How to Spend FIVE DAYS in Barbados: 5-Day Itinerary

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Planning a trip to Barbados? You’re in for an unforgettable escape!

Barbados is basically paradise, and I know that we’re not the only ones who feel that way. The breathtaking scenery and the easygoing island energy will make you want to stay forever, but since that’s probably not possible, we’ve devised the perfect five-day itinerary for you. 

This itinerary covers the island’s best bits, but we’ve still worked in plenty of time to rest and relax between adventures. We’ve also got all of the details on timing, transport, and food to make everything extra easy. This guide will help you make the most of your five days in Barbados, so let’s get into it!

Itinerary Overview 

To make the most of your time in Barbados, we highly recommend renting a car. You don’t strictly need one, but it will definitely make your life a lot easier. Public buses are available, but they can be a bit unpredictable when it comes to timing and routes. Having your own wheels puts you in control and gives you the freedom to visit beaches, gardens, and coastal viewpoints without worrying about strict schedules.  

We have used Discover Cars to hire cars all over the world, and it has always worked really well for us. It makes it easy to compare providers so that you can find the best deals and ensure you’re renting from a reputable company. 

Day 1: Start your Barbados adventure by exploring the island’s stunning north coast on a private tour, then enjoy a classic Bajan lunch before spending the afternoon relaxing on the beaches around Bridgetown.  

Day 2: Today, we’re heading out on an epic snorkeling tour to swim with turtles and shipwrecks. Then, in the evening, enjoy a stylish dinner followed by a peaceful stroll along The Richard Haynes Boardwalk.  

Day 3: Dive into local flavors on a Bridgetown walking food tour, then head to Hunte’s Garden and the charming village of Bathsheba. Wrap up the day with dinner and drinks in Saint Lawrence Gap, aka Barbados’ party central! 

Day 4: Get your adventure fix at Harrison’s Cave in the morning, then spend the afternoon soaking up the sun on some of the South Coast’s most beautiful beaches. 

Day 5: Spend the morning exploring the Scotland District on an e-bike adventure, followed by lunch on the beach. In the afternoon, enjoy Barbados’ rum culture with a guided tasting experience, then finish your time on the island with dinner and drinks.

Day 1 

Morning – Explore the North Coast 

We’re kicking off this Barbados itinerary by exploring the island’s beautiful North Coast. To do that, we recommend booking this private tour. You can actually use this to explore any part of Barbados since it’s a customizable experience, but the North Coast is really special.

The tour runs from  8:30 am to 12:30 pm, and it includes hotel pickup and drop-off to make life easy. As you begin, you can speak to your guide about your interests, and they’ll ensure that you won’t miss out on any must-do experiences.

Highlights include the stunning Animal Flower Cave, a steam train ride at St Nicholas Abbey Plantation, and panoramic views at Cherry Tree Hill. Oh, and don’t forget about the diverse wildlife at the Barbados Wildlife Refuge!

The North Coast is generally a quieter part of the island, so we really appreciate the fact that this tour doesn’t make you rush through it all. With group tours, there’s always a schedule to stick to, but since this is a private experience, you set the pace. And it turns out we’re not the only ones who are big fans—you can read 180+ five-star reviews here.

Book your private North Coast tour here with free cancellation!

Lunch – Cuz’s Fish Stand

By the time your morning tour wraps up, you’ll definitely be ready for a bite to eat, and Cuz’s Fish Stand is just the spot. It’s a local favorite in Bridgetown that’s beloved for its cutter sandwiches. 

In case you didn’t know, cutter sandwiches are a real Bajan specialty. They’re sandwiches packed with freshly fried fish, and they are soooo yummy. You have to try them while you’re here, and there’s really nowhere better to do that than Cuz’s, so tuck in! Just keep in mind they’re closed on Saturdays, so make sure to plan ahead.

Afternoon – Relax on the beach 

Of course, beach time is an essential part of any good Barbados itinerary, so spend the rest of the day relaxing on the pure white sand! After lunch in Bridgetown, we recommend heading to Pebbles Beach and Brownes Beach for a dreamy afternoon of sunshine and swimming in the turquoise waters. These public beaches actually run into each other, so you can easily wander between them.  

Both locations are generally pretty quiet, meaning you should have plenty of space to unwind without the crowds. This is the perfect way to recharge after your morning of sightseeing, and there are several beach bars and restaurants dotted around where you can grab dinner and drinks later on. 

Day 2

Breakfast – Sage Bistro Barbados

Your morning tour doesn’t start until 10 am, so if you feel like it, you can always wander out and grab breakfast beforehand in central Bridgetown. Sage Bistro serves a nice mixture of hearty and fresh options, as well as strong coffee and juice. It’s the perfect spot to fuel up for your snorkeling adventure, although bear in mind that it’s closed on Mondays.

Mid-day – Snorkel with turtles and a shipwreck

Snorkeling with turtles? You don’t need to ask us twice! 

Barbados is home to some world-class snorkeling, and this top-rated tour ensures that you’ll experience the best of it. Not only does it offer you the chance to get up close to turtles, but it also involves snorkeling over a shipwreck. How cool is that?

There’s a 3- or a 5-hour tour available, but we suggest booking the 5-hour tour, which runs from 10 am until 3 pm. It only costs around $30 USD extra, and it means you get lunch included, plus a visit to an extra snorkel spot. Hotel pickup is offered, but you just need to make sure you contact the tour company after booking to let them know where you’re staying.

The warm, calm waters here are super clear and offer excellent visibility. Of course, there are no guarantees, but if you take a look at all of the glowing reviews, you’ll see that it’s not uncommon to spot several turtles. And you’ll definitely get to see tons of tropical fish, as well as a historic shipwreck, which your guide will teach you all about.

Normally, you have to go scuba diving down to a shipwreck, so being able to snorkel around one is a fantastic opportunity, especially for those who haven’t got their PADI certification!

Along the way, you can enjoy light snacks on board, plus you get a delicious local lunch with the 5-hour tour. And, best of all, you’ll get to wash it down with complimentary drinks. Does this sound like the perfect day or what?

Read 2,000+ 5-star reviews and book this epic snorkeling adventure here!

Dinner – Tapas 

I don’t know about you, but I always feel pleasantly tired after snorkeling, so take some time to relax and wash up back at your hotel before heading out for a nice dinner tonight. Tapas is a stylish spot in Bridgetown that serves up flavorful dishes inspired by Spanish cuisine. Expect a lot of fresh seafood and great drinks to boot! Plus, it sits right on the edge of the ocean, so it’s the ideal spot to watch the sun go down.

We definitely recommend making a reservation online here because this spot is really popular. It closes at 9 pm each night, so we suggest booking for around 6-7 pm.

Evening – Walk along The Richard Haynes Boardwalk

When you step out of Tapas, you’ll find yourself on the Richard Haynes Boardwalk, which just so happens to be the perfect spot for a relaxing evening stroll. There’s a nice atmosphere along here in the evenings, and nothing beats a gentle walk with the sounds of the ocean all around you. It’s the perfect way to end your second day in beautiful Barbados!

Day 3 

Morning – Bridgetown food tour

Now, I’m not usually one to recommend skipping breakfast (it’s the most important meal of the day, after all), but I do today because you’re going to eat a TON on this Bridgetown food tour! It runs from 10:30 am until 1:30 pm every day except Mondays, so you won’t have to wait too long to chow down. 

And once you do, you’ll get to try everything from black sugarcakes and fresh fruit to fishcakes, Bajan chicken, and macaroni pie. As you sample these classic island dishes, you’ll learn all about how a multitude of different cultures have shaped Barbados’ food, and thanks to your local guide, you’ll avoid all of the tourist traps. Authentic Bajan food is incredible, so we love the fact that this tour delivers the real deal!

As well as eating a ton, you’ll get to explore the center of Bridgetown, which is actually UNESCO-listed thanks to its well-preserved colonial architecture. Your guide will share more about the city’s history and offer some personal insight into what life is really like here for locals.

The tour begins and ends at a designated point in Bridgetown, which makes it easy to head to Hunte’s Garden and Bathsheba later this afternoon. We also think it’s a pretty great value for money, since it counts as both breakfast and lunch today, so you essentially get two meals as well as one super fun activity. And clearly we’re not alone in this, since it has 1,100+ 5-star reviews!

Grab your spot on this popular food tour here before it sells out!

Afternoon – Hunte’s Garden and Bathsheba

Hunte’s Garden 

Start your afternoon with a visit to Hunte’s Garden, a historic garden located about 20 minutes from Bridgetown. It’s a lush, landscape space that’s perfect for a leisurely walk. The exotic plants and vibrant flowers are definitely worth spending an hour or two on, as it’s a great way to see some of Barbados’ most interesting flora. Admission costs $20 USD per person, which we think is worth it for the peaceful atmosphere and photo opportunities.

Bathsheba 

After exploring the garden, take a short 10-minute drive to the charming East Coast village of Bathsheba. We recommend this area because it offers a totally different vibe from Bridgetown. It feels much more laid back and coastal here, and everything runs on Caribbean time! 

Bathsheba is famous for its surf scene, so we suggest heading to The Soup Bowl to watch surfers catching waves—this is a viewpoint, not a restaurant, just FYI. But if you do get hungry, you can stop by Dina’s Bar & Cafe for a quick lunch or snack. It’s a bright spot with pretty coastal views and lots of authentic local fare on the menu, including fresh seafood.

Evening – Saint Lawrence Gap 

After a day of exploring, Saint Lawrence Gap (affectionately known as “The Gap”) is the perfect spot to experience Barbados’ nightlife. This area is packed with buzzing bars and restaurants, and a scenic boardwalk. It’s ideal for an evening stroll or bar-hopping adventure! 

The Gap is a fun area with something for everyone to enjoy, from casual beach bars to more upscale eateries, so just choose whatever tickles your fancy! There’s also plenty of live music to enjoy, and it’s one of the island’s best spots for people watching. 

Dinner – Cocktail Kitchen 

As we said, there are lots of restaurants to choose from in the Gap, but if you need a recommendation, we love Cocktail Kitchen. This is a modern, sophisticated spot that serves elevated bar bites and yummy drinks. There’s always a great atmosphere here, and the service is super friendly, so this is definitely our top pick for a dinner spot in the Gap.

Day 4 

Morning – Check out Harrison Cave 

Every Barbados trip needs a healthy dose of nature and adventure, so that’s why we’re heading out to visit Harrison Cave this morning! The best way to see the cave is with a guide, so we highly recommend booking this tour for 10 am.

The day begins with a short introductory film, then it’s time to hop on the tram for a guided journey deep into Harrison’s Cave. Along the way, you’ll glide past streams and waterfalls, as well as striking stalactite and stalagmite formations. As you take it all in, your guide will share fascinating facts about the history and ecology of the cave to give you context for what you’re seeing.

After exploring the cave, it’s time to get your adrenaline pumping on Barbados’ famous (or should that be infamous?) Monkey Zipline. The course was named after the island’s green monkeys, and it will have you soaring up to 100 feet above the ground, with lots of twists and turns along the way. 

After your aerial adventure, enjoy a relaxing walk along the nature trail where you can take in the local flora and fauna before stopping by an aviary to meet Barbados’ colorful birds. By the time you’re dropped back at your hotel at around 1 pm, you’ll have experienced Barbados’ jungle from every angle!

Read 250+ 5-star reviews and book this epic adventure here!

Afternoon – South Coast Beaches

You had quite the adventure exploring Harrison’s Cave and flying through the treetops this morning, so now it’s time to slow things down and enjoy Barbados’ stunning South Coast beaches. These are roughly a 30-minute drive from Bridgetown, so grab a bite to eat before you hit the road and pack some snacks and drinks for the afternoon. You can easily spend the rest of the day hopping between beaches, or just pick your favorite and settle in for a few lazy hours by the sea! Here are a few of our favorite options:

• Crane Beach – This is often called the most beautiful beach in Barbados, and when you see the soft pink sand and turquoise water, you’ll see why! Now, I will say that people on Instagram often turn up the contrast to make the sand seem more pink than it is, so expect a subtle blush hue rather than a bright shade.

• Bottom Bay – Here, you’ll see a more rugged, dramatic landscape framed by limestone cliffs and swaying palms. The waves here are strong, though, so it’s not the place for a swim.

• Shark Hole – Don’t be put off by the name! This tiny cove is protected by rocks, so while it’s not great for lounging, it’s the perfect spot for a quick dip. 

• Miami Beach – This beach is closer to Bridgetown, and it’s one of the island’s most popular local spots. You’ll find calm waters on one side and livelier surf on the other, as well as a few food stalls nearby for a casual lunch.

Dinner – Champers Restaurant Barbados

After a blissful afternoon on the South Coast beaches, head back to your hotel to freshen up for dinner. We’re going upscale tonight, so you’ll want to make yourself presentable! 

Champers is one of Barbados’ best fine-dining spots. It’s set right on the water with incredible ocean views, and it’s definitely the kind of place you’ll want to dress up for—and maybe snap a few photos with the ocean in the background. 

The menu features a mix of Caribbean and international dishes, and they all come beautifully presented. The seafood here is a real standout, though, especially the grilled mahi-mahi and coconut shrimp. There’s an excellent wine list, too! 

Be sure to make a reservation online in advance, as this spot is popular with both locals and tourists alike. It’s a really special way to wrap up another day in paradise.

Day 5

Morning – Explore the Scotland district on an e-bike

Barbados is known for its stunning scenery, so what better way to spend your final day here than exploring its coastline and rolling hills on this e-bike tour? Electric bikes are also a real godsend in the heat, I can tell you! 

The morning tour begins at 9 am every day but Saturdays and lasts for 2 hours. Hotel pickup is offered, but that starts from 8 am onwards, so you’ll need to be ready nice and early. Then, you’ll be driven across the island to the Scotland District, which is a quiet section of the island known for its rugged scenery and unique flora and fauna. It’s very different from the rest of Barbados, so it’s well worth checking out. 

Highlights of this tour include the striking St. John’s Parish Church, sweeping views at Chimborazo Peak, and the ruins at Hackleton’s Cliff. There’s also a refreshment stop where you’ll get to refuel with rum punch in true Caribbean style.

But it’s not just about the scenery. This tour is a great opportunity to learn about Barbados’ colonial past. There’s also some local folklore sprinkled in, as well as insights into rum production and rural Barbadian traditions. It’s the perfect way to kick off your last day here!

Read over a THOUSAND 5-star reviews and book this heritage e-bike tour here!

Lunch – Big Ray’s Flava on the Beach

By the time your morning bike tour wraps up, you’ll be ready to refuel, so head to Big Ray’s Flava on the Beach for some hearty grilled food. This place serves up yummy burgers and loaded fries, as well as barbecued chicken, tuna, and ribs. I’m honestly getting hungry just thinking about it! 

And as the name suggests, this spot is right on the beach, so you couldn’t ask for a better lunch location! Plus, it’s just a 5-minute walk from our next spot. It’s a rum tasting, so be sure to eat plenty to line your stomach well.

Afternoon – Mount Gay Rum tasting tour

Barbados is world-famous for its rum culture, so you can’t leave the island without a Mount Gay rum tasting tour! Book this experience for 1:30 pm, as it starts just a 5-minute walk from today’s beachfront lunch spot. It only lasts for an hour, so you’ll be done by 2:30 pm and have the rest of the afternoon to spend however you see fit! 

Mount Gay Rum is one of—if not THE— best known Bajan rums, and of course, you need to taste it to learn all about it… duh! You’ll start by watching a short film about the history of rum in Barbados, before checking out some of the factory facilities. This isn’t a full-on distillery tour, but you will definitely get a better idea of how rum is made.

And then comes the best part: tasting four of Mount Gay’s specialty rums! And this is a guided tasting, which means you’ll learn how to distinguish the different notes in each one and gain a deeper appreciation for what you’re drinking. Then, you’ll round off with some complimentary rum punch. 

Barbados’ rum is widely recognized as the best rum in the world, so you really can’t miss the chance to do a tasting while you’re on the island. However, this tour isn’t available on Sundays and does book up fast, so we suggest reserving your spot at least a few weeks in advance to ensure that you get the 1:30 pm timeslot. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this one!

Book this Mount Gay rum tasting here and pay nothing until 48 hours before you go!

Late afternoon – Beaches, museums, or shopping

It’s your last day in Barbados, so use this afternoon to take it easy and enjoy whatever you might have missed earlier in your trip. If you’re like me, you might want to spend a few more hours soaking up the sun at one of the island’s gorgeous beaches. There’s really no such thing as too much beach time here!

But if you’re looking for something different, Barbados Museum & Historical Society or the George Washington House are both great options for a relaxed dose of history and culture. They’re located close to each other in Bridgetown, so you could even visit both if you’re up for it!

And of course, no trip is complete without picking up a few souvenirs. Head to the Quayside Centre Shopping Plaza for local crafts, beachwear, and island-inspired keepsakes. It’s a great spot to grab those last-minute gifts before you say goodbye to beautiful Barbados.

Dinner – Oistin’s Fish Fry

Experiencing Oistin’s Fish Fry is a must while you’re in Barbados because it’s just so much fun. It only runs on a Friday night, so if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to share your last night here, enjoying one of the island’s most iconic weekly events. But of course, day five might not fall on Friday. If that’s the case, don’t worry because you can just swap your dinner plans around with another night to ensure that you don’t miss out.

This event is a lively outdoor fish fry that mixes delicious food and music together to create an unforgettable evening. You’ll find rows of food stalls serving freshly grilled seafood like mahi mahi, flying fish, and lobsters, as well as traditional sides like macaroni pie and fried plantains.

The food is incredible, but the atmosphere is even better. You’ll listen to live bands and DJs spinning reggae and soca while attendees dance together under the stars. This is an authentic Barbadian experience that brings together locals and visitors alike, so it will really end your day on a high note. 

Related Read: For more incredible beaches, tours, and local experiences to add to your island itinerary, check out our guide to the best things to do in Barbados here!

Where to Stay in Barbados 

Now that you’ve got the ideal Barbados itinerary sorted, you just need a great place to stay! Now, Barbados might be a small island, but that doesn’t mean choices are limited, so we’ve sifted through the best options and outlined our top picks below. Whether you’re seeking a budget base or a luxury stay, we’ve got you covered!

Before you book, do be aware of the fact that prices tend to surge closer to the high season, which runs from October to April. Hotels are also known to book up quickly during this time, so don’t wait to reserve your stay. Locking it in ASAP helps you get the best price possible, and Booking.com often offers generous cancellation policies so you don’t need to stress if your plans end up changing.

Now, with all of that out of the way, here are three great options for your stay!

Luxury – $$$

If you’re dreaming of a luxury resort for your Barbados vacation, the Beach View Hotel is my top pick! Located on the West Coast, it has some of the top restaurants and nightlife. You can book standard hotel rooms, suites, or villas here, and each unit is equipped with all the amenities you’ll need for a relaxing stay. There are four onsite pools to choose from, and you’re a short drive to Payne’s Bay Beach – talk about vacation vibes!

Prices start at around $200 to $450 USD per night here, and there’s a three-night minimum. Check availability and book this resort on Booking.com!

Mid-range – $$

The Palms Resort is a lovely resort, and price-wise, it’s middle of the road for Barbados. We love it because it offers spacious, airy rooms and a pretty on-site pool. Plus, it’s a short walk to Shady Lane Beach, so we’re big fans of the location. 

This property offers suite-style rooms or one- and two-bedroom apartments that make for a very comfortable stay! They require a minimum stay of 2 nights, but who stays in Barbados for just one night anyway? 

Prices start from $150 to $300 USD, depending on the time of year. Check prices and book this stay on Booking.com!

Budget – $

The Monteray Hotel is located in the lively Dover Beach area, and we think it represents great value for money. This is a budget condo hotel, so while it’s not the most luxurious accommodation, it’s clean and comfortable. To be honest, if you follow our itinerary, you’re going to be out and about exploring a lot of the time anyway, so staying here is a great way to cut some costs while still having a homey spot to rest your head at the end of the day.

Again, there’s a two-night minimum stay here, which is to be expected in Barbados. Prices average around $135 USD per night for a studio and range up to $250 USD per night for a 3-bedroom villa, which is ideal for groups. Secure your stay now over at Booking.com!

Renting a Car in the Caribbean

Renting a car in the Caribbean gives you the freedom to explore beyond the resorts—think secluded beaches, remote viewpoints, and vibrant local towns that buses don’t reach. As long as you are prepared for the road conditions and informed about local driving rules, renting a car can be a great addition to your trip!

We always book through Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s easy to compare providers, filter for exactly what you need (like an automatic or 4×4), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want all the details, check out our full Discover Cars review here.

Tips for Renting a Car in the Caribbean

• Know the driving side: Some Caribbean islands drive on the left, while others stick to the right. It really varies island to island, so double-check before you go—and make sure you’re comfortable driving on that side of the road, especially if it’s different from home.
• Know the local driving rules: Road laws and signage can differ between islands, so it’s worth doing a quick check before pickup. Seatbelts are usually mandatory, texting and driving is typically illegal, and honking is often just a friendly heads-up. Expect low speed limits and shared roads—think scooters, pedestrians, and even the occasional animal—so stay alert and take your time!
• Add full insurance: Roads can be unpredictable, with potholes, hills, and narrow lanes—especially outside resort areas. For that reason, we always recommend adding on full coverage insurance to your rental. Discover Cars makes this super easy (and affordable!) to add on, so you can drive with peace of mind.
• Choose the right car: For beach tracks or hilly inland roads, a compact SUV or 4×4 might be your best bet. Discover Cars makes it easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, or even luggage space to suit your needs.
• Watch for extra fees: Some rental companies charge sand cleaning fees, airport pickup surcharges, or require you to return the car spotless. It’s nothing to stress over—just check the fine print so you’re not caught off guard.

What You Need to Rent a Car in the Caribbean

• A valid driver’s license from your home country.
• On some islands, a temporary/visitor’s driving permit may be required. These are normally issued by the rental agency for a fee. Check with your company in advance, so you’re not surprised by extra costs at pickup!
• An IDP (International Driving Permit) may be required depending on your destination and the language of your license. Always check the country’s requirements beforehand so you’re prepared.
• A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
• Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.

Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the Caribbean Islands on your own terms!

Thanks for reading!

Five days in Barbados is the perfect amount of time to fall in love with this Caribbean gem! Between the golden beaches, vibrant culture, delicious food, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures, it’s impossible not to be swept up by the island’s charm. Whether you follow this itinerary exactly or mix and match your favorite spots, you’re guaranteed to experience the very best that Barbados has to offer.

Before you start packing, be sure to check out our other Caribbean travel guides here for more itineraries, hidden gems, and hotel recommendations to make your next island getaway just as unforgettable. Or scroll down to get started with some of our favorites below. Here’s to your next sunny adventure in paradise!

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