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Capital and largest city of The Bahamas
Photo: BrokenSphere, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Nassau is the capital of The Bahamas. It is the largest city in the Bahamas and its low-rise sprawl dominates the eastern half of New Providence Island. The city's name is locally pronounced like "NAH-sor" but without the R.
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Visit the Bahamas' only zoo. See the marching flamingo shows. Let the parakeets land on you as you feed them.
Opened in 2003, this showcases Bahamian art from the precolonial era to the present. The quality of art is rather uneven to say the least, but the renovated building — once the residence of the Chief Justice — is a sight in itself.
Recreations of a pirate town, a pirate ship and a pirate battle, with a few real artifacts mixed in. Cheesy, but fun. Try to catch a guided tour.
A small fort built in 1793 which overlooks the city of Nassau from a small hill south of town. Several cannons are on display. Tours are conducted daily 8AM-3PM.
66-step staircase named after Queen Victoria.
If the tourist crowds are getting you down, take a taxi out to where the locals eat. Enjoy fish that falls off the bone, friendly service, and a dessert of guava
Tucked away on a quiet lane, Matisse serves excellent Italian food with fresh local ingredients. Reservations recommended; try to get a seat in the delightful garden courtyard, which is shady by day and lit up at night. "Proper" dress (no shorts or sandals) required for dinner.
Next to the cruise dock, beside a stinky sewer pipe. Check which way the wind is blowing before you order. Doesn't serve Kalik.
On the north side of the island, about two miles from the dock.
Draws a sketchier crowd, although it is on the beach. Come here in a group.
Draws a very local crowd. You will get lots of recommendations from Bahamians you meet, but it is not a tourist club at all.
A hotel catering more to business travelers than package tourists. Occupies the site of a historical landmark (Fort Nassau), and has its own private beach, from which you get a fantastic view of the cruise ships going into, going out of, and berthed at the docks. Step out of the hotel and you're right downtown on Bay Street's shopping attractions.
A slightly cheaper, downtown hotel.
www.hostelworld.com
This Nassau luxury resort includes the Baha Mar Casino, along with the sumptuous spa, ESPA Baha Mar. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, Bahamas offers a luxury stay for island getaways.
By sea
Nassau is a favorite port of call for the many cruise ships plying the Bahamas. Up to seven cruise ships can dock at the Prince George Wharf Cruise Terminal adjacent to downtown Nassau.
By minibus
Minibuses (locally known as jitneys) act as the bus system of Nassau city and New Providence island. Jitneys are found on and near Bay Street.
By taxi
Taxis, often minivans and always identifiable by their yellow license plates and little Gothic blackletter "Taxi" lettering, roam the streets of Nassau.
By car
You could also rent a car.S car rental shops are in Nassau. Worthy of note for travelers from the UK is the very British feel of the roads.
By scooter
Scooter (small motorcycle) rental is also popular in Nassau.
By bike
Bicycle rental is not popular and not recommended as traffic is bad, there are many blind corners in the old streets of Nassau, and cars drive recklessly and on the left side of the road, which you…
By foot
Within downtown Nassau, you could walk around. Distances are very short and a walking tour is a pleasant way of exploring downtown Nassau.
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Nassau · International · NAS
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