St. Michael is located in the southwestern part of Barbados that is a beautiful Caribbean island.
Actually, it is not only one of the country’s 11 parishes but also a home for the capital city – Bridgetown.
Of course, Barbados is known for its amazing beaches and considered one of the Best Beach Getaways Around the World.
However, it doesn’t mean you should limit yourself with only some beach-time.
St.Michael has lots of great things you should see and try and we’ve collected some of them in this article.
Contents
- See St. Michael’s Cathedral
- Visit the Barbados Museum and Historical Society
- Watch a Horserace at the Garrison Savannah Racetrack
- Drink at the Mount Gay Rum Distillery
- Stroll the Cheapside Market
- Ride a Bajan Bus
- Take a Submarine Ride
- Marvel at the Jewish Synagogue
- Go to a Match at the Kensington Oval
- Barbados Safety Overview
See St. Michael’s Cathedral
In the mid of the 17th century, English people arrived in Barbados and since then locals become very religious.
Nowadays, about 95% of the local population identifies themselves as Christian.
The most significant religious place on the island is St. Michael’s Cathedral that is the tallest Anglican church in the area.
Moreover, it is known as the home to the biggest pipe organ in the entire Caribbean.
Weekly, this place is visited by more than 1 600 people that come there to worship.
If you want to learn about the Barbadian culture, it is a great place to start with.
Visit the Barbados Museum and Historical Society
Visiting this amazing country, you for sure need to learn at least something about its history.
During its long history, the island experienced slavery, colonialism, independence movements, and even civil wars.
The best place to learn about all these events is, of course, the Barbados Museum and History Society.
It is located in the building where previously was the British Military Prison.
The museum is divided into 8 sections that have their own themes.
For example. at the African Gallery, you can learn about the African culture that is still vivid on the island.
At the Jubilee Gallery, you have an opportunity to see various artifacts that show 4000 years of human history.
Also, there are galleries dedicated to the history of jazz, cricket, war, and independence in Barbados.
Watch a Horserace at the Garrison Savannah Racetrack
One other place you need to visit during your stay at Bridgetown is the Garrison Savannah Racetrack.
This tradition was imported there by foreigners but now it is an important part of local culture.
Horse races are held there daily so you just need to dress up and make a bet on the best steed you can find.
Drink at the Mount Gay Rum Distillery
The rum industry is an important part of the Barbadian culture so make sure to learn about it.
Just take a little rest from sunny beaches and visit the Mount Gay Rum Distillery.
There you can learn about local rum production and its history.
However, make sure to have some meal befor your visit as your visit will for sure end with some sampling.
Also, you have an opportunity to buy a few bottles of rum at cheaper prices than at any other place around the country.
Stroll the Cheapside Market
St. Michael’s Cheapside Market is the place where you can find almost anything including great souvenirs, t-shirts, fresh fruits, and so on.
Cheapside is a great market right in the center of the capital that operates every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
In fact, you don’t need to buy something as just walking through colorful stripes is a great opportunity to learn about local culture.
Ride a Bajan Bus
Bajan buses are used as the main mean of transportation on the island for many years.
These colorful, intricately-decorated school vehicles are very popular among locals and tourists.
You can enroll in a guided tour on one of Bajan buses.
In fact, these buses are very similar to Chiva buses in Colombia and jeepneys in the Philippines.
If you are looking for a reputable tour company that offers Bajan bus tours, we highly recommend you #1 Bujan Bus.
Take a Submarine Ride
As we’ve mentioned befor, Barbados is well-known for its gorgeous beaches.
Most people just like lounging on the sand during their visit to this island.
It is an absolutely great and relaxing time but we also recommend you to take a submarine ride.
Caribbean sea is known for its amazing underwater world so make sure to enjoy this incredible possibility to see the beauty of the underwater world around St. Michael.
Atlantis Submarines can help you dive down 150 feet so you can see colorful tropical fishes and corrals.
Marvel at the Jewish Synagogue
In the 17th century, Jews were persecuted in South America so some of them decided to move to Barbados and settle there.
Back then they created the Jewish Synagogue on the island.
Now it is known as one of the oldest active synagogues in the entire world.
The building was restored in the 1980s so now it is in great condition.
During your visit there you can learn not only about Jewish religion but also about slavery and slave trade as well as its impact on the modern world.
Go to a Match at the Kensington Oval
Professional sport is very popular in Barbados and one of the most popular sports is cricket.
In 2007, the Kensington Oval that is the main stadium of the country was built to host the International Cricket World Cup.
Annually, numerous cricket games are held there, including local, national, and international matches.
The stadium was significantly renovated less than 10 years ago and now it is the most amazing sports locations in the country.
Barbados Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Barbados Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
