HomeVISIT THE CARIBBEANAntigua and Barbuda: An Insider’s Travel Guide to Paradise

Antigua and Barbuda: An Insider’s Travel Guide to Paradise

by URBAN JOURNEY

Did you know Antigua and Barbuda have 365 beaches? That’s one for every day of the year! When you’re not relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches, there is a wealth of exclusive experiences to take part in. To bring you the very best, we consulted local experts to curate this list of restaurants and bars on the islands, as well as fun activities and insider tips for navigating the islands. So if you’re planning a trip, this travel guide for Antigua and Barbuda will get you started. And for more picks in Antigua and Barbuda, be sure to read our Island Insider feature with travel and lifestyle expert, Aaliyah Tuitt.

Stay tuned as we go deeper into the islands to bring you more and more tips and insider recommendations.

Restaurants in Antigua and Barbuda

Explore some of the best restaurants in Antigua and Barbuda. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, beachfront dining with a luxurious twist or just something casual, this list will guide you some of the island’s highlights.

Antigua Vintage Tea House

entrance with antigua tea house

Antigua Vintage Tea House is a charming restaurant and cafe set amongst lush vegetation with a historic sugar mill on its doorstep. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for indulging in a leisurely lunch or afternoon tea. The menu features enticing grazing boards with charcuterie and cheese, as well as sweet treats, refreshing cocktails, and wine.

Address: Fig Tree Dr, John Hughes, Antigua & Barbuda

Follow Antigua Vintage Tea House on Instagram

Big Banana Antigua

entrance of big banana boat antigua

This popular eatery in Antigua is known for serving some of the best pizzas in the Caribbean. You can also fuel up on international dishes like pasta, steak, and fish and chips. The fun atmosphere and historic setting attract both locals and visitors. Over the years, an impressive list of celebrities

Address: Redcliffe Street, Antigua & Barbuda

Casa Roots by the Beach

Casa Roots by the Beach Antigua

Casa Roots is a hidden gem in Antigua with a relaxed, beachfront setting. Known for its fresh seafood, this restaurant provides a delightful dining experience with a fusion of Caribbean and French cuisine and stunning ocean views to boot. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, making it perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, Casa Roots showcases the best of Antigua and Barbuda cuisine, accompanied by creative cocktails and a warm, friendly service.

Follow Casa Roots by the Beach on Instagram

Dennis’s Beach Bar & Restaurant

Ffryes Beach, Saint Mary, Antigua & Barbuda

Dennis Cocktail Bar & Restaurant is popular with tourists and locals alike. This laid-back spot is nestled at the base of a hill with spectacular views of Ffryes Beach and Jolly Beach. Dennis prides himself on providing a great time for his customers, combining unforgettable island hospitality.

NOBU Barbuda

Sushi at Nobu Barbuda

Located on Princess Diana Beach’s pristine shore, the culinary gem Nobu Barbuda is a treat for discerning palates ready to take a flight or boat ride from Antigua, for a tantalizing culinary journey. Nobu Barbuda is renowned for its innovative take on Japanese cuisine and for incorporating a fusion of flavors from around the globe. Indulge in a beachside leisurely lunch or sunset cocktails. Nobu Barbuda is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Address: Prince Diana Beach, Codrington, Antigua & Barbuda

Follow Nobu Barbuda on Instagram

Pepper Pot Rum Shop and Beach Club

local dishes at pepperpot rum antigua
The picturesque Treehouse Beach Club transforms into the Pepperpot Rum Shop for 100 days starting in May. This unique pop-up event will feature a special menu by British chef, and television and radio broadcaster Andi Oliver, who has ancestral roots in Antigua. Sample the national dish of Antigua and Barbuda in a relaxed setting right on the sand.

Address: Fort James, St John’s, Antigua & Barbuda

OJ’s Beach Bar & Restaurant

Soak up breathtaking views and enjoy fresh seafood at OJ’s Bar & Restaurant. Oliver and his wife Angie have decked out the restaurant with seaside treasures like shells, strings of coral, fishing nets and more, creating an ambiance that embodies the spirit of the ocean. Popular dishes include their famous red snapper and lobster salad.

Valley Rd, Crabb Hill Village, Urlings, Antigua & Barbuda

Papa Zouk Fish n’ Rum

Nestled within a quiet neighborhood in St. John’s, Papa Zouk offers rustic allure and vibrant Creole ambiance. This is a haven for seafood lovers with a menu featuring snapper dishes, conch fritters, and the famous bouillabaisse. An extensive array of rums is also sourced from every corner of the globe. Reservations are highly recommended.

Hilda Davis Drive, Dickenson Bay St, St John’s, Antigua & Barbuda

Follow Papa Zouk Fish n’ Rum on Instagram

Sheer Rocks

aerial view of sheer rocks antiguaPerched atop a cliff, Sheer Rocks commands an awe-inspiring vista of Antigua’s west coast. Sample innovative dishes against a backdrop of stunning scenery and magnificent sunset vistas. The menu caters to all palates with a diverse array of seafood and meat dishes, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Address: Ffryes Beach, Valley Road, St Johns, Antigua & Barbuda

Follow Sheer Rocks on Instagram

Smiling Harry’s


If it’s easy-going Antiguan cuisine you’re after, make your way to Smiling Harry’s. Grab a seat on the patio just steps from Half Moon Beach and tuck into delicious dishes like curried goat, pepper pot, Creole fish, and mac pie. Smiling Harry’s also does a weekend brunch with live music every Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.

28R5+6PW, Half Moon Bay Beach, Saint Philip, Antigua and, Barbuda, WI, Antigua & Barbuda

Follow Smiling Harry’s on Instagram

The Pillars Restaurant at The Admiral’s Inn

It’s all about waterfront dining at The Pillars Restaurant at The Admiral’s Inn. The restaurant has a patio that overlooks English Harbour and is shaded by trees. Guests can enjoy elegant seafood dishes like tuna tartar and grilled lobster amid gentle ocean breezes. There is also a poolside restaurant called Boom that serves up cold drinks and creative cuisine.

Address: 265M+FH6 Nelson’s Dockyard, Dockyard Drive, English Harbour, Antigua & Barbuda

Follow Pillars Restaurant on Instagram

Things to Do in Antigua and Barbuda

When it comes to experiences and things to do in Antigua and Barbuda, the list is endless. Whether you’re looking for hidden gems in the islands, luxury experiences or Antigua and Barbuda island excursions, this guide will help you make the most of your trip..

Set Sail on a Tropical Adventure Catamaran Tour

There is no better way to explore the island’s amazing coastlines or visit exotic Barbuda than on the Excellence. The power catamaran has plenty of space for groups to spread out and provides a comfortable ride to some of the most spectacular sights around the islands. Tropical Adventures offers a variety of tours on Excellence and sister boat Mystic.

Go Snorkeling at Stingray City

snorkeling at Stingray City
Snorkeling with stingrays is an absolute must on a trip to Antigua and Barbuda. Stingray City is home to numerous friendly stingrays that you can get up close and personal with. Guests can hold and feed the stingrays in their natural habitat. The snorkeling experience finishes off with a rum or fruit punch on the beach.

Discover Hidden Gems with a Buggy Tour

Get off the beaten track in Antigua with a 268 Buggies tour. Hop into a 4×4, two-seater buggy and let the experienced guides take you along hidden trails and through fields, farms, and swamps. The tours will take you to some of the most remote parts of the country that most visitors don’t get to see.

Soak in Views with Southcoast Horizon Kayaking Tour

Explore the south coast of Antigua on a scenic kayaking tour. South Coast Horizons offers eco-tours that take you along the coast and through mangroves in a lagoon. Along the way, you can soak up views of Guadeloupe, Dominica, Montserrat, and Redonda on the horizon. You can also combine your kayaking trip with a snorkeling tour.

Connect with the Rastafari Community with Humble and Free Wadadli

People on Humble and Free Wadadli Tours

Humble and Free Wadadli is your gateway to immersive experiences in Antigua and Barbuda. Through the tours and experiences, you can authentically connect to the vibrant Rastafari community and uncover the rich cultural tapestry of Antigua. The tours directly support local farmers and Rastafari communities.

Enjoy the Sunset at Shirley Heights Lookout & Blockhouse

view of Shirley Heights

image credit: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority

Shirley Heights offers sweeping views of English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour. Swing by on a Sunday for the Shirley Heights Sunset Party and BBQ. This is the longest-running Sunday party in the Caribbean and it features live music including steelpan musicians. On Thursday evenings, you can enjoy intimate, relaxed Reggae nights.

Prince Diana Beach, Codrington, Antigua & Barbuda

Hiking Trails

Antigua and Barbuda have numerous trails and tracks that are perfect for seasoned trekkers and beginner hikers alike. Join Happy Heights Hiking Tours to discover trails with scenic views of lush hills, historical sites, and amazing coastlines. The tours include refreshments and entrance fees to historic sites.

Discover more

Antigua & Barbuda Beaches

aerial view of jolly beach antigua

There are 365 beaches on Antigua, one for every day of the year. (Anyone up for the challenge?) Most beaches can be found on the calm and protected waters of the Caribbean Sea. All are open to the public. There are also popular spots along the west coast including Ffryes Beach and Morris Bay. Half Moon Bay and Long Bay Dickenson Bay have calm waters ideal for families, while Valley Church Beach is perfect for seafood lovers. Surfing spots like Sand Haven and Fort Barrington are popular, with conditions varying by season. Watersports like stand-up paddleboarding and kite surfing are also popular. Pink Sand Beach on Barbuda is not to miss.

How to Get Around Antigua and Barbuda

Renting a car is an ideal way to discover more of Antigua. A valid driver’s license and an EC$50 fee are required to obtain a permit to drive in Antigua. Taxis are also available throughout Antigua. Fares between the airport, harbor, and many hotels and destinations are fixed and can be obtained upon arrival. While there is an easily accessible public bus transportation service via the East and West Bus Stations, the most popular mode of transportation is by car, or taxi.

Avis Rent-a-Car: Located at the Airport. For more information, visit – https://www.avis.com/en/locations/ag.

BC Taxi and Tours: Located in Bolan’s. For more information, visit https://bctaxiantigua.com/

Bigs Car Rental & Taxi Service: Located in English Harbour. For more information, visit https://bigscarrental.com/

Budget Car Rental: Located in St. John’s. For more information, visit https://www.budget.com/en/locations/ag/saint-johns/anu

Empire Rentals Antigua: Located in St. John’s. For more information, visit https://empirerentalsantigua.com/

Barbuda Rentals: For more information, visit https://www.barbudarentals.com/

This guide is brought to you in partnership with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Board.

You may also like