Things To Do
in Barbados

Barbados’s national dish — steamed or fried flying fish served with cou-cou (cornmeal and okra). Try it at beachside stalls or traditional restaurants like Daphne’s or Oistins for the freshest version.

Must-Try!

Fried fritters made with salted cod and local seasonings; a common snack sold at markets and by street vendors.

A weekend (mostly Saturday) favorite: pickled pork with spiced sweet potato pudding — widely available at local cookshops and the Oistins fish fry.

Starchy sides often served grilled or roasted; great at casual eateries and markets.

Polite, friendly greetings are valued — say 'Good morning/afternoon' or 'Good evening' when entering shops or meeting people. A handshake is common for introductions.

Beachwear is fine on the sand, but cover up when entering towns, shops or churches. Avoid topless sunbathing (not common) and be respectful at religious sites.

Be courteous, avoid loud or aggressive behavior, and ask permission before photographing people. Barbs take pride in their culture and history; approach discussions about colonialism or social issues with sensitivity.

Smoking is restricted in many public places — follow posted signs; using foul language or overly rowdy behavior in public can be frowned upon.

A 10–15% tip is customary in restaurants if service is not already included; many beachside and casual stalls do not expect tips, but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated. Taxi drivers often expect a small tip or rounded fare; hotel porters usually receive BDS$1–5 per bag. For guides and drivers, 10% is reasonable depending on service.

Barbadian dollar (BBD) is the local currency, usually pegged to USD (USD widely accepted in tourist areas). Major credit cards are accepted at hotels, many restaurants and shops; carry some cash for markets, minibuses and smaller vendors. ATMs are available in towns — notify your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.

Peak tourist period: sunny, warm and breezy with low rainfall and comfortable humidity. Expect higher prices and busier beaches, but excellent conditions for sunbathing, snorkeling and festivals like Crop Over later in the season.

Higher humidity and increased rainfall, especially from August to October; the island is at low-to-moderate hurricane risk — buy travel insurance and monitor forecasts if traveling in this window. Many rainy spells are short; mornings can still be sunny.

Fewer crowds and better rates; weather can be variable with occasional storms, but generally good for lower-cost travel and exploring the island without peak-season congestion.

Warmest months with lively local life and good surf on the east coast. Expect some afternoon showers and higher humidity; accommodation deals sometimes available despite growing interest in summer travel.

The majority group, descendants of enslaved Africans, with a strong cultural influence on music, food and customs.

Includes people of British and other European ancestry and mixed heritage — visible in historical estates and cultural institutions.

Small communities of East Indian, Syrian-Lebanese and other origins contribute to the island’s cultural and culinary diversity.

A notable expatriate population from the UK, North America and Europe lives or retires on the island; tourism also brings a rotating international presence.

The most popular sport on the island — Barbados has a proud cricketing history and has produced world-class players. Test matches and regional competitions draw strong local interest; Kensington Oval in Bridgetown is the main stadium.

Sailing, yachting and regattas are significant — the calm west coast is ideal for sailing, and the island hosts boating events and charters year-round.

Surfing on the east coast (Bathsheba) and bodyboarding, windsurfing and kitesurfing in suitable windy spots. Diving and snorkeling are also widely practiced.

Popular at the community level with local leagues and recreational matches across the island.