Bridgetown Audio Walking Tour

The heart of modern Barbados. See the giant national flag set into the pavement and the statue of Errol Barrow — the Father of Independence who led Barbados to sovereignty on November 30th, 1966.

The natural harbour that gave Bridgetown its name. Ships were "careened" (tilted on their sides) here for cleaning and repair. Originally called Indian Bridge Towne after a bridge built by the indigenous Amerindians.

A swing bridge from 1872, topped with the Independence Arch built in 1987. Look for the broken trident — the national symbol representing the breaking of colonial ties with Britain.

Formerly Trafalgar Square. Home to a bronze statue of Lord Nelson erected in 1813 — nearly 30 years before London's Nelson's Column! Renamed in 1999 to honour Barbados's 10 National Heroes.

One of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere, built in the 1650s by Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution in Brazil. Barbados granted Jews full civil rights in 1661 — over 200 years before England did.

Bean-to-bar artisan chocolate, made in Bridgetown since 2010. Learn the ancient history of cacao — did you know Aztecs used cacao beans as currency? Tours include tastings and vintage machinery.

An eco-cafe on Princess Alice Highway, near the spot where Pelican Island once existed as a separate island before being reclaimed into the mainland in the 1950s. Great harbour views and speciality coffee.

The final stop! Vibrant street art at one of the Caribbean's busiest cruise ports. Barbados is the most easterly island in the Caribbean — ships from Europe hit here first, which is why Bridgetown became such a historic port.