Nassau is one of the top travel destinations in the Caribbean. As one of the most busy cruise ship ports on the planet, it is likely that if you find yourself on a Caribbean cruise, Nassau will be on the itinerary. Whether you are stopping by for the day or staying for a week, everyone is sure to find something to enjoy on this little island of paradise.
First, some quick information and tips. Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas and the nation’s largest city. As such, Nassau Airport (Lynden Pindling International Airport) typically has the cheapest and most numerous flights. Secondly, Nassau is not the actual island. The island is New Providence and contains the city of Nassau. New Providence is a small island and driving from one side to the other takes only about 30 minutes.
Regarding driving, note that as a former British colony, Bahamians drive on the left side of the road (opposite the US). For this reason, many opt for a taxi compared to a rental car. There is no Uber or rideshare on the island, however, taxis are readily available at the airport and most resorts. They are typically even lined up at these heavily trafficked areas waiting for passengers. Hailing a cab in less populous regions can be difficult. One pro tip would be to find a cab driver you trust and ask for their phone number and hourly rate. We were told by one such gentleman that he could drive us around anywhere on the island for $60/hour. You can also ask to be picked up by your cab at a specific location at a specific time. ATVs are another popular way to explore the island. You can conveniently use your US driver’s license when renting an ATV and even drive on main roads and highways.
Many travelers opt for visiting several different islands as a part of their Bahamian adventure. With over 700 islands to choose from, this pursuit can make for a unique and memorable experience. For those remaining in Nassau, there is still plenty to keep you occupied. We decided on a tour of downtown Nassau with Dilly Dally Walking Tours which we greatly enjoyed, found HERE! Keep reading to discover 14 fascinating Nassau attractions!
1. Walk the Queen's Staircase
The Queen’s Staircase is both beautiful and tragic. Originally hewn from solid limestone rock in the late 18th century, this top Nassau attraction was constructed to provide direct access between Nassau and Fort Fincastle. Regrettably, this labor was performed solely at the hands of slaves, using pickaxes and hand held chistles. It is still possible to see marks made by these hand held chisels along certain points of the walls to this day.
The limestone walls tower over 100 feet above the passageway below. At the end of the passageway is the focal point and namesake of the attraction, the staircase. The staircase itself numbers 66 steps. Our guide informed us that after Queen Victoria abolished slavery in 1837, former slaves returned and carved the steps in her honor. One step was carved for each of the years that Queen Victoria reigned.
Access to the staircase is FREE. The staircase leads directly to Fort Fincastle and is walkable from the many other Nassau attractions. After it rains, there is also a small man-made waterfall often visible next to the staircase as well.
2. Book a Snorkel Tour
The Bahamas is known for its beaches and the breathtaking blues of its waters. Crystal clear turquoise waters in particular are a hallmark of this tropical archipelago. With that said, when it comes to snorkeling, the Bahamas surely doesn’t disappoint.
Regarding Nassau in particular, the best snorkeling is typically found by booking an excursion. The excursion we booked through getyourguide can be found HERE. Pearl Island and Rose Island right off the northeast coast of Nassau provide ready access for snorkeling some of the most lush and lively reefs. The more ambitious or experienced snorkelers may opt for traveling further out to Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park or trying their hand at the Andros Barrier Reef, the third largest barrier reef in the world!
Snorkeling right from the Bahamian shore is an option as well. Although a top sunbathing and swimming beach, we found the snorkeling around Cable Beach in particular though to be lacking. The water is clear, however abundant plant and animal life make the snorkeling less enjoyable. For those not looking to book a boat trip out to the bays and reefs of nearby islands, we would recommend booking a swim out snorkeling experience at Clifton Heritage National Park. More on that later in the post.
3. Explore Graycliff
Exploring Graycliff was one of the most pleasant Nassau attractions of our trip. Graycliff is a beautiful and expansive compound made up of a luxury hotel and restaurant, cigar factory, winery, chocolate factory, and event space. Situated along a colorful and tastefully decorated side street, the area is one of the most photogenic in the city as well.
Even for visitors not staying in the hotel, the cigar/chocolate factories and the winery are all open to the public. Of these, we found the Graycliff Cigar Company to be particularly interesting (and FREE to enter). Even non-cigar smokers will enjoy watching the rolling process and manufacturing, all done by hand in a small publicly accessible factory space. For those looking for a unique gift, the adjacent humidor lounge also sells the finished products, right from the factory floor.
The chocolate factory was small and closed when we arrived. It did however offer free samples and we indulged a little further with some additional purchases of our own. The Nutella filled morsel I purchased was particularly delicious. You can book a tour of the factory as well as book a chocolate cooking class HERE.
Located is a chic colorful complex across the street from the chocolate/cigar factories, is Bahama Barrels by Graycliff, the first winery in the Bahamas. Visitors are greeted with a free sample and offered additional tasting options for a small fee. Although the grapes are from around the world, they are said to be blended in such a way to create a uniquely Bahamian experience.
4. Wander the World Famous Straw Market
Located right in the heart of Downtown Nassau, the world famous Straw Market has always been a place of gathering and is still buzzing with activity. It is commonly considered one of the top Nassau attractions! After the original block-long straw market burned to the ground in 2001, locals sought a more permanent structure. 10 years later, the 2 story concrete behemoth which is now the straw market, opened its doors.
The art and practice of straw weaving has always held cultural significance on the island. Long used to create baskets for food products and nets for fishing, you may be lucky enough to catch some elders still practicing this age old tradition as you meander through the stalls. The woman pictured below bemoaned the fact that none of the younger generation still seems interested in this practice.
The straw market is home to over 400 vendors with innumerable items for sale. Regrettably, with the commercialization of the island, many of the products are now mass produced. Fortunately, you can still find some diamonds in the rough. Certain hand woven bowls and plates in particular were beautiful and surprisingly quite heavy and sturdy. Hand carved items and unique products like the aluminum can cars below were interesting as well. Lastly, it should be noted that bartering is common practice in the straw market. It is expected and can be enjoyable if done tactfully.
5. Taste Local Rum at John Watling's Distillery
Located in the historic Buena Vista Estate overlooking Nassau harbor, John Watling’s Distillery has quickly become one of the must-do Nassau attractions for spirit minded travelers visiting the island. Since opening in 2003, the distillery has been delivering high quality spirits directly from a small onsite factory. It was also the site of a iconic scene in the James Bond movie Casino Royal.
The distillery is open 7 days a week (except national holidays) and offers free tours often with a complimentary tasting. The grounds themselves are fascinating. A mixture of English style and Bahamian charm create a fun and colorful elegance to the property which is uniquely Nassau. A small foyer upon entry also displays local art and history pieces significant to the region.
The tasting room itself is inviting and flows into an outdoor patio overlooking the back courtyard and factory. The offerings include several different rums and cocktail options as well as a home brewed Red Turtle Vodka. This vodka was smooth, delicious and the famed pink sand of nearby Eleuthera island is interestingly what is used in the early filtration process of the beverage.
6. Visit Fort Fincastle
Originally constructed in 1793 to protect the English port of Nassau from both pirates and Spain, Fort Fincastle stands atop Bennet Hill, the highest point on the island. The fort was constructed by Lord Dunmore, otherwise known as “Viscount Fincastle,” hence the name.
The fort is $3 to enter (pay at the entrance), with FREE daily guided tours available as well (donations appreciated). Fort Fincastle is small but one of the more impressive Nassau attractions. Forged in the shape of a paddle steamer (it literally looks like a boat when standing on it) from cut limestone, the fort stands 126 feet tall and offers expansive views of the city, paradise island (home of the Atlantis Resort) and nearby port.
Within the fortress walls stand some cannons, access to the magazine room and living quarters, as well as a small educational film playing on repeat in one of the darker rooms. Outside the walls lie a string of small souvenirs stands, the Queen’s Staircase, and the Watertower. Sitting atop Bennett Hill, the watertower is the tallest point on the island and once provided fresh water to all its inhabitants.
Attractions 7-14 found HERE!
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