Things to do in Nassau, Bahamas

From quaint boutique hotels riddled with history to the signature luxuries of the mega resorts, from thriving nightlife and local art scene, world-class shopping, dining and entertainment to eco-tourism pursuits, Nassau offers unique experiences that suit every type of traveller.

 

The Queen’s Staircase “66 Steps”

Carved out of solid limestone in 1794, the Queen’s Staircase provided a direct path from Fort Fincastle to central Nassau. Towering walls draped in tropical plants and a waterfall create a serene oasis just minutes from the bustle of downtown, Nassau.

 

The Retreat Gardens

The Retreat Garden is an urban green space and botanical garden in the heart of the capital. This 11-acre property is the headquarters of The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) and houses one of the largest private collections of rare and exotic palms in the world — approximately 170 species. In fact, it was the first national park on New Providence. Today, travellers can explore four national parks on the island, including Bonefish Pond, Harrold and Wilson Ponds, and Primeval Forest.

 

Pompey Museum

Formerly called Vendue House, the building is now named after the courageous enslaved man, Pompey, who hailed from The Exumas. Built sometime before 1769, it became a one-room museum in 1992 and features a permanent exhibit on the African experience in The Bahamas.

 

Bay Street sights

At the heart of the vibrant capital city visitors will find themselves on Bay Street, The Bahamas’ oldest thoroughfare. The destination is brimming with personality with mural-painted buildings highlight modern Bahamian creativity alongside historic landmarks and world-class dining opportunities. Lined with pastel-coloured buildings, sites include historic Parliament Square, Rawson Square and the famous Straw Market, where local artisan sell hand-crafted one-of-a-kind souvenirs. 

 

The Fish Fry

 

Travellers looking for a quintessential Bahamian dining experience should head the nearest Fish Fry. Nassau’s Arawak Cay is the most extravagant in The Bahamas. The lively strip starts with casual sit-down restaurants and ends beachside, where beach shack barbecues serve up a whole new vibe. Here, guests have options, complete with Bahamian delicacies such as conch prepared in all ways – salad, fried, cracked – and classic refreshing cocktails like the Bahama Mama and Sky Juice.

 

Explore the thriving art scene

Nassau’s art scene features everything from fine art in the National Art Gallery, to modern street side murals, to a brilliant collection of colourful Junkanoo pieces from years past. Not to mention, galleries showcasing local talented and emerging Bahamian artists like Sixty 2 Sixty and The Current at Baha Mar.

 

Nightlife

The nightlife scene in the capital of The Bahamas caters to every taste and mood. Explore two of The Caribbean's largest casinos, nightclubs, cocktail bars and toes-in-the-sand beach bars in Nassau & Paradise Island.

 

Beaches

The list of beaches in Nassau & Paradise Island is varied from the lively Junkanoo Beach closest to the newly renovated Nassau Cruise Port, Cable Beach in the resort district, Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island, to quiet Jaws Beach away from the hustle.    

 

Dive beneath the surface

The waters that surround Nassau & Paradise Island offer plenty of adventures to dive into. Discover walls, wrecks, the famous Lost Blue Hole, even an underwater sculpture garden at Clifton Heritage National Park.