Background

Pelican Village Craft Centre: A Bajan Artisan Hub

Discover authentic Barbadian arts and crafts at Pelican Village, a vibrant hub near Bridgetown offering unique souvenirs and cultural experiences.

4.1

Pelican Village Craft Centre, located just outside Bridgetown, is a vibrant hub of Barbadian artistry. This colorful village offers an immersive experience where visitors can witness the creation of authentic Bajan crafts and purchase unique souvenirs directly from local artisans.

A brief summary to Dre's Bar Pelican Village Craft Centre

  • Monday 8 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-10 pm
  • Friday 8 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the workshops to see artisans creating crafts firsthand and learn about their techniques.
  • Try local Bajan cuisine and refreshing drinks at the restaurants and bars within the village.
  • Check for special events and festivals that showcase Barbadian music, dance, and cuisine.
  • Bargaining is acceptable in some shops, especially when purchasing multiple items.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal, Pelican Village is approximately a 5-10 minute walk. Exit the terminal and follow the paved walkway along the harbor towards Bridgetown. Continue along the Princess Alice Highway; Pelican Village will be on your left. Look for the colorful chattel house-style buildings. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    From the Princess Alice Terminal or Fairchild Street Terminal in Bridgetown, numerous bus routes serve the Pelican Village area. Look for buses heading along Princess Alice Highway (1, 1D, 1G, 1P, 2, 22A, 51). The standard bus fare is BDS$3.50 (approximately US$1.75), payable in local currency. Alight at the bus stop closest to the Bridgetown Port Entrance/Exit, a short 2-minute walk to Pelican Village.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Bridgetown. A short taxi ride from the city center to Pelican Village will cost approximately BDS$15-20 (US$7.50-10), depending on traffic and the starting point. Confirm the fare with the driver before commencing the journey.

  • Driving

    If driving, follow Princess Alice Highway on the outskirts of Bridgetown. Ample parking is available at the Pelican Village Craft Centre. Alternatively, the Princess Alice Highway multi-storey car park offers additional parking with an automated entrance and exit. Parking fees at the multi-storey car park are BDS$1.50 (US$0.75) per hour.

Unlock the Best of Dre's Bar Pelican Village Craft Centre

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Dre's Bar Pelican Village Craft Centre

Pelican Village Craft Centre, a vibrant and colourful artisan hub, sits a stone's throw from the heart of Bridgetown, offering a captivating immersion into the island's rich artistic heritage. More than just a shopping destination, Pelican Village is a living, breathing testament to Bajan craftsmanship, where visitors can witness the creation of unique, handmade treasures and connect directly with the talented artisans behind them. Originally named Pelican Island, the area was once a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Barbados. In 1961, it was merged with the mainland during the construction of the Deep Water Harbour. For a time, the island served as a quarantine facility for ships. In 1999, it was renovated and reborn as Pelican Village, a dedicated space for local artisans to showcase their talents. Today, Pelican Village stands as the largest arts and crafts center in the Caribbean, a testament to Barbados's rich artistic heritage. The village is designed as a cluster of brightly painted chattel houses, traditional Barbadian homes that were once easily movable. These colorful buildings house over 25 retail shops and 14 workshops, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere for visitors. As you stroll through the village, you'll encounter a diverse array of locally made products. Talented artisans display their skills in pottery, creating beautiful and functional pieces from Barbados's red clay. Woodworkers carve intricate sculptures and practical items from mahogany and other local woods. Seamstresses create vibrant batik fabrics, transforming them into clothing, wall hangings, and unique accessories. You'll also find straw basketry, metal art, paintings, and a variety of other handcrafted treasures. Many of the shops have attached workshops, allowing you to witness the creative process firsthand. Watch potters mold clay on their wheels, woodcarvers meticulously shape mahogany, and artists paint vibrant scenes of Barbadian life. This interactive experience provides a deeper appreciation for the skill and dedication of these local craftspeople. Beyond the crafts, Pelican Village offers a range of amenities to enhance your visit. There are several restaurants and bars where you can sample local Bajan cuisine and refreshing drinks. Public restrooms are available for your convenience. The village is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience.

Popular Experiences near Dre's Bar Pelican Village Craft Centre

Popular Hotels near Dre's Bar Pelican Village Craft Centre

Select Currency