There are many restaurants offering both international and traditional Bajan cuisine at a variety of prices.
Things to know: An exchange ‘Dine Around’ system is operated between some hotels of the same class and guests can eat at other hotels for no extra cost.
There are numerous bars which emulate the British pub and serve genuine British bitter and stout.
National specialities:
• Flying fish.
• Lobster.
• Crane chubb.
• The sea urchin (oursin or sea egg).
• Other specialities include sweet potatoes, plantains, breadfruit, yams and such fruits as avocados, pears, soursops, pawpaws, bananas, figs and coconuts.
National drinks:
• All types of rum-based cocktails, rum punch, planters punch, pina coladas and sangria.
• The two most famous rums are Cockspur’s Five Star and, for the connoisseur, Mount Gay (the oldest rum blend on the island).
• The local beer is Banks.
Tipping: In restaurants or nightclubs, tips are usually 10 to 15 per cent. Porters’ tips are at the customer’s discretion.

Nightclubs, discos and bars provide entertainment including limbo dancing, fire-eaters, steel bands and dance bands. There is a small cover charge. As in all Caribbean countries, swinging nightspots tend to come and go with seasons. Coastal boat trips with live entertainment are very popular; most sail twice daily and run buffets, bars and live music. Calypso and reggae will always be in the air, ready to inject the night air with that lively West Indian ambience. Dinner shows are always well attended. The Harbour Lights Extravaganza Dinner Show offers a truly tropical evening of dancing, with a barbeque serving food and free drinks until 0300 (website: www.harbourlightsbarbados.com/beach_extravaganza.htm). The Bajan Roots & Rhythms at the Plantation Theatre is highly interactive with a party atmosphere but family-friendly, dishing up a traditional buffet for those who have exhausted themselves dancing (website: http://theplantation.bb/).

Shopping is a delight and there is a wide range of goods with visitors being able to take some purchases home duty free on production of their passport and air ticket. Liquor and cigarettes are sent to the airport or port for collection on departure. Other items can be taken away at point of purchase. Prices tend to be on the high side, though for such things as jewellery, clothing and ceramics, the high quality often makes the expense worthwhile. Special purchases include rum, straw goods, coral and shell jewellery, prints (batik) and woodcraft. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0830-1600 (supermarkets are open longer on Saturdays).