include all types of rum-based cocktails, rum punch, planters punch, pina coladas and sangria. The local beer is Banks. The two most famous rums are Mount Gay and, for the connoisseur, Cockspur's Five Star.
Location
The CaribbeanBarbados
Region
Barbados
