Barbados nightlife can be as good as it gets. There is something for everyone in Barbados, from reggae to smooth jazz. But to have a truly memorable evening, in a good way, follow these guidelines. Pay attention, fellow travelers, then put on your dancing shoes and head out!
1. Know what you want. Select your type of enjoyment and do some research. If you like jazz, reggae or rock, do your research to discover the best type of evening. Fine dining and a ride on the waves? A chilled out chilled evening with calming music and good conversation? It’s your choice.
2. Dress a little more formal than you would at a beach resort in the United States. As part of the British Commonwealth, more conservative dress is required: dresses or trousers for women and collared shirts for men; no cut off jeans. And no camouflage-patterned material—it’s illegal in Barbados.
3. Decide your location. West Coast? South coast? Generally speaking, these are your options. The west coast is centered around Holetown, where First and Second streets have their own collection of restaurants and bars, but also radiate into other offbeat spots that can be fun. On the south coast, you’ll probably end up at St. Lawrence Gap or Oistins, each with their own personality and entertainment options.
4. Plan the night. A good night is usually a planned night, even if those plans are flexible enough for the wonderful opportunities that may arise. Dancing only? Snacks and dancing? Hang out in charming local pubs (called “rum shops”)? Full dinner? Or you can do it all at The Plantation, where entertainment, dining and dancing go hand in hand.
5. Choose your companions well. Good friends make a good night. You may want to invite some people you met at your hotel or apartment. Or maybe you just want to be a romantic partner for the night. But use common sense when inviting obvious hangers-on, be they locals or tourists. You want a great experience with no regrets afterwards. This mainly applies to single women traveling, who can fall prey to insincere Lotharios.
6. Take cash, but don’t show it. Most restaurants accept credit cards, but if you’re bar hopping, the answer is cash. US dollars are accepted everywhere (at 2 Barbados dollars each), but local cash is more discreet. And don’t let strangers see how much you carry. Our experience is that the Bajans are overwhelmingly honest, but they are human after all.
7. Always know where you are. If you are going to take a taxi, know where on the island you are and where to catch a taxi back when you are ready. Barbados taxi drivers are nice people, but you want to be able to find one and give directions, even after a night enjoying the country’s excellent rum.
8. Make a plan to return to your hotel or condo. driving? Exercise by retracing your route, as streets are not well marked in Barbados. Walking? Keep a few landmarks in mind. If you plan to end the night in the action-packed historic St. Lawrence Gap (easy if you’re staying there), there’s a good security presence most of the night.
9. Barbados is a generally safe island, and you’ll want to explore every inch of it, but don’t be stupid. Stay away from the beaches at night.
10. Watch your rum consumption. The rum was created in Barbados; Mount Gay is famous all over the world. But surprise you with our famous rum punch and mojitos.
Enjoy Barbados! The fun on our white sand beaches during the day and in our clubs at night is second to none.