Bridgetown
Bridgetown is set on Carlisle Bay, the only natural harbor on Barbados. It is a busy city and the country's commercial center. There are numerous colonial buildings, as well as many other reminders of British colonial rule, including monumental obelisks, gothic parliament buildings and a large Anglican cathedral. Bridgetown also boasts a distinctive synagogue. The first synagogue on the site was built in the 1600's, when Barbados had a large Jewish population, but the present building dates from the 19th century.
The Careenage is a beautiful inlet that cuts into the center of town. There is always a lot of activity going on there, as recreational vessels come an go all the time. Queen's Park is a good place for picnicking. The 17th-century Barbados Garrison was home to the British Windward and Leeward Islands Command and has now been converted into a museum. There are displays on Barbados' military history and one can see fortifications, brigs and canons there. Another interesting museum is the Barbados Museum, which has small, but good exhibits on the country's history.
There are several hotels and restaurants in Bridgetown. Food can also be purchased from any of the stalls along Baxter's Road. Most of the city's bars and other nightspots are located there as well. Bridgetown is on the southwestern side of Barbados.